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Top Waterfalls in Sri Lanka You Must Visit

Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise, is famous for its spectacular waterfalls that cascade through lush rainforests, creating breathtaking natural wonders. These island-wide waterfalls provide a cool getaway from the busy capital while offering chances for hiking, swimming, and just taking in the beauty of the natural world. All those looking for adventure and peace should check out Sri Lanka’s waterfalls, which range from the majestic Victoria Falls to the undiscovered treasures buried in far-off villages.

Top 7 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

1. Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is one of the top stunning waterfalls located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, near the town of Ella in the Badulla District. Named after the legendary king Ravana from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, the falls are an important part of Sri Lankan folklore and heritage. The waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 82 feet over a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque and serene natural attraction.

Ravana Falls is particularly popular among tourists and locals for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the pools at the base of the falls. The surrounding area is lush with tropical vegetation, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers. The falls are easily accessible from the main road, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the Ella region and its many other attractions, such as tea plantations, hiking trails, and ancient temples.

Why Ravana Falls is important?

Ravana Falls is full of history and legend. According to local legends, King Ravana from the epic Ramayana used to hide Princess Sita in the caves behind the waterfall. This makes Ravana Ella an important place for both nature lovers and history buffs. Imagine standing where ancient legends took place!

The waterfall is about 25 meters high, and the water cascades down like a white curtain. The area around Ravana Ella is lush and green, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. It’s also a great spot for a cool dip on a hot day. The hike to the falls is fun and gives you a chance to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife and plants up close.

2. Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, near the town of Pussellawa. It cascades down from an elevation of about 3,100 feet and is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Rich greenery surrounds the waterfall, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. Ramboda Falls is a popular tourist attraction and is easily accessible by road, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers exploring the region.

How far is Nuwara Eliya from Ramboda Falls?

Nuwara Eliya is approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Ramboda Falls by road. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is quite scenic, passing through lush tea plantations and rolling hills, making it a pleasant journey for travelers.

3. Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka. It is the second-highest waterfall in the country, with a height of approximately 720 feet. The name “Diyaluma” means “rapid flow of water” in Sinhala, reflecting the powerful cascade of water that characterizes the falls.

People admire Diyaluma Falls for its stunning beauty and the natural pools it creates at different levels, which are great places to swim and relax. Surrounded by beautiful green areas and rough ground, the waterfall is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors often trek to the top of the falls to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and to experience the serenity of this natural wonder.

4. Lover’s Leap Falls

Lover’s Leap Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. The waterfall, named after a local legend about two lovers who, unable to be together due to societal constraints, leaped to their deaths from the top of the falls, cascades down from a height of about 98 feet. Rich greenery and tea plantations surround it. The area is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic views and the serene, romantic ambiance of the falls.

What is the significance of Lover’s Leap Falls in Sri Lankan folklore or culture?

Lover’s Leap Falls, situated near Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, holds significance from all the top waterfalls, in local folklore and culture. According to legend, the falls derive their name from a tragic tale of forbidden love. People say that a prince and his lover, unable to be together because of society’s rules, jumped off the top of the waterfall instead of being apart. This romantic legend adds a poignant touch to the natural beauty of the falls, drawing visitors who are intrigued by its story.

5. Bomburu Ella Falls

Bomburu Ella Falls is a captivating waterfall located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, near the town of Nuwara Eliya. It is celebrated for its picturesque beauty and pristine surroundings. The waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 164 feet in multiple tiers, creating a mesmerizing sight amidst the vegetation of the surrounding forest. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the falls, take photographs, and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the area. Bomburu Ella Falls is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and tourists seeking to explore the natural wonders of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

6. Devon Falls

Devon Falls is a delightful waterfall located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, near the town of Nuwara Eliya. It is one of the country’s most famous and tallest waterfalls, cascading down from a height of approximately 318 feet. This waterfall is also surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations same as every other, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors. Devon Falls is a popular tourist attraction and offers a serene and scenic spot for photography, relaxation, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

7. Dunhinda Falls

Dunhinda Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Badulla in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, known for its impressive height and stunning natural beauty. The waterfall cascades down from a height of around 210 feet into a pool below, surrounded by rock formations. Dunhinda Falls is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers visiting the region.

