Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
May it be an elegantly cascading beauty that requires a few hours of hiking to reach, or a gushing mass of impatient waterfall you randomly encounter by the roadside, Sri Lanka has it all covered. Having the highest waterfall density in the world, with a recorded 382 waterfalls spread throughout the country, Sri Lanka is the place to see all kinds of waterfalls.
Fed by two half-yearly monsoons, rivers rush down the rocky precipices and form spectacular waterfalls. Only some of these picturesque waterfalls can be viewed easily, while others are located inside thick forests and around tea plantations.
The waterfalls in Sri Lanka are well distributed and are not confined to the hill country. Colombo District has four waterfalls; two of which are just four meters each, with the others being 10m and 15m. Kurunegala District has one waterfall of six meters, and Gampaha and Hambantota districts each have two. The largest number of waterfalls is in the Ratnapura District (109), followed by Nuwara Eliya (75) and Kegalle (40). Some of the waterfalls have interesting folk tales and legends attached to them.
1. Baker’s Waterfalls
Fed from Belihul Oya, the Bakers Falls cascade down from the Horton Plains near World’s End. With the spectacular backdrop of mountains and surrounded by rare black monkeys and rhododendrons in bloom, its icy water forms a curtain of mist around it. It is named after Sir Samuel Baker, who discovered it.
2. Bambarakanda Ella
Though not often visited due to its remote location, Bambarakanda Falls boasts being the tallest waterfall in the country. Standing 263 meters high, it is the 299th tallest waterfall in the world and is a seasonal waterfall that reaches peak capacity from October to March. Situated in Kalupahana in the Badulla District, it is only four miles away from the Colombo–Bandarawela road in a forest glade, accessible via the Haputale–Kalupahana Road and 22 km from Balangoda, the closest town. Bambarakanda Falls is formed by a branch of the Walwe River known as Kuda Oya. With breathtaking views around and picturesque scenery from the mountain’s top, one should not miss this place on their bucket list, as the entire stream sways due to strong winds blowing across it.
3. Bopath Ella
Taking the shape of a “BO” leaf, Bopath Ella boasts the highest turnover of visitors due to its convenient location at Devipahala off Kuruwita on A4 High Level Road close to Ratnapura. At a height of 30 meters, this heart-shaped fall captures the hearts of passing travelers and tempts them to stay.
4. Devon Waterfalls
Devon Falls are 97 m high and are located at 1,140 m above sea level, situated in the Devon Tea Plantation, named after a pioneer coffee planter called Devon. It is located 6 km west of Thalawakale in Nuwara Eliya District and is formed by the Kothmale Oya, a branch of the Mahaveli River. It is one of the most magnificent falls in the country, with several cascades adding to its beauty and a clear space in front that magnifies its gigantic nature.
5. Diyaluma Waterfall
With an impressive height of 220 m, Diyaluma is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is often mistaken for the highest. It is located 6 km away from Koslanda in Badulla District and flows towards Kirindi Oya underneath a bridge on the highway from Beragala to Wellawaya. The name in Sinhalese means “rapid flow of water,” and it lives up to its name, especially in the rainy season. According to local legend, gods, seeing the heartbreak of a prince whose runaway romance ended in the death of his sweetheart, created this beautiful cascade to weep forever in the wilderness. The top of the fall is famous as a camping site
6. Dunhinda Waterfall
Although significantly smaller than the tallest waterfalls at 64 meters, Dunhinda is one of the most talked-about waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It rivals almost all waterfalls regarding natural beauty. Situated about 2 km from the main road that runs to Taldena from the remote city of Badulla in the Uva Province, it is easily accessible and frequently visited. In the native tongue, “Dun” means mist or vapour, symbolizing the curtain of mist the falls spray around their surroundings. On the way to Dunhinda, “Kuda Dunhinda” (“Kuda” means small in Sinhala) can be seen, which is the prologue to its mighty brother. It is formed by the Budulu Oya River that flows through the mountain border of Uva highlands. The 2 km track is worth the sight of this beauty.
