favicom.ico

Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Discover spectacular cascades from towering giants to hidden gems across the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

15 Stunning Falls
Swimming Spots
Photography Paradise

Sri Lanka's Waterfall Wonderland

Sri Lanka's mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall create perfect conditions for spectacular waterfalls. From the towering heights of Bambarakanda Falls to the unique leaf-shaped Bopath Ella, the island's cascades offer diverse experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you're seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply a refreshing swim in natural pools, Sri Lanka's waterfalls provide unforgettable experiences amidst some of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

Waterfall Visiting Guide

Easy Access

Roadside or short walk

Swimming

Natural pools available

Photography

Excellent photo opportunities

Adventure

Challenging hike required

Diyaluma Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
220 meters (722 feet)
Swimmable

Diyaluma Falls

Koslanda, Badulla District
30-minute hike from road
May to September, December to February

Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall, Diyaluma Falls cascades down a series of rocky terraces creating natural infinity pools with breathtaking views. The upper pools offer a unique swimming experience with panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations.

Highlights

  • Natural infinity pools at the top
  • Panoramic valley views
  • Multiple cascade levels
  • Swimming opportunities

How to Reach

Drive from Wellawaya towards Koslanda. Park near the bridge and hike up the marked trail for about 30 minutes.

Photography Tips

Best light in early morning or late afternoon. Use polarizing filter to reduce water glare. Capture both wide shots and detail shots of the pools.

Bomburu Ella - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
50 meters (164 feet)
Swimmable

Bomburu Ella

Nuwara Eliya District
30-minute hike through tea estates
April to September, December to February

Nestled among lush tea plantations in the Nuwara Eliya district, Bomburu Ella is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape. The waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs into natural pools perfect for swimming. The scenic hike through tea estates provides stunning views of the surrounding highlands.

Highlights

  • Beautiful tea plantation setting
  • Natural swimming pools
  • Less crowded than major falls
  • Scenic highland views

How to Reach

From Nuwara Eliya, head towards the tea estates. Local guides can be hired from nearby villages to navigate through the tea plantations.

Photography Tips

Capture the waterfall with tea plantations in the background. Morning light provides the best illumination. Include the surrounding highland scenery.

Bambarakanda Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy to Moderate
263 meters (863 feet)
Swimmable

Bambarakanda Falls

Kalupahana, Badulla District
Short walk from parking area
April to September, December to February

Sri Lanka's highest waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls plunges dramatically from the Horton Plains plateau. Easily accessible yet spectacular,it offers excellent viewing opportunities and a refreshing pool at the base for swimming.

Highlights

  • Sri Lanka's highest waterfall
  • Easy accessibility
  • Swimming pool at base
  • Spectacular single drop

How to Reach

From Haputale, drive towards Kalupahana. Well-marked road leads to parking area near the falls.

Photography Tips

Use wide-angle lens to capture full height. Morning light provides best illumination. Include people for scale reference.

Ravana Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
25 meters (82 feet)
Swimmable

Ravana Falls

Ella, Badulla District
Roadside viewing, short climb to pools
Year-round, best after rains

Named after the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana epic, this easily accessible waterfall is perfect for a quick stop while exploring Ella. Multiple pools at different levels provide excellent swimming opportunities with varying depths.

Highlights

  • Easy roadside access
  • Multiple swimming pools
  • Mythological significance
  • Great for families

How to Reach

Located on the main Ella-Wellawaya road, about 6km from Ella town. Parking available roadside.

Photography Tips

Avoid midday harsh light. Use people in shots for scale. Capture both wide shots and intimate pool details.

Dunhinda Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy to Moderate
64 meters (210 feet)

Dunhinda Falls

Badulla District
45-minute walk through forest
May to September, December to March

Known as the 'Smoky Falls' due to the mist created by its powerful cascade, Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka's most photographed waterfalls. The scenic walk through forest and tea plantations adds to the overall experience.

Highlights

  • Powerful single cascade
  • Misty spray effect
  • Scenic forest walk
  • Tea plantation views

How to Reach

From Badulla town, drive to Dunhinda village. Park at the entrance and walk along the marked forest trail.

Photography Tips

Afternoon light creates rainbows in the mist. Use slow shutter speed for silky water effect. Include surrounding forest in composition.

Baker's Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
20 meters (66 feet)

Baker's Falls

Horton Plains National Park
Part of Horton Plains circular trail
January to March, August to September

Located within Horton Plains National Park, Baker's Falls is a beautiful cascade surrounded by unique montane vegetation. The falls are part of the popular circular trail that also includes World's End cliff.

Highlights

  • Part of UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Unique montane ecosystem
  • Endemic flora and fauna
  • Well-maintained trail

How to Reach

Enter Horton Plains National Park and follow the circular trail. Falls are approximately 2km from the entrance.

Photography Tips

Early morning provides best light and clear conditions. Include unique vegetation in shots. Use wide-angle for landscape context.

Bopath Ella Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
30 meters (98 feet)
Swimmable

Bopath Ella Falls

Ratnapura District
Short walk from road
October to April

Shaped like a Bo leaf (sacred fig leaf in Buddhism), Bopath Ella is unique among Sri Lankan waterfalls. The distinctive shape and easy accessibility make it popular with both locals and tourists seeking a quick nature escape.

Highlights

  • Unique Bo leaf shape
  • Easy accessibility
  • Swimming opportunities
  • Cultural significance

How to Reach

From Ratnapura, drive towards Kuruwita. Falls are well-signposted and parking is available nearby.

