Waterfalls

The carving in the ricks at Upper Diyaluma Waterfalls

Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

You should Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

That’s our strong recommendation as once this hidden gem is truly discovered you will regret not going earlier.

At GlenMyu Estate, swimming in the natural pools is one of our top experiences that our guests enjoy.

Find out why we, at GlenMyu Estate, have an advantage over travellers that stay in the busy tourist town of Ella by reading on.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

We recommend that you visit Upper Diyaluma waterfall and pools now, before it is truly discovered by the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan tourist numbers are expected to surge to 3 million in 2025. This is a huge increase from the 2.3 million numbers targeted by the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority for the year end December 2024.

In July 2024 it was reported in the Ceylon Times that Sri Lanka was facing behind its tourist target. At the end of June 2024 the country had welcomed just over 1 million visitors.

However, even if it does fall behind the target slightly, there will still be a large increase of tourists in the country year on year.

In 2023 the country welcomed 1,487,000 tourists. If they get close to the target an additional 800,000 tourists will visit the island in 2024.

So, more travellers will find Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools. This is the reason why we recommend that you visit now.

Sri Lankan is known for its' gems

Sri Lanka renowned in the global market as the most important source of high quality sapphires.

The Island has built her reputation as one of the finest gem cutting and finishing centres in the world.

The island is famous for large exceptional Blue sapphires.

There are many World famous Sri Lankan Gemstones and you can read more at the following article by Ceylon Gem Hub.

You can also read more about Sri Lankan gems by clicking on the following links to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Exports Development Board.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools

Diyaluma Watercfall is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

It is a spectacular sight when you view the waterfall from the roadside near to Koslanda, Sri Lanka.

However, there is a wonderful experience if you visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

What will I see at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

We recommend our guests to start at the topmost pools as most travellers start at the bottom pools.

You are more likely to enjoy the waters with less crowds. 

As we are closer than Ella to Upper Diyaluma, we are our guests have regularly enjoyed the pools ourselves without any other visitors.

There are several pools to explore and enjoy the fresh water.

As you climb to the lowest pools which are near the edge of the cliff, you will see the most beautiful carvings created by water erosion. One of these spots is becoming a favourite Instagram spot due to its outstanding beauty.

What does it cost to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

There is a ticket booth on the new concrete path that takes you on the initial way to Upper Diyaluma Pools. 

The cost is a very reasonable LKR 350.

This is just over US$1, Euro €1 and less than GBP £1 at the time of writing (September 2024).

Where should I stay if I want to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

The advantage of staying at GlenMyu Estate is that you have more of a chance of experiencing Upper Diyaluma Pools without crowds.

We are much closer to this beautiful experience than hotels in Ella.

Several of our guests have left early in the morning and had all this natural environment to themselves. What an experience!
They have been able to return to GlenMyu Estate for a sumptuous breakfast after their exploration of the pools.

The crowds normally arrive later in the day and staying with us means that you are less likely to queue to get into the beautiful pools.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Visit Upper Diyaluma now! Read More »

Stunning pool at the top of Upper Diyaluma

Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka

Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka

Our 3 favourite places in Sri Lanka

Having lived in the Sri Lankan Hill country for the past six years, it’s an easy choice to pick our favourite 3 places.

Of course GlenMyu Estate would automatically be number one, however here are our favourite places to visit in the Sri Lankan hills.

You may be surprised that Ella, Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak don’t make our list.

They are a little too touristy for us!

Our guests tend to agree

When guests ask for recommendations on what to do and see when they stay at GlenMyu Estate, we are always happy to help.

It’s amazing how many things that you can do when staying in the Sri Lankan Hill Country. 

The opening of the Pekoe Trail in 2023 added a new dimension to what we typically would recommend. 

There are several sections of the trail within reach of GlenMyu Estate and we have already had several guests complete stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail.

Our 3 favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Here are our three favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

1. Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Diyaluma Waterfall is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Bambarakanda Waterfall is the highest and is also within reach of GlenMyu Estate.

It’s number one on our list for many reasons. Embarrassingly, we were a little late finding out about this amazing place. It was only when some German guests invited us to accompany them that we discovered this gem.

