Bambarakanda Falls, tallest waterfall in Kalupahana, Sri Lanka

Bambarakanda Falls is a 263 meter (863 feet) waterfall in Kalupahana, Sri Lanka, tumbling down multiple rock ledges through thick pine forest. Mist from fine water droplets hovers over the pool at its base and often forms rainbows on sunny mornings.

The falls are formed by Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River, which drops 263 m (863 ft) at Kalupahana in Badulla District. The Sinhala Wikipedia article credits a professor named Nethula with discovering the falls in 1982. The site now has a ticket office reached by a 4.5 km side road from Kalupahana junction, and a fenced stairway leads to the stream.

The falls are also called Bambarakele Falls. The Sinhala source records that the waterfall was discovered in 1982 by a professor named Nethula. Visitors reach the falls by turning left at the Kalupahana junction on the Colombo–Batticaloa road and walking about 4.5 km to a ticket point, then following fenced steps through a pine forest.

The footpath from the A4 highway leads about 5 kilometers through a narrow valley and can become slippery during rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Early morning hours offer quieter conditions and better light for photos before midday clouds roll in.

The water volume changes dramatically between seasons, transforming from a powerful torrent during monsoons to thin silver threads in dry months. Jeeps often remain at the trailhead because the access road is only passable during dry months and becomes too muddy during rainy season.