Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Is Visiting Jaffna In Sri Lanka Worth It? 

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

Like how I had pulled over for St. Clair's Fall, the same thing happened a few kilometers along the A7.   The driver asked me not to keep my camera aside yet, and suddenly the hillside opened up.   There was a long, narrow ribbon of white water dropping almost straight down into a gorge of tea bushes.  It was Devon Falls, the “Veil of the Valley” in Sri Lanka’s Tea Country. The name comes from how it falls a long way.   So, it more than makes up for the lack of width compared to St. Clair's Waterfall. Here is more about this beautiful waterfall that should be on your Sri Lanka itinerary the next time you visit.   Some Quick Facts About Devon Falls, Nuwara Eliya   Details  Information Height Around 97 Meters Number of Drops  3 Tiers River A Tributary of the Kotmale Oya, Part of the Mahaweli River System Location 6 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province Elevation Around 1140 Meters Above Sea Level Entry Fee Free and Viewable from Roadside Platform Nickname The Veil of the Valley Rank 19th Highest Waterfall in Sri Lanka  Where Is Devon Falls And How To Get There? Around 6 kilometers west of Talawakele, Devon Falls is on the A7 highway that connects Colombo to Nuwara Eliya via Hatton.  This waterfall in the Nuwara Eliya District is at an elevation of around 1140 meters. It is in the heart of the Dimbula tea-growing region.   From Nuwara Eliya  The distance between Nuwara Eliya and Devon Waterfall is around 30 kilometers. I took a car from Nuwara Eliya, and it cost me around 3000 LKR.   You can also take a tuk-tuk, which costs around LKR 2000.   The road passes directly above the falls. So, even before you reach the viewpoint, you will get your first glimpse of it through the windscreen.  From Kandy Or Colombo  If you are traveling from Kandy by road, you will reach Devon Falls within 2 to 2.5 hours via Gampola and Nawalapitiya.   Furthermore, from Colombo, it is a 4-hour drive on the Avissawella–Hatton route. Since it is a long journey from Colombo, you can pair it with a night in Hatton or Nuwara Eliya rather than a same-day round trip.  On Foot From The Road  There are two designated car parks along the A7 that double as observation platforms.   Both offer a clear view of the three-tiered drop without any walking required.   If you want a closer look, a short trail leads about a kilometre through the surrounding tea estate toward the base, though the pool itself is not easy to reach.  The Story Behind The Name Of Devon Falls Devon Falls gets its name from Devon, a pioneering English coffee planter.   His plantation once occupied the land nearby.   When coffee cultivation collapsed across Sri Lanka's hill country in the late 19th century due to a leaf-rust blight, tea took its place.  Today, the falls tumble past neat rows of tea bushes rather than coffee, though the name from that earlier era stuck.  What I found most memorable about Devon Falls was not just its height, but how sudden it feels.   St. Clair's spreads its water wide and slow.  Devon narrows it and lets it drop, almost in a single unbroken curtain through the first two tiers before spreading again near the base.   Moreover, standing at the main viewpoint opposite the Mlesna Tea Centre, you get the full length of the fall in one frame, framed by steep, green escarpments on both sides.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Devon Falls?  Season Months What to Expect Wet Season May to September Fuller, more dramatic flow, though mist can obscure the view Dry Season December to March Clearer skies, better for photography, lighter flow Early Morning Any Season, Before 9 AM Less roadside traffic and softer light on the water  Pairing Devon Falls With St. Clair's Because the two falls sit only a few kilometres apart on the same road, almost nobody visits just one.   St. Clair's is the wider, more famous of the pair, while Devon is the taller and, to my eye, the more dramatic.   Seeing both in a single stop along the A7 takes less than half a day, which makes this stretch of road one of the most efficient sightseeing detours in the hill country.  A One-Day Itinerary Around Devon Falls Here's how I'd plan a day trip centred on Devon Falls, starting from Nuwara Eliya or Hatton.  Time Stop Note  8:30 AM Depart Nuwara Eliya or Hatton Aim to reach the falls before the midday tour-bus crowds.  9:30 AM St. Clair's Falls Roadside viewpoint, about 6 km east of Devon.  10:30 AM Devon Falls View from the main platform opposite Mlesna Tea Centre.  11:15 AM Tea estate walk or factory visit Several estates in Dimbula offer short tours.  12:30 PM Lunch in Talawakele Local rice-and-curry spots along the main road.  2:00 PM Onward to Hatton or Nuwara Eliya Or continue toward Adam's Peak if timing allows.   Practical Tips For A Visit To Devon Falls  Both viewpoints are roadside, so no hiking is required if you just want the classic photo.  Traffic along the A7 can be heavy with tour vans in the late morning. So, an early start helps.  Skip swimming here. The pool is difficult to access, and the currents near the base are not considered safe.  Pack a light jacket. At over 1,100 m elevation, mornings can be genuinely chilly even in the dry season.  We only stopped for about fifteen minutes at Devon Falls.  However, it was one of those places that have stayed with me. That long, narrow drop through the tea hills, half-hidden in mist, is hard to shake.

