Located amidst lush greenery and surreal vistas the Alakola Falls or the Alakola Ella –what the locals call it, is a beautiful cascade that wails from a height of 50 meters. The alluring waterfall with its white waters sits in contrast to its surroundings which is clad in green blanketed by trees and other wondrous species of fauna. Being part of the knuckles mountain range, the falls is located in an estate that is in proximity to the city of Kandy. The estate is known by the name Alokola Estate hence the waterfall was named after it.
The name of the region has a rather peculiar origin that is as interesting as the waterfall itself. During the colonial times, the region was overlooked by a British planter known by the name Allen Collen and it was subsequently named Allen Collen Watte (‘Watte’ is the Sinhala name for the word estate). Over time the name as it was spoken amongst the locals gradually became Alakola Watte.
If you aren’t fascinated by that story, you will certainly be more intrigued if you visit the falls in person. You will have to take a small hike to reach the waterfall but the journey will indeed be memorable. The trail to the falls will take you through resplendent tea hills and as you move further you will also cross a sparsely vegetated wilderness. You will start hearing the sweet melodies of lapping water, and as you near the cascade, you will listen to the low uproar of the falls. Once you walk past the undergrowth, be greeted with stunning views of the falls. You could explore the surroundings and it sure lets you capture some amazing pics for the gram. But it is recommended that after laying down all your devices at a dry place, you should take a refreshing dip in pools of water and take experience the tranquillity of your surroundings. Let the water and the cold air take away all your worries and rejoice in nature’s cradle!