7. Kirindi Oya Waterfall
The Kirindi Oya Falls is the third largest waterfall in Sri Lanka, cascading down 200 meters. It is situated near Katupitiya Road, between Ratnapura and Pelmadulla. A footpath near a local tea factory leads quite close to the falls.
8. Mapanana Ella
Mapanana Falls are found at the foot of the “Sri Pada” (Adam’s Peak) range and are one of the tallest and most beautifully formed falls in Sri Lanka. Meandering down from a height of about 150 meters, it carries cool, crystal-clear waters from springs originating in the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Getting closer to this fall, however, can be quite dangerous due to sudden gushes of water, especially during the rainy seasons.
9. Olu Ella
Dancing through several cascades before finding its way under a wooden bridge along the road, Olu Ella adds to the rustic scenery of the village. Situated in a remote village called Malalpola off Yatiyantota on the High Level road from Avissawella to Nuwara Eliya, Olu Ella is quite famous among travelers, even if the locals take it for granted. You can experience the refreshing feeling of water spray on your face as you cross the wooden bridge at the foot of the falls.
10. Ravana Ella
Being one of the widest known with a reckless reputation, the Ravana Falls is also an important location narrated in the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. Situated in the Dry Zone off Welimada, the falls are a tourist hotspot and a water source for villagers who cultivate the surrounding mountain. The cave behind the Ravana Falls, aptly named Ravana Falls Cave, is said to be the place where King Ravana held the kidnapped Sita captive. Though not a contender for the tallest title at 25 meters in height, it has its unique charm of being wild. It is located 6 kilometers away from the famous Ella railway station. The fall is fed by a tributary of the River Kirindi and is visible from the Ella-Wellawaya road.
11. Rikille Ella
Rikille Ella is an elegant waterfall in a serene landscape situated on the remote but motorable road from Bulathkohupitiya to Dedugala, both very small villages in the hill country. Rikille, which stands for a twig, aptly conveys the aura of the thin and elegant falls, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
12. St. Clair’s Waterfall
Situated close to the main road from Avissawella to Nuwara Eliya, St. Clair’s Waterfall cascades down in two tiers, inviting regular bathers because it is fairly easily reachable from footpaths downhill through green tea shrubbery. Named after a British colonist, it can also be seen from the Main Line rail track close to Talawakelle. St. Clair’s Falls are called the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka” for being one of the widest waterfalls in the country. It is 80 meters high and situated 3 km west of Talawakelle town on the highway at Hatton – Nuwara Eliya. It is one of six waterfalls formed by the Kotmale Oya (a tributary of the Mahaweli River) due to the Kotmale Hydropower Project.
13. The Lovers Leap Ella
The 100-foot-high Lovers Leap begins its journey as a fountain on the southern slope of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala, and can be seen from Nuwara Eliya town.
14. TGalagediyana Ella Falls
This 35-foot-tall waterfall is situated quite close to Colombo, just off Dedigama. It is also located near the Kotavehera Dagaba, known for its caves and magnificent stone arch. The name of the falls is derived from the heap of rocks from which it wildly cascades down, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
15. Ramboda Ella Falls
This gigantic fall consists of three distinct steps, with the first being 100 meters tall, situated in the jungle above the A-5 road (near the 53 km post). The second flows close to the road and is 3 meters tall, while the final step is also 100 meters tall, flowing down to the Ramboda basin. The Ramboda Inn, situated in the basin, offers a spectacular view of the entire waterfall, with a curtain of mist engulfing the top section of the falls.
16. Poona Oya Ella Falls
Situated right next to the Ramboda Falls, Poona Oya Ella is another waterfall that descends to form the Ramboda basin. It is one of five waterfalls that flow into the Kotmale River. It is a twin waterfall about 100 meters tall, with both falls located about 4 meters apart.
17. Bomburu Ella
Located in a rural valley situated between the borders of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, away from any road, Bomburu Ella is a beauty that travelers make an effort to witness. It is a seasonal waterfall that sometimes almost dries up during the dry season, making December to January and April to May the ideal seasons to make the trip. Not only the falls, but the surrounding area is also known to be breathtaking. The water of Bomburu Ella comes from several sources, such as the famous Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, and flows to Badulu Oya, which feeds into the Uma River, eventually moving the water to Randenigala and Victoria valleys. Bomburu Ella can be reached from Perawella via Uduhawara or Welimada, Nuwara Eliya, or from Welimada via Bandarawela.