What and where?

The second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka is a spectacular sight, especially when there is good water flow.

Here is a video of Diyaluma Waterfall from the roadside that was taken in January 2024.

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools are around 45 minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate.

The main waterfall is located on the A4 road between Koslanda and Wellawaya.

Diyaluma Waterfall can be viewed from the main A4 road between Beragala and Wellawaya.

There is a small road that takes you to the start of the twenty minute hike to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and pools.

 

The advantage of staying at GlenMyu Estate

There is a good reason to stay at GlenMyu Estate if you want to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

We are only a 45 minute drive from the waterfall.

If you don’t like crowds and are willing to get up early, then you are more likely to have a unique experience.

The crowds from Ella and Haputale are further from the falls and therefore if you get there early you may have this amazing environment all to yourself.

In January 2024, my best friend and my godson went early to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and we were the only people there.

We saw our first tourist arrive as we finished our hike and dip in the pools.

2. Horton Plains National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is our second favourite place to visit in Sri Lanka.

This National Park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It was designated as a National Park in 1988.

The park is at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft). It covers an area of  31.6 km² (3,169 hectares).

It’s unique landscape on the island consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem.

3 places to stop and catch you breath (and take those Instagram pics!)

Horton Plains National Park has three main stopping points on the 111 kilometre circular hike. 

The first is Lesser World;s End which has a cliff with a 270 metre drop,

Secondly is Greater World’s End which has an impressive 870 metre precipice.

The third spot to rest is in front of the beautiful Baker’s Falls waterfall. This waterfall is named after the founder of Nuwara Eliya.

Flora and Fauna

Another highlight of Horton Plains is the flora and fauna you will see there.

Horton Plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest. It includes many endemic woody plants.

And there are lots of different fauna to see (if you are lucky!).

Sambar Deer is the most commonly seen faunal species in the park. You can normally see them on the plains as you enter the park. There may even be a large male who hangs around by the car park.

Other fauna include the Montane Toque Macaque, the Slender Loris, the Long Clawed Shrew. The park is also home to twelve species of endemic birds.

And even some Leopards!

It is unusual to spot a leopard in Horton Plains National Park.

However, we did have guests from  Austria that saw one as they left the park in March 2024.

Ghost of the Clouded Plains is a book which was published in 2023 documenting the leopards there. 

It is Photographer/Naturalist Sankha Wanniatchi’s first book venture and captures over 8 years of intense study on the Leopard of Horton Plains.

You can see more details of the book at the following link to Barefoot Ceylon.

3. Lipton's Seat, Haputale

We first visited Lipton’s Seat many years ago before we were living in the country.

Unfortunately, we didn’t really appreciate the beauty of the viewing place of Sir Edward Lipton at the time.

We made the mistake of getting to the top of Lipton’s Seat too late on in the day and we didn’t get a good view of the landscape.

Our Australian guests set us right

In November 2023 our Australian guests, Matt and Millie left GlenMyu Estate early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat,

November is not the best month to sight see in the Hill country as there is a bit of rain before the drier peak seasons of Late December to April,

How wrong we were!

Matt and Millie really set us right about Lipton’s Seat. 

Look at the amazing experience they had watching the sunrise. We were bowled over.

Hike in a beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka

Walking through the tea plantation

One of the joys about visiting Lipton’s Seat is walking down through the manicured lines of tea bushes.

You may even get an opportunity to capture one of the tea pluckers in action.

And a tea factory tour

Matt and Millie finished of the experience by doing a Tea Factory tour at Dambetenne Tea Factory.

The tea factory offers regulars tours which will provide you with the knowledge of where you tea comes from and how it is processed.

Our top 3 favourite places in Sri Lanka - Summary

  1. Diyaluma and Upper Diyaluma
  2. Horton Plains National Park.
  3. Lipton’s Seat

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Diyaluma Waterfall, Horton Plains and Litpon’s Seat.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town,  Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka Read More »

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, January 2024

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda in January 2024.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda in January 2024.

