Amazing Waterfalls On The Beautiful Island

 

The Thudugala Ella Falls

The Thudugala Ella Falls is located in the Thudugala Estate in Thudugala village in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. There is a natural swimming pool surrounded by Ketala plants and a giant pus creeper that has spread to cover an area of a hectare. The waterfall drops in two steps, the top part is about 8 meters, and the lower part is 6 meters. This waterfall is a popular bathing place for locals. An interesting feature here is that a tunnel runs under the waterfall and comes out on top at a side of it.

Kumari Ella Falls

This waterfall is located in the village of Hewainna and is also known as “Kumari Wala Ella“. According to folklore, the Kumari Ella Fall derives its name from King Sitawaka Rajasinhe’s daughter, Kumari, as she is said to have drowned in the water. It is only 4m in height. The two streams from Pittukande Mountain and Dukkalahelena Mountain meet with two other streams, one from Hewainna and one from Illukovil, at the Puwakpitiya Aman Oya and flow onto the Kelani River at Ambangama.

Dunhinda Falls

Dunhinda Falls is situated about 5 km away from Badulla town. It is 63 meters high and is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The fall gets its name due to the smoky dew drops spray and is also known as the “Bridal Fall” because the shape of the waterfall reflects a bridal veil. Dunhinda Waterfall is sourced by the Badulu Oya which flows through Badulla. The best time to see this beautiful waterfall is during the months of June and July, although it is worth a visit at any time of the year. There is a narrow footpath leading people toward the waterfall and care should be taken along the way. There are also quite a few monkeys in the area. It is advised not to bathe in the water stream falling from Dunhinda Waterfall as it is very dangerousRavana Falls is a stunning waterfall situated in the hill town of Ella, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is about 82 feet in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. A part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, the falls are bounded by a thick blanket of forests and are considered one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The waterfall can get extremely powerful during the rainy season and is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. The falls have been named after the legendary 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 by thick forests in the midst of the wilderness. It is also believed that Sita bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall..

Lovers Leap fall

This beautiful 30m high Lovers Leap fall in Nuwara Eliya is incipient of the streams and brooks of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, the Piduruthalagala (2524m). It flows over hard granite ledges. In dry spells, the flow is languid The fall is said to derive its name from the tragic tale of a prince, who while hunting in the jungle, lost his way. He was rescued by a beautiful damsel, and the two became inseparable lovers. But the match was not to the liking of the prince’s subjects, so the two decided to immortalize their love by leaping from the top of the fall to their death.

Bambarakiri Ella

This magnificent waterfall is situated 18km from Matale town. The fall is set amidst the mesmerizing greenery of the Knuckles mountain range. The banks of Bambarakiri Ella are a nice spot for a picnic in the jungles. The waterfalls consist of three cascades, the tallest slope is just below the natural pool at the suspension bridge. This rope bridge spanning the pool of the falls adds to the beauty of the scene. Bambarakiri Ella is a fall of 10m.  Gallons of water come crashing down to earth at a high speed. The escarpment at the edge of the pool is the reason why bathing is dangerous here. The rock pool at the base of the waterfall is safe for a dip during the dry summer but can be very dangerous during the heavy rainy season. 

Ella Uda Ella or Kahana Ella

Ella Uda Ella or Kahana Ella is located in the Avissawella Electorate in the Colombo District. The waterfall you see is about 4 meters high Also, the water for this waterfall comes from the Kodikanda and Koswatta canals through rocks and valleys with trees When you come here you can see the highest mountains in the Colombo district 

Sera Ella Waterfall

Sera Ella Waterfall is situated in the Dumbara jungle near Laggala town of the Matale district. It stands at a height of 10 meters. Its name is derived from the species of fish “Sera” that inhabits the water. Some say that the name is derived from the beauty of this waterfall which is similar to the leaves of a Sera tree (Lemongrass) hanging down. Sera Ell Waterfall is formed by the waters of Kitul Canal which runs down Kaudagammana peak and the Hunumadala River. It is separated into two sections as it falls down the face of the rock and is visible from the Dumbara jungle. There is a cave behind the Sera Ella Waterfall. Steps have been cut to reach this cave which can be safely reached even when the waterfall is at full flow.

