Scenic drive from Balangoda to Norton Bridge

The B339 motorway is a little used road leading from Balangoda to Bogowanthalawa. While there is a decent amount of traffic till Pinnawala town, from there onwards till you reach Bogowanthalawa it's a stretch of wilderness and estates with hardly any vehicles.

The real treat for the nature lover begins when you pass the small town of Pinnawala and enter the patches of tea estates and the forest stretch. The motorway acts virtually as a border between the Horton Plains and Adams Peak nature reserves and you can enjoy a stretch where it is just jungle on both sides. As with all roads in the hill country, you are also guaranteed plenty of scenic views throughout the journey.

One of mother nature's architectural wonders

Plenty of little roadside streams and mini waterfalls say hello to you

The scenic journey begins

Tea estates and forest patches complement each other

Pine forest stretches make you question whether you are still in a tropical country

Misty conditions creeping in

In mere moments the road ahead disappears in mist

Just when you think the best part is over, you reach the outskirts of Bogowantalawa - the home of tea. The pristinely green tea estates are picture postcard perfect. I am sure you won't be able to resist stopping and enjoying the scenery here.

Yes we have reached the heart of tea country

From Bogowantalawa onwards, the road continues until it reaches the Adam's Peak/Maskeliya route at Norwood.

From here you can chose to head towards Hatton or further enhance your journey by traveling along the B149 towards Maskeliya and then the B328 towards Norton bridge and enjoy more panoramic views of the Castlereigh and Moussakele reservoirs as well as the many tea estates on the way. If you chose to do this, don't forget that Laxapana and Aberdeen waterfalls are not too far away and should not be missed.

Yes, we are still in Sri Lanka. This church was constructed using British architecture in 1878.

Laxapana in full flow - taken during the rainy season from the roadside

Laxapana falls

Located between Norton Bridge and Maskeliya on the route to Adam's Peak, Laxapana waterfall is clearly visible from the roadside at a distance and is a popular stopover point for Adam's Peak pilgrims. However, we decided to include Laxapana on Uncommon Paths due to its irresistible beauty and also because not many take the effort to actually visit the base of the waterfall and even less are aware that you can visit the top of the waterfall.

Laxapana is 126 meters high and is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is formed by the Maskeli Oya which eventually flows down to become a part of the Kelani river.

Laxapana in full flow as seen from the roadside - taken during the rainy season

To reach the base of Laxapana falls, you need to descend an umpteen number of steps - this is all well and good on the way down, but not so fun climbing up. :-)

Approaching the base of Laxapana falls

After having your fill of Laxapana falls, return to your vehicle and ask for directions to reach the top of the waterfall. Do not miss this opportunity (don't worry, there are only a few steps to descend this time).

The top of Laxapana falls is a flat slab of rock with a small stream that suddenly plummets down to create Laxapana falls. Please be extremely cautious if you are approaching the edge. Sign boards in the area clearly indicate that the water level can suddenly increase without warning and if you are not cautious, this can be life threatening.