Thudugala Fall

Overview: Thudugala Ella Falls

Thudugala Ella is a charming two-tier waterfall hidden inside the 400+ hectare Thudugala Estate of Thudugala village, Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. A remnant of the colonial era remains here—the ruins of a British-owned bungalow beside the forested stream. The fall is loved by locals for its serene forest setting and a natural swimming pool ringed by ketala plants and a giant pus creeper (fern) sprawling across nearly a hectare. An unusual highlight is the small tunnel that runs beneath the waterfall and emerges beside the top tier.

Beyond its beauty, Thudugala Ella is part of a lush forest reserve that shelters birds, butterflies, monkeys, and freshwater fish, making it not only a scenic bathing place but also a biodiversity hotspot. The cool shade of the forest, the music of the cascading water, and the calm pools attract both nature lovers and families. Despite some modern challenges—like the oil palm plantations that have affected the stream’s flow—the falls remain one of Kalutara’s most popular natural escapes.

Thudugala Ella Falls in Kalutara District

Quick Facts

Biodiversity Highlights

The Thudugala Forest Reserve shelters rich flora and fauna:

• Birds: Pale-billed Flowerpecker (පිලිල සූටික්කා), Yellow Wagtail (හැලපෙන්දා), White-throated Kingfisher (ලැම සුදු පිළිහුඩුවා), Brown-headed Barbet (පොළොස් කොට්ටෝරුවා), Crimson-fronted Barbet (රත් ලය කොට්ටෝරුවා)
• Freshwater fish: Gobies (වැලිගොව්වා), Stone suckers (ගල් පාඩියා), Golden rasbora (හල්මල් දණ්ඩියා)
• Mammals & insects: Toque macaque (රිළවා), Purple-faced leaf monkey (කළු වඳුරා), Sri Lankan Birdwing butterfly (සියොත් පියා) — the national butterfly

Getting There & Around

• Main approach: From Katukurunda Junction off Galle Road → ~8 km on Matugama Road to Thudugala Junction → ~12.9 km to the falls.
• Ellagāwa (“near the waterfall”) Junction: Look for a rubber plantation signboard. Take the left road over the small bridge to reach the natural pools and the waterfall. The right road leads to an artificial (often muddy) bathing spot near a small hotel.
• Walk along the river past the dilapidated colonial bungalow inside the estate to arrive at Thudugala Ella and its clear bathing pools.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings and late afternoons are ideal for softer light and fewer crowds. Water levels vary with rain; visit in fair weather for safer swimming and clearer pools. Note that parts of the catchment are under oil palm plantation, which has reportedly affected stream flow.

Safety & Responsible Travel Tips

• Check flow conditions before entering the water; avoid swimming after heavy rain.
• Rocks can be slippery—wear good footwear and keep a respectful distance from edges.
• Use the left-road access (natural pools); avoid the artificial muddy pool on the right-road detour.
• Carry out all trash; protect the forest and stream habitat.

Nearby & Related

• Other small cascades are said to occur along the same stream, including a beautiful fall called Sita Ella (location unconfirmed).
• Matugama town (for supplies), Dodangoda expressway access, Kalutara Bodhiya & coastal temples.

FAQ