Sri Lanka is blessed with an immense amount of natural beauty – from sprawling national parks to pristine white-sand beaches. However, few things perfectly embody this great bounty as well as the island’s waterfalls. Among these, one of the finest ones you can visit during your travels here in Sri Lanka is the awesome Laxapana Falls.
The Laxapana Falls measures an impressive 126 metres in height. This would make it the country’s 8th tallest waterfall with it only being surpassed by behemoths like Dunhinda and Babarakanda Falls. It is found in Nuwara Eliya – in the Maskeliya area, right next to a small village called Kiriwan Eliya to be exact. The Laxapana Falls is formed by the Maskeliya Oya, right around the area that it forms up with the Kehelgamu Oya in order the form the famous Kelani River. AS of right now, the waterfall gives its name to the Laxapana Hydro-Electric Stations which are found in proximity to each other. These are very important sources of power for the whole country.
As with most other prominent waterfalls, there are many folk stories associated with Laxapana. One of the most notable ones tells the tale of how the Buddha stopped by the falls during his trek to Sri Pada. Staying by the falls, the Buddha rested and took time to mend his robes before setting off.
As far as waterfalls in Sri Lanka go, Laxapana is one of the most majestic and picturesque. It is well worth a visit if you’re ever touring through Nuwara Eliya.
