Bambarakanda Falls: A Trek To The Tallest Waterfall In Sri Lanka, Location And Everything You Must Know

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Yes, the Kandy to Ella Train is still closed. Even if you search for the Kandy to Ella trains on the Sri Lanka Railways website now, it will show, “The rail line from Kandy to Ella is still under repair. Please select Ambewela as your closest alternative departure station.” So, it means that the Sri Lankan Railways, especially the iconic Kandy to Ella train route, is still recovering from the destruction of Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.  However, operation of the Ella Odyssey train has resumed from 7th January, 2026.  Nevertheless, as everyone waits for the Kandy to Ella train route to be fully functional, here, I want to share my experience of an iconic train ride on this Kandy to Ella route.  I will also share details about the Ella Odyssey Train, now running between Ambewela and Badulla.  Kandy To Ella Train Journey: Quick Facts  FactsDetailsRoute DistanceAround 120 KmBest ClassReserved Second ClassBest Time for the Train JourneyDecember to April The Most Beautiful Stretch Nanu Oya and EllaRail Route Built In1864 The Kandy To Ella Train Journey: Why Is It So Famous?  The Kandy to Ella train service was started in the British period for the transportation of tea to the highlands.  However, today, it is acknowledged as the most beautiful railway route in Sri Lanka.  The best thing is that the scenes outside the train window do not remain static. From small villages to tea plantations, hills, and waterfalls,  Furthermore, the train on this route passes at a slow pace, making the experience all the more immersive.  So, a train journey on this route is one of the best things to do in Ella and, in fact, one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka.  My Experience Of The Kandy To Ella Train Journey  If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy, you now have to take a bus.  However, I visited before the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. So, I enjoyed my train journey from Colombo to Kandy.  From the Kandy Lake to the iconic Temple Of The Tooth, the top attractions in Kandy make it the cultural epicenter of the country.  After exploring Kandy, I took a train ride to Ella, and here is how I enjoyed the journey.  1. Train Journey Started From The Kandy Station  Like the city itself, the Kandy Railway Station is also very pretty.  It has a history dating back to the British era. Even today, behind its modern exterior, you will find a Victorian interior and platforms.  So, once you enter the station, you will feel history and nostalgia becoming palpable in front of your eyes.  The station is hot and humid, and the crowd may seem a little annoying.  However, a glimpse of the iconic blue train of Sri Lanka will take all irritation away.  2. The Blue Train  The train reached Kandy station, and the color of the Chinese diesel locomotive was turquoise blue.  I boarded the third-class compartment and luckily got a seat.  I already knew about the history of this rail route at the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa.  The train has been operating since the 1920s. However, passengers started traveling in these trains in the 1960s.  Nevertheless, the train was jolting heavily, and it slowly left Kandy, making its way to the hill country.  Cricket And More  Coming from India, it was fun talking about cricket with the Sri Lankan locals in the train.  As they showered their love for every cricketing legend, from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, I also shared my adoration for Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya.  You know what the best thing about this train ride was? The train moved slowly. However, the wind coming through the windows got mixed with the voices of the locals singing.  Overall, it was a feeling of freedom and excitement.  The Vendors  The Kandy to Ella train ride will be incomplete without having chai and hot wade. As the vendors get on board, the fragrance of hot wade and tea immediately makes you hungry.  Also, as soon as the train leaves the Kandy station, you start enjoying the cool breeze.  The View  Ever-stretching tea plantations, misty mountains, and beautiful stations, I got to see everything throughout the train journey from Kandy to Ella.  So, within a few hours, I got a glimpse of the local lives of Sri Lanka.  I also understood why it is called one of the greatest train rides in the world.  Continuing The Kandy To Ella Rail Route Journey: Toward The Nine Arch Bridge And Demodara Railway Loop Once I got down at Ella after a train ride from Kandy, I took a tuk-tuk to reach the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.  The Nine Arch Bridge is a historic landmark for its role in World War I. The first train on the bridge passes at 9:30 AM, and the last train passes at 5:30 PM.  Moreover, along with the Nine Arch Bridge, the Demodara Railway Loop is another attraction on this route.  I had the most peaceful experience of train riding at the Demodara Railway Loop, as unlike the Kandy to Ella train, it was not crowded at all.  The Kandy To Ella Train: Running Between Ambewela And Badulla Now  Train $11015 runs between Ambewela and Badulla except Wednesdays. It departs the Ambewela station at 3 PM and reaches Badulla at 5:46 PM.  You can buy a first-class ticket, and it costs ₹INR 1000.  Furthermore, the train $11005 leaves the Ambewela Station at 9:30 AM and reaches Badulla at 12:16 PM.  You can buy second-class and third-class train tickets. A third-class ticket costs ₹575 and a second-class ticket costs ₹770.  Moreover, on Wednesdays, train #111043 departs Ambewela at 1:30 PM and reaches Badulla at 4:15 PM. The tickets for this train are expensive.  The second-class ticket for this train is ₹2326 per adult.  If you want to learn more about the trains running between Ambewela and Badulla, you can check out the information here. 

