Top 5 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is blessed with natural beauty in many forms. With variations in landscapes and elevations, particularly in the midlands, travellers to these regions can witness some of the most stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Several of these 400-odd waterfalls have natural pools in which you can bathe, while others are best enjoyed from afar. Often, most people consider the dry season (March-September) to be the best time to visit waterfalls in Sri Lanka. However, the rainy season (October-January), too, can be ideal to take in the view of some waterfalls which look all the more impressive in full gusto. Below, we’ve handpicked what we believe are the top five best waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

1. Ravana Falls, Ella

Drive from Colombo: 6.5 hrs (5 hrs via Southern Expressway)

One of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Ravana Falls in Ella is one of the widest in the country. It is best enjoyed during the rainy season of October-January. Named after the mythical King Ravana, it is around 25m high, and is located within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary which is also home to the Ravana Ella Cave, where archaeologists have uncovered evidence of habitation from 25,000 years ago. The sanctuary is within close proximity to Horton Plains and Adam’s Peak.

2. Baker’s Falls, Horton Plains

Drive from Colombo: 6.5 hrs

This beautiful waterfall, at 20m high, is also one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It comprises of many streams cascading over a rockface, and can be easily accessed and enjoyed at close proximity when hiking through the lush vegetation of Horton Plains National Park. The park is home to many wildlife, including the sambar deer, and bird species. Baker’s Falls in Sri Lanka is named after the explorer Sir Samuel Baker, and is most vivacious, yet serene, during the rainy season of October-January. However, care must be taken when visiting during this season, as the surrounding area gets slippery with a strong spray from the waterfall.

3. Gartmore Falls, Nuwara Eliya

Drive from Colombo: 5.5 hrs

Gartmore Falls in Sri Lanka is also known as Sri Pada/Adam’s Peak Falls due to its close proximity to the Sri Pada Mountain/Adam’s Peak. At around 25m in height, it lies within Gartmore Tea Estate and falls into the Maskeliya Reservoir. The waterfall has two parts- the lower fall, and the upper fall where visitors can bathe and relax in a natural pool formation which offers a breathtaking infinity pool-style view of the reservoir and its luscious surroundings. About 500m west of Gartmore Falls is Moray Falls, which is of a similar height and can be framed picturesquely together with Gartmore Falls when viewed from across Gartmore Estate.

4. Bambarakanda Falls, Badulla

Drive from Colombo: 4.5 hrs

Nestled amidst a pine tree forest, this 263m waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The scenic drive to the falls through tea plantations is calming, while the sight of the majestic waterfall itself is truly awe-inspiring. Being visible from afar, the vista changes depending on where you view the waterfall from, enabling photography enthusiasts to capture the natural wonder in seemingly different settings. Bambarakanda is ranked 299th among the tallest waterfalls in the world, and is most beautiful during or just after the rainy seasons.

5. Bopath Ella Falls, Ratnapura

Drive from Colombo: 2.5 hrs

Bopath waterfall gets its name from the resemblance of its shape to the ‘bo’ leaf- narrow at the top, and gracefully widening as it cascades down a 30m fall. It is the most extensively studied waterfall in the country, and is surrounded by primary forest, which makes it a great spot for nature enthusiasts to relax at. With its close proximity to Ratnapura town, the waterfall is quite easy to access, and visitors can enjoy their time bathing and relaxing in the wide base pool, while basking in the stillness of the surrounding forests.

Best Way to Do a Waterfall Driving Tour in Sri Lanka

If you’re a waterfall-chaser, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of natural wonders, a waterfall driving tour would be ideal for an extra bit of relaxation and enjoyment while in Sri Lanka. Here’s the route that we suggest you take if you’re setting off from Colombo:

Colombo
(2.5 hrs)
Bopath Ella Falls (Ratnapura)
(4.5 hrs)
Gartmore Falls (Nuwara Eliya)
(3.5 hrs)
Baker’s Falls (Horton Plains)
(2.5 hrs)
Bambarakanda Falls (Badulla)
(2 hrs)
Ravana Ella Falls (Ella)

For this route, we suggest making a two-night stop in Nuwara Eliya, as well as in Ella. Of course, you could add more stops and stays along the way as you please!

Considering comfort and flexibility, it would be best to rent a vehicle to complete your waterfall driving tour. Kings Rent-a-Car offers a reliable fleet of vehicles at highly competitive rates. We offer everything from saloon cars to SUVs and 4WDs with the options of self-drive or chauffeur service. The latter would be the better option for increased safety, better route efficiency and local expertise. Our five-star service includes add-on options of child/infant car seats, jumper cables, first aid kits and GPS-enabled tablets are available.

Visit Kings Rent-a-Car online for rates and options, or WhatsApp us on +94 77 773 9492 for information and inquiries.