How
often do we crave for a peaceful holiday and give up the idea just because we
can’t afford to travel too far from Colombo due to personal and professional
commitments. They say if you search for something with all you’ve got, you are
bound to find it eventually, against the odds! This statement can’t be more precise
in speaking about Kumari Ella found in Puwakpitiya, Awissawella.
Being
one of the very few enchanting waterfalls located in the Colombo Disctrict
limits, Kumari Ella is a very popular travel destination due to its easy
accessibility. Although it is quite undersized, compared to other famous
waterfalls found in the country this waterfall is nothing less in loveliness
and greatness. According to history this waterfall has
also been known as Lelwala Ella.
Speaking
of the origin of the name Kumari Ella, “Kumari” has derived from the Sinhalese
word “Kumarikawa” which gives the meaning “Princess” and according to legends
the daughter of King Rajasinghe the second had drowned near the area where the
rock pool is today. Since then the falls was called as “Kumari Ella” in memory
of the drowned princess. Even today according to folklore, is believed that
during a certain time of the year the pool drags in a sacrifice from those who
are reckless in their water activities.
However it is just a mythical belief of
the villagers residing The
Kumari Ella is born as a child of the two streams from Pittukande Mountain and
Dukkalahelena Mountain as they meet with two other streams, flowing down from
Hewahinda and from Illukovil to the Aman River in Puwakpitiya. This then flows
onto the Kelani River at Ambangama. To reach the falls, take the Colombo
high-level road and turn along Puwakpitiya road. The fall is 2km down this
road.
Looking
at the geographical facts about Kumari Ella, the fall is 13ft in height
nourished with the watercourse from Ambangoda Oya (Kaleni River) and is located
90 m above m.s.l.
Today,
the natural pool of the waterfall, known as “Kumari Wala” is a very popular
bathing spot among the villagers as well as the travelers.
If
you are joining your friends in this journey, an average car would not be the
best option. And also the public transportation is also not the best option Sri Lanka,
rent a car services such as Kings Rent a Car Colombo can provide the absolute
solution for this by offering a luxurious vans at a reasonable expense.
