 Sri Lanka’s beautiful waterfalls
by Tissa Hewavitarana
On a clear day, the eye catches
the glint of the sea beyond Tissamaharama and Hambantota. In between
lies rolling hills, like a huge encampment of gigantic tents of God’s
pitched in the valley. Thirteen miles to the north-east lies-in a curve
of the Badulu-Oya with high mountains in the background the town of
Badulla. It is in this picturesque town that I was born. My mother’s
name is Badulu-oya which goes through the Badulla town.
Being the only child and daughter, I was brought up among the
mountains and valleys surrounded by huge forests and tea bushes. I was
exposed to the sun, rain and even had to face gale storms and other
natural calamities. Under these environmental conditions, I turned out
to be a strong character bubbling with enthusiasm, ready to face
anything that came my way, The dwellers here are mostly tea growers
while during the season you come across tea pluckers carrying their
baskets on their backs, plucking tea leaves.
These damsels whose ancestors were brought from South India bring
added attraction to the superb view of the picturesque valley with their
dazzling smile. I blossomed into a pretty woman among cloud capped
mountains, smoky dewdrops and lush tea bushes.
I lived five kilometres off Badulla town. I tumbled over rocky
mountains during heavy rain, water gushing with sheer force at a great
height captivated by its stunning panoramic tableau a vision of passion
as infinite gallons of water came cascading down. Viewing it for the
first time, conjured up images of tranquillity, majestic power and even
magic.
 Where did all this water come from? How did it all begin? How long
has it been flowing and what use it have been when it was first
discovered? I am very tall, 210 feet in height (64m) and I get my name
from the smoky dewdrops’ spray Dun (Sinhala for smoke) which surrounds
the area at the foot of the waterfall which is known as Dunhinda Falls.
To reach this waterfall, you have to walk more than one kilometre along
a footpath.
However, walking along this muddy path is worth the climb because the
waterfall is so beautiful.
Along this footpath there are many native vendors selling herbal
drinks to refresh the weary traveller. There are beautiful village
belles in their colourful chintz clothes and seductive smiles who sell
fruits and handmade objects using natural materials. Admire the area and
take in the breathtaking sights. If you are brave enough, you can reach
the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful
view of the fall and bathe in the river.
The waterfalls are so magnificent that their tranquil beauty and
stunning scenes will take your breath away. When my parents brought me
into this world, they never thought in their wildest dreams that their
daughter will be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. To
this day, I feel proud and happy that I was fortunate to be born in the
picturesque and amazing island of Sri Lanka. |