A spectacular day out from GlenMyu Estate to the second tallest Sri Lankan Waterfall.

Our close friends were over from the UK and we had to show them this wonderful natural site that is only 40 minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate.

A couple of Tuk Tuks

We could have taken our car but instead we decided to hire two Tuk Tuks with drivers for the day. I had previously driven my car to the car park at the entrance to Upper Diyaluma and didn’t want to do this again.

The main reason was that I was quite nervous driving up the road which was really designed for Tuk Tuks. 

I would have a less stressful day and the drivers would be able to keep an eye on our belongings when we were in the pools.

Knowing the best route?

We regularly get Indunil to take guests by Tuk Tuk to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and he knows the best route to take.

We consider that getting to the top of the waterfall and then descending down enjoying the pools is the best route to enjoy Upper Diyaluma. 

An early start

Like many other experiences in Sri Lanka we got up early to beat the crowds to Upper Diyaluma in January 2024.

The journey took longer that we anticipated and was just over an hour. 

The road had deteriorated with heavy rains in October and November.

There, however, was evidence that the road was being fixed.

We realised that there was an easier way up.

Our guide took us up some roughly made steep steps to the ticket booth.

It was only when we descended that we saw that there had been new smooth concrete steps all the way down to the road.

If I had known this before the start of the walk would have been so much easier on my legs!

Next time!

The hike up was not too challenging however you really need to watch your footing on some of the pathways.

When the concrete pathway ends you will be walking through some rougher tracks so you will need to be careful.

Now there are reasons to get to the top of Diyaluma Waterfall and also reasons to get there early.

The sight of the cool water after your hike is really appealing.

What will I see when I get there?

The top of upper Diyaluma is amazing.

I spent some time in the shallow pools wading around and enjoying the fresh, cool water.

What an experience at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

I was in awe of this place and the nature it presents. 

Getting closer to nature is something that you can do in the Sri Lankan hill country. When there are few or no other people around it really is a special experience.

I wonder why this is an Instagram spot?

Well, if you want to know why Upper Diyaluma Waterfall has started to become a popular Instagram spot just have a look at this video.

What a wonderful place and experience. 

My only concern is, that with more exposure on social media, it will get very crowded.

There is something about being alone in this beautiful environment. You can really experience the true beauty of the place when you don’t hear the noise of other travellers.

What a special time!

Time for a swim at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

I missed swimming in some of the pools at the top of the waterfall as they were a little dangerous when we were there in January. 

Sri Lanka had experienced usual heavy rainfall in October and  November which resulted in the waters being a little rough.

I decided that self preservation was more important and I waited until I found a more calm spot

Looking over the edge!

We reached the point where you can see Diyaluma Waterfall from the roadside.

I was careful and only went close to the edge but not near enough to be in danger of falling!

How much did it cost for the day trip in January 2024?

The entrance fee is minimal at LKR 350. We did our trip early and the ticket office was closed. However, given the minimal cost I would have been happy to pay the fee.

I plan to buy some extra tickets on my next trip there so that they have not lost the income.

Additional costs 

Tuk Tuk hire from Glenmyu Estate is around LKR 6,000.

Indunil will come with you on the hike and show you the best route.
He will also keep hold of your valuables when you are swimming in the pools.

The road home

On our Tuk Tuk ride on the way back to GlenMyu Estate, we were able to see the landscape and towns that we had travelled through now it was light.

Is it worth it?

Visiting Upper Diyaluma was a special experience that we highly recommend at GlenMyu Estate. 

It was such a great experience that I will be doing it again at different times of the year.

As we got up early we were back at GlenMyu Estate act a reasonable hour so we had time for a swim in the pool and could relax in the afternoon.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Upper Diyaluma Waterfall which is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO), Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, January 2024 Read More »

Swimming at Upper Diyaluma Pools

Diyaluma waterfall entry cost

Entry fee to Diyaluma Waterfall.

In 2023 the local council started charging an entry fee to Diyaluma Waterfall. Find out what it costs to go to this wonderful site. We provide details about the Diyaluma waterfall entry cost in this article and why we think you should visit this wonderful sight.

