Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped country, is famous for its magnificent waterfalls. Many of these hundreds of waterfalls are inaccessible in Sri Lanka, and that probably makes them even more magical. The accessible ones are also no less surprising – powerful nozzles of water fall with full force from a height that gives you goose bumps. Moreover, it is surrounded by lush green forests and rocky terrain. If that sounds like a landscape that you often fantasize about, it’s time to make your dreams come true.
Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
From a comprehensive list of Sri Lankan waterfalls, check out the ones you must visit on your first trip to the country. Listed in ascending order of height, these falls are popular, easily accessible and utterly magical at the same time.
1. Bakers Falls
Beckers is a popular waterfall in Sri Lanka, sprinkled amid the brightness of pink-purple rhododendrons and lush green ferns. Named after the famous British explorer, Sir Samuel Baker, it is among the largest of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls that form many rivers as they descend.
Height: 20 meters
How to reach: Bakers is an easy short trip from Horton Plains National Park.
Tip: Avoid it during the rainy season, both the path and the waterfall are risky at that time.
2. Rowana Ella
Expect some crowds as Ruana is a popular fall in the country. One of the widest falls in Sri Lanka, looks absolutely stunning in the rain. However, the water level decreases significantly during the holiday season. It is named after Ravana who also appears in the Indian epic Ramayana.
Height: 25 meters
How to reach: Only 20 minutes drive from Ella in Badulla.
Tip: Don’t miss Ravana Ella Cave, which is more than 11 km from Bandarawela.
3. Bopath Ella
Among the many picturesque waterfalls of Sri Lanka, Bopath is unique. It derives its name from its resemblance to the sacred Po leaves. The most surprising feature is its shape, being captured by two narrow rocks and then expanding into a mesmerizing waterfall.
Height: 30 meters
How to Reach: Located in the village of Agalawat, it can be easily reached by car.
Tip: The designated catchment area is safe for tourists and locals to bathe.
4. Dunhinda Falls
You cannot miss Dunhinda while talking about the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Formed by diverting the Badulu Oya River, it is known for the mist surrounding smoke.
Height: 64 meters
How to reach: 5 km from Badulla city can be covered in a tuk tuk, but you have to walk 1 km.
Tip: You’ll see Kuda Dunhenda, another captivating fall, but the path is muddy.
Must Read: 10 Dropping Dead Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka You Should Check Out Now
5. St. Clair’s St.
St. Clairs is called Niagara Falls in Sri Lanka, and it consists of Maha and Kuda Falls. It gets its name from the neighboring tea plantation, which is undoubtedly a stunning waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Height: 80 meters
How to reach: 3 km away, Talawakeli is a town in Nuwara Eliya town. There is a 500m walk through the tea gardens, just before the falls.
Tip: The surrounding tea gardens are perfect for relaxing for a while. Enjoy the beauty of the place before returning.
6. Devon Falls
Ranked 19th among Sri Lanka’s highest waterfalls, Devon stands out for its beautiful tiered formation. Named after the English coffee planter (yes, again!), Devon is also as popular as the Veil of the Valley. This is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls near Colombo.
Height: 97 meters
How to reach: 6 km from the town of Talawakelle, located on the A7 (Colombo-Nuwara Eliya) motorway.
Tip: If you are playing an adventure game, you can reach the base of Devon by descending through the tea plantation. Contact the locals to find out the best route.
7. Ramboda Falls
At 945 meters above sea level, this scenic waterfall makes for an unforgettable experience. This is the 11th highest waterfall in the tea country.
Height: 109 meters
How to reach: It is located in Pusselawa, on the A5 motorway, only 15 minutes from Katukithula
Tip: Stay at Ramboda Falls and let your soul take in the beauty of the area.
8. Kirinde Ella
Kirindi Oya Falls is a sight to behold. Just 5 km from the A4 motorway, it is one of the least famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The cascade stream forms a group at the base, but the descent can be tiring.
Height: 116m
How to reach: 7 km from Kuttapitiya Road, which is reached by taking a left 600m before Kuttapitiya Junction.
Tip: Be careful of the water level, especially when you are closer to base.
9. Dialuma Falls
Dialuma Ella ranks second among Sri Lanka’s waterfalls and sixth in the world, and it is a very charming sight. It acquires the shape of a horse’s tail after falling and jumping over a cliff.
Height: 220 meters
How to reach: It is located 6 km from Koslanda, Badulla District.
Tip The last kilometers of the road are in poor condition.
10. Bambarkanda Falls
Surrounded by a dense pine forest, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka is one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. This ponytail fall consists of a tributary and a loe.
Height: 263 meters
How to reach: Off the A4 motorway (Colombo – Batticaloa), it’s 5 km in a narrow valley from Kalupahana.
Tip: You can cover the last 5 km by road, but the road is bad, and it may be worse during rain.
11. Laxapana Falls
Laxapana Falls is the eighth highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. According to folklore, this is the place where Buddha fixed the saffron robe, while visiting Sri Pada. This rocky waterfall gets its name from the Sinhalese words laksa meaning one hundred thousand and bhana meaning rocks.
Height: 126 meters
How to reach: It is located in Meskelia district in Nuwara Eliya district
Tip: The rocky falls are usually slippery. Be careful as you walk around the waterfall and do not step on loose rocks.
12. Elgin Falls
The beautiful Elgin Falls are named after the main town of Elgin in Moray in Scotland. The waterfall is wonderfully visible when traveling on a train to Nanu Oya to Ambewela.
Height: 25 meters
How to reach: Elgin Falls is located in Amboela
Tip: Walk on the regular path or path and do rather try new paths around the waterfall as it increases the risk of accidents.
