Bambarakanda Falls

TheThis fall, due to its sheer drop of 241m, is the highest in the whole of Sri Lanka. Set amid an evergreen forest, it is formed by the Uduweriya Haputale mountains' Kuda Oya (river), a tributary of the Walawe River. It cascades in a torrent (especially in the wet season) from a rocky outcrop into a deep, basin-like pool. To the left of the fall, centuries of wind and rain have formed what is said to resemble two embracing lovers out of the rock.

Bambarakanda Falls is situated in the Badulla District, Handumulla PC. From the Colombo - Badulla highway, turn left for Weerakoon village and continue for 5km to the fall. The terrain is relatively difficult, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Belihul Oya rest-house is 18km away, and Koslanda rest-house is 27km. World's End, another of Sri Lanka's major natural tourist attractions, is just 18km away.

Diyaluma Falls

At 171m, this is the third highest fall in Sri Lanka. The torrent of water cascades down to the Koslande Plateau and during rain it is a spectacular sight. Sadly, this enchanting fall visible from the Koslande highway may disappear due to frequent landslides. On one side of the fall the land is covered in deciduous plants. Wildlife found in the area include lizards.

The fall is steeped in folklore. One story tells of how a king had fallen in love with a young woman belonging to a lower caste. This affair enraged the king's subjects so the lovers decided to flee. Arriving at the site of the fall, they began climbing upwards. The king made it to the top but the creeper the woman was hanging onto became entangled in rocks and she plunged to her death. It is said that the tears shed by the king in his grief were collected by a deity and turned into the fall as it stands today. RL Brohier, a scientist and historian from the UK who served in the Surveyor General's Department, kept records detailing his intimate knowledge of Sri Lanka and its inhabitants. Amongst them was a story concerning Diyaluma Falls, which is said to have been Brohier's favorite fall. It is a tragic story dating from 1910, which local village elders still remember. Two tourists, Harris and Ashna decided to climb up the fall but it was Ashna who made it to the top first and began to descend again.

Alupola Falls

The 60m fall derives its name from a nearby tea estate. It is served by a brook beginning at Kalugaldova on the southern slope of the Bathurugala Mountain (1047m). After being joined by numerous other small brooks, the water winds its way through the mountain jungles to Wewell Dola, where it forms the Walawe River. This is met by the Heendole stream before forming the elegant fall.

The upper reach of the fall is home to species such as elk, sambur deer, wild boar and reptiles. The lower reaches are abundant with water leeches. Thereafter, the water cascades from a rocky ridge giving rise to the small Halketiya Falls.

Even in a drought the water continues to fall as a small stream, and due to the moisture, even as the midday sun shines overhead, a damp environment prevails. A hydro-electric power station has been built by damming Alupola Falls in Bellangama, and the power generated is used by the Wewell Watte Tea Factory. Water is also supplied to the government tea factory. However, mining around the fall itself has damaged the aquatic eco system and if steps are not taken immediately to remedy this, the fall may be destroyed. On a number of occasions, sudden water surges associated with the fall have occurred, causing several deaths.

Ratnapura is the nearest city to the fall that is situated on a tea estate bordering a stretch of the Sri Pada Jungle. Take the road from Ratnapura to Bambarakotuwa and Wevel Watha, which then winds through lush plantations and the villages of Kudamagaka, Ravuladola, Pollwatte and Rilegama until reaching the Egarasland and Halwatura summit junctions. From here, turn left and follow the short winding road to the twin falls. Due to the difficult terrain, a four-wheel drive vehicle is the best mode of transport. The Ratnapura rest-house is 27km away.

Abberdeen Falls

The impressive 98m fall makes up a section of the Kehelgamuwa River and joins the Maskeli River at Kalugala before flowing into the ocean via the Kelani River. Unfortunately, the Norton Bridge dam constructed under the Lakshapana Project has decreased the volume of water in the fall, but it continues to cascade except in severe drought conditions. According to folklore, there is a tunnel leading from Aberdeen Falls to the neighbouring Lakshapana Falls (see number 147) - the supposed opening of which can be seen near the Puna River.

Aberdeen fall is located 6km from the Nuwara Eliya District in the Kehelgamuwa mountain range, which encompasses an area made up of Ginigathhena, Norton Bridge, Lakshapana and Maskeliya. There are a number of routes to the fall. The first involves using the Maskeliya - Dehigasthena road, and then trekking for a distance of about 2km. Alternatively, catch a bus from Norton Bridge to Kalawelldeniya and trek from the 3rd mile post for a distance of about 1km, but watch out for wild terrain and abundant leeches (Hirundine spp). Or thirdly, start from Ginigathhena town and head for Ella Uda. When the Alagala village is reached in Hulanwanguwa, Aberdeen Falls is visible from a distance.

Surathali Fall

Surathali fall is 60m in height, 2m wide and made up of three segments. It is named after a film that was shot in the area.
Originating from the Sri Pada Reserve's Ellamana mountain range (948m), the fall is created by the Kadawath ganga, which flows along Sabaragamuwa, Uva and later into the Weli ganga. It is bordered by an untouched wildlife sanctuary. Take the Balangoda - Badulla road to the 169 - 170th mile posts, between Halpe and Marangawela.

Kirindi Ella Fall

This water fall belongs to Rathnapura district. The height of this water fall is 117 metres. This water fall starts from Kuttapitiya mountain. This is created by Kirindi Oya. At the base of the fall, the water plunges into a deep pool called Diyagathwala. Rathnapura Pelmadulla road and turn from Kuttapitiya junction. Then there are 7 k.m. to reach this water fall.

St. Clair's Fall

St. Clair's Fall is 80m in height and at 50m wide, and consists of two segments, known as 'Big St. Clair' and 'Small St. Clair'. Created by the Kotmale River, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, it flows down a slope through an abandoned tea estate. In the Nuwara Eliya District, the fall is located 1.5km from Talawakele.

Bopath Fall

Just 15 kms from the Colombo- Ratnapura road, it falls from a height of 100ft into the Kurd gang river. The formation itself is a rare beauty with a perfectly heart shaped head, resembling the leaf of the sacred Bo tree, hence the name Bopath. Also a popular picnic spot, it is bound to take your breath away.

Rawana Ella

Situated in the Ella -Wellawaya road, this beautiful water fall lies visible from the main road itself. The water rushing down over several steps adds more hues to it s sublime beauty. The main drop, however, is 30 ft. In height. It derives its name from the mythical king Ravana of the great Indian epic The Ramanya.

Dunhinda Falls

The Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off Badulla town. The waterfall, which is 210 feet (64 m) high gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, (Dun in sinhala means mist or smoke) which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The water fall is created by the river called Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town. To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall. If you are brave enough you can reach the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful view of the fall.