Nature and Wildlife
SURATHALI ELLA
4 min (1.8 km)
As you travel on the A4 road towards Badulla, you’ll need to go 1.5 km past the TreeHouse Chalets. Look for a name board on the left side of the road directing you to the waterfall. It’s just a 50-meter walk to reach it, and there’s a footpath leading to the summit through the jungle. Unlike waterfalls with a pure vertical shape, this waterfall flows over an angled rock. Standing at 50 m tall, it’s a beauty to behold, and its water is refreshingly cool. The water stream comes from the virgin forests in Horton Plains, giving it its purity. One of the few waterfalls with easy access from the road, it’s definitely worth a visit.
BAMBARAKANDA WATERFALL
30 min (10.3 km) from the TreeHouse Chalets
Bambarakanda Falls, located in Kalupahana in the Badulla district, is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, standing at a massive height of 263 meters. It’s also the 299th highest waterfall in the world and is formed by a branch of the Walawe River, known as Kuda Oya. Surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Bambarakanda Falls offers a picturesque scene.
At an elevation of 1100 m, Bambarakanda Falls is a horsetail type of waterfall with a single drop and a natural base pool ideal for bathing. The surrounding area is a popular spot for photography and picnics with family and friends. The best time to visit is from March to May, when the water flow is at its highest level. The hiking season typically runs from April to September during the dry season.