Sri Lanka is home to dramatic landscapes which continue to capture the attention of nature lovers and hikers alike. Part and parcel of the natural environs are its lengthy list of waterfalls which make for delightful journeying and interesting viewing. Listed below is a guide on how you can make the most of your time exploring such marvels of the natural world.

Image via Wikimedia Commons - Kiriwattuduwa, Bambarakanda Waterfall, CC BY-SA 3.0

Waterfalls are found in both the wet and dry zones of the island nation with the central highlands boasting a wide collection of some of the most picturesque cascades that you will ever have the fortune of laying eyes on. As a result of the monsoons and inter-monsoonal rains that descend over the central parts of the island, the waterfalls nestled here are ranked among the best in the country and well worth investing your time and energy in. In terms of the most sought-after regions, do consider making plans to call by the Knuckles Mountain Range followed by the idyllic towns of Maskeliya and Nuwara Eliya respectively.

Understand that the rainy season can make visiting these falls a far more precarious practice as higher volumes of water do bring along more risks to personal safety. Added to this, the rocks around the waterfalls can be quite slippery even during the dry season and thus, one must be seen exercising considerable caution, especially if you happen to be with a group. Therefore, swimming and bathing ought to be resorted to for as long as the dry season remains. Also, before you dip your toes in, it is essential that you fathom the depth of the base pool which is a common feature of a waterfall. Ideally, have an expert guide tag along for the journey ahead who is well versed in assessing the conditions. For instance, if you choose to reside at Tea & Experience Factory which is categorised among the most unique boutique hotels Nuwara Eliya has to offer, then you will be well placed to avail the services of such professionals who will go beyond the call of duty to ensure that your time out in the wilds of Sri Lanka go off as planned.

Found in the town of Kalupahana is Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall – Bambarakanda Falls. Plummeting 263 meters, Bambarakanda Falls is also the 299th tallest waterfall in the world and is encircled by dense jungle. Though known for being arduous to hike up to, the said cascade is worth every penny you pocket out and can be accessed by travelling along the Colombo – Batticaloa Highway that will culminate in a 5km walk down a narrow road from Kalupahana.

Admired for being one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, Ramboda Falls is positioned near the Ramboda Pass and is measured at 109 meters. Easily reached when travelling between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, these falls comprise two sections with the upper part being visible from the main road. However, for a closer view of the lower section, one will be required to make the journey that will have you passing through boulder-strewn pathways flanked by lush foliage.

Spelling gorgeous with a capital ‘G’ is the Aberdeen Falls which is demarcated as a horsetail waterfall in the area of Maskeliya. Named after a tea estate found nearby, the mentioned attraction is 98 meters in height and is a convenient find from Ginigathhena. From the town centre, you must proceed for 1km on the Ambatale Road after which a trekking expedition will lead you towards a clearing before the magnificence of Aberdeen Falls reveals itself. The viewing deck is ideal for the insta-savvy visitor while the deep pool at the bottom will present every opportunity to immerse your complete self in its refreshing blue waters.

Found adjacent to the Ella – Wellawaya Road in the town of Ella is Ravana Falls. Known for providing outstanding sightseeing and ample space in which to bathe, swim and frolic, this tourist hotspot which descends from 25 meters above is often a favourite stopover for photo-hungry travellers who seek the splendour and serenity of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls.