One of the most beautiful and attractive destination in Kaluthara, nestled in Walallavita, nearing the Benthara region is the Cascade known as the Thotas Ella. Thotas Ella is a tourism paradise that attracts many tourists throughout a year. As its designed as a waterfall and its associated river which houses many boat ports, the Thotas name has given to the waterfall. Since the Colonial era the Thotas Ella is a veritably attractive tourism destination where tourists visit and being relaxing, explore, engaging in water based activities, participation in offerings of the area. It is rumored and somewhat proven true as there are a special of leopards inhabiting the area. And in the records of ancient times the waterfall is used as a hiding place from invaders especially the nearby temple/monastery the Deiyagala Aaranys.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. Its history would thus go back to before 500 BCE. The Mahawansa records that the original Stupa at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara has become famous because of the beautiful paintings and sculpture by Solias Mendis depicting various events in the history of Sri Lanka
Traditional mask making is another unique industry in Sri Lanka. These handmade masks depict folklore and traditional way of life that is no-longer in wide spectrum in the country. Unfortunately, the it is an industry which is going downhill. The Mawgama Mask making is yet surviving of this tradition.
Historical Legends are the sources of many tales that involves the Kings who chosen the waterfall areas as their strongholds when hiding or retreating. One of such geographically feasible is the Raja Maruna Ella and already has a folklore of some rulers and enemy armies. Geographically the waterfall structure possess rather deep pond area and most significance is the cave like inside space behind the cascading water vail. As the reaching the destination is relatively hard with its terrains and the nearby forest acting as a protection, the endemic special native to the country have made this waterfall and nearby area as their home turf. This breathtaking natural wander housed in Kaluthara District, on the land named Handigalla. The Flora and fauna of the area brings ambiance of serenity amongst the cascading stream of water.
