Joanna James
Sri Lanka's hill country is not just renowned for its lush green tea fields and rolling hills. The island also has one of the globe's highest density of waterfalls, featuring more than 300 of them. Escape into a tropical hillside paradise by visiting these 10 mesmerising waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Cascading from a height of 263m, Bambarakanda Falls is the island's tallest waterfall. Located in Kalupahana in the Badulla district, Bambarakanda can be reached via foot or tuk-tuk. It is approximately an 1-hour hike. This waterfall is seasonal and hence is best visited between October and March.
Sri Lanka's 2nd highest waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold. Located in the Badulla district, near Ella, this 220m-high waterfall features a natural pool at the top, ideal for a relaxing dip. The pool can be reached after a 30-minute hike.
Situated in the Ratnapura area, Kirindi Ella is a lesser-known gem that begins its journey from a small stream named Kirindi Oya in the Kuttapitiya Mountain. The 116m-high waterfall ranks among the 10 highest waterfalls in the country and can be accessed via a footpath located near a tea factory.
Dubbed Sri Lanka's 'mini-Niagara', St Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the country. Enveloped by tea plantations in the Talawakelle region, the Falls can be clearly spotted from the main road to Nuwara Eliya. Cascading over several rock tiers, St Clair's is made up of 2 waterfalls, Maha Ella and Kuda Ella. The waterfall is a top favourite among locals and tourists. In fact, some of the best luxury resorts in Sri Lanka are located within an easy distance of these Falls.
Located close by to St Clair's Falls is Devon Falls. Fondly referred to as the 'veil of the valley', Devon Falls is akin to a pure, crystal-white bridal veil, flowing serenely down 97m of rock. Named after a British coffee planter, the Falls can be spotted from the main road but can also be reached via foot through a plantation.
This famous waterway, named after renowned explorer Sir Samuel Baker, is located within the pristine jungles of Horton Plains National Park in Nuwara Eliya. It is formed via a tributary of Belihul Oya and can be accessed while trekking the 9km path in Horton Plains. Visiting Horton Plains and exploring the Falls is a popular experience offered by many local hospitality brands such as Heritance Hotels & Resorts, which promote the island's rich heritage and abundant natural inheritance.
Considered one of the widest waterfalls in the country, Bomburu Ella features a string of narrow waterfalls cascading over a broad rock face. Straddling the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, the Falls originates from a lake in the country's central province. The hike to the Falls is via the Sita Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve. It can be challenging, but the effort is worth it.
Located on the outskirts of Ella, Ravana Falls is a glorious waterway cascading majestically down multiple levels of rock. The 90m-high waterfall is steeped in legends surrounding King Ravana and Princess Sita.
Originating from a tributary of Kotmale Oya, Ramboda Falls can be spotted from the famed Ramboda Pass near Nuwara Eliya. Flowing down 109m over several layers of rock into a large pool at the bottom, Ramboda Falls is surrounded by dense forest and hills.
Located on the outskirts of Badulla, Dunhinda Falls is famed as one of the island's prettiest waterfalls. A little over 60m in height, the Falls derives its name from the smoky, misty spray it generates as it plunges forcefully into the base pool. It is also dubbed the 'Bridal Falls' as the shape of the Falls resembles a bridal veil. Dunhinda is considered the smaller version of Devon Falls.
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