Meeyan Ella : Train Tracks & Hidden Falls

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🚂 Why Go? An Introduction to a Historic Gem

Imagine a towering ribbon of water cascading down a sheer rock face, hidden away in Sri Lanka’s lush, green hill country. That is the magic of Meeyan Ella Waterfall.

It’s located near the tiny, picturesque Ihalakotte railway station, and unlike other famous Sri Lankan falls, this one holds a deep secret: it was literally split in two by colonial engineers! The air here is fresh, the surrounding slopes of the Alagalla mountain are emerald green, and the rumbling of a distant train often adds a dramatic soundtrack to the scene. If you love off-the-beaten-path travel, rich history, and stunning nature, Meeyan Ella is waiting for you.

☀️ The Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Meeyan Ella is a seasonal waterfall, which means its power changes dramatically with the rain.

• For the Full Experience: The rainy season is when Meeyan Ella is at its most spectacular and powerful. This typically runs from October to November and then again from April to June. If you want to see the waterfall in its full, majestic flow, this is the time to go.
• For Easier Travel: The driest months (January to March) offer the most reliable sunny weather for hiking and exploring the area. The air will be warm and pleasant, though the waterfall itself might be a smaller, gentler stream.
• A Traveler’s Note: The weather in the hill country can change fast. Expect misty mornings, possible midday sunshine, and sudden downpours, especially if you visit during the monsoon periods. The mix of sun and fog often creates the most beautiful, atmospheric photos!

What to Do

• Witness the Waterfall: The main draw, of course! Get the classic view of the cascade, which now flows in two distinct streams thanks to the historic railway construction.
• Explore the Tunnel 5A: The railway line itself is a must-see. Walk along the tracks from Ihalakotte station toward the 1307-foot-long Tunnel 5A, which was built to finally solve the problem of the waterfall washing away the original rail line. Important Note: Always check with the Ihalakotte station master before walking on the tracks, as this is a working line, and safety is crucial.
• Discover the Sangaraja Lena Cave: Just a short walk (about 275 meters) along the railway line from the station, you’ll find a small cave where the revered monk, Welivita Sri Saranankara Thero, once lived in hiding to study the Pali language. It adds a layer of spiritual depth to your visit.
• Take a Refreshing Dip: At the base of the falls, natural pools form, perfect for a quick, cool swim on a warm day. Always be careful of slippery rocks and strong currents, especially during the rainy season.
• Enjoy a Picnic: The lush, green surroundings make for an ideal picnic spot. Pack some delicious Sri Lankan treats and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature’s soothing sounds.

Getting Around

Meeyan Ella is a little off the main tourist track, but that’s what makes it special!

• By Train (Recommended): The most atmospheric way to arrive is by train on the famous Kandy-to-Colombo line. Get off at Ihalakotte Railway Station. From the station, the waterfall and the historic tunnel are just a short walk (about 1km) along the tracks. This is an adventure in itself!
• By Tuk-Tuk or Taxi: If you’re coming from a nearby town like Mawanella, you can take a tuk-tuk. Be sure to agree on the price before you start the journey. The final part of the journey to the falls requires a bit of walking.
• The Final Approach: The trail from the station is generally straightforward but involves walking on the railway line and then perhaps a slightly overgrown path to the best viewpoint. Sturdy shoes are a must!

Travel Tips

• Permission First: It’s always best to briefly check in with the staff at the Ihalakotte train station before walking along the railway line. They can advise on train times for your safety.
• Dress for the Walk: Wear proper walking shoes or trainers, as the paths can be rocky and muddy, especially near the waterfall.
• Connect with Locals: The people in this area are generally very friendly. Try to learn a few simple Sinhala words like “Hello” (Ayubowan) and “Thank you” (Sthuthi). You might even find a local boy who offers to guide you for a small fee, which can provide invaluable local insight.
• Safety First: When exploring the tunnel or the waterfall base, be mindful of your footing, as rocks are often very slippery. If you explore the old railway line path parallel to the tunnel, be aware it can be overgrown.

📜 Hidden Histories & Old Stories

Meeyan Ella’s story is deeply intertwined with the dawn of Sri Lanka’s colonial tea trade. When the British took over, they desperately needed a way to transport the valuable coffee (and later, tea) from the hill country to Colombo for export.

The Problem of the Falls

The Meeyan Ella waterfall stood right in the path of the planned railway line to Kandy in the mid-1800s. Drilling a long tunnel through the hard rock of Alagalla mountain was considered too difficult and expensive at the time.

The ingenious, yet ultimately flawed, solution was to block the main stream and cut two deep grooves into the rock, forcing the water to fall in two smaller streams. This allowed them to lay a temporary rail line along the cut precipice.

The Engineers’ Regret

The fix didn’t last. During heavy monsoons, the massive water flow still overwhelmed the grooves, sweeping away the railway line multiple times! It was considered a “death trap” during the rainy season.

Finally, in the early 1900s (around 1905–1906), the British engineers returned to the original plan and built the massive Tunnel 5A. Today, you can see the original, abandoned track cut into the cliff face right next to the new tunnel—a silent testament to the challenges and compromises of the old British Empire.

A Local Memory

Look out for the old coconut tree near the start of the old, abandoned rail path. Local stories say this marks the grave of S.P. Appuwa, a local man born in 1880 who worked on drilling the Alagalla tunnel and maintained the railway line until his retirement. His presence is a reminder that the great feats of engineering were built on the efforts and lives of local people.

💖 Go Make Your Own History

Meeyan Ella is more than just a beautiful cascade; it’s a living piece of Sri Lankan history, where the raw power of nature literally forced the mighty railway to change its course. Use this guide to plan your own journey and connect with the stories embedded in the tracks and the rocks.