The impressive Kiruwananaganga Falls, some of the largest in Sri Lanka (60m high in stages and up to 60m wide during the height of the rainy season), are 5km east of Kotapola on the road towards Urubokka. There are other falls in the area too.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.48 MILES
With herds of elephants, wild buffalos, sambars and spotted deer, and giant squirrels, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation's finest. In…
25.3 MILES
A vision of tropical bliss, Mirissa Beach boasts powdery pale sand, while its azure water is framed by an arc of coconut palms. The west side is the…
16.7 MILES
Dangling off a rocky crag 16km northwest of Tangalla and nestled away among a green forest of coconut trees are the peaceful rock temples of Mulkirigala…
19.2 MILES
This complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants…
24 MILES
This exquisite tea plantation in the hills above Koggala offers (free) highly informative tours of the estate. You'll sample and learn how they produce…
23.94 MILES
This fort was built by the Dutch to compensate for deficiencies in the neighbouring rampart, but it’s so small it could only have protected a handful of…
Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum
26.87 MILES
This interesting museum includes the house where respected Sinhalese author Martin Wickramasinghe (1890–1976) was born (the traditional southern structure…
9.78 MILES
The Sinharaja (Lion King) rainforests occupy a broad ridge at the heart of the island’s wet zone. The only way to get about the reserve is by foot, and…
Nearby The Hill Country attractions
1. Getabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya
2.14 MILES
This superb early-17th-century rock temple is just west of Kotapola, 11km south of Deniyaya. There's a steep access road then steps up to the site, which…
3.83 MILES
The Kolawenigama Temple, 6km southwest of Deniyaya, is of modest proportions, but has a unique structure that resembles Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth…
9.78 MILES
The Sinharaja (Lion King) rainforests occupy a broad ridge at the heart of the island’s wet zone. The only way to get about the reserve is by foot, and…
16.7 MILES
Dangling off a rocky crag 16km northwest of Tangalla and nestled away among a green forest of coconut trees are the peaceful rock temples of Mulkirigala…
19.2 MILES
This complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants…
6. Kottawa Conservation Forest
22.02 MILES
This 14-hectare wet evergreen forest about 19km northeast of Galle has walking tracks, but traffic noise (and rubbish) are an issue and you'll probably…
23.64 MILES
On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like…
23.68 MILES
A 50m-high seated Buddha figure – the largest in Sri Lanka – is a highlight of this somewhat gaudy temple, which is often thronged with worshippers…