Bambarakanda Falls Trek from Ella: Sri Lanka's Highest Waterfall

Hike to the top of Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall and swim in the pool below

This full-day trek from Ella takes you to Bambarakanda Falls, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a 263-meter sheer drop. You hike through rugged terrain, tea fields and mountain villages with an English-speaking guide, starting with hotel pickup at 8am and returning by 5pm. The tour includes refreshments, snacks, a packed lunch and a river bath if you choose it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek to Bambarakanda Waterfall

• Pick up from hotel in Ella
• Drive to trekking starting point
• Start hike with guide
• Trek through villages, waterfalls, tea fields
• Reach Bambarakanda Falls
• Refreshments and snacks break
• Hike to top of the falls
• Enjoy packed lunch
• Optional river bath experience
• Return hike to starting point
• Drive back to hotel in Ella

The experience

Bambarakanda Falls sits in the hill town of Kalupahana near Haldumulla, about 90 minutes from Ella by tuk-tuk. Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby and drives you to the trekking start point, where the hike begins at 9:30am. The trail climbs through rugged terrain dotted with tiny mountain villages, smaller waterfalls and tea fields. The cool climate and steep slopes make this a serious trek, not a casual walk. You'll need moderate fitness and proper shoes.

You reach Bambarakanda Falls around 11am and get refreshments and snacks. The real payoff comes next: the hike continues to the top of the falls, where you stand above the 263-meter drop and see the surrounding valleys and tea plantations spread below. Lunch is packed and eaten here. If you want it, you can swim in the natural pool fed by the river: a cold, clear bath that cuts through the heat of the climb. The descent and return to Ella takes the afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel by 5pm.

The tuk-tuk pickup means no arranging your own transport, and the guide handles the route so you focus on the terrain. Water, snacks and lunch are all provided, so you carry only what you need for the hike itself.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk.
• an English-speaking guide throughout the trek.
• bottled water, refreshments and snacks during the hike.
• a packed lunch eaten at the falls.
• and access to the river for a natural swim if you choose it.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Overa Tours

Is this one for you?The full day, roughly 8am to 5pm, means you can't combine this with other activities in Ella, but it leaves your evening free. The trek demands moderate fitness and several hours of steady climbing, so it suits hikers comfortable with steep terrain and a long day on foot, not casual walkers or anyone with spinal, cardiovascular or mobility concerns.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the trek to Bambarakanda Falls?

The hike goes through rugged terrain with steep climbs and takes about six hours of walking. You need at least moderate physical fitness and proper hiking shoes. The trail is not technical, but the elevation and distance make it demanding.

What time does the trek start and when do I get back to Ella?

Pickup from your hotel is at 8am, the trek starts at 9:30am at the trailhead, and you return to your hotel by 5pm. The full day runs about ten hours from pickup to drop-off.

Can I swim at Bambarakanda Falls?

Yes, you can experience a river bath in the natural pool below the falls if you want to. The water is cool and refreshing, though it comes straight from the mountain stream.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, an English-speaking guide for the entire trek, bottled water, refreshments and snacks during the hike, and a packed lunch are all included. Government taxes are covered too.

Is Bambarakanda really the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka?

Yes, Bambarakanda is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a sheer drop of 263 meters. It's located in the southeastern slopes of the central hills near Kalupahana.