Ravana Cave Ella
A legendary cliffside cave in Ella, Sri Lanka, steeped in Ramayana lore and accessed by a steep, scenic climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Ravana Cave Ella
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary cliffside cave in Ella, Sri Lanka, steeped in Ramayana lore and accessed by a steep, scenic climb.
"A fascinating spot with a touch of legend, offering a unique blend of nature and mythology."
Bring a Torch! 🔦
Essential for exploring the dark cave interior. Phone lights might not be enough.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The 500-800 steps are steep and can be challenging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ravana Cave Entrance
Base of the cave
The starting point of the legendary climb, offering a glimpse into the historical significance.
The Staircase Ascent
Path to the cave
A challenging but rewarding climb through lush greenery with occasional scenic views.
Inside Ravana Cave
The cave interior
Explore the dark, bat-filled interior, imagining its ancient past and mythological connections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb and What to Expect
Mythology Meets Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Torch! 🔦
Essential for exploring the dark cave interior. Phone lights might not be enough.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The 500-800 steps are steep and can be challenging.
Check Railings Carefully :warning:
Rusted railings at the top require caution when steadying yourself.
Quiet & Peaceful Vibe :leafy_green:
Enjoy a less crowded, more serene experience compared to other Ella spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Torch! 🔦
Essential for exploring the dark cave interior. Phone lights might not be enough.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The 500-800 steps are steep and can be challenging.
Check Railings Carefully :warning:
Rusted railings at the top require caution when steadying yourself.
Quiet & Peaceful Vibe :leafy_green:
Enjoy a less crowded, more serene experience compared to other Ella spots.
Small Entrance Fee :ticket:
A nominal fee (LKR 50 for locals) is required to climb the cave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ravana Cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty and mythological significance, with a challenging but rewarding climb. While some find the cave interior underwhelming and the climb strenuous, others appreciate the historical context and the quieter atmosphere compared to more touristy spots. It's a quick stop for those interested in local legends and a bit of adventure.
"One can easily skip this since there is nothing to view at the top. It's just an old cave with no lights inside it. Although it do have a tunnel but its not accessible and full of bats. It was a big disappointment as it took around 20 mins for a steep hike with no views at the top."
Gaurang Joshi
"This cave is located in the Ella area, and you can reach the base of the cave by any vehicle. There are designated parking spaces available, and you’ll need to buy a ticket, which costs LKR 50 per person to climb the cave(for locals). There are also small coffee shops nearby where you can enjoy tea or coffee.
Reaching Ravana Cave is not difficult, as there are built-in stairs all the way to the top, you just need to climb them. You can walk inside the cave, but it's recommended to bring a torch since it's very dark inside. Phone lights may not be sufficient if you plan to explore deeper into the cave.
We only went about 200 meters inside and didn’t explore further. The entire visit, climbing up, exploring, and coming back down, takes less than an hour, depending on how long you stay inside the cave"
Manuri Pabasari Waleboda
"Meh!! It was a hot day and I sweated buckets on the climb, 500 steps or more to a cave that, while it does have a cool story behind, is nothing really to write home about. No views at the top, although a few on the way up, or down. Rails at the top are rusted out so be careful when you reach out to steady yourself.
Not really worth the climb."
Toby Wild
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the base of Ravana Cave by vehicle, with designated parking available. From there, it's a climb up a series of stairs.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the cave is accessible by vehicle, suggesting local buses or tuk-tuks can get you close to the base.
Most visitors arrive by tuk-tuk or private car, which can take you directly to the parking area near the start of the steps.
Ravana Falls is a popular nearby attraction, and the cave itself is part of the broader Ella landscape known for its natural beauty. +1
While not explicitly mentioned, renting a scooter or car is common in Ella for exploring various sites, including Ravana Cave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a small entrance fee, around LKR 50 per person for locals, to climb the cave. Foreigner pricing may vary.
Advance booking is generally not required for Ravana Cave, as it's a natural site with a small entry fee paid on arrival.
Ravana Cave is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's natural light for the climb and exploration.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the midday heat and potentially larger crowds.
The main restriction is the physical challenge of the climb. It's not advisable for the elderly or those with mobility issues due to the steep, uneven steps.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The entire visit, including the climb up, exploring inside, and descending, usually takes less than an hour, depending on your pace.
Inside, you'll find a dark cave with a tunnel that's not fully accessible and is home to bats. The main draw is its historical and mythological significance. +1
The climb involves 500-800 steep steps, which can be challenging, especially in the heat. Some parts of the stairs are well-maintained, but the final section can be steep and difficult. +1
While there are some views on the way up and down the stairs, the cave itself doesn't offer significant panoramic views from the top.
Bring a torch or flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, water, and perhaps a camera. Be mindful of the sun and heat.
📸 📸 Photography
The surrounding greenery and the cave entrance offer some photographic opportunities. Capturing the interior requires good low-light capabilities or a torch.
The winding staircase amidst the foliage and the entrance to the cave itself are popular spots. Some views along the ascent are also picturesque.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone, especially in natural or historical sites.
Expect photos of lush nature, the challenging climb, and the rustic cave entrance. Interior shots will be dark and atmospheric.
Dedicated photography tours might not be common, but local guides can often accommodate photography interests during a visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing a torch is essential for exploring the dark cave interior, which might be exciting for kids but also a bit spooky due to bats. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
🏛️ History & Mythology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of King Ravana
The cave's association with such a prominent figure from ancient Indian literature makes it a pilgrimage site for some, and a point of historical curiosity for others. While the physical cave is relatively simple, its narrative power is immense, drawing visitors who are interested in Sri Lanka's rich cultural tapestry and its connection to ancient epics. The atmosphere of legend is what truly sets Ravana Cave apart.
Navigating the Ascent and Cave Interior
Upon reaching the cave, visitors will find a dark interior. It's highly recommended to bring a torch or flashlight, as phone lights may not provide sufficient illumination for deeper exploration. The cave is known to be inhabited by bats, adding to its wild and somewhat eerie ambiance. While a tunnel is present, it's generally not accessible to visitors. The entire experience, from the base to the cave and back, can be completed in under an hour, making it a relatively quick but memorable stop.
Beyond the Cave: Surrounding Nature and Amenities
It's worth noting that Ravana Cave is often visited in conjunction with other nearby natural wonders, such as the Ravana Falls. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the natural beauty Ella has to offer. The cave's location provides a unique blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in both aspects of Sri Lanka's tourism.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit