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On account of a British coffee producer named Devon, there is a place known as Devon Falls, popular among tourists in Sri Lanka.  In Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya district, one can find this magnificent waterfall overflowing its waters from 97 meters within a cliff surrounded by lush green sceneries and numerous tea estates. It is visible from the main road between Hatton and Nuwara Eliya, making it one of the most popular places for photographers and travellers alike. It is also frequently accompanied by St. Clair’s Falls, which is nearby. Those who love nature and visit the central highlands of Sri Lanka can find rest in the picturesque grandeur of this waterfall and the cool weather of the hill country.

Plan A Trip To Devon Falls

To plan a successful trip to Devon Falls, Sri Lanka, you need to keep some tips in mind. Here is a curated list made specially for you to have the best time while you are there.

History And Significance

View of the famous ‘Valley of Rocks’ near Devon Falls in autumn.

Image Credit: Andrew Bone for Wikimedia Commons

In terms of its colonial past, Devon Falls has strong links with Ceylon, as it was known during the British Colonial era, particularly under British rule. The proprietorship of the waterfall is attributed to Devon himself, who was, among other things, one of the pioneers of coffee farming, which later made its way to tea cultivation within this location. From here, deep forests were transformed into thriving plantations by British planters in the mid-nineteenth century.

Devon Falls grew into these plantations’ prominence as a tourist attraction and a reflection of the agricultural revolution which tore through imperialist lands. The region around Devon Falls continued to expand as tea overtook coffee as the main produce, consolidating the area as an attractive, tranquil place. As such, Devon Falls becomes both a symbol of Sri Lanka’s magnificent natural beauty and recognition of its lengthy colonial history and transformation into one of the largest tea-producing areas in the world.

Must Read: Nuwara Eliya Waterfalls

Specialities Of Devon Falls

Overview of Devon Falls

Image Credit: Doceranga for Wikimedia Commons

Some people have called it the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka, with breathtaking beauty that rises above anything else. It has a drop of 97 meters (318 ft) below sea level, falling down a deep gully surrounded by lush green hillsides covered in tea bushes, giving us the classic scene of what is known as hill country. Many visitors always visit here, astounded by its rushing waters and peaceful surroundings living on the main road Haputale-Nuwar Eliya.

Photographers are attracted to Devon Falls too because it provides them with peace and tranquillity, plus nature lovers since they get drawn to its calm serenity and captivating attractiveness. Other popular attractions, such as St Clair’s Falls being close by, make it more appealing.

Timings And Rules

Devon water stream flowing down a wooden bridge

Image Credit: Elliott Brown for Wikimedia Commons

Natural attractions are those places where one does not have to pay any amount to be allowed to have a look at some of the beautiful scenery, including the Devon Falls; these are waterfalls where people are allowed to go without having to pay any amount of money. There is no specific time or time of the day that a store or business commences to operate and ceases to operate. While it makes it very easy to see an animal, it might not be the best time to be out here to capture the beauty of the park and the journey since many animals are more prominent at night.

  • Hours of Recommended Visitation: Mid-morning, 8. 30 am – 11. 00 am.

Visitor Guidelines

You must always stand in the prescribed vantage points

Image Credit: Charles R. Benedict for Wikimedia Commons

For a visitor who intends to visit Devon Falls, the following are the recommended measures to consider.

1. Safety First: You must always stand in the prescribed vantage points; it is also important that you try in many ways to avoid any attempt to stand on any geographical formation; always avoid positioning yourself near the cliff edges.

2. No Swimming: There are so many controversies that have arisen in swimming; one is that the crosscurrents are so sharp, making the activity very risky.

3. Monitoring: Any youngster with an orientation of independence should be closely monitored and should never be allowed to roam away from the supervision of an adult.

4. Photography Etiquette: Other guests may also be having their pictures taken alongside; one should not put one’s feet on the pathways or interfere with other visitors’ nice moments within this place when taking pictures at the wrong times.

5. Local Customs: When you interact with the people or, very briefly if you are to visit other cultural intermediate places, make sure you show a lot of enthusiasm for their culture and heritage in general.

Following these instructions can enable visitors to accomplish two goals simultaneously: safeguarding this breathtaking natural site and having a day devoid of danger at Devon Falls.

Suggested Read: Must Visit Places In Sri Lanka

The Uniqueness of Devon Falls

For a visitor who intends to visit Devon Falls, the following are the recommended measures to consider.

Image Credit: Umiperera for Wikimedia Commons

The instilled features, identified, make tourists find Devon Falls, situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, unique to make the place great.

1. Natural Beauty: The 318-foot-high waterfalls of Gura Misina are a great sight, while, as per the observation above, we have hills of tea plantations and green tea.

2. Accessibility: The waterfalls are located at a strategic point on the main mid-turning point from the south of Tanzania to another part of the country, and many tourists visit the area when heading up the country. They are located on the A5 motorway that extends from the town of Hatton to the city of Nuwara Eliya.

3. Photo Opportunities: However, there are good and legally acceptable positions to take photos of Devon Falls, as this indicates the beauty of this place. The sky, the waters, rocks and foliage can be used to depict the natural scenery of Sri Lanka.

4. Congruent Points Of Interest: Sometimes, for some convenience, people assume that Devon Falls is, in truth, St. Clair’s Fall, which is another attractive waterfall that we have to visit; it is very close to Devon Falls. These two actually provide anyone in need of information on this area with all he or she requires.

5. Historical Significance: Historically and culturally, as it is believed to be named after an English coffee planter, the small waterfall which is locally known as Devons slowly and gradually turns into one of the premium tea regions of the Central Highlands and thereby, such factors which create curiosity among the tourists about the historical side of this place.

6. Climate: The above-mentioned sites of Devon Falls can be further appreciated since a middle highland is relatively cooler than the hot topic of Sri Lanka overall.

7. Flora and Fauna: The various animals and plants found in these waterfalls and the surrounding region also add beauty to the natural scenery of Devon Falls. Some of these beautiful birds and other species of vegetation that grow in the area also contribute to that beauty and are likely to be spotted by guests.

Further Read: Best waterfalls in Sri Lanka

If you are familiar with what makes it distinctive, add a trip to Sri Lanka to your travel plan. Do not miss its wide history, breathtaking views, and exceptional experiences. So, start your travel arrangements today to enjoy a wonderful trip!

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Cover Image Credit: Rehman Abubakr for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Devon Falls

Where is Devon Falls situated?

Devon Falls is another waterfall found in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka.

What does the name Devon Falls refer to?

It is named after Devon, an English coffee farmer.

When is the best time to visit Devon Falls?

The best time to go is during the day especially early morning or in the late afternoon.

Can one swim at Devon Falls?

Swimming is prohibited due to the existence of currents and other risky activities at the beach.

What other places of interest are there near Devon Falls?

There is another beautiful waterfall which is also quite popular among the tourists called St. Clair’s Falls.

What kind of weather should the visitors at Devon Falls expect?

When visiting expect cool and pleasant weather just like the typical characteristic of central mountain regions.

What is the historical significance of the Devon Falls?

It shows the history of colonisation and the development of the area into a leading producer of tea.

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