Aberdeen Falls, Sri Lanka

Aberdeen Falls is a 98-metre waterfall on the Kehelgamu Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River, near the small town of Ginigathena in the western hills. A broad curtain of water drops into a wide, dark pool surrounded by forest. It's one of the most beautiful falls in the country, and it sees far fewer foreign visitors than those around Ella. The name comes from the Scottish city, a legacy of the planters who opened up these hills.

Getting to the falls

From Ginigathena, on the main road between Kitulgala and Hatton, a narrow side road runs about 6 km towards Norton Bridge to a small parking area. From there, a concrete stairway leads down through the forest to the viewing area at the base. Expect around 20 minutes going down and longer coming back up, as there are several hundred steps. The path is easy to follow, though it's steep in places and slippery when wet.

The side road is narrow and winding. A tuk-tuk from Ginigathena is the simplest way to do it, and most drivers will wait.

Do not swim

The pool looks inviting, and you may see people in it. Please stay out. The pool is deep, with underwater rocks and strong currents near the falling water, and a number of people have drowned here. Water levels can also rise quickly, because the river is controlled by hydropower dams upstream. Enjoy the view and the spray from the rocks at the edge, and keep children close.

When to go

The falls carry the most water during and after the rains, from about May to September and again in October and November, when the western slopes of the hills are at their wettest. From January to March the flow is lower, but the path is drier and the weather is more reliable. Mornings tend to be clearer than afternoons.

Leeches are common on the path in wet weather, so wear long socks. There are few facilities, so carry water.

Nearby

Laxapana Falls, another of Sri Lanka's tallest waterfalls, is a short drive further on, and the two are often visited together. Kitulgala's white-water rafting is about 30 minutes west, and Hatton's tea country lies to the east. It makes a fine stop if you're travelling from Colombo to Hatton or Adam's Peak. Our waterfalls guide compares the island's best.