The mystique of waterfalls

On a moonlit night, howling winds blowing across the Nuwara Eliya mountain range, carries the tale of woe linked to an enchanting waterfall - the Lovers' Leap. It recalls the tragic end of a Kandyan Prince and his lady-love. People believe that the place is haunted.

According to legend, the prince lost his way while hunting. A pretty village lass helped him to find his way back. The result was that he fell in love wit the girl, much to the dismay and anger of his father - the king. The unhappy lovers fled the kingdom. But escape was impossible. Preferring death to capture, they locked themselves in a sad farewell embrace and jumped into the dark depths below.

The falls are on the eastern border of Nuwara Eliya, where it is clearly visible from, the town. The 100 feet-high Lovers Leap begins its journey as a fountain at the Southern slope of Pidurutalagala - Sri Lanka's highest mountain.

It is one of the many picturesque waterfalls found throughout Sri Lanka's Central Province. Only a few of them can be viewed with ease.

The island is blessed with a countless number of streams of all shapes and heights rushing down rocky precipices to form roaring waterfalls. They survive and thrive on forests, which are today gradually being encroached upon by 'civilization' - threatening man and animal alike.

The breathtaking beauty of many of the natural wonders can be viewed through a train window. Others however can only be seen by penetrating, thick forests and tea plantations.

The winding highway to the Nuwara Eliya plateau offers a memorable view of Bridal Falls - a ground water leap flowing from the mountain stream, Girindi Ela. The falls resemble a bridal veil, while dropping over the rock face.

Seen from the Ramboda bazaar on the Nuwara Eliya-Ramboda Road is the Ramboda falls, originating from the Puna Ela - one of the principal tributaries of the Mahaweli River. To the east of Ramboda is the Muhalkele Valley, through which flows the Kurundu Oya - the source of Kurundu Oya falls. Kurundu Oya is crossed by the Kandy-Ragala Road.

The Dulugala Oya, born in the wilds of Pidurutalagala, flows through a gorge, on its way to join the Uma Oya - the main waterway - before plunging over a 90 meter-precipice. There it becomes the Perawella Falls, set amidst awe-inspiring natural beauty.

At Kotalatenne village, about two kilometres from Norton Bridge is the 377 feet high-waterfall that literally lights up the country.

It is formed by the waters of Maskeli Oya which flows from Indikatupana in Sri Pada (Adams Peak). Known in ancient times as Veddahiti Ella, it is better known today as Laxapana (a hundred thousand lamps) its gigantic power generates electricity for the island. A mere five km away from Laxapana is another beauty - the 322 feet high-Aberdeen Falls, which flows from Kehelgamua Oya.

Towards Ratnapura is yet another picturesque waterfall - the 200 feet high - Alupolla Ella. It is located in the midst of a tea plantation in the Wewalwatte village, 25 km away from the Ratnapura Town.

Sri Lanka's highest waterfall is the 865 feet high-Bambarakanda Ella, situated amidst Bambaragala and Welihena mountains. This waterfall, with its breathtaking view is at its peak capacity during the months of September and October.

The 725 feet high-Diyaluma is the second highest in the country. Accosiated with it is the legend of a tribal leader who fled from the low country to the hills with his fiancee. While trying to climb the Diyaluma rock the young woman had tragically fallen to her death.

Simultaneously a sudden gush of water over the rock had turned into a watery light (Diyaluma). Since then this stream of water is believed to have continued to drop over the mountain's rocky face. The falls is 13 km towards Koslanda on the Wellawaya Road.

Its waters join Kuda Oya, which flows into Kirindi Ganga Oya ending its journey at Tissamaharama in the deep South.

Another of these natural wonders associated with legend is the Rawana Ella (Ravana Falls) located near the village of Udunuwara on the Ella-Wellawaya Road.

The falls - named after ancient Sri Lanka's powerful demon king Ravana - is linked to the great Indian epic, Ramayana. A cave hidden behind the falls is believed to be one of several places where Rawana hid the beautiful Indian Princess Sita after abducting her.

The water from the Uva hills rushing over several steps into swirling pools below, enhances the beauty of the falls. Its main drop is about 30 feet. Visible from the main highway, Ravana Ella is a popular stop for travellers.

One of the country's most renowned waterfalls is Dunhinda, on the Mahiyangana Road, about 5 km from Badulla. The distance from the main road to the falls is 2 km. Flowing from Badulu Oya, the 210 feet high-Dunhinda surrounded by mountains and jungle is an enchanting sight from a distance.

The waters plunge through the narrow cleft of a rock into a rocky receptacle below, spreading a misty spray.

One of Sri Lanka's widest falls is St. Claire at Talawakelle. This 265 feet high waterfall carries the sparkling waters of Kotmale Oya.

Yet another marvel of nature is the 318 ft high - Devon Falls. It can be best viewed from the 20th mile post of the Talawakele-Nawalapitiya main highway.

The popular Bopath Ella is at Devpahala, a village on the Agalawatte Road at Higashena Junction on the Colombo-Ratnapura highway. It waters fall in the shape of a Bo Leaf, carrying the waters of Kuruganga. Bopath Ella, which is about 100 feet high, joins the Kalu Ganga towards the end of its journey.

The Ho Oya, which begins on the southern slope of Muwan Pola mountain, forms into Mawanella Ella, located in the Lunuwatta village - 35 km from Nuwara Eliya towards Udapussellawa and another 13 km towards the Napola Gap. According to folklore, ancient King Manawamma had hidden a treasure in the cave behind the Mawanella falls, the waters of which flow into the Mahaweli River.

Pre-eminent among the mountainous country below the Horton Plains is the Bakers Falls - named after its discoverer Sir Samuel Baker. It is formed by the waters of Belihul Oya.Falling 75 metres down a mountain wall are the Elgin falls.

The railway between Nanu Oya and Ambewela offers a panoramic view of Elgin, which can be reached after a short trek, through tea gardens and the rugged country.

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