Rainforests and Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
Dense rainforests such as Sinharaja and Kanneliya are UNESCO World Heritage sites that provide sanctuary for rare flora and fauna. The waterfalls of Sri Lanka, like the breathtaking Diyaluma Falls and the tranquil Bambarakanda Falls, cascade down hillsides and provide scenic spots for nature lovers to explore and unwind.
Water Falls in Sri Lanka
Diyaluma Falls
Height: 220 meters (720 feet)
Diyaluma is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is located near the town of Koslanda, and it’s known for its dramatic beauty, with the water cascading from a height and forming beautiful pools. Diyaluma is often visited by travelers exploring the area around the famous Ravana Falls.
Location: Koslanda, Badulla District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Laxapana Falls
Height: 126 meters (413 feet)
Description: Laxapana Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Maskeliya area and is fed by the Maskeliya Oya. The waterfall is often less crowded compared to others, making it a serene place to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Location: Maskeliya, Nuwara Eliya District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 100 km (3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Devon Falls
Height: 97 meters (318 feet)
Known for its picturesque beauty, Devon Falls is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The waterfall is surrounded by tea plantations, adding to its beauty. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is a popular stop for tourists traveling to Nuwara Eliya.
Location: Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 180 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
St. Clair’s Falls
Height: 80 meters (262 feet)
St. Clair’s Falls is often referred to as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka." It is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located near the town of Talawakele. The fall consists of two main drops, with the water cascading over rocks in a series of small falls.
Location: Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 120 km (3-4 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Kadiyanlena Falls
Height: 65 meters (213 feet)
Kadiyanlena Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Ginigathena. The waterfall is part of the Agra Oya River and is often quieter than some of the other falls, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Location: Ginigathena, Kegalle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 90 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Dunhinda Falls
Height: 64 meters (210 feet)
Dunhinda Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located near the town of Badulla. The waterfall is known for its misty appearance, which is caused by the water hitting the rocks below. It is surrounded by dense forests, making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
Location: Badulla, Uva Province
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September (post-monsoon)
Galboda Falls
Height: 50 meters (164 feet)
Galboda Falls is located in the Kegalle District and is a relatively secluded and peaceful waterfall. The waterfall cascades over rocky terrain and is surrounded by thick forests, which makes it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Ginigathena, Kegalle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 90 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Wavinna Falls
Height: 50 meters (164 feet)
Wavinna Falls is located in the Ratnapura District and is known for its serene and isolated setting. It is less visited by tourists, making it a hidden gem for those looking to experience natural beauty away from crowds.
Location: Ratnapura District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 95 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Beragala Falls (Lanka Ella)
Height: 50 meters (164 feet)
Located near the town of Beragala in the southern part of Sri Lanka, this waterfall is a hidden gem, surrounded by tropical forests. The waterfall is easily accessible from the main road.
Location: Beragala, Ratnapura District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 120 km (3-4 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Sirisena Falls
Height: 50 meters (164 feet)
Sirisena Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Kalutara District. The fall is known for its dramatic plunge and the surrounding scenery of dense foliage.
Location: Kalutara District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 50 km (1.5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Kinellan Falls
Height: 50 meters (164 feet)
Kinellan Falls is situated near the town of Gampola in the central hills. It is a relatively small but beautiful waterfall, set amidst lush greenery and tea plantations.
Location: Gampola, Kandy District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 75 km (2 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Lunugala Falls
Height: 40 meters (131 feet)
Lunugala Falls is located in the Uva Province, and the waterfall is a serene and tranquil spot. The area is relatively less known, which makes it ideal for a peaceful nature retreat.
Location: Lunugala, Badulla District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 210 km (5-6 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Listed below are some of the smaller waterfalls which is less than 100 feet in hight
Bopath Ella Falls
Height: 30 meters (98 feet)
Bopath Ella is a stunning waterfall that resembles the shape of a bo leaf, making it unique. It’s located in the Ratnapura district and is often visited by travelers heading toward the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, adding to their beauty.
