If you’re dreaming of a magical waterfall surrounded by pine forests, Bambarakanda Ella is the place to go. At 263 meters (863 feet), it’s the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka—and one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever camped.
Let me walk you through everything I learned from my trip: how to get there, what to expect, where to camp, and some tips you won’t find in guidebooks.
📍 Where is Bambarakanda Ella?
Bambarakanda is in Kalupahana, part of the Badulla District, about 5 km from the A4 (Colombo–Badulla road).
If you’re coming from Colombo, take the turn at Kalupahana town. You’ll see a big signboard showing the way.
🛣️ How to Get There: Two Popular Routes
Here are the two most popular routes to reach Bambarakanda Ella:
✅ Route 1: From Kalupahana (Main Entrance)
- Turn onto the narrow road toward Ohiya at Kalupahana.
- The road is bumpy and narrow, so drive slowly.
- After about 5 km, you’ll reach the main entrance to Bambarakanda Ella.
✅ Route 2: From Waliwanguwa (Scenic Hike Route)
- Start from Waliwanguwa area (near Devil’s Staircase).
- Hike down to the second stage of the waterfall.
- No ticket needed if you use this route!
🎫 Tickets and Facilities
- Entrance Fee: Only required via the main entrance.
- Parking: Available near the main entrance.
- Washrooms: Basic facilities, sometimes not well maintained.
- Leeches Alert!: Especially during rainy seasons. Wear shoes, keep moving, and avoid standing still.
🧭 Exploring the Waterfall: 3 Stages
1️⃣ First Stage – Small Drop
- Most stunning view, but hard to reach.
- The path is steep, slippery, and covered in pine needles.
- Only attempt if you’re confident in rough hikes.
I’ve seen a few brave travellers actually hike all the way to that spot and share their photos on Facebook. But for me, it was already too late in the day—and honestly, it seemed a bit too risky to go myself. So I decided to send my drone (my little “Dronie”) instead!
Through its eyes, I got to experience the beauty from above—and wow, what a view! Not many people get to see this place like that. Can’t wait to share the stunning drone footage with you all!
2️⃣ Second Stage – Best for Camping
- Most popular spot for campers.
- Three camping areas near the falls.
- Safe places to take a dip in fresh water.
To reach the second stage of the waterfall, I had to hike down through a pine forest from Waliwanguwa. The slope was pretty steep, and the pine needles made the path quite slippery—so I had to move carefully.
Once I got there, I found three amazing campsites near the second stage of the waterfall, right by a beautiful natural pool with crystal-clear water. It was such a peaceful and refreshing spot—perfect for camping. But if you’re staying overnight, make sure to be extra cautious after dark.
There’s also another camping spot within the pine forest itself. You can hang a hammock and spend the night surrounded by tall pines—it’s a unique and relaxing experience for nature lovers!
Funny incident! 😅
While I was at the second stage of the waterfall—right at the edge of Bambarakanda waterfall, taking photos and soaking in the view—disaster struck! One of my slippers slipped right off and floated down the water path… and yep, it went straight over the edge of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall! 🩴💦
So, I had no choice but to continue the rest of the hike with just one slipper. When I finally made it to the bottom, I looked around hoping to find it—but no luck. I guess my slipper went on its own adventure! 😂
3️⃣ Third Stage – Easy Access / The Tallest Drop
- Smallest part but very easy to reach.
- A cement path and stairs lead right to it.
- Great for families or casual visitors.
At the bottom of the waterfall, there were lots of people relaxing and enjoying the stunning view of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall. The area has plenty of seating spots and even a viewing platform where you can peacefully take in the beauty. Most visitors come just to this point to enjoy the scenery without hiking any further—and honestly, it’s still a pretty amazing experience!
🏕️ Camping at Bambarakanda Ella
Camping here is a dream come true! Especially near the second stage.
During my trip, I hiked down from Waliwanguwa with plans to camp at the second stage of Bambarakanda Ella. But unfortunately, I was told by someone there that a group of university students had already taken over all the campsites in that area. So I had to change my plan on the spot.
Instead, I decided to camp at the Waliwanguwa campsite—and honestly, it turned out to be a great choice! Just a heads-up: you can’t always expect the second stage to have space, especially on weekends or holidays. But no worries—Waliwanguwa is a beautiful and peaceful spot to camp too.
Check out my Waliwanguwa post for more details.
And no doubt, I’ll definitely be back to camp at the second stage next time!
What to Know:
- Campsites: Three by the falls and another large one in the pine forest.
- Water Access: You can collect stream water before reaching the waterfall.
- Swimming: Enjoy a dip, but stay away from the deep base—it can be dangerous.
💡 Tip: If using the main entrance, check with staff whether they allow tents. Some campers are allowed in, others are not—so ask first!
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
- Challenging Trail: The hike to the first stage is not for beginners. No clear path, and very steep.
- Local Scammers: In Waliwanguwa, a few locals may ask for money or offer unwanted “guidance.” If it feels fake, politely say no.
- Trash and Broken Glass: Sadly, some visitors leave messes. Please take your trash back with you and keep nature clean.
If you decide to camp in this area, just be aware that there might be a few people trying to take advantage of visitors. During my trip, I had an unusual experience—two different people approached me, each with their own “offers.”
The first guy came and tried to convince me to follow him to a “more beautiful” camping spot near his house. He said everything was free and that I should just come and enjoy. It felt suspicious, so I politely refused and stayed where I was.
Not long after, another person showed up, saying the first guy was a scammer. He offered me breakfast for the next morning and kept asking where I planned to camp. He was clearly drunk, and it became really difficult to avoid him. Thankfully, I already had plenty of food with me and didn’t need any help.
Even the next morning, he managed to find my campsite and brought me some roti—but again, I refused, and he eventually left.
So here’s my advice: always trust your instincts, stay alert, and be prepared. Most locals are friendly, but it’s better to be cautious when camping in remote areas.
🧢 My Best Advice for Visitors
- Wear Proper Shoes: Slippery paths and leeches are common. Good footwear will make your visit more comfortable.
- Stay on the Trail: The terrain is steep, and wandering off can be dangerous.
- Timing: Visit during daylight hours. The pine forest paths can get tricky as it gets dark.
- Respect Nature: Don’t damage the environment. Bambarakanda Ella is a treasure, so let’s keep it that way!
📸 Why You’ll Love Bambarakanda Ella
Whether you’re a solo traveller, photographer, hiker, or camper—this place has it all:
- 🌲 Breathtaking Nature: Pine forests, cool air, and stunning falls
- 🥾 Adventurous Trails: Especially if you take the Waliwanguwa path
- 🏕️ Unforgettable Camping: With views and sounds of the waterfall
- 📷 Instagram-Worthy Spots: Every stage of the waterfall is photogenic
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to Bambarakanda Ella for an unforgettable adventure. Just remember to keep it clean and safe for others to enjoy! 😊
🗺️ Plan Your Visit with Our Interactive Map
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you love real nature, waterfalls, and quiet moments, Bambarakanda Ella will leave a mark on your heart. Just prepare well, stay safe, and leave it better than you found it.
Have questions or planning your own hike? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