Last year my wife and I went to Upper Diyaluma with some German guests who stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read more about our experience in our Blog Post/Article “Our day trip to Diyaluma Waterfall.” 

Our first day trip to Upper Diyaluma took place in November 2022 and there was no entry fee charged at that time.

An entry fee in 2023.

In April 2023 we had some Indian guests stay with us at GlenMyu Estate and were surprised to hear that they had been charged an entry fee.

Subsequently, I was watching a YouTube video by Where’s Lucie of her trip to Ella and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

I noticed that both Lucy and her husband had been charged an entry fee to access Upper Diyaluma.

The cost of entry to Diyaluma Waterfall won't break the bank!

Although the local council has decided to charge an entry fee to Diyaluma waterfall, the cost is quite minimal. It is LKR 350 (around €1 or $1).

This was the price in April 2023 and at the time of writing (September 2023) there was no change in cost.

Here is a photo of the ticket issued to our guests in April 2023.

When considering the cost of other experiences in Sri Lanka this cost is minimal. This is especially when you consider the experience that you will have at the waterfall. 

We have found guests can spend several hours there exploring the different pools as you descend the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Overall, we think it is still great value and would highly recommend that you consider visiting Upper Diyaluma Waterfall on a day trip from GlenMyu Estate. We can arrange a Tuk Tuk to take you to the waterfall, They will show you, what we consider to be the best route. The Tuk Tuk driver will look after your belongings as you enjoy a dip in the pools.

No charge at the base of Diyaluma Waterfall.

The base of Diyaluma Waterfall is viewable from the Beragala to Koslanda/Wellawaya Road (A4). At the time of writing there was no charge to stop and take photos. We, however, would always recommend that you support the local vendors. You can buy at least something small from the shops there. A drink of fresh King Coconut after your exertions of the walk is recommended (and it’s also local & eco friendly).

Diyaluma Waterfall from the A4 road.

Where is Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

The base of Diyaluma Waterfall can be viewed from Diyaluma Bridge (see Map).

There are two main access points to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

From GlenMyu Estate, which is West of Diyaluma Waterfall, there is  small road (mainly for Tuk Tuks)  shown as “Start Diyaluma Waterfall” on the map. There is a small shop at the end of this lane where the Tuk Tuk would normally park. You can start your twenty minute walk to Upper Diyaluma.

If you are coming from the Koslanda/Wellawaya side (from the East) there is a small lane called “Upper Diyaluma Trek” on the map.
A Tuk Tuk/small car can get access on this road towards Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

It's still a reasonable entry cos to enter Diyaluma Waterfall.

It’s hard to compare experiences however the cost of entry to Horton Plains is significantly higher (see our Article). Horton Plains however, is a UNESCO site and is well maintained and therefore we still consider that it’s good value for the experience.  We also love it there and both Upper Diyaluma and Horton Plains are high on our recommendations to guests that stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Just go, you will love the experience.

If you have a similar experience to that of our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate, you will love it.

As with lots of experiences in Sri Lanka, we would recommend that you go early to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. You can red more about why it’s good to get up early in Sri Lanka at our article “The 6 best reasons to wake up early”.

Please also have a look at our guest photos of their experience at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

GlenMyu Estate is only a forty minute drive to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and lots of our guests leave early in the morning and return for a late breakfast. 

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate.

Find our more about GlenMyu Estate at our website.

Diyaluma waterfall entry cost Read More »

Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Photos of Horton Plains National Park

Photos of Horton Plains National Park

We love a day trip to Horton Plains National Park from GlenMyu Estate and wanted to share photos of our experience there. Our guests at GlenMyu Estate also love the experience and have also kindly shared their photos with us.

As we make other trips to hike around Horton Plains National Park and see Greater World’s End, Lesser World’s End and Baker’s Falls we will continue to update this article.

We want to thank our guests for permitting us to share their photos of their experience of Horton Plains National Park so that you can get a glimpse of what you will discover on your hike.

Mike and Ru's Photos of Horton Plains National Park

We will start with our own photos that we have taken on our hikes at Horton Plains National Park.

