Gorgeous and breathtaking. But a waterfall could be quite intimidating, too- one of nature’s most dramatic forces that is undeniably alluring yet hides something mystique beneath its gushing waters. You might have visited waterfalls across the world but probably you still have no idea what the little island is hiding beneath its lush canopy and dense jungles. Unlike over hyped destinations that can leave you feeling disappointed, the wonderful waterfalls in Sri Lanka turn even jaded travellers into a raving fan. Here are some of the stunning cascades worth checking out when you visit Sri Lanka.
Bambarakanda Falls
At 249 meters, this is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 229th in the world. The mighty Bambarakanda Falls gushes down into a milky abyss that creates a dreamy cloud of mist. It is also described as the ‘horsetail’ waterfall. The Bambarakanda Falls is fed by the Kuda Oya, and is located between Belihul Oya and Haputale. You can drive close to several hundred meters but you have to take a short trail along a rugged yet well-maintained path to reach the waterfall. The Bambarakanda is best visited from March to May.
Photo Credits : Wikipedia.org
Bopath Ella Falls
A scenic road flagged by towering trees and wild flowers leads you to the scenic Bopath Ella Falls. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kuruwita, Bopath Ella falls at 30 meters. The name of the waterfall is derived from its shape as a Bo leaf. It starts as a narrow stream over boulders and flows through a flat plane before falling down to a series of pools. The Bopath Ella dresses up in all its glory in May when the area experiences a heavy rainfall. There is a big natural pool area where you can enjoy a refreshing dip during the dry season.
Dunhinda Falls
The 64-meter-high Dunhinda waterfall is a sight to behold. Nestled in Badulla, the waterfall gushes over a rocky ledge and falls down creating a breathtaking scene. Its misty spray of water that is almost otherworldly has given its name ‘Dunhinda”. However, the two-kilometer trek through a winding path is quite challenging. Nevertheless, once you reached the viewing platform, all your efforts are rewarded. The main entrance to the waterfall is conveniently located on the Badulla-Mahiyanganaya main road.
St Clair’s Falls
Hung like a huge satin curtain from the cloud scenery amidst lush greenery and rolling tea fields in Talawakelle, St Clair’s Falls is probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Its moniker ‘Little Niagara of Sri Lanka’, highlights its significant width among other waterfalls in the country. St Clair’s has two main levels through which its milky white waters plunge down, captivating the onlooker. You can get a clear view of the waterfall from the Hatton-Talawakelle Road.
Diyaluma Falls
Located in Koslanda on the Colombo-Badulla highway, Diyaluma is Sri Lanka’s second largest waterfall. Plunging from a staggering height of 720ft, Diyaluma is a truly magnificent display of nature. The waterfall was given the name Diyaluma, which in Sinhala means ‘liquid light’ as people often take amiss the water spraying on to its rocky outcrops for mist. As there is a designated viewing area, you can easily strike a pose with this magical waterfall as your backdrop. The upper portion of the waterfall consists of some natural pools, ideal to take a dip. But the hike up the waterfall is not for the fainthearted.
Laxapana Falls
Laxapana Falls plummets over near the Maskeliya Oya in the Nuwara Eliya district. At 126 meters, it is the eighth-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This stunning cascade is nestled in the foothills of Seven Virgin Hills in Maskeliya.. Laxapana means a thousand lamps and it’s a mystery why the waterfall was given such a name. Set against the surreal backdrop of the Seven Virgin Hills and surrounding greenery, Laxapana conjures images straight out of a fairytale.
Devon Falls
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Devon Falls is named after a British planter ‘Devon’, who was the pioneer in introducing the planting of coffee to Sri Lanka. The cascading beauty starts her descend as a narrow strip and gradually widens as she snakes down. The 318ft Devon Falls can be viewed from the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya Road. Also, you can walk through a scenic tea plantation and go near the falls. Against the sheer black of the rock that it plunges down from, the immaculate white stream looks utterly breathtaking.
Aberdeen Falls
At 98 meters, Aberdeen Falls is hidden amidst the calm environs of Ginigathhena. You have to walk along well-maintained stone-cut stairs to explore this waterfall. The long stream of white froth and foam falls into a night-blue pool. Surrounded by a serene mountainous forest, Aberdeen Falls is a dreamlike vision. The crystal clear pool beneath is clam enough for swimming.
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