Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda Fall lies in the Badulla District among an evergreen forest in the Kalupahana Area. The waterfall springs out from the Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River. With an impressive height of 263 meters, the Bambarakanda fall is crowned as the height's waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it takes 299th place in the world ranking. Due to its height, Bambarakanda is not a wide waterfall. It drops as a thin line remembering a horsetail. The fall is surrounded by pine trees which form a picturesque scene. The surging water of stunning Bambarakanda falls, making a natural pool not deep. So, if the weather is fine, you can also take a bath. The water is really fresh and cold. But in the rainy season water levels can rise rapidly without warning, please keep it in mind when you're swimming. An observation platform has been created above the natural pool. It is an excellent place to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Bambarakanda fall.

Photo from adam_dyson

Best time to visit Bambarakanda Fall

It is best to visit Bambarakanda fall in between March and May when the rainfall is moderate, and visitors can enjoy the sight of the misty falls. The appearance of the waterfall is more magnificent, with full water flow during the monsoon season, which is from October to February. But it is generally not recommended as a safe season to visit. The off-season at Bambarakanda Falls is from June to September; at this time, the water level in the waterfall gradually decreases.

Photo from ahad5800

Bambarakanda Waterfall Timings and Entry Fee

Bambarakanda fall is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the entry fee is 50LKR(0.75US$) per person.

How to get to the Waterfall

It is 21.1 km to Kalupahana from Belihuloya. From Belihuloya: travel along with the travel along the Colombo – Batticaloa Highway until you reach Kalupahana. The access road is on the left side of the main road, and there's a huge signboard at the junction for easy detection. It is a tiny and narrow road, small vehicles like cars and vans would be suitable to reach here. Be Careful when driving on this road. You can find the pathway leading to the waterfall's base, after about 5 km. You can't drive your vehicle right up to the waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you have to climb a narrow footpath near the office maintained by a local government authority.

Do leave the footpath because this area is very steep and be dangerous. Parking facilities are available for your vehicles. If you want to try it on the train, you can get down at Haputale Railway Station and reach this falls by bus, or else you can get down at Ohio Railway Station and reach this falls via devil's staircase. 

Lanaka Ella Waterfall

Another beautiful and quiet waterfall named Lanka Ella is located near the Bambarakanda fall. To get to this hidden waterfall, you can take the trail near the bottom of the Bamabrakanda. You have to climb about 1 km inside the pinus forest and then walk about 1 km through a grassy plain until you reach Lanka Falls. It will take about 1 hour to reach the Lanka Fall, but this wonderful waterfall does maximum justice for your time. Try to go to the top of these falls, which gives the best panoramic view with a wooden bridge.