15 July 2009

Waterfalls of Sri Lanka


The central highlands of Sri Lanka have one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the world.

The hill country, which is located in the middle of the island, receives rain almost throughout the year. Number of rivers, start from these high mountains run radially across the country and meet the sea at the end. When those rivers, streams and tributaries descend from high mountains to lowlands you will see these magnificent creations of the nature.

The top image is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka known as Bambarakanda Falls. I have included a few such spectacular waterfalls here and I will add more pictures in the future.

26 comments:

betchai said...

wow, those are spectacular waterfalls you have in the link.

rainfield61 said...

You have the highest concentration of waterfalls in the world. What a gift by the nature. Waterfalls are always great to be pictured.

Janith said...

I've always wondered, is the pine forest behind Bambarakanda a latter-day addition?

Kirigalpoththa said...

Betchai,
I love to extend that list to a bigger one. Might take some time..but will add a few more soon :)

Rainfield,
That is a great gift we enjoy here. Whenever you enter the hill country you'll see lots of waterfalls even by the roadside. If you have time to wander in to the forest you will see many more...

Chavie,
Pine forests are not indigenous. I think we see them now as a result of a re-forestation exercise carried out sometime back. These trees grow quite fast so nowadays you see them everywhere in the hill country. Think this lot of pine trees behind the falls also such latter day addition.

Janith said...

The thing about Pine trees is that they are said to destroy water sources by soaking up most of the ground water... Maybe that's why Bambarakanda has such a tiny amount of water falling down... :)

I read your 'Pine forests' article just now, I must've missed it somehow... :)

Thanks for the information K! :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

chavie,
Thanks and you are welcome. Yes I think you are correct. I have also heard this fact on pine trees where they absorb all the ground water + nutrients so that leaves nothing for other plants. This is why you do not see any undergrowth in pine forests.
Think above could be one reason for decreasing water capacity in Bambarakanda. Also the water stream (possibly coming from Horton) is heavily used for agriculture and other purposes above the falls. I suspect this latter one is the main reason for less water.

Arija said...

Sri Lanka has some wonderful waterfalls and waterways. Nice shot.

Harshi said...

Wow.. stunning pics K! Think I saw the very same waterfall on TV just y'day (the program was Green Walk of Rupavahini channel), with its frontal views and it looked splendid. It also looked more puffed up. By the way did you take this pic sometime back?

oh and thanks for the interesting info too.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Arija,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. Saw your beautiful blog too!

Harumi,
Oh i missed it then. Did n get any time to see TV these days :) Is it a weekly programme? Then i can see it next Wednesday.
Yes..the picture was taken about one and half years back and i think it was during the dry season.
Thanks for your comments!!

mimi said...

lovely waterfalls. the green trees surrounding it are so lovely.

George said...

This waterfall and the others you have posted are beautiful. We're going to have to come to Sri Lanka so that we can add to our waterfall collection.

DeniseinVA said...

I love waterfalls, this is a beautiful one and a great photo, thank you.

Harshi said...

Yep, it goes on at 7.30pm every Wednesday. Really? Ya, same here.. there's a majority of junk programs on most channels so the handful of gems are often overlooked. =D

oh and if you're interested in Lankan wildlife another great program is Wild Asia. It's on every Saturday at 6.30pm on Rupavahini. Plus it's presented by Arun Bandaranayake, so it's very interesting and also educational.

oh so that's why. Ya.. maybe that was the same time we hit the heatwave. Can't help ne.. =D

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, My hubby (George--above) and I LOVE waterfalls. Wish we could visit you and see those!!!!! Gorgeous!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Kirigalpoththa said...

Mimi,
Thanks for visitng my blog and for your comments!

George and Betsy,
You two must visit here oneday. You will love it! Thanks for your wonderful comments as always!

Denise,
Thanks for your comments and i love your blog too!

Harumi,
Thanks for the info. I will try my best to be at home next Wednesday by 730pm although it is not the easiest thing with my work. I should be able to see tomorrow 630 programme.
I tried to put a slideshow with waterfalls but that gadget did n work. Will try again...
tks for all the info again..

Ashean said...

nice post
i love this
i think u want to see more beautiful places in srilanka
http://www.blogwintravel.com

Kirigalpoththa said...

Ashean,
Thanks for the comments!
Yes I follow http://www.blogwintravel.com.
A very good initiative :)

J said...

Gorgeous...I do love a good waterfall.

Kirigalpoththa said...

J,
Thanks a lot for your comments!

poefusion said...

Beautiful waterfall. Have you ever gone rappelling before. That rockface looks like a good place to do such a thing. Hope all is well. Have a great day.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Hi Michelle,
I have done abseiling at a few places but never done here. The rock face is quite inviting for a seasoned rock climber. May be i am not that skillful and brave enough :)
You can get a better view of the same rock here.

Thanks a lot for your comments!

Marju said...

Beautiful photos!!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Marju,
Thanks a lot for your comments!

Artstudio Sri Lanka said...

If the saying “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” is true, then graphic design is the exception to the rule.

ItaJeff said...

Wonderful pictures..
Happy Sunday

♥Ita

Kirigalpoththa said...

Thanks Ita!

Happy Sunday!!