Location: Kuruwita, Ratnapura District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 90 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Maussakelle Falls
Height: 30 meters (98 feet)
Located in the Nuwara Eliya District, Maussakelle Falls is a stunning waterfall that is slightly off the beaten path. The waterfall is surrounded by tea plantations and is known for its beautiful, serene setting.
Location: Nuwara Eliya District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 120 km (3-4 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Thangamale Falls
Height: 30 meters (98 feet)
Thangamale Falls is located in the Kegalle District, near the town of Mawanella. This waterfall is not very well known, making it a peaceful spot for visitors who enjoy nature in its raw form.
Location: Mawanella, Kegalle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 80 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Ruwanwella Falls
Height: 30 meters (98 feet)
Ruwanwella Falls is located near the town of Ruwanwella, and it is a serene and less-traveled waterfall. The fall flows down from a lush hilltop and is surrounded by dense jungle.
Location: Ruwanwella, Kegalle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 90 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Makandawa Falls
Height: 25 meters (82 feet)
Situated in the Kegalle District, Makandawa Falls is a peaceful and lesser-known waterfall. The fall is relatively small but is surrounded by a beautiful forest, making it a great place for nature walks.
Location: Near Kegalle, Kegalle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 90 km (2.5-3 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Ravana Falls
Height: 25 meters (82 feet)
Located near the town of Ella, Ravana Falls is named after the legendary king Ravana from the Ramayana. It is a popular tourist spot due to its picturesque surroundings and easy access. The waterfall is particularly beautiful during the rainy season when the flow is strong.
Location: Ella, Uva Province
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to March (dry season)
Seetha Amman Kovil Falls
Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
Located near the famous Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, this small but beautiful waterfall is associated with the Ramayana myth, believed to be the place where Sita was held captive by Ravana.
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 180 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Kalu Wala Falls
Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
Kalu Wala is a lesser-known but beautiful waterfall located in the western part of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by forest and tea plantations, it offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the usual tourist crowds.
Location: Near Neluwa, Galle District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 125 km (3-4 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Rukmalgama Falls
Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
This waterfall is located near the Rukmalgama area in the Sabaragamuwa Province. It's a beautiful waterfall set in a tropical jungle and offers a refreshing spot for a short stop.
Location: Rukmalgama, Sabaragamuwa Province
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 85 km (2.5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Baker’s Falls
Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
Baker's Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located within the Horton Plains National Park. It is named after the famous British explorer, Baker, who is believed to have discovered the waterfall. The fall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Location: Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 180 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to March (dry season)
Wangedigala Falls
Height: 15 meters (49 feet)
Wangedigala Falls is located in the Ratnapura District. It is a quiet, serene waterfall often visited by those traveling through the area to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Location: Ratnapura District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 100 km (3-4 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: March to August
Ritigala Falls
Height: 15 meters (49 feet)
Ritigala Falls is located in the Ritigala Mountain Range, which is a protected nature reserve. The waterfall is relatively small but beautiful, located in an area of significant archaeological interest and biodiversity.
Location: Ritigala, Anuradhapura District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 190 km (4-5 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nagala Falls
Height: 10 meters (33 feet)
Nagala Falls is a smaller waterfall located in the Uva Province, in the area surrounding the Gal Oya National Park. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and is a perfect spot for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
Location: Uva Province
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 300 km (6-7 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Pahiyangala Falls
Height: 10 meters (33 feet)
This small yet beautiful waterfall is located near the Pahiyangala Rock, which is one of the largest cave temples in Sri Lanka. The waterfall is relatively easy to access, making it a good spot for a quick visit.
Location: Near Pahiyangala Rock, Kalutara District
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 60 km (1.5-2 hours by car)
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Other Notable Waterfalls:
Maha Oya Falls (Ratnapura District)
Kundasale Falls (Kandy District)
Hunas Falls (Nuwara Eliya District)
Heerassagala Falls (Kandy District)
Walawe Falls (Moneragala District)
Pahanthudawa Falls (Kandy District)