Paragliding in Sri Lanka

Known to be an energetic flying sport, Paragliding is one of the newest recreational activities in the world. This enthralling sport originated during the 1940’s. Many people and countries across the world have recognised this sport as full of fun, convenient and a safe way of soaring in the open air.
Although the sport became a favourite among the adventure sport enthusiast since the 1940’s it made its mark in Sri Lanka only during recent times. This was done to cater to the needs and demands of the international traveller. Since then, the sport has become ever so popular in this island destination. The progress of Paragliding in Sri Lanka bears testimony to the fact that foreign travellers and adventurists find it exciting and convenient to venture out in this sport here.
Conducive climate conditions and physical features of Sri Lanka have made it an ideal destination for paragliding throughout the year. This sport has become an important tourist attraction to the country. A midway glide for any normal pilot will take about 25 minutes.
This adventurous sport can be experienced in places such as the Ella Adventure Park. It is a renowned hotel located in the wilderness of Ella city, which is approximately 202 kilometres from Colombo. Ella lies in the central mountainous region and is in the south of Nuwara Eliya. It also lies close to Bandarawela. Currently this hotel is the only provider of paragliding in the country.
Paragliding expeditions are at present carried out above the Makaldeniya ridge. This offers the paraglider the opportunity to indulge in the charming panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Paragliding in Sri Lanka has increased in popularity whereby one of the main reasons for its attractiveness is the safety measures that have been taken. The favourable environmental conditions are also considered to be another reason.

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Ella Adventure Park, Ella

 

Ella Vally in Dawn

Overview of Ella Adventure Park, Ella lies in one of the most scenic parts of the hill country, on the Ella Wellawaya road south from Nuwara Eliya, and relatively close to the lesser-known hill station of Bandarawela. This eco-friendly park nestles on the banks of Kirindi river, six miles to the south of Ella village, and is at peace with a breathtaking terrain of tropical rain forest, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls.The park, opened at the turn of the century, will entice those seeking both the solitude or an unspoilt jungle setting or the chance to indulge in a range of challenging outdoor activities. The cosseted or faint-hearted should look elsewhere. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the simplicity of the comfortable yet rustic accommodation. Standard and deluxe rooms are scattered around the main resort area, in 12 acres of tropical forest. Across the Ella-Wellaweya road, the park stretches over another 38 acres. Here there are also eco lodges, jungle cabins and camp sites in the valley below, a 20-minute trek through jungle.Facilities at Ella Adventure Park Ten chalets, including one tree house, were largely constructed with local materials and blend into this most natural of outdoor settings, so much so that you sense you are living alone in the forest. All possess shower and h/c water. The restaurant serves Sri Lankan and Western dishes. The emphasis is on outdoor living and indoor communal areas, such as bars or lounges, are limited. Camping facilities (with toilets) for up to 200 people.

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Ravana Falls - Ella

The Ravana Falls (popularly known as Ravana Ella in Sinhala) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in high and cascade from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and is located 2 km (1 mi) away from the Ella railway station

Historical legend

The falls have been named after the legendary Hindu character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.

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Small Sripada (Little Adam's Peak) - Ella

The mountain range in the Badulla, Ella area which is considered for Small Sripada (Little Adam's Peak) has become an attraction to local and foreign tourist. A large number of people visit the area to admire its scenic beauty. Small Sripada is located about 2 km from the Ella town. From this location Kataragama and the Hambantota beach which are hundreds of kilometers away can also be seen. The Namunukula, Poonagala and Narangala mountain ranges also located on near this place. The mount extent about 10 acres some of the Small Sripada is full of biodiversity.

Scenic Ella Gap

 Ella Rock from Little Adams Peak

Ella - Wellawaya road from Little Adams Peak

 overlooking Ella gap and mountain ranges from Ella rock

The view from Little Adam's peak. Ella Rock and the Ella Gap can be seen.

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