Waterfall Hunting in Sri Lanka

Waterfall hunting is the greatest way to get a closer look at the beauty of lovely waterfalls. It is a thrilling adventurous experience to find the amazing sights of waterfalls hidden in the lush green jungles. If you are a nature lover who likes to go waterfall hunting, there isn’t an any better choice than Sri Lanka. This paradise island is home to nearly 400 gorgeous waterfalls that dotted all over the country. It is a country with the high waterfall density in the world. Out of them, more than 60 waterfalls have an impressive height of over 10 m. 

Waterfalls in Sri Lanka are located in both wet zone and dry zone. The hill country is home to the majority of spectacular waterfalls, therefore the ideal place to go for waterfall hunting is Nuwara Eliya, Maskeliya, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Since the waterfalls in the hill country are fed by both monsoon showers of rain and inter-monsoons, they offer glorious eye-pleasing views throughout the year. In contrast to that, waterfalls in the dry zone are high flowing in the rainy season and low flowing in the dry season.

Most of the beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka have well-defined pathways to enter, while some of them are difficult to reach because of the dense forests.  The beauty of these inaccessible waterfalls is remaining hidden inside the deep jungles. It may need some extra effort to see the magical view of strong gushes of water falling in these spectacular hidden waterfalls.

Here we are going to show you the most attractive waterfalls in Sri Lanka for your waterfall hunting. Try to visit as much as them to enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of lovely waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

1. Bakers Falls in Horton Plains

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located at Horton Plains National Park. Bakers Falls is about 20 m high cascading waterfall, consisting of many little streams rushing down a rock face. It has named after a well-known British explorer Sir Samuel Baker. It is one of the easy-to-reach waterfalls, where you’ll meet during your hike to the World’s End.

The scenery surrounding Bakers Falls will definitely take your breath away. The greenery is very pretty in this area, splashed by the brightness of pink-red Rhododendron flowers and filled with Fern bushes around the waterfall. Beware that when it has rained, the rocks in that area become slippery and it is a risky waterfall to go for a bath.

2. St. Clairs Falls in Talawakele

This waterfall is located in Nuwara Eliya, close to Hatton-Talawakele Highway. This is very photogenic and undoubtedly an awesome waterfall calls as the “little Niagara”. Don’t forget to visit this lovely St. Clair’s waterfall on your way to the hill capital. It is setting in between tea plantations and the name has derived from the nearby St. Clairs tea estate.

This is a cascading waterfall that gushes over three rock outcrops into a large pool and runs through the tea estate. The large fall is 80 m high and 50 m wide and the small fall is 50 m high. Although the water volume of this fall has decreased significantly after starting the upper Kotmale hydropower project, it becomes so beautiful in the rainy season.

3. Devon Falls in Talawakele

This is a 97 m high glorious waterfall situated 6 km west of Talawakele on the Hatton – Nuwara Eliya main road. If you’re traveling to the hill capital of Sri Lanka, watching the beauty of Devon Falls is definitely a thrill not to be missed. Due to its clear view of the road, Devon Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. The fall is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, who owned the tea plantation.

Although you can view it clearly from the main road, it needs around 1 km walk from the main road to get closer to the waterfall. The distinct feature of this waterfall is there is a lower viewpoint, where you can get a glimpse of both Devon falls and St.Clairs’s falls. Most travelers prefer to visit this observation point since it offers the best opportunity to view two waterfalls in one sight.

4. Ramboda Falls in Ramboda

At the top of the list of beautiful waterfalls to visit in Nuwara Eliya is the Ramboda Waterfall. It is a 109 m high lovely waterfall situated closer to the highway at Ramboda Pass. While you are on the way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, you can easily visit this waterfall which locates alongside the main road.

Ramboda falls consist of lower and upper sections. The waterfall you are seeing from the main road is the lower section. You need to walk down from the main road for a clear view of this lower part of the waterfall. It can be easily accessed through the Ramboda Falls Hotel.

The upper Ramboda Falls is located around a 20-minute short hike up the mountain along a rough staircase.  Although this part of the waterfall is trickier to reach, it is the most gorgeous part of Ramboda Falls. At the foot of the upper waterfall, there is a large pool where you can swim and a large rocky area where you can picnic. On weekdays there are very few people, so you can enjoy a peaceful time relaxing and swimming all day.

5. Bambarakanda Falls in Kalupahana

This 263 m tall waterfall is the highest waterfall in the country, as well as the 299th highest waterfall in the world. It is a gloriously towering waterfall surrounded by a dense forest. Bambarakanda Fall is considered one of the hardest to reach falls, through the winding roads in the hill country.

