Joanna James
Emerald green tea fields, misty mountains, and British Colonial buildings — another spellbinding treasure adding to the idyllic scene of Nuwara Eliya is its host of breathtaking waterfalls. Come, unleash your inner adventurer, and explore the best of Little England's cascading wonders of nature.
Cascading at a height of 109 metres, Ramboda Falls is the 11th-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. Set only a mild 2-kilometre trek uphill from the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya Road, the waterfall makes for a quick adventure pit-stop for all tourists heading to the city of Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. The short distance from the pavement and a rather easy trek to the falls also mean that almost everyone can access the waterfall.
Resembling the splendour of the world-renowned Niagara Falls, hence the appealing moniker — "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka" — is the spectacular St Clair's Falls. Nestled at an altitude of 1198 metres in the Talawakelle Town of Nuwara Eliya, St Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The stunning waterfall isn't just a single curtain of water, but a combination of 2 waterfalls, namely The Greater Fall and The Lesser Fall, which are 80 metres and 50 metres in height respectively.
A creation of the streams and brooks pouring down from the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Pidurangala Mountain, Lovers Leap Waterfall is arguably Nuwara Eliya's most famous waterfall. The story behind the rather interesting name of the falls is unfortunately a tragic tale of two forbidden lovers, who plunged to their deaths to remain in love for eternity. Despite the horrific backstory to the falls' name, the waterfall is absolutely mind-blowing and treats you to oodles of beauty and nature.
Boasting a height of 50 metres and made up of about 10 smaller waterfalls, Bomburu Ella Falls is the widest waterfall in all of Sri Lanka. The waterfall is set within the sanctuary of the Sitha Eliya Kandapola Forest reserve and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is not only the waterfall itself that makes for an exciting experience but also the adventurous trek that cuts through the lush forest to the majestic waterfalls.
Sitting within the sanctuary of the Horton Plains National Park (one of the 22 national parks in the island nation) at only 20 metres in height, it may not be bigger in size but is definitely breathtakingly beautiful. The falls were named after British explorer and big game hunter, Sir Samuel Baker. Among all things fun and exciting in this hill country station, visiting Baker's Falls is certainly one of the best things to do around Nuwara Eliya. Treat your eyes to this spectacular wonder of nature and retreat to an elegant hotel the likes of Oliphant Boutique Villa.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
