Sri Lanka is blessed with innumerable
waterfalls. In fact the island nation has highest waterfall density
(number of waterfalls per unit area) in the world. There are some
103 rivers and streams in Sri Lanka. Radiating from the hills, fed
by two half-yearly monsoons, these rivers rush down the rocky
precipices and form spectacular waterfalls. Only some of these
picturesque waterfalls can be viewed with ease, while others are
located inside thick forests and around tea plantations.
Bambarakanda Ella:
Bambarakanda Ella is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a
height of 263m (865 feet). It is a seasonal waterfall and is at its
peak capacity October to March. The main access to the falls is
along a minor but motorable road via Haputale and Kalupahana.
Kalupahana is 22 km from Balangoda or 32 km from Wellawaya. From
Kalupahana proceeding 3 km along a narrow road through Weerakoongama
one can reach the fall. The beauty of the fall is that the whole
stream sways to and fro due to the very strong winds blowing across
it.
Diyaluma Waterfall:
Diyaluma is the 2nd highest waterfall of Sri Lanka with a height of
559 foot. Fed by the Poonagala Oya, the fall is13 km from Wellawaya
town and 6 km from Koslanda in the Hills. The fall has a folklore
attached to it. According to a legend Gods, seeing the heartbreak of
a prince whose runaway romance ended in the death of his sweetheart
whom he had tried to haul over the Diyaluma precipice, created this
beautiful cascade to weep forever in the wilderness.
Duhinda Falls:
Duhinda is a spectacular waterfall situated close to Badulla, an
ancient hill capital. Fed by Baduluoya, a tributary of Mahawelli
Ganga, the fall is 210 foot high. To reach the fall, one has to
travel about 5 km from Badulla along the Mahiyangana road, and trek
for another 2 km, away from the main road.
Galagediyana Ella:
This waterfall is very close to Colombo can be reached off
Dedigama-where the famous Kotavehera Dagoba is located. The fall is
35 foot high and presents a breathtaking sight. Literally
Galagediyana means large number of stones and it is one of the
widest falls in Sri Lanka.
Ravana Ella:
Ravana Ella is one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka. The fall is
connected to the legend of Ramayana. The cave hidden behind the
falls is believed to be one of the places where Ravana hid Sita. The
fall is fed by a tributary of River Kirindi and is visible from the
Ella-Wellawaya road. The fall has a height of about 30 foot and
plunges over a series of steps into the valley.
Bopath Ella:
Bopath Ella is a spectacular waterfall situated close to Colombo.
The fall has a height of 100 foot. The name Bopath Ella derives from
its perfect heart-shaped head, much like the leaf of the sacred Bo
tree. Due to its proximity to Colombo, the fall is a favorite picnic
spot .
Saint Claire Waterfall:
Saint Claire is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is composed of
two waterfalls-"Maha Ella" and "Kuda Ella". "Maha
Ella" is 80m high and falls in three cascades down to Kothmale
fall. "Kuda Ella" is 60m high and flows to the Kothmale
fall too. The fall can be seen clearly from A-7 road, 3 km off
Thalawakalle.
Devon's Waterfall:
Devon's waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls of Sri Lanka.
The fall is situated in the Devon estate, named after Devon-a
pioneer coffee planter. It is gigantic fall, 318 ft high and has
several cascades that add to its beauty. The clear space in front of
the fall magnifies the gigantic nature of the fall. It can be
reached via Hatton-N'Eliya road and it is off Lindula by the
roadside.
Alupolla Ella:
Alupolla Ella fall has a height of 200 ft and is composed of three
parts. The fall is located 25 km away from Ratnapura in the
Wewalwatte village.
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