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

I almost missed St. Clair’s Falls during my first interaction with it.  I was content and still in the vibe of the winding drive through the tea country, and I was half-asleep while on the Hatton–Talawakele Road.   Fortunately, my driver slowed down and pointed left.   Suddenly, a wide curtain of white water spilling out of the hills between two tea estates was in front of my eyes.   It was so close to the road that I did not even have to get out of the car for the first look.   Of course, I got out of the car a few minutes later and got close to the widest waterfall in the country.   St. Clair’s Falls: Quick Facts   Detail Information Height About 80 Meters (260 ft) for the Main Fall (Maha Ella)  The Lower Fall (Kuda Ella) is About 50 Meters.  Width  3 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province River Kotmale Oya, a Tributary of the Mahaweli River Entry Fee Free, Viewable from Roadside Opening Hours Open 24 Hours Daylight Hours are Best for Visibility. Nickname The "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka" Location 3 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province  What Makes St. Clair's Falls Worth The Stop St. Clair's is actually two falls in one.   The upper, larger cascade is called Maha Ella ("the Greater Fall") in Sinhala.  Just below it, feeding almost directly into the same pool, is Kuda Ella ("the Lesser Fall").   The water spreads out over three rocky outcrops before dropping, which is what gives it that broad, curtain-like shape rather than a single narrow jet.  Also, this is why it earned the Little Niagara nickname, even if the comparison is more about drama than actual scale.  What struck me most was not the height, but it was the setting.   Tea bushes run right up to the edge of the gorge on both sides.  Depending on the time of day, the whole valley can be wrapped in a thin layer of mist that makes the falls look like they are pouring out of the clouds.   There is a small lookout point just off the road, and if you're willing to walk a little further along a trail through the St. Clair estate.  You can get closer for a better angle, though the main pool below is difficult to reach and swimming is not advisable.  Nearby Attraction: Devon Falls And The Rest Of Talawakele St. Clair's isn't a solo attraction.  Devon Falls is only a few kilometres east along the same road, and the two are almost always visited together.   There are also several tea factories in the area, including estates that offer factory tours and tastings, which pair naturally with a waterfall stop since you are already surrounded by the source of Ceylon tea.  A One-Day Itinerary: St. Clair's, Devon, And Talawakele If you only have a single day to explore this stretch of the hill country, here's how I'd structure it, starting from Nuwara Eliya.  Time Stops Notes 8:00 AM Depart Nuwara Eliya Head out early to beat both traffic and the midday mist.  9:00 AM St. Clair's Falls Roadside viewpoint plus a short walk to a closer vantage point.  10:15 AM Tea factory visit Several estates near Talawakele offer short tours and tastings.  11:30 AM Devon Falls A few kilometres east, view from the roadside platform  12:30 PM Lunch in Talawakele Small local eateries serve rice and curry along the main road  2:00 PM Return to Nuwara Eliya Or continue on toward Hatton if heading to Adam's Peak   Where St. Clair's Falls Is And How To Get There St. Clair's Falls sits in the Nuwara Eliya District, about 3 kilometres west of the town of Talawakele, right along the Hatton–Talawakele road (the A7).   It is formed by the Kotmale Oya, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, and takes its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate that the river runs through.  From Nuwara Eliya  If you are based in Nuwara Eliya, the falls are around 25–30 kilometres away, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car or tuk-tuk along the A7 towards Hatton.   This is the easiest approach if you're already exploring the hill country.  From Kandy Or Colombo  Coming from Kandy, the route runs through Gampola and Nawalapitiya before joining the Hatton road.  It is a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.   From Colombo, it is closer to 4–4.5 hours via Avissawella and Hatton. So most visitors combine it with an overnight stop in Nuwara Eliya or Hatton rather than a day trip.  By Train  This is my favourite way in.   The upcountry railway line to Badulla passes close to the falls near Talawakele.  The ride itself, through tea bushes rolling past the window, mist drifting through the valleys. It is worth the trip on its own. From Talawakele station, a short tuk-tuk ride gets you to the viewpoint.  