Bambarakanda - Waterfalls, Mountains, adventure and scenic beauty | Wildlife and Nature Attractions of Sri Lanka 05

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.

Getting There

Colombo -> Ratnapura -> Balangoda -> Kalupahana (left turn from Colombo – Badulla highway [A4] at Kalupahana, between 172nd and 173rd km post & Drive 5km) -> Bambarakanda RestLast 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.

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Weather and Season

Best months to visit Bambarakanda are from March through May. During this period the chance of rain is very low but water is plentiful in streams and waterfalls. From June to September it will be very dry and windy. From November through February chances of rain is very high.

Attractions and activities

Hiking – There are plenty of trails to waterfalls and mountain peaks. They are Trail to Lanka Ella waterfall, Trail to the top of Bambarakanda waterfall, Trail to Uduwara and Nagadowa waterfalls and Wangedigala and Gonamale rocky mountain peak hike.
Beautiful Landscape – The view all around is pretty beautiful including the mighty Bambarakanda falls and the surrounding hills
4WD - Jeep track to Horton Plain via Devil’s Staircase
Natural Bath – Cool Bath in the Natural Pool complex known as “Seven Basins” or the natural pools at top and bottom of Bambarakanda falls

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Accommodation Options

Bambarakanda Rest – A basic eco-Lodge

Look for more accommodation options in the area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

1. Some of the trails in the area requires you to climb on steep mountain slopes covered with pines needles. Extra care should be exercised as this can become slippery when dry.

Image Gallery

Bambarakanda falls and surrounding hills in a clear cold morning

“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

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

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

Nothing can be compared to trekking through beautiful landscapes. Scenic outlook on Lanka Ella trail from Bambarakanda rest

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

The moon about to hide behind mountains: pictured on a early morning at Bambarakanda

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

“Trekking close to clouds” Captured on the trail to Uduwara and Nagadowa falls

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