Sera Ella Falls: A Guide to the Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

Sera Ella at a glance

Why visit Sera Ella?

A waterfall you can walk behind The most unusual thing about Sera Ella is the cave behind the falls. Steps have been cut in the rock, so you can stand behind the curtain of water and look out through the spray.

A wide, two-step cascade Instead of one tall drop, Sera Ella spreads across a wide rock face and falls in two sections, making it very photogenic.

Remote and quiet Laggala is one of the least visited parts of central Sri Lanka. On a weekday, you may have the falls almost to yourself. Weekends and local holidays are busier.

The road through Laggala The drive is part of the experience: paddy fields, small villages, forest and views of the Knuckles peaks.

The legend of the name

There are several stories behind the name Sera Ella. Some say it comes from a small fish called "sera" found in the stream. Others say the falling water looks like the long, hanging leaves of the sera (lemongrass) plant. Whichever is true, local people are proud of their waterfall and happy to share its stories.

What to see and do

1. Walk behind the falls

Follow the steps carefully to the cave behind the water. The rocks are wet and slippery, so take your time and hold on where you can. It's a magical spot for photos, but protect your camera from the spray.

2. Relax at the pool

The pool below the falls is a lovely place to cool off on a hot day. Calm-looking water can conceal deep pools, strong currents and slippery rocks. Follow local authority restrictions; do not enter if safety is uncertain, and never enter during high flow or after rain upstream.

3. Photograph the falls

The best light is often in the morning. Bring a lens cloth for the spray. A tripod lets you take smooth, long-exposure shots of the water.

4. Explore the Laggala valley

The valley around Sera Ella has rice fields, rocky hills and small villages. Ask your driver to stop for views and to visit a village shop for tea.

5. Visit other waterfalls nearby

The northern Knuckles area has several other falls. Your driver or a local guide can suggest which ones are flowing well and easy to reach on the day. See waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

6. Combine with the Knuckles range

The Knuckles Conservation Forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has trekking trails, cloud forest and remote villages such as Meemure. See Knuckles Mountain Range and Meemure.

7. Drive over Riverston

The Riverston area, on the road between Matale and the Knuckles, has windswept grassland, viewpoints and short walks such as Pitawala Pathana. It's often misty, so go early. See places to visit in Matale.

Best time to visit

The best time of day is the morning, when the light is soft and there are fewer visitors. See the best time to visit Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka's rainy season.

How to get to Sera Ella

The final roads are narrow and winding, with few signposts, and public transport is limited. A private driver who knows the area is by far the easiest way to visit. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the falls. See our private driver page, Kandy to Sigiriya and things to do in Sigiriya.

Entry and facilities

There may be a small entry or parking charge collected locally, which helps maintain the area. Facilities are basic: you may find a small shop or tea stall, but don't count on it. Bring water and snacks.

Safety tips

• Never swim close to the falling water or when the river is high.
• Wet rocks are very slippery; wear shoes with good grip.
• Watch children closely at all times.
• Leave quickly if the water rises suddenly or turns brown; this can happen after rain upstream.
• Don't climb the rocks above the falls.
• Keep valuables in a dry bag.

What to bring

• Shoes with good grip or sports sandals.
• Swimwear and a towel, plus a cover-up for the village roads.
• Water and snacks.
• A dry bag for your phone and camera.
• Insect repellent and a rain jacket.
• Cash for small fees and shops.

See our Sri Lanka packing list.

A sample day trip from Sigiriya

• 7:00 am: leave Sigiriya after an early breakfast.
• 9:30 am: arrive at Sera Ella; walk behind the falls and relax at the pool.
• 12:00 pm: village lunch of rice and curry.
• 1:30 pm: drive back via Riverston or the Matale spice gardens.
• 5:00 pm: back in Sigiriya, or continue to Kandy.

A sample day trip from Kandy

• 7:00 am: leave Kandy and drive via Matale.
• 9:30 am: Sera Ella falls.
• 12:00 pm: lunch in the valley.
• 1:30 pm: Riverston viewpoints and a short walk.
• 5:00 pm: back in Kandy.

Sera Ella on a Sri Lanka itinerary

Sera Ella works best as a day trip from Sigiriya, Dambulla or Kandy, or as a scenic detour when you're travelling between them. It suits travellers on their second trip to Sri Lanka, or anyone who loves nature and quiet places. If your time is short, the classic sights of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy should come first. See our Sri Lanka itinerary, best places to visit in Sri Lanka and our Sri Lanka trip planner.

Other waterfalls to visit in Sri Lanka

See Bambarakanda Falls, Diyaluma Falls and Ravana Falls.

Sera Ella for families

Children may enjoy the views from permitted paths, but the pool is not a supervised swimming area and calm-looking edges are not proof of safety. Hold their hands on the steps and keep them away from the falling water. A long drive and a short visit can make a tiring day, so plan rest stops. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Responsible travel

• Take all your rubbish home; there are few bins.
• Don't use soap or shampoo in the river.
• Dress modestly when walking through villages.
• Support local shops and tea stalls.
• Keep noise down to respect the forest and the community.

See our responsible travel guide.

Nature around Sera Ella

The forest around the falls is home to monkeys, birds, butterflies and colourful lizards. Look for kingfishers by the river and listen for the calls of hornbills and barbets. The wider Knuckles area is known for its many endemic species. See nature in Sri Lanka and bird watching.

Where to stay near Sera Ella

There are only a few simple guesthouses and eco-lodges in the Laggala area. Most travellers visit as a day trip from Sigiriya, Dambulla, Matale or Kandy, where there's a wide choice of hotels. If you want to explore the Knuckles range for a few days, a stay in an eco-lodge in the hills is a wonderful experience. See where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Combining Sera Ella with Sigiriya and Kandy

A good plan is to spend two nights in Sigiriya, using one day for Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and the next for a day trip to Sera Ella. Then drive to Kandy via Matale's spice gardens and the Aluvihare rock temple. Your driver can adjust the day to the weather, as the Knuckles area can be misty. See things to do in Sigiriya and hiking in Sri Lanka.

Photography at Sera Ella

The falls face the morning light, so arrive early for soft, even light and fewer people. Use a slow shutter speed to make the water silky, and wipe your lens often. From behind the falls, expose for the bright curtain of water and let the cave go dark for a dramatic frame. Keep your camera in a dry bag between shots.

Is Sera Ella worth the drive?

If you love waterfalls, quiet countryside and places few tourists reach, yes. It's a long day from the main hubs, so it's best for travellers with at least two nights in the Cultural Triangle or Kandy.

Sera Ella in the dry months

From about April to September, the falls are smaller but still flowing, the rocks are a little less slippery and the pool is calmer. It's a good time for a relaxed visit, especially combined with hikes in the Knuckles range.

Getting there in the rain

After heavy rain, the narrow roads to Laggala can be slippery, and occasional landslides close sections. Your driver will check conditions and choose the safest route, or suggest another waterfall closer to your base.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Swimming close to the falls or after heavy rain.
• Wearing flip-flops on wet rocks.
• Leaving too late and driving the narrow roads in the dark.
• Expecting cafés and facilities; bring your own water and snacks.
• Visiting on a public holiday, when the falls get crowded with local visitors.