Lanka Ella
A quiet waterfall near Kalupahana, about a kilometre on foot from Bambarakanda Falls, pouring over a rock ledge into a deep pool in the forest.
Lanka Ella is the quiet neighbour of Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, near the village of Kalupahana. While Bambarakanda draws the crowds, Lanka Ella sits about a kilometre away along a forest path, and most people who make the walk have it almost to themselves. The water pours over a wide rock ledge into a deep, dark pool surrounded by boulders and greenery.
The walk is part of the fun. From the Bambarakanda area, a path leads through the pine forest and then along a stream to the fall. It is not long, but it is uneven and slippery in places, so wear proper shoes. Locals in Kalupahana are usually happy to point you the right way if you are unsure where the path turns off.
The pool looks inviting, but please take care. It is deep, the rocks around it are very slippery, and conditions change quickly after rain. Enjoy it from the edge rather than jumping in. The fall is at its fullest during and after the rainy months, and quieter in long dry spells.
Because it is so close, Lanka Ella is easy to add to a visit to Bambarakanda. Hikers on Wangedigala, the peak above Kalupahana, can also see both falls from the ridge on a clear day. Go in the morning, before the afternoon cloud and showers, and take your rubbish back with you.
At a glance
- Entry fee: A small entry ticket is sometimes charged locally. Check on the day.
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours, including the walk
- Best time: Morning, during or just after the rainy months
How to get there
Near Kalupahana, off the A4. Follow the road to Bambarakanda Falls, then walk about 1km through the pine forest to Lanka Ella. Around an hour from Haputale by road.