The 10 Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's central highlands wring the moisture out of two monsoons and send it tumbling off the escarpments in hundreds of waterfalls, from roadside cascades to multi-tier giants hidden behind tea estates. The tallest, Bambarakanda, drops 263 metres through pine forest, while Diyaluma's terraced upper pools have become one of the island's most photographed natural swimming spots. Most of the famous falls cluster around the hill country roads between Kitulgala, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Badulla, making them easy to string together on a tea country road trip. They are at their thundering best just after the rains, from October to January.

1. 01

   Bambarakanda Falls

2. 02

   Diyaluma Falls

3. 03

   Ravana Falls

   A wide, roaring cascade tumbling down the hillside on the road below Ella, tied to the legend of the demon king Ravana.

   Ella · Free entry

4. 04

   Devon Falls

5. 05

   St. Clair's Falls

6. 06

   Dunhinda Falls

   A powerful 63 m waterfall near Badulla, nicknamed the bridal-veil falls for the misty spray that cloaks its plunge.

   Badulla · LKR 200

7. 07

   Ramboda Falls

8. 08

   Baker's Falls

9. 09

   Bopath Ella Falls

   A shapely 30 m waterfall near Kuruwita whose cascade narrows into the form of a sacred bo (fig) leaf.

   Ratnapura · LKR 300

10. 10

    Laxapana Falls

More collections