Bambarakanda Falls
The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka at around 263 metres, dropping down a rock face near Kalupahana.
Updated 21 October 2026
Bambarakanda drops around two hundred and sixty-three metres down a cliff in the Uva highlands, which makes it the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, falling in a thin ribbon rather than a mass of water. It is formed by the Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe river, and its volume varies a great deal with the season, running strongly after the monsoons and thinning to a thread in dry months. A pine plantation covers the slopes around the base.
The landscape
- The fall - around 263 metres, the tallest in the country.
- The pine plantation - planted slopes around the base of the cliff.
- The base pool - the plunge pool reached on a short walk.
- The escarpment - the edge of the hill country the water comes off.
When to go
April to June and October to December, after the monsoons, give the strongest flow. In the dry months it thins to a thread. Mornings are clearest before cloud builds.
Good to know
In dry periods the fall is a thin trickle and disappointing. The access road is narrow and rough. Swimming at the base is dangerous when the flow is up.
Nearby
Haputale is east, and Horton Plains is north above the escarpment.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q37540, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Bambarakanda Falls
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
