Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

The wet highlands make Sri Lanka one of the best countries in Asia for waterfalls, and you rarely have to walk far to find one. Bambarakanda is the island's tallest at 263 metres, Diyaluma tumbles past natural infinity pools you can bathe in, and Ravana Falls near Ella is so close to the road you can see it from the bus.

The falls are fullest just after the rains, when they are at their most dramatic but the rocks are also at their most slippery, so take care near the edges and pools. Bring footwear with grip, go early for the best light, and check locally before swimming, as flows can rise fast after upland rain.

Waterfalls to visit in Sri Lanka

Baker's Falls — A wide, tiered waterfall tucked into the cloud forest of Horton Plains, framed by rhododendron and fern, reached on a short spur off the main loop trail.
Bambarakanda Falls — Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, dropping 263 metres down a sheer rock face near Kalupahana in the Badulla highlands, framed by pine forest.
Bomburu Ella Falls — One of the tallest waterfall cascades in the region, tumbling in stages down a green valley near Nuwara Eliya, reached on a scenic walk past vegetable farms.
Devon Falls — A graceful 97 metre waterfall named after a pioneer coffee planter, framed by tea slopes and seen from a viewpoint on the Hatton road.
Diyaluma Falls — Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall at 220 metres, crowned by a chain of natural infinity pools that look out over the Koslanda valley.
Dunhinda Falls — A powerful 64 metre waterfall known as the Bridal Falls for its constant misty spray, set in forest just outside Badulla town.
Galwala Ella Falls — Galwala Ella Falls is a beautiful hidden waterfall located in the scenic hill country of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and unspoiled natural landscapes, the waterfall offers a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to experience the quieter side of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Its crystal-clear waters and tranquil setting make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hunas Falls Waterfall — A pretty waterfall in the Elkaduwa hills above Kandy, dropping beside a hotel of the same name, with cool tea-country air and short walks nearby.
Lover's Leap Waterfall — A slender waterfall on the slopes of Piduruthalagala just above Nuwara Eliya, named for a tragic local legend, reached on a short walk through a tea estate.
Ramboda Falls — A tall twin-stream waterfall dropping over 100 metres beside the A5 highway on the climb to Nuwara Eliya, easily seen from the road and a nearby viewpoint.
Ravana Falls — One of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls, tumbling around 25 metres right beside the Ella to Wellawaya road. Named after the legend of King Ravana, it makes an easy roadside stop.
Sera Ella Falls — A scenic waterfall tucked into forest near Meegahakiwula in the Badulla hills, quieter than the roadside falls and surrounded by good short walks.
St. Clair's Falls | Saint Clair — One of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, once called the Little Niagara of the East, spilling in broad curtains across the valley near Talawakele.
Top of lover’s leap waterval — Lover's Leap Waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, nestled amidst rolling tea plantations and the cool, misty landscapes of the central highlands. Cascading from a height of approximately 30 meters, the waterfall is fed by streams originating from Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Its crystal-clear waters, tranquil surroundings, and scenic beauty make it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers exploring the hill country.
Upper Diyaluma Waterfall — Above the main 220 meter drop of Diyaluma Falls, a separate tier of cascades and pools sits at the very top of the cliff, a spot travelers have increasingly come to treat as its own distinct destination rather than simply the source of the more famous plunge below.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka?: Bambarakanda Falls in the central highlands is the tallest at about 263 metres. It is at its most powerful during and just after the rainy season.
Which waterfall can you swim at?: Diyaluma Falls has natural pools at its upper level that are popular for a swim, reached by a short uphill walk. Always check the current and never swim right at the lip.