Laxapana Falls Sri Lanka: Discover This Hidden Gem near Hatton
Are you looking for an impressive and tranquil waterfall in Sri Lanka? Laxapana Falls is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss during your trip. This waterfall, approximately 126 meters high, is located near Maskeliya in the lush Nuwara Eliyadistrict. Surrounded by vast tea plantations, the journey there alone is worth it. So don’t forget to add this waterfall to your itinerary if you’re staying near Hatton !
What makes Laxapana Falls so special?
Laxapana Falls plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s electricity supply thanks to the nearby hydroelectric power stations—two of the oldest in the country. The waterfall also lies along the pilgrimage route to Adam’s Peak . Many pilgrims who climb this sacred mountain travel through the region. Some of them visit the waterfall as well, as legend has it that Buddha washed his feet here. This gives the site an added spiritual significance.
The name ‘Laxapana’ is also unique: it’s derived from Sinhala and means “a hundred thousand rocks.” The name refers to the striking rock formations and the powerful nature of the waterfall.
How to get to Laxapana Falls?
The waterfall is easily accessible from Hatton, and even more convenient if you're staying near the Maskeliya Reservoir. Laxapana Falls is about 16 kilometers from the village of Maskeliya, in the small mountain village of Kiriwan Eliya. The route takes you past the Laxapana Reservoir and winds through green hills with stunning views along the way.
Tip: Stay at Butterfly Mountain Lakeside , which overlooks the Maskeliya Reservoir and Adam’s Peak. You’ll enjoy great food and sleep, and the host is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Public transport in this area is limited, so it’s best to travel by taxi or (rental) tuktuk . You can easily park your scooter or tuktuk at the top of the road or near one of the small local restaurants. Entrance is completely free.
The hike to Laxapana Falls: Upper and Lower Falls
Laxapana Falls consists of two parts: the Upper Falls, which you reach after 30 steps, and the Lower Falls, which require a short drive and about 500 steps down (and back up again later). At the Upper Falls, you can park or get dropped off by the roadside. Within seconds, you’re standing at the top of the waterfall with a breathtaking view of the lush surroundings.
For the Lower Falls, you can park a bit further down near a few restaurants and shops. From there, a short but scenic hike begins. The walk takes about 20 minutes down and 30 minutes back up. Along the way, you'll pass a few local homes. Keep in mind that little English is spoken here, which actually adds to the authenticity and charm of the place. The path can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
At the bottom of the falls, there are two pools. The first one is right at the end of the trail. To reach the pool directly beneath the waterfall, you’ll need to climb over some rocks—but it’s the perfect spot for an epic photo. You can swim in both pools, but beware of leeches. If you’re walking through bushes or it has recently rained, check yourself afterwards, especially around your ankles.
Tip: Bring salt water to remove leeches—they’ll release on their own. Our host gave us this tip.
If you don’t encounter other (local) tourists at the Lower Falls, there’s a good chance some curious monkeys will show up. Watch your belongings carefully. They're quite shy, so they won’t come too close if you stay near your things. Be sure to leave no trash or food behind!
Save time in Sri Lanka: all hotspots on one map
Geen tijd kwijt aan zelf uitzoeken welke plekken de moeite waard zijn. Onze Google Maps-kaart bevat al onze Sri Lanka-hotspots, van de bekende bestemmingen tot verborgen pareltjes door het hele land. Open ‘m in je Google Maps-app en je hebt alles wat je nodig hebt binnen handbereik.
Climb the mighty
Adam's PeakBest time to visit Laxapana Falls
The best time to visit Laxapana Falls is during the dry season from December to April. The hiking trails are more accessible then, and the sunlight highlights the waterfall beautifully. During the rainy season (May to September), the waterfall becomes even more powerful and dramatic, with multiple streams cascading together—hence the name Laxapana Falls.
Tip: For the best photos, visit early in the morning as the sun rises over the mountains and bathes the waterfall in golden light.
What to bring tot Laxapana Falls
- Water and snacks
- Hiking shoes or grippy sneakers
- Rain jacket or poncho (in the rainy season)
- Swimwear (if you're brave enough to swim)
- Camera or smartphone
- Salt water for leech removal
Also Visit the Laxapana Reservoir
If you're in the area, the Laxapana Reservoir is well worth a visit. This large dam lake lies near the waterfall and is part of the local hydroelectric project. It’s a peaceful spot with mountain views, perfect for a short walk or a quiet break.
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Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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About us
Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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