Bambarakanda waterfall is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Situated in the hill town of Kalupahana near Haldumulla in the south eastern slopes of central hills. The area around Bambarakanda is rich with scenic beauty, rugged terrain, waterfalls, tea fields and cool climate making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
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| Accommodation |
We generally stay at the Bambarakanda Rest (managed by Mrs. Sera Mayakaduwa, Tel: 0575670457), a small basic eco-lodge located very close to Bambarakanda falls. This place has got just basic facilities. There are several other accommodation options with better facilities but not as close as this place to the main attractions of the area. |
| Getting There |
Colombo -> Ratnapura -> Balangoda -> Kalupahana (left turn from Colombo – Badulla highway [A4] at Kalupahana, between 172nd and 173rd km post & Drive 5km) -> Bambarakanda Rest
Last 500m after passing Bambarakanda falls is an unpaved rough road which will need some ground clearance to tackle. Road construction work is underway and hopefully the road will become better soon.
[Show Trail Map in Google Earth] |
| Activities / Attarctions |
There is plenty of things to do in the area.
- Sight Seing:The view all around is pretty beautiful including the mighty Bambarakanda falls and the surrounding hills.
- Adventure Drive to Horton Plains:
Exciting 4WD trail to Horton Plains (or Ohiya town) passing a series of tricky hair-pin bends called “devil’s staircase”.
- Cool Bath in the Natural Pool complex known as “Seven Basins”
[Show Trail Map in Google Earth]
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Bambarakanda falls and surrounding hills in a clear cold morning
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“On top of the world” the view from the top of Bambrakanda Falls. Trail to this point from the Bambarakanda rest is short climb along pines covered mountain side. |
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Fountains of the area. These four waterfalls are fairly easy to trek. Lanka ella falls, Uduwara falls, waterfall on top of Bambarakanda falls and Nagadowa falls |
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Mist covered Bambarkanda Falls. The weather in the area is quite dynamic and thick mist is not uncommon in the afternoons. |
Base pool of Lanka Ella falls. The water is crystal clear and is in its purest form |
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| Nothing can be compared to trekking through beautiful landscapes. Scenic outlook on Lanka Ella trail from Bambarakanda rest |
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4wd trail to Horton plains from Bambarakanda gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best hill country landscapes of Sri Lanka and will push your vehicle to the limits as you pass hair pin bends exceeding 15 degrees gradient.
On right: Landcruiser negotiating hairpin bends of devil’s staircase.
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The moon about to hide behind mountains: pictured on a early morning at Bambarakanda.. |
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Natures glory at its best. Clouds hang over mountain top |
This view from mountain top spans all the way up to the south-east coasts of Sri Lanka |
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| “Trekking close to clouds” Captured on the trail to Uduwara and Nagadowa falls. |
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| Bambarakanda rest – Windows opening to the breath-taking view of Bambarakanda falls. Even with basic facilities the location makes it the most attractive accommodation option |
Not to forget one of the frequent visitors to Bambarakanda rest. You can get quite close to these giant squirrels as they are so used to the visitors. |