BY  Sibashree Sep 4, 2026

The only coastal reserve in Sri Lanka and a Ramsar Site, the Bundala National Park welcomes you to a different world.   So, when I entered the national park, the first thing I noticed was neither an elephant nor a crocodile. In fact, it was not a flamingo.   It was absolute silence! The calls of a lagoon full of birds broke the silence, and it was a stark contrast to Yala National Park and its busy life.   The main entrance of Yala National Park is barely one hour away from Bundala. Also, both share much of the same dry-zone wildlife.   Still, Bundala is one of the least visited national parks in the South.   As a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, Bundala is built around a chain of shallow brackish lagoons.   That explains why it draws one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds anywhere in Sri Lanka.   Also, I was fortunate enough to visit Bundala during the northern winter. I met the elegant greater flamingos wading through pink-tinged water at sunrise.   Nevertheless, irrespective of the time of your visit, you can spot elephants, and crocodiles.   You will also find a coastline of dunes and scrub forest.  National Park Of Bundala At A Glance  Detail Information Location Southern Province, Sri Lanka, between Hambantota and Tissamaharama Nearest town Hambantota (About 15-20 km) Area Approximately 6,216 Hectares Designation National Park (1993). Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (1990) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2005) Landscape Five Shallow Brackish/Saline Lagoons Sand Dunes Scrub Jungle Coastal Habitat Known for Migratory and Resident Birds (200+ Species), including Greater Flamingos Elephants Crocodiles Best time to visit November to March for Peak Migratory Birdlife Year-Round for Elephants and Resident Species Distance from Colombo Around 245 KM Roughly 4-4.5 Hours by Road  Bundala National Park: A Wetland With A Bigger Reputation Than Its Size Suggests Bundala became a designated national park in 1993. However, the story of its conservation goes earlier.   It was already a Ramsar Site in 1990, and it was the first in the country to get this recognition. Again, in 2005, it became a part of a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.   The lagoons here are a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway. The migration route that brings birds from as far as Siberia and the Rann of Kutch down to the Indian Ocean coast every winter.  I loved the park more because it has a very humble demeanor and there is no single headline animal.   It rewards patience.  I spotted a crocodile motionless at a lagoon's edge, a family of elephants moving through the scrub in the middle distance, and always, everywhere, birds.  Wildlife And Birdlife In Bundala National Park  Bundala National Park transforms into a wonderland for birdwatchers between November and March.   Greater flamingos are the main attraction out of the 200 species of birds recorded here.   Most of them are migratory birds, and they arrive between November and March.   During my visit to the park, the flocks of flamingos were so huge that they turned almost the entire lagoon area pink.    Our guide also drew our attention to painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, various species of stork and egret, and a healthy population of raptors.  Furthermore, the park holds a resident elephant population, estimated at several dozen individuals.  Moreover, it has saltwater and mugger crocodiles in the lagoons, and smaller numbers of leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, and jackals.   How To Reach Bundala National Park? You can reach the Bundala National Park from Colombo via the Southern Expressway to Hambantota or the Sooriyawewa exit.   Then local roads will lead you to the park entrance. The overall journey from Colombo by road is around 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on the gate you are visiting and the exact timing.   Again, Bundala National Park is an easy add-on to a visit to Yala National Park. The main entrance of Bundala is 20-25 km from Tissamaharama, making it a natural pairing for anyone already doing a Yala safari circuit.  Moreover, Hambantota, around 15-20 km away from Bundala National Park, is the closest town.   So, Hambantota, with its beaches and port area, will be your base if you want a combination of coastal experience and wildlife.   