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

BY  Sibashree Aug 27, 2026

Most waterfalls in Sri Lanka announce themselves with a roar from half a kilometer away. However, Bambarakanda Falls was different.   It has a thin water flow, and as it drops far, I could only hear the sound of the waterfall when I was standing directly under it.   However, it is the tallest in the country, and I could not find the top even after craning my neck all the way back.   The Story Behind The Name Of The Bambarakanda Falls The name comes from Bambara. In the Sinhalese language, Bambara means wasps.  The rock face around the falls was once a prominent colony of wasps.   However, before the waterfall became known as Bambarakanda,  it was called Bambarakele Falls and Dultota Falls.   What struck me more than the etymology was how quiet the setting is compared to its size and fame.  This is not a waterfall with restaurants and gift shops crowding the base, just pine forest, a rough access road, and the sound of falling water.  Where Is Bambarakanda Falls? Bambarakanda Falls is close to the small town of Kalupahana in the Badulla District. It is also near the boundary of the Horton Plains National Park.   Kuda Oya, a modest stream, is the source of this waterfall.   However, it transforms into the most dramatic tributary the moment it reaches the cliff edge above Kalupahana and drops in a single, thin, horsetail plunge.   Furthermore, this waterfall is around 200 km away from Colombo. The distance between Bambarakanda Waterfall and Belihuloya is just 18 km.   So, Bambarakanda Falls easily fits into the itinerary if you are in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka or on the Ella–Haputale–Horton Plains corridor.   How To Reach Bambarakanda Falls? Bambarakanda is easily accessible from Colombo by road and train. Here are the details.   From Colombo By Road  The most common route is Colombo to Ratnapura to Belihuloya to Kalupahana, following the A4 highway toward Beragala.   At Kalupahana Junction, a signposted turn-off leads onto a narrower road that runs for roughly 5 km through Weerakoongama's pine and tea plantations before reaching the parking area.   The final stretch is rough enough in places that not every car will manage it comfortably.  So a tuk-tuk from the junction is a popular last-mile option if you're not driving a higher-clearance vehicle.  By Train And Bus  If you're relying on public transport, the nearest useful rail stop is Ohiya.  From Ohiya, you will still need a taxi or tuk-tuk to cover the remaining distance.   Buses running the Colombo–Badulla A4 route will drop you at Kalupahana Junction, where three-wheelers wait to ferry visitors up the access road for a small fixed fare.  The Trek To The Base  From the parking area, I had to take a flight of steps to reach the base of the waterfall. The flight took around 10-15 minutes.   It was an easy trek as I passed through a pine forest. Also, compared to places such as Sinharaja, the leeches were way fewer in number throughout the route.   However, with the pine needles scattered on the ground, it was a bit slippery. So, you need to wear proper walking or trekking shoes.   As I reached the base of the waterfall, I found a shallow pool, perfect for wading. Also, if you want to remain dry and want to appreciate the scale of the waterfall, you can watch the waterfall from the concrete viewing platform.   Climbing To The Top: The Devil's Staircase  If you want more adventure, you can take the steep trail nicknamed the Devil's Staircase, winding up the mountainside to the crest of the falls.  Remember that this stretch, leading to the top, is a proper hiking route. It is not like strolling anyway!  The elevation here is several hundred meters through pine and mixed forest. So, even if the weather is a little bad, you must not attempt this.   The reward at the top is a small natural infinity pool and a miniature waterfall feeding into the main drop, along with sweeping views down the valley toward the eastern plains.   A short trek from the base also leads to Lanka Ella, a smaller waterfall nearby whose shape is sometimes said to resemble the outline of Sri Lanka itself.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Bambarakanda Falls? Honestly, the guides on the best time to visit Bambarakanda Falls are mostly confusing.   Some sources say that March to May is the ideal time for a visit to this waterfall. Indeed, going for a trek is safest in this season, as the flow is modest and the trails are less slippery.   However, if you want to see the most dramatic version of the waterfall, May to September is the ideal window.   I am someone who is always in for the later window. Visiting shortly after rain gave me a fuller view of the fall, and it was the most photogenic.   A dry spell, on the other hand, makes the waterfall look thinner.   What Are The Attractions Near Bambarakanda Waterfalls? Some of the best-known sights of the Sri Lankan Central Highlands are very close to Bambarakanda Waterfalls.  Horton Plains National Park and World's End are a scenic drive away. Haputale, with its cooler climate, tea estates, and views toward the southern coast on a clear day.  Haputale further makes a good overnight base. Also, if you are continuing along the A4, Belihuloya offers river-adjacent guesthouses and a much gentler pace than the falls themselves.  Practical Travel Tips  If you are planning to capture the beauty of the waterfall, you should pack wide-angle lenses.   The waterfall is so tall that, considering how close you stand, fitting the entire cascade into one frame from the base is genuinely difficult.  Furthermore, if you are driving yourself to the waterfall, budget extra time for the access road, which is narrow, occasionally rutted, and best driven slowly regardless of your vehicle.  A Few Things I Wish I Had Known  It was a mistake on my part to underestimate the remoteness of the final stretch of the road.  The stretch was just a few kilometers off the main A4 Highway. Still, once I quickly reached the pine forest, there was no phone signal for the majority of the route leading to the base.   Furthermore, you will have to bring cash, as digital payments or cards are not accepted at the entrance or along the trail.  Also, barring the odd roadside stall near the junction, you will not find much food.   Moreover, if you are on the Devil's Staircase climb to the crest, go early in the day. Clouds tend to roll in by early afternoon and can turn a rewarding view into a very damp anticlimax.  Where To Stay Near Bambarakanda Falls  You will not find real accommodation facilities right at the falls.   As convenient options, you can base yourself in Haputale or Belihuloya. You can reach both locations within 30-40 minutes by car from Bambarakanda.   Haputale sits higher up and cooler, with a scattering of small guesthouses and a couple of well-regarded boutique stays that make a good stop if you are also planning to see World's End at Horton Plains the next morning.   Belihuloya, down in the valley, has a handful of riverside guesthouses that suit travelers who'd rather relax by moving water than climb toward it after a long day on the road.   Either option works as a base for a half-day dedicated to Bambarakanda, with enough flexibility to add Horton Plains or a tea-estate walk without much extra driving.

