Discover the Majestic Gonapeni Ella Waterfall
Explore the serene beauty of Gonapeni Ella Waterfall, a hidden gem in Kurunegala, offering breathtaking views and tranquil nature experiences.
Gonapeni Ella Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the picturesque region of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. This stunning waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs surrounded by vibrant greenery, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. The sound of water crashing against the rocks provides a soothing backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility amidst nature's beauty. As you approach the waterfall, the scenery transforms into a paradise, with lush trees and exotic flora enriching the landscape. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking along the scenic trails that lead to the waterfall, allowing for stunning views and photo opportunities along the way. For the more adventurous, swimming in the cool waters at the base of the waterfall is a refreshing experience, especially on warm days. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as the surrounding forest is home to numerous bird species and small animals. The best time to visit Gonapeni Ella is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its most powerful and vibrant. However, it is accessible year-round, offering unique experiences in every season. With its enchanting views and peaceful ambiance, Gonapeni Ella Waterfall is a must-see destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's natural wonders.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and avoid the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking as the trails can be uneven.
- Bring along a camera to capture the stunning views and the beauty of the waterfall.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfall – the ambiance is perfect for a relaxing meal.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, especially during the rainy season, for safety.
A brief summary to ගෝනපැනි ඇල්ල Waterfall
- 97J5+RH6, Wattegedara-Egalla-Puwakgahakotuwa Rd, Kurunegala, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Car
From Kurunegala city center, head southeast on Dambulla Rd/A6. Continue for about 5.5 km. Take the exit towards Wattegedara-Egalla-Puwakgahakotuwa Rd and follow the signs for about 3 km. You will reach the vicinity of the waterfall at the coordinates 7.3820447, 80.2588767. There may not be direct signage, so use GPS navigation for precise directions. Parking is available near the waterfall.
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Public Transportation
Take a local bus from Kurunegala bus station heading towards Dambulla. Inform the conductor that you want to get off at Wattegedara, which is approximately a 30-minute ride. Once you arrive at Wattegedara, you can either walk or hire a tuk-tuk for the remaining 3 km to the waterfall. The tuk-tuk fare is usually around 300-500 LKR.
Attractions Nearby to ගෝනපැනි ඇල්ල Waterfall
- Wadakada Ella Falls - වදාකඩ ඇල්ල
- Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery - Polgahawela
- Siri Gautama Sambuddharaja Maligawa | සිරි ගෞතම සම්බුද්ධරාජ මාළිගාව
- Kos Kale Forest
- Wewala Waterfall
- Maha Oya View Point
- Bolana Junction
- Dambadeniya Raja Maliga Gala
- Ranawana bridge
- Dambadeniya
- Dambadeniya Ancient Kingdom Museum
- Dambadeniya Sri Wijayasundaraaraama Raja Maha Viharaya ශ්රී විජයසුන්දරාරාම රාජමහා විහාරය
- Padavigampola Gal messa - ගල් මැස්ස
- Moragahalanda
- Vilbawa Rajamaha Viharaya
Landmarks nearby to ගෝනපැනි ඇල්ල Waterfall
- Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya
- Kitulgala water adventures
- Kadurugas junction
- Tholangamuwa Ambalama
- Kurunegala Courts Complex
- Wathhimi Gale Bandara Dewalaya
- New Elephant Shed (NES)
- Thalagama Rock Inscription
- MAHARAJA ELEPHANT NO 17
- Rathkarauwa Archaeological site
- රජ පිහිල්ල (Raja Pihilla)
- මානාව
- Saradiel Village & Resort
- Dorawaka Athubendi Lena Cave
- Alagalla Mountain Range