Sri Lanka scores the number 1 position as a destination with the highest density of waterfalls in the world with a recorded 382 spread throughout the island. Some of them are fairly small and some almost inaccessible. However, these elegantly cascading waterfalls that take your breath away are all surrounded by lush green landscape and rocky terrain and certainly worth a trek. The two monsoon seasons that occur in tandem feed these waterfalls, and the best time to visit them is soon after the monsoon as the volume of water is at its highest swelling the waterfalls and giving it a spectacular grandeur.
A few waterfalls are over 200 meters tall with Bambara Kanda waterfall in the Badulla District at 263 meters being the tallest. Although the waterfalls are well distributed, the largest number of waterfalls are in the Ratnapura district (109) followed by Nuwara Eliya (75) and Kegalle (40).
Visiting the waterfalls of Sri Lanka can be an adventurous undertaking, but the romantic atmosphere that they create in the secluded depths of the island’s jungles makes them an ideal attraction to include on any itinerary.
Height: Approximately 263 meters (863 feet)
Location: In the Kalupahana area in the Badulla District
Highlight: The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Located in the Badulla District, within the Kalupahana area, in the southern part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It’s about an hour away from Horton Plains. While Bambarakanda Falls is somewhat remote, it can be reached by road. Visitors typically travel to Kalupahana and then take a local road to the waterfall. The journey involves a combination of driving and a short hike.
Recorded as the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, it plummets from a height of 263 meters (863 feet). The waterfall is fed by the Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River.
The area around Bambarakanda Falls is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, mountainous terrain, and a cool climate. The waterfall itself cascades down a steep rock face, creating a breathtaking sight.
The region around the waterfall offers excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking. There are several trails that provide different perspectives of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The Bambarakanda to Ohiya hike is a popular route that takes trekkers through pine forests and past other smaller waterfalls.
The best time to visit Bambarakanda Falls is during the monsoon season, from October to March, when the water flow is at its peak. However, even during the dry season, the waterfall maintains a steady flow, though it may be less dramatic.
The area is less crowded compared to other tourist spots in Sri Lanka, offering a more peaceful and serene experience.
Height : Approximately 220 meters (720 feet)
Location: Near Koslanda in the Badulla District
Highlight : Second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka
Located 6 km away from Koslanda in Badulla District and an hour away from Ella, it is known for its beauty. It cascades in a single drop, creating a breathtaking view with its impressive height of 220m and several infinity pools it creates along the way.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, rocky outcrops, and a variety of flora and fauna.
Natural rock pools can be found at different levels of the waterfall, providing serene spots for swimming and relaxation. Visitors often trek from the top of the falls down to the base. The hike offers stunning views and a chance to explore the surrounding landscape.
The natural pools formed by the cascading water are popular spots for swimming, especially the pool at the top of the falls. The best time to visit Diyaluma Falls is during the monsoon season (from October to March) when the waterfall is at its fullest.
Hiring a local guide is recommended for those unfamiliar with the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Height : Approximately 141 meters ( 463 feet)
Location : Village of Maplana in the Ratnapura District
Highlight : Commences at the top of the Samanala Kanda (Adams Peak)
The waterfall cascades down a series of rock formations, creating a multi-tiered effect that adds to its visual appeal. The area around Mapalana Ella is rich with lush greenery and dense forest, providing a serene and natural environment.
The surroundings are relatively unspoiled, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
The trails leading to Mapalan Falls range from easy to moderately challenging, suitable for hikers of all levels. However suitable footwear is recommended as it can be very slippery.
At the base of the falls, there’s a natural pool where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim.
The scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for a relaxing picnic with family and friends.
The forest around Mapalan Falls is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including exotic birds, butterflies, and small mammals.
Botany enthusiasts can explore a variety of plant species, some of which are rare and endemic to the region. Guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about the natural and cultural aspects of Mapalan Falls
Height: Approximately 126 meters (413 feet)
Location: Near Maskeliya in the Nuwara Eliya District
Highlight: Used for hydroelectric power generation.