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 May 27, 2026

From the beaches of Jaffna to Weligama, Sri Lanka has so many places that can teach you the art of slow traveling and the TravelDownUnder philosophy.  The southern coast of Sri Lanka, especially, has a distinct magic. Furthermore, the Hiriketiya Beach and Mirissa Beach often steal the social media limelight.  However, Weligama is an exception even in this age of Instagram craze. The region has a legendary surf culture and a salty heart.  So, surfing is the most popular answer when you ask what to do in Weligama.  It has a massive, shallow crescent bay that transforms everyday ocean swells into beautifully consistent, beginner-friendly rollers. However, surfing is not the only activity you will love in Weligama. Even if you never plan on waxing a surfboard, the laid-back beach town pulls you in with an infectious, slow-paced lifestyle.  Moreover, here you will spend the mornings in flat whites, hide from the tropical Sun in shaded pools in the afternoon, and enjoy the distinct nightlife.  So, as I was on a backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I enjoyed every bit of this remote coastal area.  I have penned my experience, the best things to do in Weligama, what to eat, and more in this article.  What To Do In Weligama? Indulging In The Quintessential Coastal Experience In Sri Lanka According to a recent report of the World Economic Forum regarding the Jobs and the Future of Work, 25% of the workforce in the world will be fully digital.  With this shift in the workforce, there will also be a paradigm shift in the way young people and professionals travel.  The digital nomads especially look for budget-friendly and beautiful locations that offer them the ease and amenities of working.  In this regard, Weligama in Sri Lanka remains a prominent choice, and even according to a survey of the Hotel With Tub website, Weligama has secured the 43rd place among the 100 best destinations for digital nomads in the world.  It is affordable, and you must try the following attractions here.  1. Enjoying The Quintessential Weligama Surf Experience  Surfing is the very fabric of Weligama. Decades ago, some eager travelers chased the rumor of finding the perfect breaks in this sleepy fishing hub.  Today, it is one of the premier learning grounds for surfers in Asia.  The gentle sandy floor of the slope reaches across hundreds of meters in the water. Thus, the incoming waves lose their chaotic bite and turn into rolling whitewash,  With the waves getting predictable, even if you are stepping onto a board for the first time, you can walk down the main beach strip to find dozens of local wooden shacks offering board rentals and affordable one-on-one coaching. However, that does not mean that Weligama will disappoint the advanced surfers. For example, Kima Surf Camp is a high-end hub for premier surfers.  Housed within a meticulously restored colonial mansion, it pairs intensive, expert-led coaching with a vibrant communal lifestyle, yoga classes, and poolside recovery sessions.  2. Attending A Rooftop Yoga Session At Hangtime Hostel  The neighboring Ahangama is a more popular place for the niche Yoga subculture. However, the Yoga studios in Weligama stand out because of their amazing views.  The Hangtime Hostel is the place I visited, and the open-air rooftop platform grounded me as soon as I stepped in.  Also, it offers a quick relief from the street noise, and on one side, it offers the most amazing view of the expansive Indian Ocean.  On the other hand, the dense, emerald canopy of the Sri Lankan jungle sways in the breeze.  Like every day, the classes began at 9 AM, and I was a little early to reach as I wanted to secure a good spot.  Furthermore, the session was on Power Vinyasa, and it cost around LKR 2500.  3. Chasing Horizons In The Golden Hour  Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Sunset is more than a natural occurrence that takes place daily.  It is like a social ritual and a magic of nature that brings people together. It is an amazing experience to see the Sun dipping into the water.  However, only the locals know the right time to start a short scooter ride to reach The Cliff and see the most vibrant sunset.  It is over rugged coastal rocks, and this open-air tiered place ensures that every single table is positioned for panoramic ocean views.  Overall, it is a complete fusion of the upscale "sunset lounge" aesthetic and the unpretentious warmth that defines Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, to attend this perfect fusion, The Cliff has leaned on tropical flavors without the use of artificial sugar.  Also, I had the most amazing grilled octopus here with pillowy flatbread.  