The small island country of Sri Lanka is home to some of the most incredible landscapes. Among many things to do on the island, swimming in the waterfalls of Sri Lanka should be on your list!
The lush green rainforest in mountainous central Sri Lanka hides a number of incredible waterfalls. In fact, Sri Lanka has the highest waterfall density in the world! This island country is home to over 380 waterfalls.
Unless you plan on spending the rest of your days here, it will be hard to see them all. That is why you need to know where to find the best waterfalls to add to your Sri Lanka itinerary!
If you’re ready to discover the best waterfalls in this tropical paradise, let’s jump right in!
Overview: The Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
You’ll find the best Sri Lanka waterfalls inland in the hills, away from the sea. But don’t despair, it is possible to swim in many of these waterfalls to escape the heat.
With an average temperature of around 27 – 28°C year-round, cooling off in refreshing water will be much appreciated! However, you will want to plan your visit to avoid the monsoon season in the south.
The best time to visit the waterfalls is from December to May.
Here are the best waterfalls in Sri Lanka:
- Bambarakanda Falls
- Diyaluma Falls
- Bomburu Ella Waterfall
- Aberdeen Falls
- Kadiyanlena Falls
- Devon Falls
- Kirindi Ella Waterfall
- Baker’s Falls
- Ravana Falls
Bambarakanda Falls
With a breathtaking drop of 263 m, Bambarakanda Falls is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Horsetail Waterfall.
If you visit one waterfall, it should be this one. This is understandably the most popular waterfall in the country. Make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds and have it all to yourself.
The best way to visit is on a hike. It takes about 1.5h from the main road through the lush forest. Alternatively, you can also take a tuk-tuk to the waterfall. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee, so have some cash on you.
Bambarakanda Falls is located about 5km from Kalupahana Junction, about 150km east of Colombo.
Diyaluma Falls
At 220m, Diyaluma falls is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
It is located right next to the road, so everybody can admire it. However, to fully appreciate it and get a chance to swim in one of the waterfall pools, go on a hike to the base of the waterfall.
The hike takes about 45 minutes to the main waterfall and another 10 minutes to the higher one. You’ll have plenty of swimming opportunities along the way!
Diyaluma Falls is located about 30km east of Ella and is easily accessible by car or bus.
Bomburu Ella Waterfall
Despite being on the shorter side, at only 50m, Bomburu Ella Waterfall is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This impressive waterfall cascades down, creating a wide curtain of water that covers large boulders along the way.
With a 3km hike to the actual waterfall, it might be the one for more active travellers as it is not accessible by vehicles. You will have to pay an entrance fee, so don’t forget to bring cash.
It is not the best place to swim, as people have complained about the leeches. Still, it is a powerful waterfall to visit, enjoy a picnic (you can get food from the stalls nearby) and admire its beauty.
You’ll find Bomburu Ella Waterfall about 50km from Ella or 90km from Kandy.
Aberdeen Falls
Aberdeen Waterfall looks like it came straight from a fairytale. An almost 100m high stream drops from the cliffs into a large pool.
If the first thing that comes to mind is that it would be amazing to swim in it, you are not wrong! The pool is rather shallow, so it is safe for kids and non-swimmers as well.
This waterfall can easily be reached by car as the paved road leads to the entrance. You can visit the lower and the upper waterfall.
The closest big city is Kandy, about 70 km from Aberdeen Falls.
Kadiyanlena Falls
This tiered waterfall is one of the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka. Recognizable by the stone arch bridge covered in moss crossing the river between two tiers of the waterfall.
You can see the waterfall from the road. However, you’ll want to park your vehicle and go closer to the waterfall to admire its beauty.
Despite looking like an ideal place to swim, the bottom pool is very deep, and swimming is prohibited. You’ll have to save the dip for your hotel swimming pool!
Kadiyanlena Falls is about 40km from Kandy.
Devon Falls
Devon Falls is an almost 100m high waterfall that you can visit as a pit stop on your way to or from Colombo. It is forbidden to access the waterfall, so you can only admire it from the viewing point. Luckily, the viewpoints are just on the side of the main road!
There are two viewpoints to see the waterfall, both with parking space for vehicles. There aren’t any facilities on the side of the road, but many tourists stop at the nearby St. Clair’s Tea Centre where you can have some lunch of traditional Sri Lankan food and a cup of tea.
Devon Falls viewpoints are located on the A7 highway, about 30km from Nuwara Eliya.
Kirindi Ella Falls
This waterfall is over 100m tall, but the water seeps gently down the cliffs, so it is possible to swim in it.
You can visit the top and bottom waterfall, but not from the same spot. From the ticket office, you can walk down the staircase to the bottom waterfall. The upper pool is reached on a hike from Kuttapitiya Tea Factory.
The closest bigger city is Ratnapura, about 80km from Colombo.
Baker’s Falls
One of the most famous Sri Lanka waterfalls, Baker’s Falls is located within Horton Plains National Park. It is right next to the World’s End trail, a must-visit for every outdoor enthusiast that comes to Sri Lanka.
Baker’s Falls is only 22m high but equally impressive as some of its higher neighbours. It is arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, with many little streams rushing down large boulders.
Most people visit this waterfall while hiking the World’s End trail. If you’re not a confident hiker, you can hire a guide at the entrance of the National Park to take you to the falls!
You’ll find Baker’s falls about 30km from Nuwara Eliya.
Ravana Falls
A visit to Ravana Falls is one of the most popular things to do in the Ella region. Located high in the misty mountains, this waterfall is one of the easiest to access on this list. You can see it as you drive down the main highway!
You can swim in the waterfall on a sunny day, but the weather is unpredictable in the mountains, and the waterfall can get quite strong in the rainy season. It is also possible to see it in the distance from the Ella Rock hike.
Ravana Falls is located about 10km from Nuwara Eliya, in the Highlands of Sri Lanka.
Summary: 9 Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
With so many waterfalls to choose from, your trip to Sri Lanka will be filled with incredible waterfall swimming opportunities.
Since most waterfalls are located in the south of the country, you’ll want to adjust your itinerary to make sure you spend time in the area and can visit some of these beautiful spots.
From breathtaking Bambarakanda Falls to beautiful Baker’s Falls, there is something for everyone!
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It’s great that swimming in almost all the waterfalls of Sri Lanka has a permit. I would love to hike around and cool myself down in these waterfalls. While all of the waterfalls look spectacular, I personally would love to visit the Bambarakanda Falls and Ravana falls for it’s incredible view, picturesque and history.