Hunasfalls Waterfall

Hunasfalls Waterfall is situated in Elkaduwa in the Matale district. It is 48 meters in height and is also known as “Hunnasgiriya Waterfall”. It is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by scenic views where many people love to bathe. Hunasfalls Waterfall is a man-made artificial waterfall which is located in a landscape garden that belongs to the hotel of the same name at the center of the Hunnasgiriya Estate. The location is a popular escape, especially for honeymoon couples. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna.

Bomburuella Waterfall

Bomburuella Waterfall is situated in Perawella near the border of the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts. It is 50 meters high and is also known as “Perawalla Falls”. It is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka and consists of many small waterfalls grouped together.

The source of the Bomburuella Waterfall is a lake located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is the ideal location to rest, have a picnic, and take a bath as you wish. Camping at this site is prohibited by the government of Sri Lanka. The Waters of Bomburuella waterfall have been diverted to a powerhouse in the area and also for use in cultivation.

Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls is 220 m high and the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 361st highest waterfall in the world. It is situated 6 km away from Koslanda in Badulla District on the Colombo-Badulla highway. The Falls are formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya. Diyaluma Fall has different levels and natural pools at the top of it. The first part of the waterfall has many natural pools. Moving further on from here you will come across another drop of the waterfall with natural pools. 

St. Clair’s Waterfall

St. Clair’s Waterfall is one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, and is referred to as the “Little Niagra of Sri Lanka”. Although the cascade is just off the Hatton – Talawakele road, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls as it runs through green hills and lush tea estates. The waterfall got its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate– the tea estate through which it runs. The cascade is approximately over 80m in height and 50m in width, and it comprises two smaller waterfalls: Maha Ella, the greater fall, and Kuda Ella, the lesser fall. The waterfall is easily accessible and is visible from most places, even when you’re passing by train! There is a lookout point just off the road where you’ll get a view of the gushing cascade and its surrounding greenery.

Laxapana Falls

At a distance of 17 km from Maskeliya, 31 km from Hattan, and 70 km from Nuwara Eliya, Laxapana Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated at Kiriwan Eliya village in Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka. Located on Maskeliya-Norton Bridge road, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka and among the major places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

The picturesque waterfall that cascades down from an enormous height of 413 feet, is formed by Maskeliya Oya, a major tributary of the Kelani river. This is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 625th highest waterfall in the world. According to legend, this is the place where Buddha mended his saffron robe when he was visiting Adam's Peak. The name of the falls is derived from the Sinhala words 'Laxa' means Hundred thousand and 'Pana' translates to lamps.

Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls is the 11th tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th tallest waterfall globally, located on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass in the Pussellawa area of the Nuwara Eliya district. Ramboda waterfall is also known as "Puna Ella." Ramboda Falls is 109 meters tall. Panna Oya, a tributary of the Kothmale River, creates this breathtaking waterfall. Though it is not widely known, Ramboda Falls consists of three sections: Ihala Ramboda Oya Ella (Upper Ramboda Oya Fall), Ramboda Oya Meda Ella (Middle Fall), and Pahala Ramboda Oya Ella (Lower Ramboda Oya Fall) ( Lower Ramboda Oya Falls).

Ramboda Oya, which flows majestically through Ramboda valley, provides this spectacular trio of waterfalls within a few kilometers, closer to the main route connecting Colombo, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya. Ramboda is a lovely site with many waterfalls and a stunning view of Kotmale Valley with the background of Kotmale Reservoir and Mahaweli Maha Seya.

