There’s no better place to be than sitting by a cascading waterfall and listening to its music. In Sri Lanka, you can explore the most breathtaking waterfalls amidst lush nature. The beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka located in southern Asia celebrates nature at its finest. Also affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka dazzles locals and tourists alike with its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, tea plantations and natural rainforests. Feel utterly relaxed as you gaze upon the many falls in the country and watch as the glistening waters flow down. Scroll down to find out our picks for the 10 best waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
1. Bambarakanda Falls
Close your eyes and hear the melodic sounds of Bambarakanda Falls, the beautiful waterfall located at Halmadulla near Kalupahana in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka. Incidentally, Bambarakanda Falls is Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, reaching a towering height of 263 m (863 ft). It also holds the record as the 299th tallest waterfall in the world. Interestingly, this waterfall is formed at the end of a huge stream named Kuda Oya branching out from the Walawe river. From a distance, the waterfall looks spectacular and is accessible via a footpath within dense pine groves that lead to the pool at the bottom of the falls. The upper part of the waterfall is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles for safety reasons.
Bambarakanda Falls
Address: Kalupahana - Ohiya Rd, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Baker's Falls (from USD 40.0)
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Baker’s Falls — the awe-inspiring waterfall situated in Horton Plains National Park. Historically, the waterfall is named after Sir Simon Baker, a famous British explorer who discovered this body of water while hunting around the hilly vicinity during the late 1800s. Rising to 20 m (66 ft) in height, this waterfall has a lengthy pool on top and mini waterfalls at its centre, which are created by rock formations. With abundant fern bushes and flora surrounding the area, Baker’s Falls is a popular attraction for nature lovers, hikers and visitors of the national park. What tourists love most is its easy accessibility and proximity to Nuwara Eliya, a popular tea country hill in Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains-World's End Tour From Nuwaraeliya
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
3. Ravana Falls (from USD 26.4)
Step into the cool and crystal clear waters of Ravana Falls, which is located close to Ella, a tiny town in the Badula District of Uva Province. Also known as Sri Lanka’s widest waterfall, this attraction is only a 10-minute drive away from Ella’s main street. It is also accessible by public bus from the local bus terminus. The waterfall was named after King Ravana, a legend in Hindu mythology and Indian Ramayana epic. With a height of 25 m (82 ft), Ravana Falls amazes tourists with its beautiful rock formations, lush foliage and gushing waters that spiral downwards to a huge pool at the bottom.
Ravana Falls Half Day Tour from Ella, Sri Lanka
Duration: 4hrsDuration
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4. Bopath Ella
Find serenity and peace of mind at Bopath Ella, the scenic waterfall situated near Kuruwita in Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. The unusual name “Bo” is derived from the waterfall’s unique shape. It looks like the leaf of the sacred “Bo” tree. Meanwhile, “path” means leaf in the Sinhala language. This major attraction has a height of 30 m (98 ft) and gets quite crowded over weekends when locals come to enjoy the cool waters of the stream below Bopath Ella. The sights, scents and sounds of nature surrounding the waterfall make it a relaxing place to rest and rejuvenate the senses. Mythology indicates that this waterfall is haunted and that a hidden treasure trove lies within, awaiting discovery.
Bopath Ella
Address: Agalawatta, Kuruwita, HiggasHena - Devipahala Road, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Laxapana Falls
One can describe Laxapana Falls as “astounding,” as it is a waterfall that rises to an amazing height of 126 m (413 ft). It is Sri Lanka’s eighth tallest waterfall, and it features beautiful rock formations with lush green foliage all around. The secluded waterfall is located in Kiriwan Eliya, a little village within the Maskeliya area of Nuwara Eliya District. Laxapana Falls is accessible via a long flight of steps, which leads to a clear pathway that brings you to the natural rock pool. Whilst it may be challenging to climb during the monsoon season, the waterfall is popular thanks to the breathtaking views of cascading waters over rocky precipices.
Laxapana Falls
Address: Laxapana Falls, Laxapana 22034, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Kirindi Ella Waterfall
Be swept away by the picture-perfect paradise surrounding Kirindi Ella Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls found in the Sri Lankan highlands. Located close to Pelmadulla in Ratnapura District, the waterfall’s unique name, “Kirindi,” means pearl and celebrates the gorgeous landscapes and lush forest around the waterfall. Standing at 116 m (381 ft) high, Kirindi Ella Waterfall features interesting rock formations and calming waters at the pool below where visitors can take a refreshing dip. It’s a popular place to capture some sunshine during the day and watch the sunset at twilight.
Kirindi Ella Waterfall
Address: Kuttapitiya, Pelmadulla, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. St. Clair Major Falls
Hear the symphony of sounds akin to nature’s laughter as the cascading waters of St. Clair Major Falls make their way down the mountainside. Renowned as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”, this wonderful waterfall is a multi-level fall that gushes over three separate rock outcrops and forms smaller waterfalls at its centre. Located along Kotmale Oya, a stream that channels from Mahaweli River, this waterfall is among the widest in Sri Lanka. The scenery is captivating, and the sounds of gurgling waters create a sense of peaceful tranquillity as visitors roam the tea bushes that line the steep slope along the waterfall.
St. Clair Major Falls
Address: A7 Tawalantenne - Talawakele Rd, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Devon Falls
Let the sparkling waters of Devon Falls cleanse the mind and soothe the soul. Affectionately known as the “Veil of the Valley”, Devon Falls is surrounded by abundant flora and fauna. Its name originates from a pioneer English coffee planter named Devon who owned a plantation close to the waterfall. Views of the 97 m (318 ft) waterfall can be captured from the front of Saint Claire tea castle, and parking is readily available at this site. What visitors love about Devon Falls are the picturesque mountain views and amazing wildlife such as monkeys that swing from the trees.
Devon Falls
Address: Nawalapitiya - Dimbula Road, Dimbula, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Aberdeen Falls
Be amazed by the stunning views of Aberdeen Falls, a majestic waterfall located close to Ginigathhena, in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. With a height of 98 m (321 ft), Aberdeen Falls is accessible to visitors via a side road from Norton Bridge to Kitulagala. This leads to a steep stairway that brings visitors to a viewing platform close to the waterfalls. For adventure seekers, this attraction offers a good hike. Tourists can trek across jungle terrain to view the waterfall close-up. Swimming in the pool at the bottom is not recommended due to strong underwater currents.
Aberdeen Falls
Address: Kalawaldeniya Rd, Ginigathhena, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Dunhinda Falls
Known as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dunhinda Falls is surrounded by lush natural greenery. Located in Sri Lanka’s lower central hills, and it is around 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Badulla, the main city in Uva Province. Dunhinda Falls reaches 64 m (210 ft) in height. It is accessible via a small yet scenic jungle trail that leads to a viewing platform close to the waterfall. Look closely and you may capture the sight of a beautiful rainbow through the misty vapour, formed by sunlight streaming through the cascading waters. It’s a great place to take plenty of Instagram-worthy photographs.
Dunhinda Falls
Address: Mahiyangana Rd, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD (200 LKR)
Capture the wonderful sights of waterfalls in Sri Lanka
When sunlight and a waterfall come together, everything else fades from the scene. Experience a sense of harmony and serenity at the many natural waterscapes in Sri Lanka. Sometimes, you don’t need magic to disappear as all you need is a gorgeous destination. Make Sri Lanka your destination and discover its many attractions. Among its finest attractions are the 10 best waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
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