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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