Best Time To Visit St. Clair's Falls Season Months What to Expect Wet season May – September Highest water volume, most dramatic flow, but heavier mist and rain  Dry season December – March Clearer skies and better visibility, though the flow is gentler  Shoulder months April, October–November Mixed conditions. So, it is worth checking recent weather before you go.   I went in early February and had a clear, sunny view of both tiers with almost no one else around. If your priority is photos rather than sheer water volume, the dry season is the better bet.  Practical Tips To Visit St. Clair's Falls  Wear closed shoes if you plan to walk any of the estate trails — the paths can be muddy, especially after rain.  There is no dedicated parking lot, so cars typically pull over along the roadside; be mindful of traffic on the A7.  A small museum near the viewpoint has some background on the falls and the tea estate if you want context before or after.  Bring a light jacket. The elevation here sits close to 1,200 m, so it's noticeably cooler than the coast even at midday.  Driving away from St. Clair's, I kept twisting around in my seat for one more look.  It is not the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it is not hidden away at the end of a long trek. However, that accessibility is exactly what makes it worth building a hill-country day around.

BY  Sibashree Sep 4, 2026

Before I reached the Wasgamuwa National Park, I had already completed the classic Sri Lankan safari.   In Yala National Park, the jeeps were queued, and when a leopard was spotted, all the vehicles were boxed around it.   The chaos was such that I almost forgot I was in the wilderness.   However, Wasgamuwa was the antidote I did not know I needed.  Our jeep drove in through the Handungamuwa entrance on a grey, humid morning, half-expecting another crowded circuit, and instead spent four hours without seeing another jeep.   That is Wasgamuwa's whole pitch!  You will find the same elephants, sloth bears, and dry-zone forest you would find in  Sri Lanka's headline parks, minus the traffic jam.  Quick Facts: Wasgamuwa National Park  Detail Information  Location Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts, Central/North Central Sri Lanka   Distance from Colombo   225 km (via Kandy–Hasalaka–Wilgamuwa Route)  Area   37,062 Hectares  Declared   7 August 1984 (Strict Nature Reserve since 1938)  Main Entrances   Handungamuwa Gate Kalundawa Gate  Park Hours  6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily Ticket Counter Hours  6:00 AM to 4:00 PM Known for Wild Elephant Herds Sri Lanka's Densest Sloth Bear Population  Nearest Towns  Polonnaruwa (10 Km) Hasalaka Wilgamuwa   How To Reach The Wasgamuwa National Park? The location of Wasgamuwa National Park is a little reclusive, for lack of a better word.   It is neither part of the hill country nor is it included in the cultural triangle. So, often, it is left out of usual Sri Lanka trip itineraries.   However, this national park is accessible from Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.   So, you can plan a cultural trip combined with a wildlife experience by including the Wasgamuwa National Park in your bucket list.   From Colombo  The most straightforward route runs via Kandy on the A1, then the A26 towards Mahiyangana.   At Hasalaka, you turn off onto the Wilgamuwa road and follow it through to the park.   Budget five to six hours for the roughly 225 km drive, longer if you get stuck in Kandy's town traffic, which you almost certainly will around midday.  From Kandy, Sigiriya, And Dambulla  If you are already based in the Cultural Triangle, Wasgamuwa is a far more manageable side trip.  From Kandy, it is about 50 km northeast via Hasalaka and Wilgamuwa. So, it is just around a 90-minute drive from the Colombo slog.   On the other hand, Sigiriya Rock and the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple are around two hours away by road, and the route passes through Naula and Elahera.   So, as I did, you can tack a Wasgamuwa morning safari onto a Sigiriya stay rather than treating it as its own base.  The Expenses  A private car rental or taxi fare from Colombo to the Wasgamuwa National Park will cost you LKR 15000 onward.   So, the best option is to travel from Colombo to Kandy, stay there, and travel to the Wasgamuwa National Park from there.   To know more details about how to travel from Colombo to Kandy, you can check my guide.   From Sigiriya or the Dambulla Royal Cave, a public vehicle to this national park will cost you around LKR 10000.   From Polonnaruwa  Polonnaruwa is the closest major town, just 10 km from the park's northern boundary.  The  Wilgamuwa "Japan Bridge" gives easy access from the Mahaweli System C area.  