Funday Times

Gaveshaka continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls in association with Lanka Council of Waterfalls
More waterfalls in the gem country
Ratnapura district boasts of a large number of waterfalls. In all there are 109 waterfalls in the district, the highest for a single district. While the higher ones have already been discussed, here are a few more in the range of 50-55 metres.

Beruwatta is a 50m-high fall, set amongst tea plantations and a plethora of mountainous flora and fauna, formed by the convergence of several brooks originating on the Rakshagala mountain. The cascading waters of the fall have been poetically likened to pure white cotton and a length of loosened hair, flowing from a fairy in the heavens, free for anyone to comb.

At the base of the fall is a rock that offers a perfect seat for quiet contemplation, and also a pool known as the Beruwatte-vila, from where two brooks converge to flow into the Weveldola stream. This stream is later joined by the Alupoladola and the Ravuladola, and finally flows into the Mahaweli ganga near Malwala. Both the Balakotunna mountain range and the Mahalassa estate are visible from the elevated ground close to the fall.

To reach the fall, from Ratnapura town, head towards Balangoda via Wevelwatte and the fall can be found in the village of Balakotunna. Alternatively, from the Wevelwatte junction, head towards Balangoda for 1.5km and turn right at the tea estate. From here, it is necessary to trek for around 100m along the track adjacent to the estate to reach the fall.

Goxin fall gets its name from a British planter, Goxin, said to have been adept at aquatic sports. It is 50m in height and up to 50m wide during the rainy season. The source of the fall is at Bubula in Mannikaya patana. The water flows over a rock to join the Kaluganga at Gilimale. At the base of the fall, the water plunges into a deep pool, though the exact depth is unknown. The surrounding area is mainly used for tea plantations.

The fall is located 25km from Ratnapura town in the Pelmadulla area. Take the Ratnapura - Wewelwatte road and turn left at Nugapola town onto the Dehena - Kande road. Go through Wewalketya village and Kambiadia. From here it is 4km to Halakande village where the fall can be found.

This 53m-high fall cascades in two sections. At either side of the upper segment there are two elephant trunk-shaped stone arches. The fall's source is the Devipahala Ela Canal, which flows through Demalegama village before pouring off a rock ledge. The surrounding wooded area contains herbal plants such as ruliya, hathmetiya, vitex attissima and helapeda. Diverse species of wildlife can also be found here, including wild boar and deer.

Dodan falls can be reached by taking the Colombo - Ratnapura road and turning right at Higashena bazaar, down Devipahala road. Continue for 5km to find the fall, which is situated along the route that also leads to Bopath Falls.

Local villagers believe the area may be of some archaeological significance. The ancient caves of Batawita and Batalena in Kuruwita, where early humans once lived, are nearby.

The 54m Arambe Fall's name originates from the 'arama' through which it flows - an area of jungle, rich in resources such as food, wood, water and medicinal plants, traditionally utilised by hill country farmers. Local trees such as jak, breadfruit, rasakinda, cane, na and kumbuk as well as cloves and goraka can be found.

The source of this fall is a tributary of the Rakwana river, which springs from the Sinharaja forest. Until colonial times when plantations were introduced, this 'arama' satisfied the needs of local villagers, who accordingly gave the impressive 14m-wide fall its name.

Take the road from Rakwana to Yahalawela village, which after about 1km leads up o the Lenark State Plantations. Here stands the fall, in the Rakwana area.

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