18. Dhuwili Waterfalls
Situated in Kalthota near Balangoda in the Sabaragamuwa District, Dhuwili Ella is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Falling into the Samanalawewa valley (which literally means the butterfly tank valley), this waterfall is accessible through a 27 km vehicle trip from Balangoda and a 3 km walk from Kalthota. Samanalawewa can also be accessed from Belihuloya and Pambahinna. Belihul Oya, which feeds Dhuwili Ella, is known as the purest waterway in the world. Due to the sheer amount of water that flows through this waterfall, it can be quite dangerous to swim.
19. Aberdeen Falls
Aberdeen Falls is situated in the Kehelgamuwa mountain range, 6 km away from Nuwara Eliya. This spectacular waterfall, formed by the Kehelgamuwa River, is 98 metres (322 feet) high. It is named after Aberdeen, the capital of Aberdeenshire, which is the third largest city in Scotland.
20. Laxapana Falls
With a height of 126 metres, Laxapana Falls is recognised as the eighth highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Maskeliya area in the Nuwara Eliya District. With its outstanding beauty, it stands at the end of a rugged road, reminding us that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
21. Alupolla Ella
Alupolla Ella is 200 feet high and has three cascades. The waterfall is located 25 km away from Ratnapura, the Gem City, within the Wewalwatte village.
Feed and Interact with Elephants
- Get up close and personal with the elephants during feeding sessions, where you can hand-feed these gentle giants and witness their incredible dexterity and intelligence. Engage with the resident elephants in a safe and controlled environment, learning more about their unique personalities and habits from the knowledgeable staff.
Elephant Rides
- Embark on thrilling elephant rides and elephant-back safaris. Experience the beauty of the landscape from a new perspective by riding through the lush surroundings of the orphanage. Traverse scenic trails and verdant forests atop these gentle giants, immersing yourself in the natural splendour of Sri Lanka while creating unforgettable memories.
Explore the Pinnawala Elephant Museum
Delve into the rich history and cultural significance of elephants in Sri Lanka at the Pinnawala Elephant Museum. Discover fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and insightful information about the orphanage’s conservation efforts and the importance of elephant preservation. Gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the tireless work being done to protect them.
Souvenir Shopping and Local Cuisine
Take a stroll through the vibrant market stalls surrounding the orphanage, where you can shop for unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and locally made goods. Indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at nearby restaurants, savouring traditional dishes that tantalise your taste buds and reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage promises a truly unforgettable experience filled with excitement, wonder, and heartwarming encounters with these magnificent creatures. Whether you choose to participate in feeding sessions, embark on an elephant ride, or explore the museum, you are sure to create cherished memories that will stay with you long after you leave. So, pack your sense of adventure and embark on a journey to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where nature’s wonders await you at every turn.
FAQ Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Frequently Asked Questions)
Pinnawala elephant orphanage to Kandy
1.5 Hrs journey on a car / Public buses available. Take Kegalle Rambukka bus from orphanage and come to Karandupona junction (Kandy – Colombo road) and take a bus towards Kandy. Both aircon & regular buses available. Route numbers are 01 / 08 / 38. Buses are readily available from 6 AM to 9 PM
Pinnawala elephant orphanage details / general info
B199, Rambukkana, Sri Lanka
Pinnawala elephant orphanage schedule / time table
Open 8.00 AM till 5.00 PM. 365 days open for public
How far is pinnawala elephant orphanage from colombo
Approximately 3 hrs journey (One way) and you may do an excursion within a day if you leave 6.30 AM from Colombo to witness 9.15 AM bottle feeding
Pinnawala elephant orphanage to Colombo airport distance
Approximately 80 KM / 2.5 Hrs journey) This time may vary with traffic conditions)
Is pinnawala elephant orphanage open on Poya days / Public holidays
Yes