Questions about these Sri Lankan Waterfalls.

Can I swim in Ravana Falls?

Aside from swimming, adventure seekers can also enjoy climbing and trekking nearby rocks.

How much does it cost to go to Diyaluma Falls?

Although the local council has decided to charge an entry fee to Diyaluma waterfall, the cost is quite minimal. It is LKR 350 (around €1 or $1). This was the price in April 2023 and at the time of writing, there was no change in cost.

What is the best time to visit Bomburu Ella Falls?

Visit Bomburu Ella Falls during Sri Lanka’s rainy season which is from October to March. During this period, the waterfall is at its fullest due to rainfall, offering visitors a more impressive and captivating sight. However, accessibility may be affected during heavy rains, so it’s essential to check weather conditions before planning your visit.

Are there any nearby attractions to visit along with Devon Falls?

Sure, there are more things to see near Devon Falls, like St. Clair’s Falls, Pedro Tea Estate, and Nuwara Eliya. These are just the main waterfalls in Sri Lanka out of the 382 waterfalls.

Can I take photographs at Devon Falls?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs of Devon Falls. The waterfall offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during the rainy season when it is at its most majestic.

Is Devon Falls accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels?

Devon Falls is visible from the road, but you may need to walk down steps to get closer. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to access certain viewpoints.

Can visitors bring food or have a picnic near Dunhinda Falls?

Picnicking near Dunhinda Falls is generally not allowed to help preserve the natural environment and prevent littering. However, visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks from the refreshment stalls available nearby.

Is there a hiking trail to reach Dunhinda Falls?

Yes, visitors can enjoy a short hike along a well-marked trail to reach the viewing area near Dunhinda Falls. The hike takes approximately 15-20 minutes from the entrance.

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5* Experience of The Wonder of Asia - Sri Lanka thanks to Green Holiday Since the get go, I had an awesome experience with Chamila, always responsive and our Airport to Airport service (from pickup, travel, hotels 3* and 4* to arranging last night transit hotel then final airport drop at midnight) deserve 5*. Our guide/driver is friendly and always ready to act as per our requirements.

bong T

10/10 would recommend We had an amazing 13 day holiday visiting Sri Lanka. We went on 3x safaris, spent time at the beach, did a cooking class and plenty of sightseeing. Our driver, Romesh was absolutely excellent. He ensured we always had the best seats, tickets and safari drivers. Nothing was too much trouble to ask. After visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, we are so glad we booked with Green Holiday Travels as it made our holiday experience a breeze.

Steph C

Full profesjonalizm Amazing trip, everything was organised perfectly. Amazing views and trips I strongly recommend Green Holiday Travels Ptv

Jakub J

Fantastic experience Amazing trip. Chamila has done a great job. Our driver Denis was an excellent companion. Thanks to everybody. Will look forward to another trip

MAHESH C

Memorable and enjoyable 15 days in Sri Lanka with Green Holidays The green holidays organised our whole trip to Sri Lanka according to our suggestions and requirements. We had a perfect, peaceful and enjoyable 15 days holiday. Pradeep and Rashmi booked the accommodation, vehicle for travel and the the driver/guide within a very short time. They were very prompt in responding to our messages and accommodating our last minute changes. The hotels they booked were comfortable, check in was so smooth and the service was good. We were able to do much more than we anticipated because of their coordination. Our guide/driver Romesh was very polite, trustworthy and punctual. We travelled with Romesh from Colombo to Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kandy and Galle in his car without any incidents and reached safely at the airport on time for our return flight. We thank Pradeep, Jay, Rashmi and Romesh for making our trip a pleasant and an enjoyable one.

