Funday Times

Gaveshaka continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls in association with Lanka Council of Waterfalls

Dunhinda - the enchanting falls
Dunhinda is considered to be one of the most enchanting falls in Sri Lanka and is in close proximity to Badulla town. The water resembles a thin cloud as it cascades 63m downwards into a large pool. The backdrop to the fall is known as 'Dunhinda Adaviya'. 'Dunhinda' translates to 'spraying/vapour waterfall' - the word 'dun' means 'gave/was given', while 'hinda' means 'evaporate'.

This fall is steeped in history. The area was once inhabited by indigenous people - the Veddha tribe. During the time of King Rajasinhe, a giant fern got stuck at the top of the fall, between two mountains. This acted as a dam, which resulted in the flooding of Badulla town. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the king entrusted the task of clearing the sluice to a person named 'Ranhavadidaraya'. After toiling for three months he managed to clear the water and the town re-emerged.

The fern was swept away but got stuck again at a place now known as Pussellawa ('pus' meaning fern). It was the first fall on the island where a fee was introduced to view it. This applies to both local and foreign visitors.
Dunhinda Falls is 5km from Badulla town and from the main highway it is a tortuous 1km walk. The Ella rest-house is 29km away.

Standing at 63m, the Okandagala Falls in the Ratnapura District is a spectacular sight during the rains of the eastern monsoon, when the water reaches the Belihul Oya. Some say that from the bird's eye view, achieved by climbing to the top of the rocks, the fall appears to flow from the sky. During a drought however, it dries up completely. The wild undergrowth prevents visitors from viewing the fall at close range.

According to folklore, treasure troves containing 32 crowns and assorted gems are hidden in the rock. A visiting king is supposed to have asked "is that the rock containing the treasure?", giving the fall its name ('okandagala' means 'is that the rock?').

Take the Kandy highway towards Nuwara Eliya via Wathumulla, passing both the 42nd mile post and the second culvert. At the three-way junction, take the Mandarampura road. Near the Makandura Reservoir, there is a road that leads to Okandagala mountain. This 2.5km journey is extremely difficult.

At the summit of the Okandagala mountain the Okandagala river flows, creating a minor fall (known as the Okandagala Sub-waterfall), which is 5m in height. Continue for a further 3.5km, past a huge mango tree to reach the fall, which cascades down a massive section of protruding rocks.

Surathali Falls is 60m in height, 2m wide and made up of three segments. It is named after a film that was shot in the area. Originating from the Sri Pada Reserve's Ellamana mountain range (948m), the fall is created by the Kadawath ganga, which flows along Sabaragamuwa, Uva and later into the Weli ganga. It is bordered by an untouched wildlife sanctuary.

At the Mahaeliyakande there are certain soil crystals known as 'Sita Devi Guli', which resemble the rice used to make 'aggala'. According to folklore, Sita Devi (Queen Sita) is said to have made sweetmeat here and spilled some of it, which is what remains at the site today.

Another story has it that two villagers saw gold plates glittering in a cave, while on a jungle trek. They decided to retrieve the treasure and ventured inside the cave but as soon as they were inside, the stone door of the cave shut, barring their exit. They were allowed out only once they had acknowledged that the treasure belonged to King Walagamba.

Take the Balangoda - Badulla road to the 169 - 170th mile posts, between Halpe and Marangawela. Turn at the Belihuloya, near Halpe and proceed for 8km along the Colombo - Ratnapura - Batticoloa road. Near the 105th mile post, 20m through mountainous jungle, the fall can be found. The Belihuloya rest-house is 8km away and the Koslande rest-house is 40km away.

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