The Call of the Waterfalls

The allure of the Belihuloya Waterfall was irresistible. As someone who has spent years amidst the icy landscapes of the Arctic, the idea of exploring the lush, verdant beauty of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls was a siren call I couldn’t ignore. The promise of experiencing the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Bambarakanda Falls, was enough to draw me away from the polar regions, if only for a while.

The journey began with a drive through the winding roads of Badulla, where the air was thick with the scent of tropical flora. The landscape was a stark contrast to the barren, icy expanses I was accustomed to. Here, the earth was alive, pulsating with the vibrant greens of the jungle and the deep blues of the sky. As we approached Bambarakanda Falls, the sound of cascading water grew louder, a thunderous symphony that echoed through the valley.

Standing at the base of the falls, I was struck by the sheer power and majesty of the water as it plummeted 283 meters down the rocky cliff. It was a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power, a force that could carve through rock and shape the land. The sight was awe-inspiring, a testament to the beauty and brutality of the natural world.

Hidden Gems and Unseen Wonders

After the grandeur of Bambarakanda, the tour led us to the hidden gem of Lanka Ella. Tucked away in the jungle, this waterfall was a quieter, more intimate experience. The pool at its base, shaped like the map of Sri Lanka, was a curious and delightful discovery. Though the pool was too deep for swimming, its tranquil beauty was captivating.

The journey continued to Surathali Ella, a waterfall that defied the traditional vertical drop. Instead, it flowed over an angled rock, creating a unique and mesmerizing cascade. The water here was crystal clear, fed by streams from the untouched forests of Horton Plains. It was a refreshing sight, a reminder of the purity and vitality of nature.

Each waterfall had its own character, its own story to tell. As I moved from one to the next, I was reminded of the glaciers I had studied in the Arctic. Like the waterfalls, they were ever-changing, shaped by the forces of nature, yet each was unique in its form and beauty.

A Journey Through Time

The final leg of the tour took us to Belihuloya, where the landscape opened up to reveal breathtaking views of the Non Pareil estate and Baker’s Bend. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome respite from the humidity of the jungle. As we hiked through the estate, we stumbled upon unnamed waterfalls, each a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

The tour concluded at Pahanthudawa Waterfall, where the water formed a pool in the shape of a lamp’s wick. It was a fitting end to the journey, a symbol of light and life in the heart of the jungle. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels between this lush, vibrant world and the stark, icy beauty of the polar regions.

In both places, nature reigns supreme, a force to be respected and revered. The Belihuloya Waterfall tour was a reminder of the world’s diverse beauty, a journey that took me from the frozen tundra to the heart of the jungle, and left me in awe of the planet’s wonders.