Quentine and Marine's Photos of Horton Plains

Ridhi and Janhavi's Photos of Horton Plains

GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Sri Lanka.

GlenMyu Estate is around one hour fifteen minutes drive from the entrance at Horton Plains National Park.

We normally send our guests off around 6.30 a.m. with a sumptuous packed breakfast and flasks of ginger tea so that they can eat something on arrival. The remaining part of the breakfast is taken with the guests and enjoyed at either Lesser World’s End of Greater World’s End.

The drive to Horton Plains National Park is via Haputale and Ohiya. We can arrange a car and driver to take you on your trip so that you can relax and enjoy the views on your journey to the park.

What will I experience at GlenMyu Estate?

Three luxurious bedrooms with a stunning view.
Five acres to explore.
Two lounges to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool. Delicious meals creafted by Ru.
A climate that doesn’t require any air conditioning.
We make you feel at home whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Airbnb and Booking.com. However, please contact us directly by WhatsApp for our direct booking rates.

Photos of Horton Plains National Park Read More »

Our day trip to Ravana Waterfall

Our day trip to Ravana Waterfall, Ella.

In June 2023 we enjoyed a day trip to see Ravana Waterfall which is located a drive outside the busy tourist town of Ella, Sri Lanka. It’s comfortable seeing a few of the sights in and around Ella from GlenMyu Estate and we combined seeing the waterfall with a trip to Nine Arch Bridge, Demodora. You can read about our day trip to Nine Arch Bridge in the following article.

From GlenMyu Estate you can see the tallest (Bambarakanda Waterfall) and second highest (Diyaluma Falls) waterfalls within 40 minutes to an hours drive. We had been to Ravana Falls some years ago and the opportunity arose to take my wife parents on a day trip when we closed the hotel for a few days to recuperate.

Ravana falls is named after the demon King Ravana who according to traditional folklore is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. 

According to legend, it is said that Ravana had kidnapped princess Sita and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall. This is known as the Ravana Ella Cave.

You can read more about King Ravana in the World Historical Encyclopaedia and also at Sri Lanka Travel.

It is renowned for being one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, this 82 ft

 

Where is Ravan Waterfall?

Ravana Waterfall is located around six km from Ella Railway Station between the 12th and 13th milepost on the Ella – Wellawaya Road.

It took us a little longer to get to the falls than anticipated ….I made a mistake relying on my wife providing directions!

Our day trip to Ravana Waterfall

We arrived in the mid afternoon as we have been to see Nine Arch Bridge earlier in the day.

There are convenient car parking spaces near to the entrance to the falls.

There were lots of people at the falls enjoying the water. There is a “viewing platform” by the side of the road as you get to the waterfall. This is a popular place with tourists…..and monkeys!

There are several shops selling souvenirs, food and drinks as you approach Ravana Waterfall. 

We recommend getting to Ravana Waterfall Early!

Similar to most places to visit in Sri Lanka we recommend that you get there early. You can read our article “6 Reasons to get up early” for some tips.

The main reason, as you can see in this video, is that everyone else will be there at the same time as you.

Here is a selection of photos I took on or day trip to Ravana Falls.

A place to stay to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is a convenient and comfortable place to stay if you wish to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

What will I find at GlenMyu Estate?

3 Kingsize Double Bedrooms with Spectacular Views

2 Spacious Lounges with views over the hills below the house

A Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool

5 Acres of land to explore

Delicious bespoke meals freshly prepared by the host

A selection of places to dine

A place to relax and be closer to nature.

 

Our day trip to Ravana Waterfall Read More »

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Things to do and places of interest near to GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

The Pool at Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. 

It is ranked the 461st highest waterfall in the world being 263 m (863 ft).

The waterfall is situated in Kalupahana, which is in Badulla District.

It is circa185 km away from Colombo on the Colombo to Batticaloa A4 Highway.

It is located between Belihuloya and Haputale and is around 5 km from the highway.

The waterfall is well signposted at the junction that you turn off on the A4 road. The road heads towards Ohiya and is quite small and poorly maintained so you will need to drive carefully.

There is adequate parking once you reach the entrance point.

