Waterfall Hunting- Bambarakanda & Lanka Falls + Natural Pool Bath

Rainforest paths and tea-country viewpoints have a way of resetting your brain. This full-day waterfall hike from Ella packs in Sri Lanka’s biggest waterfall stop, a swim in a natural pool, and a guided day that keeps you moving without getting lost.

I like that the route is built for active travelers, with real hiking through rugged terrain, rainforest, and hill-country villages. I also like the food setup, breakfast plus lunch and bottled water keeps your energy steady while you’re out all day.

One thing to plan for: the trek can feel challenging, and the experience depends on good weather, so expect muddy sections or schedule changes if conditions turn.

Key moments that make this tour worth your time

• Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall stop, with dramatic payoff after the hike
• Lanka Ella natural pool swim, one of the best reasons to come (yes, you get time to cool off)
• Optional scenic train ride, and if you take it, you’ll also hike the famous Devil’s Staircase
• Rural, guided hiking, so you can focus on the scenery instead of route anxiety
• Meals included, breakfast, lunch, and coffee or tea plus bottled water to keep you going
• Private tour feel, with customizable pacing for just your group

Why this Ella waterfall day feels different from the usual sightseeing

Ella is a great base, but a lot of trips stay too “look, take a photo, move on.” This one is built around walking, so you actually get the rhythm of the hill country, not just its highlights.

You also get a proper guiding plan. When you’re hiking through rainforest paths and small rural routes, knowing where to go and how to pace the day matters, especially if you want to enjoy it rather than rush it.

The other big win is the mix of waterfall styles. Bambarakanda delivers sheer power as the tallest waterfall. Lanka Ella gives you the softer, more playful side, with a crystal-clear pool where swimming is part of the point.

Getting there: the train option and how the day actually flows

Your day starts at the Railway Station in Ella, with the trip ending back near the same meeting point. If pickup is offered where you stay, that’s a nice convenience, because the day is already hiking heavy.

Most of the hiking connects the stops, but the timing feels smarter if you choose the scenic train ride option. Taking the train turns the start into something scenic before you switch over to walking and trekking.

If you do choose the train ride, the big add-on is that you’ll also hike Devil’s Staircase for big views. If you do not choose the train ride, you still get waterfall time, just with the day focused more directly on the treks tied to the falls.

Bambarakanda Falls: Sri Lanka’s tallest, and why that matters

Bambarakanda Falls is the headline. It’s described as Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, and that alone changes how the moment lands. You don’t just see water falling, you experience scale.

You’ll hike to reach it, which means the payoff is earned. The terrain through the hill country is part of the story, and by the time you arrive, you’re primed for the kind of view that makes you slow down.

What I’d plan for: this stop is all about making the most of the moment and taking your time. Even if the hike is manageable, you’ll likely feel it in your legs after a full day, so save energy for the approach, not just the arrival.

Lanka Ella Falls and the natural pool swim you will remember

If Bambarakanda is the power stop, Lanka Ella is the feel-good stop. You’re set up to swim in a crystal-clear pool, which is exactly the kind of nature time that makes a long hike feel worth it.

This is also the moment where your day turns from exertion to refresh. You’ll be able to cool off, which is a huge deal on a tropical hike day, and it helps you keep your momentum for the rest of the route.

And then comes lunch with a view. The tour includes lunch, and you’re eating while surrounded by the panoramic scenery of the hill country, not inside a restaurant bubble. That combination, food plus views plus recovery, is one of the reasons this day works as a full-day reset.

Ohiya stop: the breathing space between the big moments

Ohiya is listed as a stop, and I like that the itinerary doesn’t treat the day as one nonstop rush. A named stop like this usually gives you a chance to reset, use the time to regroup, and adjust your pace before the more attention-demanding sections.

It also helps with logistics. When you’re hiking between waterfall areas, you want the guide to manage pacing so you’re not overcooked by the time you get to Devil’s Staircase or the swim.

I’d use Ohiya as your check-in moment. If you’re carrying water, shoes feel okay, and you’ve got your energy steady, this is where you can decide how hard to push the next leg without regretting it later.

Devil’s Staircase: the viewpoint challenge built into the train option

Devil’s Staircase is the part of this tour that signals effort. The tour explains that this trek is included if you choose the train ride option, so it’s a built-in choice depending on your comfort level.

The name alone makes people curious, but what matters for you is how it fits into the day. This is not the time to go too fast just because you’re excited. The best strategy is to keep a steady pace, take short breaks when you need them, and save breath for the climbs.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, this is also where your guide’s pacing really shows. A thoughtful, attentive guide can make the difference between struggling and enjoying the challenge, and reviews point to guides who handle that well.

The food and drink plan: why breakfast and lunch are not a throwaway detail

It’s easy for tours to include lunch and then make it generic. Here, you get breakfast and lunch plus coffee or tea and bottled water, and that matters on a 9-hour hike day.

Bottled water is practical, not glamorous. When you’re moving through rainforest paths and hilly terrain, hydration is what keeps the trip comfortable, especially if you end up walking longer than expected due to trail conditions.

Breakfast and lunch also protect you from the classic fatigue problem. If you’re only eating one small snack, the last third of the day tends to get hard, even if the hiking started fine. A proper meal plan keeps your legs happier and your head clear for the swim and the waterfall moments.

What you should bring for a rugged rainforest hike day

This is an active day, and the terrain can be rugged. You’ll get the best experience if you dress and pack for slipping, wet patches, and sudden weather shifts.

I’d pack:

• Good grip shoes you trust on uneven ground
• A light rain layer in your day bag, just in case
• Swim-ready basics if you plan to use the pool time at Lanka Ella
• A small towel or quick-dry towel, since pool time can mean wet clothes later

Also think about comfort for the long day. Even if the hiking is well paced, you’ll be on your feet for hours, and that’s where shoe comfort and breathable layers pay off.

Price and value: what $60 covers and who it suits best

At $60 per person for roughly 9 hours, this tour is priced for value, not for luxury. The big reason is that you’re not just paying for access to waterfalls. You’re paying for guiding, private transportation, and the whole food-and-drink plan.

You also get a train option, plus a guided hike through remote rainforest and hill-country routes, which would be harder to replicate on your own without local help. If you want the day to run smoothly, that support is part of what you’re buying.

This tour suits you best if:

• You want active hiking with a clear route and a guide
• You care about both major waterfalls, plus the chance to swim
• You prefer fewer crowds and more time in rural nature over quick photo stops
• You’re okay with moderate physical fitness demands

If you’re looking for a totally easy day with minimal walking, this probably will feel like too much.

Should you book this waterfall hunting day from Ella?

Book it if your trip includes Ella and you want a full, real hiking day that pays off with two standout waterfalls and a natural pool swim. The biggest reasons to say yes are the active guided route and the practical food-and-hydration plan that keeps you comfortable for the long day.

Think twice if you dislike climbing and uneven ground, or if you’re traveling with very limited flexibility on weather. Since the experience depends on good conditions, you’ll have a smoother time if you’re staying in Sri Lanka long enough to handle a date change if needed.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It runs about 9 hours (approx.).

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $60.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Railway Station – Ella (the meeting point is listed on the Ella station area).

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered (private transportation is included).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Is the train ride included, or is it optional?

The scenic train ride is optional, and if you choose it, you’ll also hike the Devil’s Staircase.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim in the pool at Lanka Ella Falls.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast and lunch are included, plus bottled water, and coffee and/or tea.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.