Devon Falls

Devon Falls is a waterfall in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka. It is around 25 kilometers from Talawakelle. Thalawakale-Hatton Road runs through the property. Devon, a pioneer English coffee planter, inspired the name of the falls. The waterfall is 97 meters tall and is the 19th tallest on the island. The waterfall that was established is Kothmale Oya, a tributary of the Mahaveli River. Devon Falls has an elevation of 1,140 meters above sea level. Easily view this waterfall from the main road of Thalawakele to Hatton. The Upper Kothmale power station project also carried on close to Devon falls. But it is not affected by the water level of these falls. Devon waterfall is in the Pathana area of Thalawakele and very close to St. Clair waterfall. St.Clair and Devon and like wife and Husband. There is a Mlesna tea center close to the main observation point of Devon waterfalls on the Main road.

Galboda Falls

Galboda Falls is situated in Nawalapitiya. It stands at a height of 30 meters and starts from the Galboda River (Hanguranketha River). The water of the falls cascades into two streams at certain times of the year. It is home to a variety of wildlife and flora, including orchids.

Its width ranges from 3 m to 6 m depending on the season. The name “Galboda” is derived from the large boulder that is situated at the foot of the falls. “Galboda” means “fall adjoining the stone” when translated. There is also another story saying that the water here is heavier than anywhere else in Sri Lanka and thus is named as such. The woodland surrounding Galboda Falls is home to a number of species of wildlife and flora. A rare species of orchids can be found in the vicinity. The area is also home to a total of twelve species of reptiles out of four which are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Kadiyanlena Falls

Kadiyanlena Falls is situated in Nawalapitiya, a town close to Kandy. It stands at a height of 25 meters. The name Kadiyanlena is derived from the name of the village where the waterfall is located. It is also called as Ketabula Ella due to the name of the nearby tea estate. The waterfall cascades into three stages. The road goes over a three-arched bridge above the third part of the waterfall. Therefore, you can see only the upper two parts of the waterfall from the road. But there is a path to descend to the tea plantations about 100 m before the bridge where you can try to have a better view of the waterfall at its full height. Although the flow is otherwise languid, during rain the fall is transformed into a rushing body of water, the spray reaching the nearby road.

Asupini Ella Falls

The 30m fall forms part of the Maha River that originates from both sides of the Raksawa mountains and is itself 570m above sea level. The upper area of the fall winds through an area known as Uda Palatha, upstream of which is the Divisional Secretary’s Uduwella GS area, in the backdrop of Apalawatte Pallegama village.

The fall forms a plunge pool strewn with rocks where people are not encouraged to bathe due to the risk of drowning. Also at the base of the pool are crevasses known as Pinikandawela and Tissakumarawella that are said to house treasure by villagers.The fall is steeped in history. According to ancient books written about border demarcations, this fall acted as a demarcation between the area of Satara Korale and Paranu Kuru Korale. Also, according to folklore, the fall derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leaped from its upper reaches. Villagers say that the fall sometimes emits a fearsome roar that can last for 15 minutes, and that this signifies that it will claim a human sacrifice within a two-month period.

Aberdeen Falls

The 98 m tall waterfalls of Aberdeen in Nuwara Eliya District are formed by the Kehelgamuwa, a tributary of Kelani Ganga. Aberdeen Falls, definitely among the most picturesque waterfalls on the island, is named after the nearby tea plantation, Aberdeen. Many tea plantations in Sri Lanka bear British names, Scottish toponyms in particular.

According to a typical folk belief in Sri Lanka’s highlands, are connected with the Lakshapana Falls further south by a 5 km long tunnel. Both waterfalls carry less water since water reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations were established in the area of the Kelani Ganga tributaries between Maskeliya and Kitulgala. However, except for extraordinarily dry periods, the Kehelgamuwa river at Aberdeen Falls does not dry out completely. A small observation platform is constructed close to the natural pool below Aberdeen Falls, which is picturesquely framed by rock surfaces. Despite this visitors’ terrace, travelers are rarely seen at Aberdeen Falls. It’s still an off-the-beaten-path destination. Swimming in the very inviting and clear pool is possible, but due to currents and quicksand, it’s a little bit dangerous for children. Finding access to the pool requires climbing down some boulders.