Bundala Entrance Fees (2026)   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  A One-Day Bundala Itinerary Bundala works well as a half-day or full-day safari, and it also slots neatly into a longer south-coast loop that includes Yala, Tissamaharama, and the beaches around Hambantota.   Here is how you can structure a single day focused on the park itself.  Time Activity 5:30 - 6:00 AM Departure from Tissamaharama or Hambantota. 6:00 - 9:30 AM Morning safari through the lagoon circuits. 9:30 - 10:30 AM Break near the lagoons or at a nearby guesthouse for breakfast. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Continue the drive toward the coastal dune and scrub sections for elephants and crocodiles. 12:30 - 2:00 PM Exit the park, lunch in Hambantota or Tissamaharama. Afternoon (optional) Combine with a Hambantota lighthouse or salt pan visit, or head onward to Yala/Kataragama.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Bundala National Park? November to March is the best season to visit Bundala National Park if you want to spot Greater Flamingos and other birds.   Flamingos gather in the highest numbers from December to February.   However, Bundala is home to elephants, crocodiles, and resident birdlife across all seasons.  Practical Tips For A Visit  Go early. Gates typically open around 6 AM, and the first two hours offer the best light and the least heat-shy wildlife activity.  Bring binoculars if birdwatching is a priority. Much of the action happens across open water at a distance.  Sun protection matters here more than in forested parks as Bundala's lagoons and dunes offer little shade.  Pair it with Yala or Tissamaharama to make the most of the drive down.  Nearby Attractions  Bundala sits within easy reach of several other south-coast highlights, making it easy to build into a wider itinerary rather than a standalone day trip.   Yala National Park and the temple town of Kataragama are both close by, and the beaches and salt pans around Hambantota make for a relaxed way to close out the day.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

Aberdeen Falls makes you wait, and you have to work hard to get a view of this majestic waterfall.   Also, this waterfall in Sri Lanka's hill country was the one with the fewest other visitors when I got there.   There was no roadside pull-off here and no viewing platform right off the highway.   Just a walk through tea land above Ginigathena, the sound of water getting louder, and then a nearly 100-meter curtain dropping into a rock-walled pool!  Here is my experience at this majestic waterfall and everything else you need to know to visit it.   Quick Facts About Aberdeen Falls  Quick Facts Details  Height About 98 Meters  Width Around 8 Meters  River Kehelgamu Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River  Location Near Ginigathena, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province  Rank 18th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka  Access Short hike (roughly 1 km) from the road, and there is no formal entry fee.  Swimming Not recommended as the pool is deep, and currents can be dangerous.   Where Is Aberdeen Falls And How To Get There? Aberdeen Falls is on the Kehelgamu Oya, a major tributary of the Kelani River, near the town of Ginigathena in the Nuwara Eliya District.   It is named, a little incongruously, after Aberdeen in Scotland. So, it is a nod to the British planters who once ran the tea estate here.  From Ginigathena  The most common approach starts in Ginigathena town.   From there, follow Ambatale Road to a Buddha statue at the end of the road, where you will need to park.   From that point, it is a walk of a little over a kilometer. Some guides list it as 800 meters to 1.2 kilometers depending on the exact route along a footpath through the estate and down toward the falls.  From Colombo Or Kandy  A common route from Colombo runs via Avissawella and Karawanella to Ginigathena. It is roughly 3 to 3.5 hours by car.   From Kandy, it is a similar distance heading the opposite direction, passing through Kadugannawa and Ginigathena's outskirts.  On The Trail  The path down is uneven in places and can get slippery after rain.  So proper shoes matter more here than at the roadside falls further up the valley.   It is not a technical hike, but it's enough of a walk that you'll want at least an hour round trip, more if you stop for photos.  