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Travel in peace and with Personal contact of Green Holidays We used the services of Green Holiday for our stay in Sri Lanka. They arranged the complete tour picking us up at the Bandaranayaka Airport and taking us to Jaffna, Batticaloa, Bentota, Colombo and Kandy including Ella. Green Holiday provided us with a Chauffeur/ tour guide ( Upul) who knew so much about SriLanka and its History and personally took care of our safety and was with us to ensure our check in at the hotels was flawless. Upul is a honest trustworthy person to rely on and was very caring. Thanks to Green Holidays for providing a knowledgeable person to be with us throughout the trip. We had the pleasure of dealing with Pradeep who planned out our trip to our liking with several changes requested by us and was available on the phone anytime 24/7 to discuss and review options. Rashmi from Green Holidays was our local contact in case of any emergency or for information once we were in in Sri Lanka. We were glad to have the assurance of a personal contact while on vacation. Green Holidays has earned our trust to make our vacation relaxing and trouble free. We recommend Green Holidays as a reliable trustworthy company to book your vacation packages. Their team worked vigorously to ensure our vacation is pleasant, memorable and safe.

Emmanuel P

We had such an amazing trip and we are back with lots of lovely memories. Thanks to Green Holiday for arranging a wonde We had been to Srilanka for 5 days and we did have such a fantastic trip. The whole place was very clean and the natural look was just fantastic

Koushik S

Great driver, great Organisation My boyfriend and i took a two week holiday on sri lanka. One week on road, one week beach holiday. Apart from a little mishap at the start when our arrival time was wrongly put at 09.30 instead of 05.30. However all it took was a quick phone to Dilan our driver who rushed to pick us up immediately. Due to delays on the way here and a little visa issue (always double check your passport numbers twice people) we arrived in the arrival hall at 07.30…once we had called the adventure began at 08.15. Dilan was an absolute godsend. Kept us entertained with facts about the areas we were visiting, made good conversation during our long journeys and got us there safe and sound every time. Dilan would also help us plan out our day and was honest enough when something was either gonna be a rushjob or whenever he felt we weren’t gonna get the best bang for our buck at a certain attraction. which we really appreciated, since we had completely missjudged the traffic and the distances on this journey. He also helped us handle check-ins and check-out and as we later found out when we made excursions of our own, he also kept pesky scammers away whenever we went to visit a place on foot. As for the rest of the trip everything went incredibly smoothly. Hotel staff were super friendly with us and safaris and other tour providers were informed well in advance so that we would literaly rock up, get into another car or jeep or were handed over to a local guide and be on our way right away. So long story short, we would like to thank Green Holiday and Dilan for making our trip the adventure of a lifetime and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone traveling in sri lanka.

Sam B

Great experience Our experience with this company was great. Our guide Upul was very helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We learned almost everything about the history of Sri Lanka from her. The man knew the answer to absolutely everything a really amazing guide and great driver. I can only recommend

Robert P

Absolutely reliable company with best guides. First of all, this company we used for arranging our whole vacation in Sri Lanka worked just perfect. We had no issue whatsoever. For travelling around the island for several days we had a guide Upul. He just was the best! Not only he was driving us around safe, he also knew about history, gave us all the explanations in a very interesting way. He took us in many great, beautiful and even fun places, always stood by our side, guiding us through crowds to the most interesting points and telling us all the information - about history, religions, politics, traditions, nature, you name it. Upul was truly able to answer any question we had. On top of that, he was always smiling, in a good mood, treated us with dignity and patiency. We truly appreciated it and thanks to him and a perfect organization we had the best time in Sri Lanka. I also want to say, that the company manager got in touch with us on the second day, asking how satisfied we were with Upul, checking if everything was ok. It was a nice thing to do. Overall, I truly recommend this company if you want to spend your vacatin with no hassle and great guiding.