Sri Lanka is a country with a lot of waterfalls. There are over 400 on the entire island. Some have natural pools to bathe in, while others are more rugged and can only be seen from a distance. Here’s a list of the most stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Laxapana is one of the most important waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It forms part of the source of energy for the water plant of the same name. Quite easy to get to by car and only requires a bit of a hike, Laxapana is a misty wonder over a deep base pool. The location of this waterfall is in the highlands, so the weather is a bit cooler than the coast.
Laxapana Falls, Nuwara Eliya 072 796 9883
Baker’s Falls is one of the widest in Sri Lanka, consisting of many little streams rushing down a rock face. Only a bit of a hike away from Horton Plains, this is an easy waterfall to visit. Beware that when it has rained the entire area becomes very slippery. The greenery is very pretty in this area, full of ferns and rhododendrons.
Bambarakanda is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, towering at 263 meters over the base pool. There is no access to the pool but the downpour can be seen from a little road that climbs up the hill. Bambarakanda looks at its most impressive after the rains but is even harder to get to due to the mud.
Bopath Ella is a favorite for it’s unique shape. The name Bopath means, Bo leaf. The Bo tree is the sacred tree of Buddhism and very important in the island. Bopath Ella resembles a Bo leaf with its thin short stream that opens up to a wider fall towards the bottom. Bopath Ella is quite easy to visit as it’s in vicinity of a village close to the mining town of Rathnapura. It’s possible to swim in the base pool.
Bopath Ella waterfall, Agalawatta, Kuruwita, HiggasHena – Devipahala Road, Kuruwita 011 2 489231
Ravana Falls is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ella, a country town in the central highlands. There is lots of hiking in this area, including Adam’s Peak and Horton Plains. Ravana Falls is easy to see and is most beautiful in the rainy season. There is also a cave close by that can be visited.
In the middle of the Bambarakotuwa Jungle, Kirindi Ella falls is a towering waterfall that splashes into a great big base pool. Local legend says that there is treasure at the bottom of the pool but many droughts and dry seasons have cast doubt on this tale. Who knows, maybe the treasure is deep under the mud? Visiting Kirindi Ella is easy from Ratnapura or Pelmadulla. There are paths that take visitors to a viewing platform, the base and also the top of the waterfall.
This waterfall located in Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful due to its setting in between tea plantations. Very photogenic, St. Claire’s waterfall is a local favorite.
