Sri Lanka is a cherished vacation spot all around the world. Whether you are looking for an adventure trip or a romantic get-away, this country gets you one of the best experiences. Along with the most sacred historic ruins and ancient monuments, Sri Lanka hosts the best of Nature. You could find rain-forests, jungles, wildlife, springs, waterfalls, beaches and much much more at this tiny, yet amazing island Paradise!

Waterfalls are one of the most precious gifts Nature has offered to Sri Lanka. If you are a tourist visiting Sri Lanka, or a local who loves to travel, do not forget to check out the Natural Pools, and the beautiful Waterfalls that Sri Lanka has to offer!

The waterfalls come along with amazing trekking trips. So when you are on a look-out for an adventurous, thrilling experience, break out the map and mark these beautiful locations;

• Asupini Ella – Mawanella

A heart-pounding experience awaits you at the city of Mawanella in the form of the amazing ‘Asupini Ella’. This beauty is a 30m (98ft) fall, and could be sighted from the historic town of Aranayake.

In Sri Lanka, every historic location has its own fascinating story, and the Asupini Ella is no different.

The name ‘Asupini’ was derived from a story about ‘a king who had many queens’. Lore says that these queens committed suicide by jumping down the fall. The tale also says that one can sometimes hear a fearsome roar, which continues for around 15 minutes, signifying that it will claim a human life within a period of two months.

A plunge pool strewn with rocks is formed by the Asupini Ella, although, this beautiful pool draws the visitors towards it- people are restricted from bathing in it. This is because of the high risk of drowning. All these folktales and drowning risks are the reason this ella remains a secret!

Mawanella is also home to many other big and small Waterfalls, which could be visited within a single day trip:

• Huluganga Ella
• Jodu Ella
• Saree Ella
• Thaliya Wetuna Ella/ Alakola Ella

• Galboda Ella- Nawalapitiya

A train trip to this amazing fall would be a great idea! Nestled at the Hatton Rail Track in an abandoned, but picturesque tea estate adjacent to the Galboda station at Nawalapitiya, lies the Galboda falls. The name ‘fall adjoining the stone’ (Galboda) is derived from a large boulder situated at its foot. Studies state that the water in this area gushes down with a velocity higher than anywhere else in the country.

A beautiful temple standing on the mountain right above the fall is the best view in all of the area. The mesmerizing fall is a good 30metres high and is categorized as a wet zone due to its high rate of rainfall. This nature’s beauty is an eye-catcher!

• Gartmore Falls (Sri-Pada Falls)

Also identified as Sri-Pada falls, the 25m Gartmore Fall is often mistaken to the Moray Falls. The fall is of similar height and nestles a few hundred meters away from the Siri Pada falls. Both these waterfalls drop directly on the Maskeliya Reservoir.

The area hosts many other waterfalls, each of which offers a splendid view!

• Diyaluma Falls- Koslanda, Badulla

If you are looking for a location for your trekking trip, the Badulla District is the place to go!

The area is surrounded by natural pools, waterfalls, and amazing trekking locations. The district is home to Diyaluma Falls -the second highest fall of Sri Lanka. The fall is a good 220m (720ft) high and is situated just 6 km away from Koslanda.

The Diyaluma Fall gives you the opportunity to enjoy many things in a single trip. Like every other fall, the Diyaluma Fall has its own historic tales. It is a great tourist destination for the travelers who enjoy visiting ancient ruins and historical sites.

• Handapan Ella- Ratnapura

Travel along the Ratnapura- Deniyaya road, which falls at the end of Buluthota Pass. From there, walk along the 4 km long path. The path is bumpy and filled with rocks and slippery routes to the jungle. This trek will lead you to Rakwana, where you will get the most stunning view of the Handapan Falls.

The Handapan Ella is a 23m (height) fall which springs from the Handapan Ella Valley (1230m high). This is the starting point of the Rakwana River.

Waterfalls like Lover’s leap in Nuwara Eliya, and the Bambarakanda Ella in the Badulla District -which are also the highest falls of Sri Lanka- are the most visited and well-known waterfalls in the country. The ones listed above are the hidden treasures and some of the must see-waterfalls in Sri Lanka!