Belihul Oya is a charming village located in Balangoda, in the Ratnapura District. Surrounded by lush greenery, it is home to countless natural wonders, including cascading waterfalls, picturesque mountains, and rolling meadows. Most importantly, Belihul Oya is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls, including Bambarakanda.
We planned this short getaway to escape the busy city life of Colombo and spent two nights in Belihul Oya. However, I must say that two days are simply not enough to experience everything this incredible destination has to offer. There are plenty of places to explore, and you can easily add a few more days to your travel itinerary.
Visit to Bambarakanda and Lanka Falls
Our first stop was Bambarakanda Waterfall, also known as Bambarakele Falls, located in Kalupahana in the Badulla District. Standing at an impressive height of 263 metres, it is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Depending on where you stay in Belihul Oya, the drive to Bambarakanda takes around 30–45 minutes. Generally, the best time to visit is from March to May, rather than during the rainy season from November to February.
It takes only about a 10-minute walk to reach the viewpoint, where you are rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall. We usually prefer travelling on weekdays because there are fewer crowds. However, since this trip was planned at the last minute and happened to fall on a public holiday, the area was much busier than usual.
Because of that, we decided to take another route to reach the upper section of the waterfall. Before beginning the hike, we stopped by Lanka Falls, which is located nearby. According to local history, the waterfall received its name because the natural pool resembles the teardrop shape of Sri Lanka.
After spending nearly two hours there, we returned to begin our climb to the upper viewpoint of Bambarakanda.
Honestly, it was an exciting adventure and a great way to burn some energy. However, the trail is quite steep, and the ground is often covered with pine leaves, making it slippery in many places. It took us around 20–25 minutes to reach the final viewpoint.
And what a reward it was! The view from the top was far more impressive than the one from the lower viewpoint.
If you decide to take this route, please be prepared, as it requires a bit more energy and careful footing. For first-time visitors and foreign travellers, we highly recommend exploring the area with a guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
On our way back to the hotel, we also visited Suratali Waterfall. Although it is much smaller, it has its own unique charm. A short five-minute drive into the forest brings you to this peaceful little waterfall. Afterwards, we returned to our lodge and spent the evening relaxing while enjoying the breathtaking views of Belihul Oya.
A fresh start to explore one of Sri Lanka’s mysterious waterfalls
We dedicated an entire day to exploring this hidden wonder because we knew we wouldn’t be back at the hotel within just a few hours. At around 6.00 a.m., we set off for Alien Falls.
To be honest, this adventure is best suited for extreme adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Reaching the waterfall is quite challenging, and it is almost impossible to find the correct route if you are travelling alone, visiting for the first time, or are unfamiliar with the area. For that reason, we strongly recommend exploring this location with an experienced guide.
Depending on your pace, reaching the waterfall takes around 15–20 minutes. After making our way through tall citronella bushes and challenging forest trails, we finally arrived.
Oh my goodness… I wish everyone could experience that unforgettable moment.
We were completely speechless. The freezing-cold water, the towering rocks, and the mysterious atmosphere made the place feel almost unreal. A massive rock stands between two giant boulders, while the beautiful waterfall flows gracefully behind them. Colourful dragonflies flutter around the area, adding a beautiful contrast to the dark surroundings and making the entire place feel almost magical.
As time passed, the warm morning sunlight slowly reached the forest floor. Even then, the mysterious atmosphere never disappeared. We were fortunate that the water level remained safe throughout the day, allowing us to spend several unforgettable hours there.
However, visitors should always be careful when walking around the rocks, as they can be extremely slippery. More importantly, the water level can rise suddenly if it rains upstream.
After collecting memories that will last a lifetime, we made our way back through the jungle. Looking back on those two unforgettable days filled with lush greenery and magnificent waterfalls, I truly felt my soul had been refreshed. Moments like these remind us how fortunate we are to live on such a beautiful island.
As the AdvoTrails team, we love sharing these unique experiences with you and warmly invite you to discover them together with us.
Come with us, let’s explore together.
Travel Advice
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for climbing and trekking, along with sturdy footwear.
Always explore these locations under professional guidance and support.
Be aware that some areas have leeches, so take the necessary precautions.