It can be reached by Colombo–Batticaloa highway and then 5 km walk on a narrow road from Kalupahana. Although difficult to get through, still it is a well-worth journey to see this tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Bambarakanda looks at its most impressive stage after the rainy season, from March to May. December to February is the rainy season and it is hard to get there due to the slippery rocks in this area. If you are a thrill-seeker, you can go rock climbing in the Bambarakanda cliff face, as well as go hiking in nearby “Devil’s Staircase” during your waterfall hunting.

6. Aberdeen Falls in Ginigathena

This is a spectacular 98 m horsetail waterfall near Ginigathena, in Maskeliya. If you are looking forward to waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka, Maskeliya is one of the perfect places. Aberdeen Falls is definitely among the most picturesque waterfalls on the island. It has named after the nearby tea plantation called Aberdeen. To reach Aberdeen Falls from Ginigathena town, one should proceed 1 km along the Ambatale Road and trek through the lush wilderness to discover the beauty of Aberdeen Falls.

This waterfall is covered with large granite boulders behind. It’s got a beautiful deep blue pool right at the bottom. Finding access to the pool requires climbing down some boulders. Swimming in this stunning base pool is possible, but it is dangerous in the rainy season. There is a viewing deck where you can capture great Instaworthy shots with the magnificent waterfall. Aberdeen Falls is one of the must-visit gorgeous waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

7. Lovers Leap Falls in Hawa Eliya

Lovers Leap is a 30 m high, impressive waterfall located in Hawa Eliya, just a few kilometers from Nuwara Eliya. The fall begins from the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala Mountain. There is tragic folklore related to the Lover’s Leap Waterfall.

An old legend says that once there was a prince who fell in love with a village girl and the royal family didn’t allow them to marry. The saddened lovers leaped to their deaths from this waterfall and hence it got the name Lovers Leap. It flows over hard granite edges and the water is collected in a tank used for drinking. Although the Lovers Leap fall stays off the beaten track, you may combine the trip with visiting Pedro Tea Estate which is located closer to this waterfall.

8. Dunsinane Falls in Pundaluoya

Dunsinane waterfall is also located off the beaten path in Nuwara Eliya. It is situated in Pundaluoya village, between the tea estates known as Dunsinane and Sheen. This impressive 100 m high Dunsinane fall cascades in a spectacular sequence of steps before flowing to the Pundalu Oya. 

It flows in 2 segments bisected by the road bridge. The top segment falls over a wide rocky ledge creating a sheet of water falling a 30 m drop with stunning scenery for the visitors. It looks majestic with the statues of gods shining in the right middle of the base of the waterfall showered by the mist.

9. Ravana Falls in Ella

Ravana Falls is the most famous waterfall in Sri Lanka, located in the major touristic city of Ella. This gorgeous waterfall is 25 m in height. It is an easily accessible waterfall located just next to the Ella -Wellawaya main road.  Therefore, everybody can reach it conveniently without any hassle.

Ravana Falls is a very popular sightseeing spot and it looks absolutely spectacular in the rainy season. There is a cave called Ravana cave close by that can be visited. This is a famous bathing spot for locals and travelers alike. Ravana Falls is definitely worth a stop and exploring the surrounding spectacular landscapes and checking out the views of the beautiful hill country.

10. Bopath Ella in Ratnapura

This is a waterfall situated at Kuruwita, Ratnapura in Sri Lanka. Bopath Ella has a height of 30 m and it has a shape very similar to the leaf of the sacred fig or “Bo” tree, which has earned it this name. This is the closest waterfall to reach from the capital of Colombo at a distance of 80 km. This attractive waterfall is a major tourist and local attraction in the country.

People used to bathe at the base pool, but it needs to be extremely careful while bathing. It is safe and calm during the dry season, but there is a risk of a sudden increase in the water level in the rainy season. Even though there is no rain in the area, the water levels of the falls can get higher due to rain in nearby mountains.  Needs to be careful when getting into the rocks since most of those are slippery and the pools surrounded by those rocks are very deep. This is one of the remarkable waterfalls in Sri Lanka which needs to enjoy carefully.

11. Dunhinda Falls in Badulla

This is a waterfall located about 5 km from Badulla in Sri Lanka. Dunhinda Fall is known as “Bridal Fall”, as the shape of the waterfall is similar to a 64 m high bridal veil. It can be reached from Ella town within 1 hour by Badulla-Mahiyanganaya road. To reach the Dunhinda waterfall, you have to walk on a footpath about 1 km through the forest.

It is one of the country’s most beautiful and breathtaking waterfalls, which visitors can enjoy a lot. The surrounding area at the foot of the waterfall is covered by smoky dew drops spray, creating a misty environment. While enjoying the fall it’s better to remind that the base pool is very deep and filled with slippery rocks and stones near the bottom of the waterfall.

