Waterfall abseiling is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts around the world. It is an ideal activity to test your confidence while conquering the fear of heights. Since Sri Lanka is blessed with numerous waterfalls that cascade down from the lush green mountains, it provides the perfect backdrop for the waterfall abseiling. Although this activity isn’t widely popular in Sri Lanka, it is getting more attention among the adventure-loving young generation.
Particularly, this adventurous experience is well-suited for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. It involves descending a waterfall using a rope and harness. You can enjoy the nature and surrounding environment while standing on top of the waterfall. Definitely, it will give you an intense feeling of the water current and an adrenaline rush like you have never experienced before.
Best places for waterfall abseiling
Sri Lanka is a perfect place for waterfall abseiling with a number of famous abseiling spots. These waterfalls range in height and difficulty level, providing options for both beginners and experienced adventure lovers. With the guidance of a trained instructor, participants can safely descend down the waterfall and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.
In this post, we are showing you the most popular places for waterfall abseiling in Sri Lanka. Especially, you need to remember that this activity requires a fair amount of physical strength and endurance, as well as the ability to overcome any fear of heights.
1. Sandun Ella in Kitulgala
Called as Adventure Capital of Sri Lanka, Kitulgala is the most popular adventure hotspot on the island. It offers many adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, mountain climbing, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, hiking, and trekking. Other than them, waterfall abseiling is one of the most popular activities among locals and tourists.
Surrounded by incredible jungle scenery, 105 m high Sandun Ella is the most beautiful waterfall in Kitulgala. Starting at the top of the falls gives you panoramic views of the mountains and rainforest. You can experience the thrill of the powerful water flow as it pours down the cliff.
The intense and powerful sensation of water, added to the fact that you’re hanging from a rope and there’s nothing but water above and below will give you an extreme adrenaline pumping. After all, you’ll learn to conquer your fears as you descend over the cool waters that cascade from the top.
2. Bambarakanda Fall in Kalupahana
With a height of 263 m, the stunning Bambarakanda Falls is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Falling down from the magical mountains extending from Horton Plains, this waterfall is situated in the Kalupahana area in Central Highlands. The source of this beautiful horsetail-type waterfall is Kuda Oya.
Definitely, Bambarakanda is the most famous waterfall that is ideal for an adrenaline-rushing extreme abseiling experience. The steep fall gives the ultimate feeling of adventure while building a great deal of confidence to go along the water that flows down with the abseiler.
Without a doubt, conquering this mighty waterfall is an extreme adventure for thrill-seekers. You can enjoy the beauty of nature with some epic memories while descending down more than 200 m along the water gushes.
3. Gartmore Fall in Maskeliya
Located in the gorgeous hill country city of Maskeliya, Gartmore Fall is nature’s wonderful masterpiece. It is known as Sri Pada waterfall or Adam’s Peak fall due to its closeness to Adam’s Peak. Gartmore Falls and Moray Falls are 2 waterfalls in a close range, which are immediately befalls onto the Maskeliya reservoir.
25 m in tall, picturesque Gartmore waterfall is a famous abseiling spot in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy the immense power of the majestic Gartmore Waterfall, with the pristine Maskeliya Reservoir glistening in the backdrop. This is an adventure at its finest, right in the heart of the breathtaking surroundings near Adam’s Peak.
4. Laxapana Fall in Maskeliya
126 m tall Laxapana Falls is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated 16 km from Maskeliya town on Maskeliya-Norton Bridge Road. The Laxapana Waterfall is formed by the Maskeliya Oya which is a tributary to the Kelani River. This is one of the best places for waterfall abseiling in Sri Lanka.
Abseiling Laxapana Falls is a life-changing experience where you can get close and personal to the majestic power of the waterfall and the beauty of the surrounding nature. This is an amazing experience to be this close to the sheer force of the fall.
5. Diyaluma Fall in Koslanda
Are you brave enough to descend Sri Lanka’s 2nd highest waterfall? 220 m high Diyaluma Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the country. It is located 6 km away from Koslanda on the Colombo – Badulla highway. The fall is formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya and a tributary of Kirindi Oya.
This roaring waterfall that stumbles through its rocky gorge makes an awe-inspiring scenery for visitors. Abseiling in mighty Diyaluma Waterfall is a perfect escapade for thrill-seeking adventurers and explorers.
6. Kotaganga Ella in Kandy
Kotaganga Ella is a cluster of cascading waterfalls on the Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy. The cluster consists of 7 major segments totaling over 100 m in height. This cluster of waterfalls lies deep inside the jungle with no established hiking trail. There is approx. 3.5 km uphill walk to reach the waterfall.
Particularly, Kotaganga Ella is considered the perfect adventurous abseiling place for teens and beginners. This is an exhilarating journey where you can conquer the cascading waterfall, creating memories that will last a lifetime. You can immerse in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, where nature’s majesty meets adrenaline-fueled adventurists.
7. Gerandigini Ella in Ramboda
Gerandigini Falls in Ramboda is a combination of several falls totaling a height of 270 m. Thus, it surpasses the height of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall Bambarakanda. This spectacular fall can be seen from a far distance on the way from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, in the Tawalantanna area. Gerandigini Ella is located about 100 m below the Ramboda tea estate and can be accessed through the tea estate.
Gerandi Ella literally means Rat Snake Waterfall. There are a number of narrow and long waterfalls in Sri Lanka by the name of Gerandi Ella. The resemblance of these waterfalls to a slithering rat snake has given rise to many waterfalls being called by this name. The most popular and well-known is Gerandigini Ella in Ramboda.
This tall waterfall is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers to enjoy an unforgettable abseiling experience. Conquer the towering Gerandigini Ella waterfall as you descend with adrenaline-pumping abseiling techniques. Definitely, this unique adventure will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Surathali Ella in Belihuloya
Nestled amidst the beautiful hill country, Belihuloya is a picturesque little town. The beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area and it is one of the richest biodiversity spots in Sri Lanka. This area is home to a number of hidden waterfalls and the most popular abseiling spot is Surathali Ella Falls. It is named after a film that was shot in the area.
Surathali Ella is 60 m in height, 2 m wide, and made up of three segments. It provides a gorgeous setting for all sorts of adventures from climbing to canoeing and trekking. Moreover, you can enjoy the nature trail along the scenic waterfall. Embark on a thrilling journey through the lush greenery and rocky terrains of Surathali Ella Falls.
Safety during waterfall abseiling
There are several tour operators who offer waterfall abseiling as an adventure sport in Sri Lanka. The dedicated guides and abseiling professionals in these tour companies provide you with all the instructions to have a wonderful experience. They use high-quality equipment of international standards to ensure the safety of abseiling enthusiasts.
To sum up, waterfall abseiling is one of the most interesting adventures you can experience in Sri Lanka. This is a wonderful experience far beyond the limits of a normal sightseeing opportunity. You can enjoy the extraordinary view of a stunning waterfall and surroundings. Get ready for an exhilarating abseiling experience in the midst of nature’s grandeur. Welcome guys, you can conquer the heights of spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Facebook and Twitter. All the copyrights reserved by the original authors.
