At SL VOYO, Sri Lanka’s first travel platform, we help travellers go beyond basic sightseeing and experience the island in a more meaningful way. Whether you are joining our tours or planning your own adventure, here is our friendly guide to discovering Devon Falls – one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic roadside cascades.
Sri Lanka is filled with hidden cascades, but few are as easily admired as Devon Falls. Standing at an impressive height of 97 meters, it is officially the 20th tallest waterfall in the country.
Located in the Nuwara Eliya district, Devon Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka, mainly because of the wonderfully clear and stunning view it provides right from the busy Hatton–Nuwara Eliya Road. As the water plunges down the rocky green slopes, it creates a magnificent white veil that captivates every traveler passing by.
Every major waterfall in the hill country carries a piece of history, and Devon Falls is no exception.
The waterfall got its famous name from a pioneer British coffee planter named Devon, whose plantation was situated right near the waterfall’s location. Even though the coffee plantations later transitioned into the endless tea gardens we see today, the name stuck, preserving a reminder of the island’s colonial plantation era.
Visiting Devon Falls is as comfortable as it is scenic. The absolute best view of this waterfall is from Dimbula, where a dedicated viewpoint with convenient parking facilities has been established for travellers.
Right across the road from the viewpoint sits the famous Mlesna Tea Center. Here, visitors can relax, stretch their legs, and enjoy a fresh, steaming cup of world-famous Ceylon tea while looking straight out at the magnificent waterfall. Almost everyone who travels along this route to Nuwara Eliya makes it a point to stop and break rest here before continuing their journey.
While Devon Falls remains a major tourist attraction, it also shares a complex history with modern infrastructure.
Unfortunately, Devon Falls is one of the seven magnificent waterfalls in the central highlands that were affected by the construction of the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project. While hydroelectric projects are vital for supplying clean electricity to the island, they have changed the natural water flow of several historic cascades, making conservation and mindful tourism more important than ever.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
