Sri Lanka is known for its many tourist destinations and also its beautiful beaches but there is also a side of Sri Lanka that offers those who appreciate the great outdoors a spectacular display of nature. Waterfalls are one of Sri Lanka's most treasured parts of nature. Sri Lanka boasts of almost 400 waterfalls scattered all over the island. Breathtaking waterfalls cascading down mountain slopes enhance the beauty of the hill country. The geographical formation of the island, with the central highland sloping down to the coastal plains, has resulted in several rivers and streams starting from the central region flowing down the hilly slopes in a radial pattern, creating these wonders of nature in several places throughout the hill country. Baker's Waterfalls The Baker's Falls in the Horton Plains gets its water from the Belihul Oya. It is close to World's End. The icy waters glisten in the sunshine amid a backdrop of mountain terrain and deep valleys give it contrast. If you are lucky you may see the rare black monkey and rhododendrons in bloom. It was discovered by Sir Samuel Baker and is a good stopover on your way to the World's end. Bopath Ella Bopath Ella, not like many of the others of her kind, finds her abode in a busy surrounding in the village called Devipahala off Kuruwita on A4 High Level road close to Ratnapura. Being within 3 hours driving distance from the capital, it thus claims the honor of having the highest turn-over of enthusiasts seeking respite from the grimy and monotonous town life. Nevertheless, it has the notorious reputation of devouring its visitors off and on who, attracted by the surroundings, indulge in over-enjoyment .Here again, the falls take the shape of a “Bo” leave (“Bo” tree is a sacred tree here) from which the name has een derived. Devon Falls With a peculiar appearance imparted to it by its formation in three continuous cascades this waterfall christened “Devon Falls” pours down to the valley beneath not a long distance away from its brother the “St. Clairs”. On the main road opposite to it there is situated a modern tea center finding its abode thankful to this “Veil (Bridal) of the Vale (i.e. valley)”. Driving from Colombo, the capital, via Avissawella one suddenly catches this unearthly sight which is to be soon enhanced by the grandeur of the “St. Clairs”. This beauty too is endangered by the above-mentioned power plant beast. Bambarakanda Ella Sri Lanka is blessed with over one hundred waterfalls. The tallest is the Bambarakande Falls which cascades down 263 meters like liquid light. It is only four miles away from the Colombo-Bandarawela road in a forest glade, but it is not visited often, though well worth the trip. __
