The Kolapathana Waterfalls in Sri Lanka is one of the country’s most underrated places to visit. The falls, which are outside of Mandaram Nuwara, a village in the Nuwara Eliya district, provide visitors with much more than just a breathtaking vista of immaculate waterfalls. They enable guests to see a little-known jewel amid the rest of the area. Monsoon season is a sight to behold, as the rains intensify the waterfall’s flow and accentuate its splendour.
About The Kolapathana Waterfalls
The Kolapathana Waterfalls are located close to Mandaram Nuwara, a village known for its scenic beauty and historical association with local royalty. Earlier, the village was also known as Mandarampura. The locals narrate an exciting story about the waterfall’s name origin. They take the story seriously, but many historians treat it as folklore.
Back then, the royal family in Kandy sought a secluded place to unwind. Furthermore, this place would also be significant in its security as it would be out of reach of foreign invaders. The waterfalls were then discovered. One of the royal family members once decided to visit the falls with some food wrapped in an Arica leaf, locally called the Kolapatha. She decided to leave the leaf behind, thus leading to the falls being called the Kolapathana Waterfalls.
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Geographical Significance Kolapathana Waterfalls
In addition to its aforementioned historic and aesthetic significance, the Kolapathana Waterfalls also hold immense geographical significance The falls are located at the bottom of the Piduruthalagala Mountain and are added to by a water body originating in a forest reserve located in Piduruthalagala. Its configuration adds to its aesthetic value as the Kolapathana Waterfall, set against the background of a mountain as majestic as the Piduruthalagala, makes for a beautiful sight that must not be missed by anyone visiting the region.
Other than the beauty of the waterfall, the splendour of the Mandaram Nuwara village is also worth mentioning. The name Mandaram Nuwara is Sinhalese for ‘town with a rainy sky’, referring to the lack of sunlight the village is subject to. The village’s lack of access to sunlight is its proximity to the Piduruthalagala mountain, which covers the town from all sides. The village is an inevitable stop for people visiting the falls and must, therefore, be explored by visitors. It is a paradise for nature lovers as it is full of vegetable fields and tea plantations, which also serve as the main sources of income.
Reaching The Kolapathana Waterfalls
As mentioned, visitors wanting to reach the Kolapathana Waterfalls must first reach Manduram Nuwara. To get to the town, visitors usually travel from either Kandy or Nuwara Eliya. From Kandy to Mandaram Nuwara, visitors reported covering a distance of 60 km, including cities such as Tennekumbura, Ellamulla, and Hanguranketha, all known to be as beautiful as seen on postcards.
In addition, the trip from Nuwara Eliya is 39 km long. Both routes are known to be just as picturesque as the final destination, flanked by beautiful views of the valley nearby and multiple stop points on the way to please the #wanderlust seeker in you.
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Essential Information For Travellers
Like every other tourist place, the Kolapathana also comes with general instructions for its long-term upkeep and maintenance of its sanctity in terms of cleanliness. Visitors are forbidden from bathing in the waterfall. This is because the waterfall happens to be a source of drinking water for the locals nearby, and encouraging visitors to bathe in the waterfall may cause contamination. However, a small pool nearby called the Purahangal Bathing Pool gets water from the waterfall. Visitors interested in bathing at the waterfall can access the pool for the same.
The Kolapathana Waterfall is accessible to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during which tourists can experience the beauty of the waterfall and have a moment of peace. It is suggested that people visit before noon since the crowd tends to thicken up after noon. The entry fee is 100 rupees for both locals and foreigners. Visitors are instructed not to litter the place and keep it clean. Furthermore, due to disruptive incidents in the past, they are asked to behave civilly and not create issues.
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Sri Lanka has many beautiful places and stunning waterfalls that will mesmerise you. Now that you know more about its beauty and landscapes, take the leap of faith and book your trip to Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to add this majestic Kolapathana Waterfall to your itinerary for a memorable experience for a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kolapathana Waterfall
What is the best time to visit Kolapathana Waterfalls?
The best time to visit Kolapathana Waterfalls is during the monsoon season, from October to April when the waterfall is at its fullest. During the monsoon season, the waterfall is at its furious best, making it a more mesmerising sight than it is already. However, visitors are also cautioned about visiting during the monsoon as heavy rains can make the area slippery.
How do I reach the Kolapathana Waterfalls?
Kolapathana Waterfalls is located in the Nuwara Eliya District in Central Sri Lanka. The most common way to get there is by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from Nuwara Eliya town. The trip to Nuwara Eliya is also relatively simple, depending on which neighbouring town one travels from. There's a short trek from the main road through lush tea plantations and forested paths, which are often more beautiful than the actual destination. The trek requires physical strength, so visitors are advised to stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing.
Can I swim in the Kolapathana Waterfalls?
No, the waterfall is not open for swimming to visitors due to contamination and littering in the premises. However, Kolapathana Waterfalls has a natural pool at the base that is generally open to and safe for swimming.
What should I bring when visiting Kolapathana Waterfalls?
The Kolapathana Waterfalls is a holistic visit, inculcating elements of adventure and tranquillity. It may be a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, swimwear, a towel, and plenty of water. Carrying some snacks or a picnic can further enhance your visit, but remember to take your trash back with you to keep the area clean and avoid littering.
Are there any nearby attractions to visit along with Kolapathana Waterfalls?
Even though the waterfalls themselves offer much for visitors to do, there are many attractions nearby as well for those who’d like to combine them with the waterfalls.The Horton Plains National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and World’s End cliff, and the picturesque tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya are some of the most popular tourist attractions near the Kolapathana Waterfalls.
Is the Kolapathana Waterfall more special than other waterfalls in Sri Lanka?
Yes, the Kolapathana Waterfall offers something more to visitors that other waterfalls fail to do. The Kolapathana Waterfall is known for its serene and relatively untouched beauty. Unlike some of the more famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka, it offers a quieter and more intimate experience with nature, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
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