Photography Tips

Capture the distinctive leaf shape from elevated viewpoint. Use polarizing filter to enhance water clarity. Include cultural elements in composition.

Ramboda Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
109 meters (358 feet)

Ramboda Falls

Nuwara Eliya District
Roadside viewing
April to September, December to February

Cascading down multiple tiers alongside the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya road, Ramboda Falls is easily viewed from the roadside. The falls are particularly impressive during the monsoon season when water flow is at its peak.

Highlights

  • Multi-tiered cascade
  • Roadside accessibility
  • Tea plantation backdrop
  • Easy photography access

How to Reach

Located on the A5 highway between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Multiple viewing points along the road.

Photography Tips

Include tea plantations in background. Use telephoto lens from road viewpoints. Morning light provides best illumination.

Laxapana Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
126 meters (413 feet)

Laxapana Falls

Nuwara Eliya District
Short hike from road
March to September

Fed by the Maskeliya Reservoir, Laxapana Falls is both a natural wonder and an important hydroelectric site. The powerful cascade and surrounding mountain scenery create a dramatic landscape perfect for photography.

Highlights

  • Powerful single drop
  • Mountain scenery
  • Hydroelectric significance
  • Less crowded

How to Reach

From Hatton, drive towards Maskeliya. Follow signs to the falls viewpoint and park at designated area.

Photography Tips

Include reservoir and mountains in wide shots. Use neutral density filter for long exposures. Respect photography restrictions near facilities.

St. Clair's Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
80 meters (265 feet)

St. Clair's Falls

Talawakelle, Nuwara Eliya District
Roadside viewing
October to March

Known as the 'Little Niagara of Sri Lanka', St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the country. The waterfall cascades in two sections - the 'Maha Ella' (main fall) and the 'Kuda Ella' (little fall). Located along the main road from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya, it offers spectacular roadside viewing surrounded by tea estates.

Highlights

  • Widest waterfall in Sri Lanka
  • Twin cascade formation
  • Easy roadside access
  • Tea plantation setting

How to Reach

Located on the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya road (A7). Multiple viewing points available along the roadside. Well-signposted and easy to find.

Photography Tips

Best light in early morning or late afternoon. Use wide-angle lens to capture both cascades. Include tea plantations for context. Polarizing filter helps with water clarity.

Gerandi Ella Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
30 meters (98 feet)
Swimmable

Gerandi Ella Falls

Dodangoda, Kalutara District
1-hour hike through forest
October to April

A lesser-known waterfall near Colombo, Gerandi Ella offers a perfect day trip escape from the city. The forest hike and natural swimming pools provide a refreshing break from urban life.

Highlights

  • Close to Colombo
  • Forest hiking experience
  • Natural swimming pools
  • Less touristy

How to Reach

From Colombo, drive to Dodangoda and follow local directions to trailhead. Local guides available at village.

Photography Tips

Forest provides natural diffused lighting. Capture both waterfall and forest journey. Include local guide in some shots for human element.

Aberdeen Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
98 meters (322 feet)
Swimmable

Aberdeen Falls

Ginigathena, Nuwara Eliya District
1.5-hour hike through estate
October to March

Aberdeen Falls is a stunning waterfall located within the Aberdeen Estate. The waterfall plunges into a large natural pool surrounded by dense forest. The scenic hike through the tea estate and forest offers great opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the central highlands.

Highlights

  • Impressive height and volume
  • Large natural swimming pool
  • Scenic estate and forest hike
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities

How to Reach

From Ginigathena town, obtain permission and directions to enter the estate. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours through tea plantations and forest.

Photography Tips

Capture the full height from various angles. Use long exposure for silky water effect. Include forest surroundings for context. Morning light filters beautifully through the forest canopy.

Duwili Ella Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Moderate
63 meters (207 feet)
Swimmable

Duwili Ella Falls

Balangoda, Ratnapura District
45-minute hike
October to March

Named 'Dust Falls' due to the fine mist it creates, Duwili Ella is a spectacular waterfall in the Balangoda area. The moderate hike through rural landscapes leads to a powerful cascade with excellent swimming opportunities.

Highlights

  • Fine mist effect
  • Rural landscape hike
  • Powerful cascade
  • Swimming opportunities

How to Reach

From Balangoda, follow local directions to trailhead. Local guides available in nearby villages.

Photography Tips

Capture mist effects with backlighting. Include rural landscape in journey shots. Use fast shutter to freeze water droplets.

Sera Ella Falls - Beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka
Easy
30 meters (98 feet)

Sera Ella Falls

Haputale, Badulla District
Roadside viewing
April to September

A roadside waterfall near Haputale offering easy viewing access during scenic drives through the hill country. The falls are particularly beautiful during the monsoon season when water flow is at its peak.

Highlights

  • Roadside accessibility
  • Hill country scenery
  • Easy viewing
  • Part of scenic drive

How to Reach

Located on the road between Haputale and Bandarawela. Multiple viewing points along the route.

Photography Tips

Include tea plantations and hills in background. Use roadside elevation for elevated shots. Morning mist adds atmospheric effect.

Waterfall Safety & Best Practices

Water Safety

Always listen to the local advice and warnings.Water levels can be increase within a few seconds. Always check water conditions before swimming. Rocks can be extremely slippery when wet.Water levels can be increase within a few seconds. Never swim alone.

Photography Ethics

Respect the environment and other visitors. Don't damage vegetation for photos. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Weather Awareness

Weather can change rapidly near waterfalls. Flash floods are possible during heavy rains. Check forecasts before visiting.

1