Bambarakanda Waterfall - What does it cost - Entrance Fee

There is a Ticket Booth at the entrance of the walk to the waterfalls and a small fee is changed.

There are some customer toilets however we didn’t look for them on our trip so I can’t point you to were they are. I will update this information on our next trip.

The walk to the base of the waterfall takes you through a Pine Forest and is around 600 m in distance.

The walk is reasonably easy and should be comfortable if you are reasonably fit.

There are points that you can stop and get your breath on the climb if you need to. 

What will I find when I reach Bambarakanda Waterfall?

A natural pool forms at the bottom of the falls and there is a viewing point with some railings (in need of repair when we did our trip there)..

It is a spectacular sight looking into the crystal clear water.

As you look up there is a beautiful flow of water cascading down from the top of the falls. The water flow does change during different times of the year which affects the volume dropping down from above you.

We thought it was an amazing sight on our visit and as usual the photos that I took really don’t do it justice. However, there are plenty of pictures on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bambarakanda/), Facebook etc that are far better than mine!

There was just a bit of an aura about the place for us as it was cool, calm and just brought a feeling of peacefulness.

Bambarakanda Waterfall
Beautiful Bambarakanda Waterfall

What time of the day should I go?

This is my usual answer when it comes to visiting most of the sites around the island.

I would recommend that you get there early!

The falls tend to get a bit more crowded as the day goes on which puts pressure on parking and the small walkways to the falls. 

My recommendation on when it is best to take those Instagram photos holds as the light is so much better and your pic will look great.

We went reasonably early midweek and were the only people there and we really felt connected to nature and really appreciated the wonder of the place so much more than we would have if we had shared it with lots of other sightseers.

A bit more about Bambarakanda Waterfall.

The waterfall is formed by the Kuda Oya waterway, which is a tributary of the Walawe River which originates from Horton Plains (please see our other Blog Post about Horton Plains National Park).

How do I get to Bambarakanda Waterfall from GlenMyu resort?

Bambarakanda Waterfall is located off the main A4 Colombo to Batticaloa Highway and the exit is after Belihiloya if travelling from Colombo.

Enjoy a relaxing stay at GlenMyu Resort and visit the local sites including Bambarakanda Waterfall.

There are several places of interest and worthwhile visiting within easy reach of GlenMyu Estate.

After your trip it is just great to come back to a confortable, spacious space to relax and ponder on the great day that you have just had. 
A refreshing dip in our Natural Spring Fed Waterfall followed by a lazy afternoon on the leather sofas in the lounge taking in the breathtaking view. 
A delicious meal which is sourced mainly from our organic garden followed by retiring to bed on one of the three luxurious king sized double bedrooms.

Sounds like the perfect vacation?

If you want to find out more please click on one of the links below.

Where is GlenMyu Resort Hotel located?

Beware the leeches!

One of our guests went to visit the falls during the rainy season and managed to pick up a few leeches on the way. 

When we visited the Falls in February we didn’t come across any leeches however they are quite common in the wetter part of the year.

Our experience

We were a little traumatised when we first encountered leeches however after the first few times we got used to them and either just pick them up (if they have just grabbed on to you) and roll them up a bit and throw them away.

If they have managed to get a proper grip we just leave them and either put a little salt on them to encourage them to drop off or we just let them suck away and fall off.

Anticoagulant

The saliva of the leech consists of anaesthetic agents, anticoagulant and other items that allow them to suck the blood. The anticoagulant result in the skin bleeding for a while afterwards until the chemical has been diluted enough to allow the blood to start clotting. A good clean with soap and water and pressure with a tissue will eventually stop the bleeding and we normally find the only affects a small mark and a bit of itching for a while.

Is there anything that I can do to avoid them?

https://ceylontoday.lk/news/leeching-out-bad-bloodThere are leech socks and various concoctions available to discourage the leeches however we have found them to be pretty persistent and just let them do their thing and deal with them as mentioned above.

They were used in a variety of medicinal uses.

Here is an interesting article about leaches from the  Ceylon Today Newspaper https://ceylontoday.lk/news/leeching-out-bad-blood

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