4. Exceptional Brunching Experience At Nomad Cafe Weligama has a booming cafe culture, and Nomad Cafe is surely the crown jewel. It began its journey as a modest, five-table passion project, and now it is an experience in its own right.  Foodies frequently travel from nearby towns to experience the great food and ambiance here. You must not miss the Flat White here.  Moreover, the menu of Nomad Vafe deftly bridges European brunch staples with vibrant, fresh flavor profiles. The undeniable star of the show is the rösti eggs Benedict. I loved its texture play with perfectly poached eggs and rich, velvety hollandaise balanced precariously on a shatteringly crispy potato hash brown. Moreover, if you are looking for something with a kick, don’t miss their smoky and perfectly spiced shakshuka.  5. Coworking At Plan B For Community And Connection  As I have already mentioned, Weligama is a prime location for digital nomads. Plan B is one of the prime destinations for digital nomads here.  Furthermore, if you need to answer emails, crunch numbers, or take a Zoom call without sacrificing your tropical state of mind, Plan B is the place to be.  It is an excellent fusion of a cozy garden cafe, coworking hub, and coliving space. Furthermore, there is a shaded courtyard at the epicenter of the cafe.  The space hums with gentle productivity; you will find professionals from across the globe typing away over iced lattes while jazz music filters through the trees.  Moreover, the beauty of Plan B is inclusivity. You will not need a formal workspace pass to enjoy the grounds.  Their smoothie bowls are amazing, and so are the traditional Sri Lankan hoppers and decadent eggs Florentine. You will also find many delightful vegan options here. 6. Enjoying Seafood By The Shore: A Culinary Feast At Maru Weligama is not just about cafes and local rice-and-curry spots when it comes to food. Maru, for example, is a place that elevates the beachfront dining experience.  It is right against the ocean’s edge, and the restaurant celebrates the bounty brought in daily by Weligama’s fishing fleets.  Furthermore, the menu here focuses heavily on bright, clean, and coastal flavors.  For example, the shrimp ceviche is a masterclass with fresh flavors and the right acidic balance. It is perfect for a hot midday meal.  Moreover, if you are looking for something hearty and healthy, try their assorted teriyaki and fresh fish poke bowls with crisp veggies, seasoned sushi rice, and premium cuts of fish.  In addition, Maru offers the most delightful perk in the form of the on-site swimming pool. I took a dip there before and after the meal.  So, it is an amazing base camp to escape the intense midday Sun, work, enjoy the ocean breeze, and indulge in a leisurely lunch.  7. Unwinding At Zephyr Zephyr becomes the go-to place after the surfboard rental shacks close their doors. It offers meticulously crafted cocktail, and the nightlife here is not pretentious.  Instead, you will find a highly sophisticated, relaxed beachside aesthetic here.  Moreover, the bar staff here is well aware of the finer details of classic cocktails.  Their espresso martini is properly frothy and bitter, while their classic mojito relies on freshly plucked mint and perfectly balanced lime juice.  While primarily celebrated for its drinks, Zephyr surprises many with its highly curated food menu.  Instead of heavy entrees, they specialize in elevated small plates designed to complement the spirits.  The seared tuna plate, crusted in local spices and perfectly rare at the center, is an absolute must-try. Like Maru, Zephyr features a pool that adds to its luxury-resort feel.  Essential Day Trips Beyond Weligama Bay You can extend the list of what to do in Weligama thanks to its unique geographic location.  It is a delightful epicenter for exploring the culture, wildlife, and history of southern Sri Lanka. 1. Galle Fort You can take a tuk-tuk ride for 45 minutes to reach Galle Fort.  It is a A gorgeous UNESCO Heritage site filled with 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, high-end boutiques, jewelry galleries, and a striking seaside lighthouse. 2. Handunugoda Tea Estate The tea estate is a 45-minute scooter ride from Weligama.  It is a lush lowland plantation producing legendary "Virgin White Tea," completely untouched by human skin during harvesting. Here, you will enjoy fascinating machinery tours and extensive tea tastings. 3. Yala National Park  You can take a car ride of 3 hours to reach the Yala National Park.  The Yala National Park is an intense, bucket-list wildlife safari. Leave in the pre-dawn hours to spot wild Asian elephants, crocodiles, leopards, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitats.