Lanka Ella Waterfall
A remote forest waterfall near Bambarakanda in Badulla District, known for its deep teardrop-shaped rock pool.
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
Lanka Ella Waterfall is a forest cascade near Walhaputenna in Haldummulla, within the Badulla District of Sri Lanka's Uva Province. It is approached from the wider Bambarakanda area and remains comparatively quiet because the final access is on foot through forest terrain.
A 2025 government gazette records the Lanka Ella Waterfall name for a Sri Lanka Post waterfall stamp first issued in 2024, and the postal catalogue retains the matching image. This confirms the destination name and photographed waterfall, but it does not verify a trail, fee, pool depth, or permission arrangement.
The waterfall derives its name from the unique rock pool at its base, which resembles the teardrop shape of the island of Sri Lanka. The depth, submerged rocks, current, and recent rainfall are not reliably visible, so this guide does not recommend entering the pool.
Unlike Bambarakanda, Lanka Ella is accessible only by foot. Visitors must first reach the Bambarakanda Falls area and then follow the locally confirmed forest route. The trek passes through dense montane forest and offers a peaceful wilderness experience with minimal human disturbance.
The defining feature described on this page is the deep, island-shaped pool. That feature also creates the principal hazard: this is a place to observe from stable ground, not a bathing stop. Lanka Ella should not be confused with the separate, harder-to-find jungle branch used for Yahalathenna.
Waterfall planning
Access and viewing conditions
Check the approach, current path conditions, and appropriate starting point before visiting.
- Viewing conditions
- Dry-weather days after recent moderate rain, Confirm local trail conditions
- Fees and access
- The Bambarakanda entrance ticket may cover the connected forest route. Confirm the current ticket boundary and permitted path locally before starting.
Location
Walhaputenna, Haldummulla, Badulla District, Uva Province
Getting to the waterfall
- From Colombo (~162 km • ~4.5 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
- The rock pool at the base is extremely deep and not suitable for bathing.
- Trail sections may be slippery after rain.
- Watch for leeches during wet months.
- Mobile network coverage can be weak in the forest area.
- Travel in groups for added safety due to the remote location.
- Avoid the route during heavy rain or immediately after prolonged rain, and follow current local weather or landslide warnings.
Travel Tips
- Combine your visit with Bambarakanda Falls since both are in the same area.
- Arrange a knowledgeable local guide before starting; a guide is strongly recommended for the forest route to Lanka Ella.
- Wear proper hiking shoes - the forest trail can be muddy and uneven.
- Carry sufficient drinking water as there are no facilities near the waterfall.
- Visit in the morning for better lighting conditions for photography.
- Avoid swimming - the pool is extremely deep and considered unsafe.
- Expect cooler temperatures due to the highland elevation.
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.
