Sri Lanka may be tiny, but what it lacks in expanse it makes up for in splendour. When it comes to natural beauty, this little island ranks high up on the list. Fortuitously, Mount Havana is situated close to many stunning natural attractions. If you feel like stepping out and soaking yourself in the wonders of nature, then here are three must-see places.
Kadiyanlena Falls
Sri Lanka has many gorgeous waterfalls and as fortune would have it, Mount Havana is located close to two of the most beautiful.
Kadiyanlena Falls is located in Nawalapitiya, a town within close proximity to Kandy. Taking its name from the town in which it stands, the falls is made up of three tiers. The highest and middle segments of the falls cascade in a single stream, while the lowest segment divides into two streams. The official height of the falls is 8 meters, although this is most likely the height of the highest tier. The combined height of all three tiers is estimated to be around 25 meters.
The most picturesque view of the falls is from the three-arched bridge that crosses the lowest tier. You can click some Instagram-worthy photos as you revel in the gentle roar of the jets of water.
If you are up for a slightly challenging trek, you can get much closer to the falls. The path that runs through the forest is scenic in its own right and you can enjoy the sweet twittering of birds as you walk. Just keep in mind that the rocks can be slippery and you will need proper footwear. Avoid going when it rains as the path can get extremely treacherous.
Kadiyanlena Falls is also referred to as Ketaboola Ella after the tea estate that surrounds it. There are two hydro power stations located above and below the falls. If you are curious, you could always walk to the entrance of the Ketaboola Estate Power House. However, access into the power house requires special permission.
The villagers of Kadiyanlena and other local visitors enjoy bathing in the refreshing waters of the falls. The middle and lowest tiers offer some fine bathing spots. The cool, fresh water is both relaxing and rejuvenating.
Galaboda Falls
Spanning between three and six meters in breadth (depending on the rain), Galaboda Falls is generally regarded as one of the widest waterfalls in the country. It is situated in the Nawalapitiya area along the Colombo-Badulla railway line. As this is very close to Watawala, the place that gets the highest rainfall in the country (the annual rainfall rate exceeds 4,500mm) there is almost always a full flow of water. Sometimes, when the rain is heavy, the waterfall cascades in two streams.
Also known as Galboda Ella, this waterfall takes its name from the boulder that lies at its foot – in Sinhala ‘Galboda’ means adjacent to the rock. The dense woodland that surrounds it is home to many species of animals, including 12 species of reptiles, 4 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. There is also a rare variety of orchid to be found in the forest.
Access to the waterfall is by foot. Vehicles have to stop about 2 kilometers before the falls. The walk to the falls is breathtaking with lush green foliage, colorful butterflies and pretty birds. It is a comfortable hike along the well-maintained pathway. There is a viewing platform from which you can click some stunning photos. If you would like a closer encounter, you can use the footpath that leads to the water.
One thing you should keep in mind while planning your visit to Galaboda Falls is that the weather can be fairly erratic. It can start raining without warning and so you should pack a raincoat or umbrella. As you will need to walk to and from the falls, make sure you are dressed comfortably and have proper walking shoes. Many people, locals and tourists alike, visit Galaboda Falls each year. While it is generally safe, given the unpredictable weather it is advised that you stick to the designated pathway and avoid going too close to the waterfall.
Peacock Hill
If you are looking for a mildly challenging hike, then must-visitPeacock Hill is a must visit. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers long and moderately steep. The ascent to the summit is through a pretty pine forest and should take you between 30-40 minutes.
Standing just over 1,500 meters above sea level and 200 meters above Pussellawa town, Peacock Hill offers stunning panoramic views. This is truly a vantage point from which you can see numerous towns Pussellawa, Gampola, Nawalapitiya and Nuwara Eliya; mountains – Pidurutalagala, Bible rock and Dolosbage mountain range; bodies of water – Ramboda falls Poona Ella, Kotmale Reservoir and Mahaweli River; and even Amubuluwawa. No other hiking trail in the country rewards you with this kind of visual diversity.
The best place from which to soak in the view is at the very summit. Just be cautious as there are sheer drops on three sides.
The name Peacock Hill is a literal translation of the Sinhala name ‘Monara Gala’. From a distance, the main ridge and the cliff that protrudes from it resemble the head and neck of a peacock. And, if you use your imagination, the downward gradient of the surrounding forest that runs towards Gampola will begin to look like the many-feathered peacock tail.
For some inexplicable reason, Peacock Hill does not seem to be on the radar of many foreign travelers. However, the comfortable hike and mesmerizing vistas have made it very popular among the locals and so, it can get somewhat crowded on public holidays and weekends. October to April are known to provide the best views. January is the coolest time of year on Peacock Hill, while May tends to record the highest temperature.
According to local folklore, Prince Dutugemunu, after fleeing from his father, set up a hamlet named Kotagepitiya in Kotmale Valley just below Peacock Hill. He lived there for 12 years. It is believed that he would take his poultry up to Peacock Hill and receive messages from the giant Suranimala through the rock mountain.
Galpoththa Natural Water Slide
Located in Nawalapitiya, Galpoththa Falls is not so much a waterfall as it is a water slide. Unlike regular waterfalls which cascade straight down, the water of the Galpoththa falls slides over a slanted rock bed. Owing to the gradient of the rock, the water flows in a much gentler and calmer fashion than other waterfalls.
Also known as Sudugala Falls and Heightenford Falls (after the nearby Heightenford railway platform), Galpoththa Falls stands at a height of over 50 meters. However, this wonder of nature is most noteworthy for its width, which is about 60 meters.
The waterfall ends in a shallow pool that is about two feet deep. The cool water is extremely refreshing and so it is a very popular bathing spot. Children (and some, more daring adults) love to slide down the rock along with the water. This activity should be undertaken with caution and attempted only when water levels are low.
Once you have disembarked from your vehicle, you need to take a cool and comfortable stroll through a picturesque pine forest to reach the falls. You can bask in the tranquility of nature and enjoy the sweet sounds of birdsong as you walk.
Enjoying the great outdoors
If you are feeling adventurous and would like to check out any or all of these marvels of nature, then you should speak to our staff. We will help you with all the arrangements. Imagine a day of gallivanting among the resplendent waterfalls or hiking up hills and mountains or splashing around in a natural pool and then coming back to a scrumptious dinner and a quiet evening at Mount Havana? Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?!
