Gartmore Falls (Sri Pada Falls)
A 10 m waterfall inside Gartmore Estate that flows into Maskeliya Reservoir and is also known as Sri Pada Falls.
At a glance
Plan your waterfall visit
Check access effort and viewing conditions first, then review the approach and water-safety notes.
Travel distance
Access difficulty
Best viewing conditions
Access fee
Overview
Gartmore Falls is commonly known as Sri Pada Falls because it is near the Sri Pada holy mountain. The Central Province Tourism Department records the Sri Pada or Adam's Peak fall as a 10-metre waterfall.
The waterfall lies inside Gartmore Estate and flows directly into Maskeliya Reservoir. Two streams feed the main fall and each creates a separate waterfall before the streams join. These feeder waterfalls are collectively described as the Gartmore Estate Waterfalls; this guide does not present "Upper Gartmore" and "Lower Gartmore" as confirmed official waterfall names.
Moray Falls is a separate waterfall several hundred metres away that also feeds Maskeliya Reservoir. Because the two waterfalls are close and have a similar setting, their names and photographs are sometimes confused. Check that directions, photographs, and local instructions refer to the intended Gartmore or Sri Pada Falls access point.
Because the waterfall is inside an operating estate, confirm current access permission, any visitor charge, road conditions, and the appropriate viewing area locally before travelling. Choose a suitable-weather daylight visit; heavy rain can increase water flow and make estate roads, paths, rocks, and reservoir edges more hazardous.
Waterfall planning
Access and viewing conditions
Check the approach, current path conditions, and appropriate starting point before visiting.
- Viewing conditions
- Daylight hours in suitable weather, Confirm current estate access conditions
- Fees and access
- Confirm locally (Confirm current estate permission and any visitor charge locally.)
Location
Mulgama, Maskeliya, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province
Getting to the waterfall
- From Colombo (Lower Point) (~145 km • ~4:30 h)
- From Colombo (Upper Point) (~146 km • ~4:30 h)
Choose an approach
Select a marker to open that location in Google Maps.
Waterfall safety
Review these water, weather, and access notes before visiting
- Estate roads can be narrow, and road or path surfaces may become slippery after rain.
- Remain well back from reservoir edges, steep drops, fast-moving water, and wet rocks.
- Rain upstream can increase water flow and change conditions even when the weather at the viewpoint appears manageable.
- Do not bathe, swim, climb wet rocks, or enter restricted estate areas.
- Mobile coverage may vary; share your route plan with a trusted contact before visiting.
Travel Tips
- Confirm estate access permission, any visitor charge, and the intended viewing area before travelling.
- Ask a knowledgeable local guide, your accommodation, or local residents to verify that directions refer to Gartmore or Sri Pada Falls rather than nearby Moray Falls.
- Visit with sufficient daylight and postpone the trip during heavy rain or when local advice indicates unsafe conditions.
- Respect estate property, workers, residents, signs, gates, and any access restrictions.
- Carry drinking water and wear footwear suitable for wet, uneven ground.
Gallery
Where to go next
Continue planning
These suggestions use reviewed itineraries, routes, and travel groupings. Map closeness alone does not prove direct road or trail access, especially across mountain terrain. Check each guide's Access section before combining stops.