Located in the village of Maskeliya, close to the town of Hatton the falls are part of the Kelani River, which is one of the most important rivers in Sri Lanka.
It is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 625th highest in the world.
The waterfall cascades down in a single, powerful drop, creating a stunning visual effect.
The area around the falls is lush and green, typical of the central highlands’ verdant landscape.
The surroundings include tea plantations and dense forests, offering a serene and picturesque environment. The falls are accessible via a short hike from the nearby village, which adds to the adventure for visitors. There are viewpoints along the route that offer stunning vistas of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Laxapana Falls is a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
The base of the falls forms a natural pool, which is a favorite spot for picnics and swimming.
The waterfall is of significant importance to Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric power generation.
The Laxapana Hydroelectric Power Stations, among the oldest in the country, is located nearby and utilize the water from the falls to generate electricity.
The falls are part of the cultural and natural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Efforts are being made to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area while promoting sustainable tourism.
Laxapana Falls is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sri Lanka’s central highlands, offering a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and historical significance.Top of FormBottom of Form
Height : Approximately 116 meters ( 382 feet)
Location : Pelmadulla ( 4 km from the city of Ratnapura)
Highlight : Located near the gem mines of Sri Lanka
Located near the village of Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura District, the waterfall features a single, long drop, creating a spectacular visual display as the water cascades down the rock’s face. The falls are part of the Kirindi Oya, a significant river in the area.
The area around Kirindi Oya Falls is lush and green, with dense forests and rich biodiversity with multitude of plant species and wildlife including wild boar, cobra, monkeys, reptiles and birds. The surroundings offer a tranquil and picturesque environment, perfect for nature walks and photography.
The falls are accessible by road, and visitors must hike a short distance from the parking area to reach the base of the falls. The trek is relatively easy and suitable for most visitors, making the falls a popular spot for families and casual hikers.
The base of the falls features a natural pool, which is ideal for a refreshing dip, especially during the hot season. The falls are located near several other natural attractions and gem mines in the Ratnapura District, making it possible to explore more of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Visitors can also explore nearby tea plantations, wildlife reserves, and historical sites.
Kirindi Oya Falls is a must-visit destination for those exploring the Ratnapura District, offering a stunning natural spectacle and a serene escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes.
Height : Approximately 98 meters (322 feet)
Location: Near Ginigathena in the Nuwara Eliya District
Highlight: Named after the city of Aberdeen in Scotland
Located in the village of Ginigathena between the towns of Nawalapitiya and Hatton the Aberdeen Falls, are named after the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It is a picturesque waterfall known for its scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists.
The waterfall has a single drop, creating a spectacular curtain of water that plunges into a deep pool. The falls are part of the Kehelgamu Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River.
The area around Aberdeen Falls is characterized by lush greenery and dense forest, providing a serene and picturesque environment.
The falls are surrounded by tea plantations and mountains, adding to the scenic beauty of the location.
Visitors must trek through a forested path to reach the falls, which adds a sense of adventure to the visit.
The trail is relatively short but can be slippery and steep in some sections, so proper footwear is recommended.
The base of the falls features a large natural pool, which is ideal for swimming and cooling off.
The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for picnics, relaxation, and photography.
The area is less crowded compared to other tourist spots, offering a more peaceful and private experience.
Aberdeen Falls is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, providing a tranquil and breathtaking escape into nature for those willing to make the journey
Height: Approximately 97 meters (318 feet)
Location: Near Talawakele in the Nuwara Eliya District
Highlight: Named after pioneer British coffee planter
Located near the town of Talawakele, the Devon Falls, often called the “Veil of the Valley,” is another stunning waterfall located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, the single drop waterfall is a major tourist attraction in the Nuwara Eliya District which is visible from the road.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush tea plantations, adding to its scenic beauty.
The area around the falls is part of the fertile valley, providing a picturesque landscape that attracts photographers and nature lovers.
There are several viewpoints along the road where visitors can stop to enjoy the falls.
The most popular viewpoint is a dedicated observation deck in front of the Mlesna Tea Castle with parking facilities, providing an unobstructed view of the waterfall.
Visitors often combine a trip to Devon Falls with visits to nearby St. Clair’s Falls and tea plantations, making for a comprehensive tour of the region’s natural attractions.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the falls are at their fullest.
Like many waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Devon Falls is not just a natural attraction but also a significant part of the local culture and heritage.
Efforts are ongoing to balance tourism with conservation to preserve the falls and their surroundings for future generations.
Devon Falls is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through Sri Lanka’s hill country, offering a spectacular view and a refreshing break amidst the island’s lush greenery and tea estates.
Height : Approximately 80 meters (260 feet)
Location: Near Talawakele in the Nuwara Eliya District
Highlight: the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,”
Located near the town of Talawakele, in the Nuwara Eliya District St. Clair’s Falls, often referred to as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,” is one of the widest waterfalls in the country and named after a British colonist. It is part of the Kotmale River, a tributary of the Mahaweli River.
The falls consist of two separate cascades: the “Maha Ella” (Greater Fall) and the “Kuda Ella” (Lesser Fall). The Greater Fall is approximately 80 meters (262 feet) high and cascades down a rock face in three tiers and collects in a rock pool.
The falls are surrounded by lush tea plantations, providing a picturesque backdrop.
The view of the falls is best enjoyed from the nearby St. Clair’s Tea Estate, which offers a stunning panorama of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
The falls are easily accessible by road and is a popular stop for travelers enroute to Nuwara Eliya or Kandy.
There are viewing platforms and spots along the highway where visitors can stop and take in the beauty of the falls.
St. Clair’s Falls is a highlight for nature lovers and those exploring the tea country of Sri Lanka, offering a serene and breathtaking view of one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Height : 64 meters ( 210 feet)
Location : 5 km North of Badulla
Highlight : Unique for the curtain of mist it creates
Located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) north of Badulla , the falls are accessible via a trek through a forested path, adding to the adventure
It is a single-drop waterfall, renowned for its unique shape, the misty spray it produces and beauty .It is one of the most talked of water falls due to its beauty. The falls tumble down a narrow gap between rocks and expand to form a stunning smoky cascade—an appearance reminiscent of a bridal veil; no wonder it is also known as Bridal Falls. The falls finally crash into a pool at the bottom.
The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, providing a lush and verdant backdrop.
The area is rich in biodiversity, with various species of flora and fauna adding to the natural beauty.
Visitors must trek approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the main road to reach the falls.
The trek is moderately challenging, with some rocky and uneven terrain, but it is well worth the effort for the breathtaking view at the end.
The base of the waterfall is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural scenery.
The mist created by the falls adds a refreshing and cool ambiance, especially welcome on a hot day.
Dunhinda Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts exploring Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, offering a stunning and serene experience amidst the island’s lush landscapes.
Height : Approximately 25 meters (82 feet)
Location: Near Ella in the Badulla District
Highlight: Linked to the legendary Ravana from the Ramayana epic.
Located approximately 6 km from the Ella town, it is one of the country’s most picturesque waterfalls that cascades down an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop.
It is named after the mighty legendary King Ravana, a prominent figure in Sri Lankan folklore. The falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular tourist attraction.
According to legend, King Ravana of the epic Ramayana kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in the cave named as the Ravana cave located behind this waterfall.
The falls are easily accessible and a common stop for tourists exploring the Ella region.
The area around the waterfall is lush and green, providing a serene and scenic environment.
There are hiking trails nearby for those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the region further.
During the rainy season, the waterfall is at its most impressive, with a larger volume of water.
Ravana Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, offering a blend of natural beauty and mythological intrigue.
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