The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's central highlands catch the rain from both monsoons, feeding hundreds of waterfalls. Many are easy to visit on a road trip between Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale. Falls are fullest after the rains — roughly May–July and October–January — but most flow all year.

Bambarakanda Falls

At around 263 metres, Bambarakanda is Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, dropping in a thin ribbon down a cliff among pine forest near Kalupahana, south of Haputale. A short walk leads to the base. It's off the main tourist route and wonderfully quiet. Water flow can be low in the driest months.

Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma, Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall at around 220 metres, plunges off a rock face beside the Haputale–Wellawaya road. The real highlight is the upper falls: a steep hike of about 45 minutes (with a local guide) leads to a series of natural rock pools above the drop, with views over the plains. Swim only when the water is calm and stay well away from the edge.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is a broad, tiered waterfall on the road below Ella, linked to the Ramayana legend of King Ravana. It's easy to visit by tuk-tuk from Ella. Very busy, but impressive after rain. See our Ella hikes guide.

Dunhinda Falls

Near Badulla, Dunhinda is reached by a 1.5 km forest path with monkeys and views of the river gorge. The falls throw up a fine mist ("dun" means smoky). It's a pleasant detour from Ella.

St Clair's Falls and Devon Falls

Both are visible from the road between Hatton and Talawakele, among the tea estates:

• St Clair's Falls — one of the widest in Sri Lanka, often called the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka".
• Devon Falls — a tall, slender fall named after an English coffee planter.

Viewpoints with tea shops overlook both. They're easy stops on the way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or on a tea country drive — see our tea country guide.

Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls sits near the A5 road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, beside the tea factories of the Ramboda Pass. Walk down from the hotel above for close views.

Baker's Falls

Inside Horton Plains National Park, Baker's Falls is part of the World's End loop walk. Visit early in the morning.

More waterfalls

• Lovers' Leap near Nuwara Eliya — a short walk through tea plantations.
• Aberdeen Falls near Ginigathena — a short, steep walk to a large pool.
• Bopath Ella near Ratnapura — shaped like a Bo leaf, popular with local families.
• Laxapana Falls near Maskeliya.

Safety

• Never swim above a waterfall when the water is high or after rain upstream — flash floods happen suddenly.
• Rocks are extremely slippery. Wear shoes with grip.
• Watch for leeches in wet forest.
• Use local guides for hikes to upper falls such as Diyaluma.

For more walks in the hills, see our best hikes in Sri Lanka.