Sri Lanka’s steep slopes of the mountain ranges are the place where hundreds of rivers and streams originate. Rushing to the Indian Ocean, they cut picturesque canyons in the rocks, surrounded by tropical jungles and form beautiful waterfalls. Check our list of best waterfalls in Sri Lanka, worth visiting.
Top 5 Sri Lanka Waterfalls
Those, who explored this country a lot state that the most beautiful waterfalls are inaccessible for easy walks of holidaymakers. Only well-equipped climbers know how to get to the steep beds of mountain rivers, lost in dense evergreen forests.
But still there are dozens of beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, that are quite easy to access and allow to enjoy the views, and also are great for swimming. You can book a trip to Diyaluma Falls from Ella here .
Here is the list of TOP 5 waterfalls in Sri Lanka every tourist should visit. Keep reading to learn more about how to visit, their locations and best season to explore.
Bambarakanda Falls
This waterfall is the tallest one in the country. It brings down the waters of the Oya River from a 263-meter ledge 5 km from the A4 highway.
Bambarakanda falls is located in the center of the island, in the province of Uva, about 240 km from Colombo, near the town of Badulla, one hour drive from Horton Plains National Park.
At the foot of the waterfall there is pretty shallow pool, which is very popular among tourists. The best time to visit Bambarakanda falls is during March till May.
St. Clair’s Falls
This Sri Lanka’s waterfall is located 3 km from Talawakelle town and about 25 km away from Nuwara Eliya. The water of Kotmale River cascades down among green terraces planted with tea bushes.
You can also visit tea estate of the same name with veranda where tourists can try different types of tea.
This place is easily accessible, but the entrance to the base of the falls is prohibited.
Ramboda Falls
At an altitude of 945 m above sea level is the Ramboda Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Sri Lanka. There is a natural pool where you can swim among the stones. Locals consider water temperature of + 18 ° C to be icy, but cool bathing in the tropics is pleasantly refreshing for foreign travelers. There is 2 km trek uphill.
Visit to Ramboda Falls is included in the day tour to tea plantations. A beautiful view opens from the observation deck behind Sicily Nature Resort. On the upper plateau you will find some great photo spots. You can get there along a mountain path winding through the jungle.
Ravana Falls
Ravana waterfall is very close to the mountain town of Ella. It is named after one of the heroes of the ancient epic Ramayana. From here you can walk to the low mountain peaks or visit mysterious cave nearby.
There are signs about the potential risks that worth checking if you’re planning to get to the highest falls point.
Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka
Diyaluma waterfall is the second largest in Sri Lanka 220-meter high, with several observation points and natural pools where you can swim. Remember to take precautions. Make sure to take enough water and snacks, hiking to the top of Diyaluma falls will take up to 3 hours. This place is one of the must-visit during your Sri Lanka vacation.
Best time to visit falls in Sri Lanka
If waterfalls in Sri Lanka are your target points, it’s better to plan your visit during the following months: December, April or July. During these months, the rivers are full, the cascades are the most spectacular, and the sunny weather favors hiking along the forest paths.
Monsoons reign over the island from mid-March to June and in October/November, bringing heavy rains. Stormy mountain rivers overflow their banks, and waterfalls simply amaze with their unbridled power.
The roar of falling water is carried for many kilometers, reflected by a booming echo. But during heavy rains, it is uncomfortable and dangerous to go to the observation platforms: the mountain paths are washed out, making such a trip simply unsafe.
During dry periods (January/March, August/September), the rivers become smaller and the waterfalls do not look as impressive.
How to visit
You can get a map of the waterfalls of Sri Lanka in local travel agencies, here they will help you choose a convenient route and tell you how to get to the nearest viewing platforms. Views of some waterfalls open directly from the windows of sightseeing buses climbing the serpentines of mountain highways. Many cascades are hidden in the jungle, you will have to go along narrow steep paths in order to see them.