What Makes Aberdeen Falls Different Most of the well-known waterfalls in this part of the hill country, St. Clair's, Devon, are effectively drive-by attractions.  They are visible from a car window or a short stroll off the highway.   Aberdeen isn't.   You have to commit to the walk, and that alone keeps the crowds thinner than at the more famous falls nearby.  The reward is a narrow, forceful single drop into a pool framed by a large rock formation behind it, with dense forest closing in on both sides.   Local legend holds that a tunnel connects Aberdeen Falls to Laxapana Falls further down the valley.  There is no solid evidence for it. However, it is the kind of story that gets repeated at every viewpoint, and I'll admit it added a bit of atmosphere while I stood there.   Because Aberdeen and Laxapana both sit on rivers that feed hydroelectric schemes, water levels can vary noticeably depending on how much is being diverted upstream.  So the falls look a little different every time.  The Amphitheater Of Stone And Mist  What truly sets Aberdeen Falls apart once you clear the jungle trail is the sheer scale of its geological footprint.   The water does not simply spill over a cliff.  It thunders into a colossal, horseshoe-shaped rock amphitheater.   This towering crescent of dark, wet stone acts like a natural sounding board, trapping the roar of the Kehelgamu Oya and magnifying it until the air itself seems to vibrate.  Because of the unique inward curve of the rock walls, a perpetual cloud of heavy mist hangs suspended over the plunge pool.   This constant humidity has created a microclimate where vibrant green mosses, slick liverworts, and primitive ferns cling to every vertical fissure, contrasting sharply with the black obsidian-colored rock face.  Standing at the edge of the basin, the view is framed by a dense canopy of endemic trees that lean over the water, blocking out the harsh midday sun.   The result is a moody, isolated sanctuary that feels entirely cut off from the outside world.   It is a visual drama you completely miss from a roadside viewpoint. So, it is a hidden world for those willing to track it down.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Aberdeen Falls?  Seasons Months  What to Expect  Wet season May to September Strongest flow, but the trail is muddier, and swimming is more dangerous  Dry season December to March Easier trail conditions, gentler flow, clearer photos  Early morning Any season Cooler hiking temperatures and better light through the forest canopy   Places To Visit Near Aberdeen Falls: Laxapana Falls And Kitulgala If you are already making the trip out to Ginigathena, it is worth extending the day.   Laxapana Falls, tied to Aberdeen in local folklore, is a further drive down the valley.  Also, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka's main whitewater rafting hub, is roughly 30 to 40 minutes away.  Thus, this stretch is a natural base for a nature-and-adventure day rather than a single quick stop.  A One-Day Itinerary Around Aberdeen Falls  Time Stop Notes 8:00 AM Depart Ginigathena or Kitulgala Start early to avoid the midday heat on the walk.  9:00 AM Hike to Aberdeen Falls About 1 km each way from the Ambatale Road parking point.  10:30 AM Return to the road Allow extra time for photos and the uphill return walk.  11:30 AM Drive to Kitulgala Roughly 30–40 minutes away.  12:30 PM Lunch by the Kelani River Several riverside spots near the rafting operators.  2:00 PM Optional: whitewater rafting or a river walk Kitulgala's main draw if you have the afternoon free.   Practical Tips For A Visit To Aberdeen Falls  Wear proper hiking shoes as the trail has dirt and stone. Also, it can be slick after rain.  Do not swim in the pool at the base because it is deep. There have been cases of drownings here.  There is no ticket booth or formal infrastructure. So bring water and snacks with you.  Moreover, hire a local guide or tuk-tuk driver in Ginigathena if you are unsure of the trailhead. You may not find a signpost everywhere.   Climbing back up from Aberdeen Falls, sweating a little more than I expected to, I remember thinking it was worth every step.   It does not have the roadside fame of St. Clair's or Devon. That is exactly the point, as this is the waterfall you visit when you want to feel like you found it yourself.