Despite the short distance, the taxi fare from Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa is quite high. It will be around LKR 7000.   Also, for the jeep safari inside the national park, the cost will be around LKR 7500 to LKR 10000.   Entrance Fees And Permits   Category   Approximate Cost (2026)   Foreign Adult (12+)   USD 12  Foreign Child (6–12 Years)   USD 6  Foreign Children under 6 Years    Free  SAARC Nationals USD 10 for Adults USD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 Years Free for Children below 6 Years    Locals   Adults: LKR 60 Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30 Children below 6 Years: Free Students: LKR 20   Vehicle Entry Ticket   LKR 300   Foreign Group Fee Per Vehicle   USD 10  What Is The Best Time To Visit Wasgamuwa National Park? You will have to decide the best time to visit the park based on the kind of experience you want.   For Elephant Herds   Wasgamuwa has a different timing for spotting the elephants than Minneriya.   During the dry months (roughly June to September), much of Wasgamuwa's elephant population actually migrates north toward Minneriya and Kaudulla in search of water, which is where you will find those spectacular 200-strong herds.   So, if you want to spot the elephants, November to May is when more of them stay resident within Wasgamuwa itself, following the Mahaweli River corridor that forms the park's eastern boundary.  Weather And General Visiting  The dry season from June to September offers comfortable safari conditions.  The thinner vegetation makes it easy to spot sloth bears and leopards.   October to January brings the northeast monsoon, when the park can turn muddy, and some interior tracks become difficult to navigate.  What To See Inside The Park? The park offers the most wonderful fusion of wildlife and history.   Wildlife  Wasgamuwa gets all the hype for its elephants. However, it also has sloth bears and leopards.  In fact, many surveys suggest that sloth bear density in this park is highest in Sri Lanka.   Also, some accounts suggest the park's own name derives from "walas" (sloth bear) and "gamuwa" (wood). So, it is literally the forest of the sloth bears.   Along with these three, you can even spot purple-faced langurs, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, and water buffalo here.  Moreover,  in the park's pools and waterways reside water monitors, mugger and estuarine crocodiles, and pythons.   Birdlife is understated but real.  I counted painted storks, white ibis, and several raptors circling over the grasslands in a single morning.  Ancient Ruins Within The Park  Long before it was a protected area, this land carried Anuradhapura- and Polonnaruwa-era settlement.  I saw dagobas, an ancient canal system, and reservoir remains scattered through the jungle, well away from the standard vehicle tracks.  Moreover, the area between the park and the Mahaweli River has a link to a battlefield from the Dutugemunu–Elara conflict of the 2nd century BCE.  However, I could not visit most of the sites because I did not have the required special permission. Also, these are not part of the regular safari visits.   Safari Timings And Practicalities  Feature Half-Day Morning Half-Day Evening Full-Day Safari Timing 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM Start 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Full day (split by picnic break) Duration 3 – 4 hours 3 – 4 hours All day Coverage Area Main tracks near Handungamuwa Gate Main tracks near Handungamuwa Gate Mahaweli riverbank sections Jeep Cost (LKR) 7,500 – 10,000 7,500 – 10,000 15,000 – 20,000 Wildlife Focus General park wildlife General park wildlife Reliable elephant sightings Hotel Pickup 30–60 mins early (if less than 5 km from gate) Varies by hotel proximity 30–60 mins early (if less than 5 km from gate)  A Sample One-Day Wasgamuwa Itinerary   Time   Activity  5:00 AM   Depart accommodation (Kandy base)  6:00–6:30 AM   Arrive at Handungamuwa Gate, complete entry formalities  6:30–10:00 AM   Morning Safari including Riverine Forest and Grassland Tracks  10:00–10:30 AM   Picnic/Tea Break Near Mahaweli Riverbank  10:30–11:30 AM   Continue Safari toward Interior Water Holes  11:30 AM   Exit Park and Return to Base  3:00–6:00 PM   Evening Safari Session with a Separate Entry  Wasgamuwa does not have the wall-to-wall wildlife density of Yala or the spectacle of Minneriya's Gathering.   However, you will get a quiet forest to explore for several hours. Also, the elephants and sloth bears here are never performing for the tourists or camera lenses.   So, I would pair it with a Cultural Triangle any day for the best value safari experience in the country.