Waterfall Route: Colombo to Nuwara Eliya

Route: Colombo >> Bulathkohupitiya >> Nawalapitiya >> Nuwara Eliya | 4 Days | Approx. 150 km

Key Attractions & Route Highlights

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Negombo beach

Start & Negombo Beach

Relax at the beautiful Negombo Beach — golden sands and ocean views.

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Route to Bulathkohupitiya

Dedugala Road Entry

Depart from Negombo and travel via Avissawella to Bulathkohupitiya.

Begin the scenic drive towards Dedugala.

Distance: 70 km | Time (Drive): 2.5 hours

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Overnight near Dedugala/Bulathkohupitiya
Welanda and Nalagana Falls

Dedugala Waterfalls (Part 1)

Explore the first cluster of falls near Dedugala: Welanda Ella, Nalagana Ella, and Dummala Ella.

Look out for Solamba Ella and Diyangiri Ella.

Distance: 10-20 km (Local) | Time: 3-4 hours (including stops)

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Dedugala-Bulathkohupitiya Route
Rikili Ella and Palampitiya Viewpoint

Dedugala Waterfalls (Part 2)

Visit Rikili Ella, Gona Wetuna Ella, and Rukmal Ella.

Stop at the scenic Palampitiya Viewpoint.

Distance: 15 km (Local) | Time: 3 hours (including stops)

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Excellent photo opportunities
Kadiyanlena Falls

Nawalapitiya & Kadiyanlena Falls

Travel from Dedugala to Nawalapitiya.

Visit the triple-cascading Kadiyanlena Ella, located near the Kothmale Oya River.

Travel: 30 km | Drive Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (Mountain Roads)

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Overnight near Nawalapitiya/Talawakele
Devon and St. Clair's Falls

Iconic Falls on A7 Highway

Head onto the A7 highway near Talawakele to view Devon Falls and the wide St. Clair's Falls, also known as 'Little Niagara'.

Both falls are easily viewed from roadside observation points.

Distance: 20 km | Time: 45 min drive (from Nawalapitiya)

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A7 Highway Sightseeing
Dunsinnan Falls

Dunsinnan Falls via Pundalu Oya

Drive towards Pundalu Oya to see the majestic Dunsinnan Falls.

This waterfall is unique, with Hindu deity statues placed near its stream by local tea estate communities.

Distance: 15 km | Time: 30 min drive

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Check into Nuwara Eliya Hotel
Bomuru Ella Falls

Bomuru Ella Waterfall

Visit Bomuru Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, near the Nuwara Eliya / Badulla border.

Requires a short, scenic hike from the nearest parking area.

Distance: 15 km (from Nuwara Eliya) | Time: 40 min drive

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Hiking shoes recommended
Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake

Enjoy a relaxing stop at Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya. You can hire a boat or simply stroll around.

Begin the final journey back to Colombo or your next destination.

Distance to Colombo: 180 km | Time: 5-6 hours

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Trip Ends
Scenic drive from Gregory Lake to Kithulgala

Gregory Lake to Kithulgala

A beautiful drive from the cool hills down to the lower lands, passing through stunning tea estates and forests.

Kithulgala is famous as the setting for the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai and is the main hub for **White Water Rafting** in Sri Lanka.

Distance to Kithulgala: ~80 km | Time: 2.5 - 3 hours

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Activities: White Water Rafting, Canyoning
Drive from Kithulgala to Colombo, showing the Kelani River

Kithulgala to Colombo & Departure

After your adventures in Kithulgala, begin the journey back to the city of **Colombo** or to the **Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)**.

The route primarily follows the A7 highway.

Distance to Colombo: ~82 km | Time: 2.5 - 3 hours (depending on Colombo traffic)

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Trip Ends / Airport Transfer