Ravana Cave, Ella - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Ella Railway Station, Ravana Cave is a historical cave situated in Ella, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka with historical value.

At an altitude of 4,490 feet, the Ravana Cave or Ravana Ella Cave is located at the base of a cliff not far from the Ravana Waterfall. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50 feet wide, 150 feet long and 60 feet high. The cave is a huge cavity in a rock which people say leads to an underground tunnel. There have been reports stating that the tunnel leads to an underground open area with a lake and rooms, which are assumed to be parts of Ravana's palace. It is believed to have been the cave where Sita was imprisoned. Excavations in the cave have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to over 25,000 years ago.

The trek to the Ravana Cave starts near the Ravana Ella Temple. One has to climb 700 steps for going to the cave. There are short cemented steps, as well as makeshift steps formed from rock and tree roots. Visitors are allowed to go only till 200 meters inside the cave but one cannot go further as a big stone has been kept there by the Government prohibiting people from going inside. A demonic face has been imprinted on a stone at the entrance and there are many scary faces imprinted on stones inside the cave. The climb is steep hence it is not recommended for the elderly.

Timings: 8 AM - 4 PM

Entry: LKR. 150 for Person