Upper Elgin Falls
Central Province, Nuwara Eliya
About Upper Elgin Falls
Fed by mountain streams in the highest reaches of Sri Lanka's central highlands, where the island's tallest peaks, deepest valleys, and most dramatic escarpments channel rainfall into spectacular cascades, Upper Elgin Falls plummets 12 metres past upper montane cloud forest and extensive tea estates, with dwarf bamboo, tree ferns, and endemic rhododendrons at the highest elevations.
Sri Lanka, despite its compact size, harbours over 500 waterfalls — more per square kilometre than almost any country on Earth. The Nuwara Eliya District alone contains dozens of cascades, ranging from thundering plunges visible from main roads to hidden gems deep in roadless jungle. Upper Elgin Falls, at 12 metres, represents the kind of intimate, undiscovered cascade that makes waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka endlessly rewarding.
What to Expect
Tucked away from the main paths, this small waterfall is a local secret. The surrounding vegetation closes in overhead, creating a green grotto effect. Small fish dart in the clear pool below, and dragonflies hover in the spray.
Flora and Fauna
The forest surrounding Upper Elgin Falls is characteristic of the highest reaches of Sri Lanka's central highlands, where the island's tallest peaks, deepest valleys, and most dramatic escarpments channel rainfall into spectacular cascades. upper montane cloud forest and extensive tea estates, with dwarf bamboo, tree ferns, and endemic rhododendrons at the highest elevations create a rich habitat for wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot Horton Plains slender loris, Sri Lanka white-eye, and the mountain hawk-eagle soaring above the valleys. Near the waterfall itself, the constant spray supports a micro-habitat of moisture-loving plants — look for tree ferns unfurling new fronds, cushions of bright green moss on rocks, and perhaps a flash of iridescent blue as a kingfisher darts along the stream.
Best Time to Visit
The waterfall is at its most impressive during the both monsoons bring significant rain — wettest October to January, when heavy rainfall swells the streams feeding the cascade. However, trails can be slippery and leeches more active during peak rains. The inter-monsoon months of March-April and September-October often provide the best balance — decent water flow with more manageable trail conditions and clearer skies for photography. Early morning visits reward with the best light and the dawn chorus of the surrounding forest.
How to Get There
Nuwara Eliya is reached by road from Kandy (2.5 hours) or by the spectacular train journey from Colombo via Kandy. Local transport reaches most waterfall trailheads. As a lesser-visited waterfall, finding Upper Elgin Falls may require local knowledge. The nearest settlement can usually provide directions. Carry sufficient water and supplies as there are no facilities near the falls. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential as rocks near waterfalls are often covered in algae and can be treacherous when wet.
Visitor Tips
- Bring a waterproof bag for electronics — spray from the falls can travel surprisingly far
- Swimming is possible at many falls, but check water depth and current first, especially after rain
- Leeches are common near waterfalls during wet months — wearing long socks tucked into trousers helps
- Leave no trace — carry out all rubbish and respect the natural environment
