The Hill Country is exceptionally beautiful, with crystal clear waterfalls and tea plantations throughout. The temperature in this region stays cool all year round. Everything is green and lush and the landscape is elevated with layers of grass and jagged waterfalls with dense mountain forests. The days drift by in the hill country in Sri Lanka with not much to do but drink tea (in abundance) and absorb the serenity and breathtaking walks and views. Five main mount peaks are the Pirudutalagala (highest 8292’), Kirigalpotta, Totapola, Samanala and Namunukula. Dense forests and vast stretches of green the plantations clinging to the hill slopes along with cascading water falls add exceptional beauty to the area. The temperature is mild unlike in the low country and a welcoming contrast to the heat in Colombo. Exciting towns in the hills are Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Badulla etc.
Sri Lanka’s tea estates, the beautiful scenery that captivated Sir Thomas Lipton - who fell in love with the spectacular scenery around Dambatenne – still remains. From the highest spot in the region — a point known today as Lipton’s Seat. The seemingly endless hills and Lace curtains of water cascade down steep mountains almost abruptly to the southern plains, which stretch as far as the eye can see, all the way to the coast. Hundreds of miles of green velvet smothers the mountainside, whilst the soft mist settles to cloak the surroundings.
The central highlands of Sri Lanka are home to 350 waterfalls. In fact for it’s size Sri Lanka has recorded water falls than another country.
Bambarakanda Falls rank as Sri Lanka’s tallest fall with a height of 263 meters. It is however, a wet season fall. A glorious spectacle from October to March when heavy rains turn it in to an impressive, unbroken deluge. The main access to the falls is along a minor but motorable road via Haputale and Kalupahana. Kalupahana is 22 km from Balangoda or 32 km from Wellawaya. From kalupahana proceeding 3 km along a narrow road through Weerakoongama you come to the gorgeous waterfall.
Dunhinda is another beautiful waterfalls cascading from a height of 210 feet. This is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off Badulla town. The water fall is created by the river called Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town.
It has got this name from the smoky spray that it creates at the bottom of the fall. To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall. If you are brave enough you can reach the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful view of the fall.
It has got this name from the smoky spray that it creates at the bottom of the fall. To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall. If you are brave enough you can reach the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful view of the fall.
Diyaluma fall on the Poonagala Oya rever off the Koslanda- Wellawaya road is another spectacular sight spilling over a straight rock wall. 559 ft in height. It is the 3rd highest water fall in the island. It is 13 km from Wellawaya town and 6 km from Koslanda in the Hills and seen like a soft veil, is seen from the Balangoda – Wellawaya highway too.
Ravana fall is named after the famous king 'Raavana' of the ancient Indian story " the Raamayana". It is on the Ella –Wellawaya road and visible from the main road. Although the main drop is 30 ft in height, it’s a wide fall and the water rushes over several steps adding to it’s beauty. The cave hidden behind the fall is still believed by many to be one of the places where he hid the beautiful princess, Sita, after her abduction from India.
St. Clare’s fall is the widest water fall in Sri Lanka whic is called he "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka". It is situated 3 km west of the town of Talawakele on the Hatton-Talawakele Highway in Nuwara Eliya District. The falls derived its name from a nearby tea estate. St. Clair's Fall is 80m high and hence 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. St. Clair's falls comprises two falls called "Maha Ella" (Sinhalese "The Greater Fall") and "Kuda Ella," (Sinhalese "The Lesser Fall") which is 50m high and was created by a tributary of Kotmale Oya.
Ramboda fall is on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo at Ramboda pass off Pussallawa Sri Lanka. The fall is about 109m and world rank is 729. When you came to Ramboda bridge stop your vehicle and visit go along the footpath at down side of the Ramboda bridge and visit the Ramboda waterfall which is closer to the Ramboda tunnel. Ramboda falls is at downside of the bridge.
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| Ramboda Falls |
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| Misty mountains |
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| St. Clare's Falls |
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| Tea Plantations |