12. Diyaluma Falls in Badulla

This is 220 m tall, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated 6 km away from Koslanda in Badulla District on Haputale-Wellawaya Road. Because of its towering appearance, most people believe that it is the tallest waterfall in the country. This is a majestic and most impressive one among the waterfalls in the country. The waterfall is famous not only for its enchanting beauty but also for the beautiful landscape around the area.

The upper part of the fall is called upper Diyaluma and it is home to epic views and some of the best natural infinity pools in the world.  It is possible to hike up to the top of the fall and have a dip in these natural pools. Since the water level is dropping during the dry months, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at these pools. But you may need to take precautions and think about safety before diving in. 

13. Bomburu Ella in Perawella

Bomburu Ella is a waterfall at the border of the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, approximately 15 km from Welimada town in Perawella. It can be reached by taking the Welimada – Pussellawa Road and trekking along a winding track up to 3 km to see the fall up close. This waterfall remains off the beaten path due to this tough hike and strenuous climb up a hill to reach it.

Bomburu Ella is a beautiful cascading mass of water made by 10 smaller falls grouped together. It is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The rocks around the fall are extremely slippery and it isn’t recommended to go closer to the fall in the rainy season. Bomburu Ella is an incredibly beautiful fall and it is a worthy challenge to try during your waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka. 

14. Sera Ella in Riverston

Sera Ella is a waterfall located in the Knuckles Reserve near Laggala in the Matale of Sri Lanka. Matale is a beautiful city filled with natural beauty, with lovely waterfalls and many breathtaking hiking trails. The Riverston and Mini worlds end hiking trails are located in Matale. You’ll see this beautiful Sera Ella during your hiking to Riverston peak or Mini world’s end.

It measures 10 m in height and approximately 15 to 20 m in width which is a waterfall that is wider than the height. The Sera Ella waterfall is separated into two sections as it falls down the rock face, both parts with a height of 10 m. The fall flows all year round and is at its fullest during the monsoon season, between November and March.

The major highlight of this waterfall is its natural cave in the rock, located behind the falls. Steps have been cut to reach this cave safely even when the fall is at full flow.  This is an extremely rare opportunity to walk into that cave and stand behind the crumbling water of the fall. Remember that Sera Ella is one of the extraordinary falls, you can experience during waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka.

15. Bambarakiri Ella in Riverston

This is a hidden gem in Matale, in a tranquil and peaceful place, set amidst the mesmerizing greenery of the Knuckles mountain range. You’ll find Bamabarakiri Ella during your visit to the Riverston hiking trail. This is a fall of 10 m, which cascades into two parts.

The suspension bridge spanning the falls offers the opportunity to capture wonderful shots of this beautiful waterfall. Water comes crashing down to earth at a high speed in the rainy season making this fall a wonderful sight. The rock pool at the base of the waterfall is safe for a dip during the dry season but can be very dangerous during the rainy season.

15. Pahanthudawa Ella in Belihuloya

This is a small 5 m tall waterfall located in Belihuloya. This spectacular waterfall is named for its shape of the base pool which resembles a shape of a clay lamp and the waterfall resembles the wick, the burner of the lamp. It is one of the unique waterfalls in Sri Lanka extremely worthy to visit while touring in Sri Lanka.

Although it is not a huge waterfall, the whole landscape which leads to this waterfall is simply stunning. The aerial photographs of the falls show a mind-blowing picturesque view of the magnificent surroundings.

16. Duwili Ella in Balangoda

Duwili Ella is a waterfall in Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. It is located about 4 km away from Balangoda in the Kaltota area. The height of the waterfalls is about 40 m.  The name ‘Duwili’ is derived from the Sinhalese for dust, which describes the spray dispersing from the waterfall. In Duwili Ella, an enormous amount of water is gushing with full force from high altitude to down and then calmly flows through the rocky terrains. This is a lovely place where visitors can enjoy the fascinating surroundings of the waterfall.

Safety in Waterfall Hunting

In the rainy season, waterfalls are quite fiery with heavy water volume and dangerous to go for a bath or swimming. Bathing or swimming should be done only in the dry period. As well as, you need to get a proper idea about the depth of the base pool. In some waterfalls, the base pool is very deep and dangerous to go for a dip. Always think safety first and take necessary precautions before bathing or playing around waterfalls. Since the rocks around the falls are slippery, many accidents reported in the rainy season. 

Here we have listed the most attractive waterfalls in Sri Lanka where you can go for waterfall hunting during your visit to the island. Visiting gorgeous Waterfalls in Sri Lanka is a wonderful experience that will bring you memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy the picturesque views of gorgeous waterfalls in the country and capture the most beautiful shots of these Sri Lankan beauties. Happy waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka.!

Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, and Twitter.