Funday Times

Gaveshaka continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls in association with Lanka Council of Waterfalls
A tunnel connecting two waterfalls?
Aberdeen Falls in the Nuwara Eliya District with a 98m fall makes up a section of the Kehelgamuwa river and joins the Maskeli river at Kalugala before flowing into the ocean via the Kelani ganga. The Norton Bridge dam constructed under the Lakshapana Project has decreased the volume of water in the fall, but it continues to cascade except in severe drought conditions. According to folklore, there is a tunnel leading from Aberdeen Falls to the neighbouring Lakshapana Falls - the supposed opening of which can be seen near the Puna river.

Aberdeen fall is located 6km from the Nuwara Eliya District in the Kehelgamuwa mountain range, which encompasses an area made up of Ginigathhena, Norton Bridge, Lakshapana and Maskeliya. There are a number of routes to the fall. The first involves using the Maskeliya - Dehigasthena road, and then trekking for a distance of about 2km. Another route is from Norton Bridge to Kalawelldeniya and trek from the 3rd mile post for a distance of about 1km, but one has to watch out for wild terrain and abundant leeches. Thirdly, start from Ginigathhena town and head for Ella Uda. When you reach the Alagala village in Hulanwanguwa, Aberdeen Falls is visible from a distance.

Devon Falls, also in the Nuwara Eliya District, has been in the news in recent months since it is one of the six falls affected by the proposed upper Kotmale hydro-power project. Environmentalists argue that this project would have an adverse impact on the environment. A front view of the 97m-high fall is possible from Midigama.

Devon Falls is located along the Talawakele - Hatton road near the 20th mile post (Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District). From here it is a walk of 1km through tea estates. The Talawakele rest-house is 6km away and it is 21km to the Dick Oya rest-house.

In 1998, Kumar Bandula, otherwise known as Tony, established a record of the fall. There was once a threat that the area surrounding the fall and diverse species that live here, including the endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, would be adversely affected. However, the persistent lobbying of environmental groups averted disaster.

Devagairi Falls in the Kegalle District is 90m in height. Yet it is not popular with visitors as the route involves a trek through tea estates and difficult terrain. It is also not possible to get a close view. The source of the fall is the Dedugala Ehala Palanpitiya mountain in the Kegalle District.

Pulun Falls in the Ratnapura District is 86m in height and 12m wide and consists of two segments, the upper part being 9m in height. It cascades into a deep cleft (6-9m) and the overflow creates the second segment, which runs down a slab of rock.

The fall is located at Sigapulikande mountain in the Denawaka area in the Pelmadulla electorate. Take the Ratnapura - Pelmadulla road and turn onto the Devalegama road at Pathakada junction. The fall is 0.5km from here.

Dotulu Fall is 83m high and is situated in the Kegalle Distirct. To reach the fall, one has to travel from Halwatura Kelle Tea House for 1km, to the west of the Bambaragala area. It is also possible to view the fall from the east, 2km away, on a 900m slope. The route is through difficult jungle terrain and should not be undertaken without a local guide. The Kitulgala rest-house is 25km away.

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