Bambarakanda and Lanka Ella falls

Standing 263 meters tall, Bambarakanda falls is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 299th highest waterfall in the world.

From the Kalupahana junction, turn off from the A4 highway on to the Ohiya road and travel approximately 5 Kms to reach Bambarakanda falls.

A little after Bambarakanda comes into view by the side of the road, there is a small footpath that leads into the shrubs. Follow this footpath until it crosses a stream. Thereafter there are a series of steps and a concrete walkway that leads you to the Bambarakanda base pool and newly built observation deck.

Bambarakanda seen from the roadside

Bambarakanda - on a day when there was more water

The path to the base pool

Newly built walkways

Crystal clear water at the base pool

Less than a year ago, Bambarakanda falls was in a pristine environment inside a pine forest accessible only through a footpath. With the construction of an observation deck and concrete walkways, this has become more accessible and unfortunately the cost of development is that it is no longer a pristine hidden waterfall. Avoid long weekends if you want to avoid crowds.

Note: The above clip was taken before the observation deck was constructed

The good news is that your trek does not have to end here. There is a footpath that takes you to the top of Bambarakanda falls through the pine forest and a branch path that leads to Lanka Ella falls. Since these are not so easy to access and less well known, for the moment at least they are free from crowds.

The path through the pine forest

The view while climbing - seen far below is the road where we started from

Side view of Bambarakanda from the top

A look out point with a 360 degree view of the surroundings

 At the top of Bambarakanda falls, there is another waterfall cascading down into a pool that then falls down the precipice to form the main Bambarakanda falls.

The cascade at the top of Bambarakanda falls

A waterfall on top of a waterfall, the water from this base pool spills over a precipice forming the main Bambarakanda falls

The view from the top

And down she falls..

If you take the branch path to Lanka Ella, you will come across a waterfall where the base pool has an uncanny resemblance to the island of Sri Lanka (hence the name). The water cascades into the Puttlam/Mannar area and flows out of the Batticaloa area.

The path to Lanka Ella

Lanka Ella

Note the shape of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is to your right. Water cascades in from Mannar and flows out of Batticaloa

Bambarakanda Eco Resort is a small family run lodge where you can enjoy a typical Sri Lankan meal. Call ahead for reservations. The proprietor - Mrs. Sera Mayakaduwa is a wealth of knowledge about the area and can recommend other nature trails for those who want more adventure. You can even stay overnight at Bambarakanda Eco Resort but keep in mind that this is a back to basics sort of accommodation so don't expect any luxuries. Compensating this of course is the magnificent view of the Bambarakanda falls and the hospitality from Mrs. Sera and her family.

Bambarakanda Eco Resort with Bambarakanda falls in the background