Joanna James
The chilly Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka is the best amongst the highlands, offering nature lovers a chance to revel in some of the islands most beautiful environs. The waterfalls are amongst the most spectacular of natural attractions there; listed here are the best 5 to explore.
If you are heading towards Bandarawela from Nuwara Eliya; then make sure a visit to the Ravana Falls is scheduled in your itinerary. You will find the spot is less than an hour from the vintage Bandarawela Hotel, in case you are looking for good accommodation right smack in the pretty city. Ravana Falls is located on the Beragala – Haliella highway and is 25 metres high. It derives its name from the Ramayana chronicles. One of the most popular waterfalls amongst tourists, this cascade can be seen in three tiers. Take the short hike from the waterfall to the Ravana Cave where Princess Sita was said to be held captive by the Sri Lankan king Ravana. The falls are most impressive just after the rainy season but tapers down in the dry season. Some of the top hotels Sri Lanka has to offer are located in this district, with many like the popular Bandarawela hotels offering old world charms and cosy surroundings.
Lovers leap is one of the Nuwara Eliya districts legendary falls. The name comes from an ancient story of how a prince of the region fell in love with a local girl. The king, of course, was displeased and forbade the affair, inducing both the prince and his lover to leap to their deaths from the top of this waterfall – hence the name.
One of the more romantic waterfalls to trek to; Glen Falls will not disappoint the nature lover in you. Misty surroundings, verdant foliage and lovely chilly climes make the area almost magical. Located close to the Nuwara Eliya city centre the falls are cocooned within a lush forest where most outdoor enthusiasts tend to set up camp.
Devon Falls and St. Clare's waterfalls can be observed from across the road where you find a few tea kiosks. Surrounded by lush mountains carpeted with endless tea bushes, these wide waterfalls are two of the prettiest in the district. Travellers often stop by the side of the road to get in a good view of both Devon and St Clair's waterfalls thought to be the Niagara Falls of Sri Lanka.
The Horton Plains National Park is about 1 ½ hours from your Bandarawela hotel and perfect to visit for a day out. This national park is lauded for its collection of foliage which is thought to be quite unlikely for a tropical island; yet the trees and shrubs flourish, rendering an old British village vibe to the entire area. Take the loop trail to the popular Worlds End lookout point, a bottomless drop-out point from where you can see as far as the coast on clear days. Bakers Falls is on the way back and named after explorer Samuel Baker. Surrounding the falls are blossoms of red and green rendering the place a mystical allure.
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