“This waterfall is named for its shape, said to resemble the wick of a traditional oil lamp as the water narrows and falls.”
About Pahanthudawa Waterfall
Pahanthudawa lies near Belihuloya in the Sabaragamuwa region, an area of cool hills and rivers popular for low-key nature tourism. The falls and their rock pool have long been a local bathing and picnic spot, named for the lamp-wick shape of the cascade. The surrounding country, where the highlands meet the lowlands, offers hiking, camping and river scenery.
Pahanthudawa is a pretty waterfall near Belihuloya, in the Sabaragamuwa region where Sri Lanka's hill country begins to descend toward the lowlands. Named for its distinctive shape, the falls drop into a clear, cold natural rock pool that is popular for swimming, set amid cool mountain scenery and reached by a short trek.
Pahanthudawa is a pretty waterfall near Belihuloya, in the Sabaragamuwa region where Sri Lanka's hill country begins to descend toward the lowlands.
The Lamp-Wick Falls
The waterfall takes its name from its shape, said to resemble a 'pahan thudawa', the wick of a traditional oil lamp, as the water narrows and falls. Below it lies a deep, clear rock pool, naturally formed and refreshingly cold, that has made the falls a favourite local bathing spot. Surrounded by the cool, scenic landscapes around Belihuloya, a transitional zone between highlands and lowlands, it is an accessible and rewarding nature stop.
The Experience
You take a short trek through pleasant hill scenery to reach the falls, where the water tumbles into a clear, cold natural pool ideal for a refreshing swim. The setting is peaceful and green, with cool mountain air, and the pool is the main draw on a warm day. It makes an easy, enjoyable outing in the Belihuloya area, away from the busier tourist trails.
Why It Matters
Pahanthudawa is a charming example of the accessible natural beauty of Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa hill country, a region less travelled than the main highlands. Its swimmable rock pool and scenic setting offer a relaxed, refreshing experience of the island's interior landscapes.
Pahanthudawa is a charming example of the accessible natural beauty of Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa hill country, a region less travelled than the main highlands.
Why Visit
A scenic waterfall near Belihuloya with a clear, cold natural rock pool perfect for swimming, an easy and refreshing nature stop in Sri Lanka's hill country.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
The natural rock pool below the falls is great for swimming.
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It is reached by a short, scenic trek near Belihuloya.
- 3
The falls are fullest just after rain.
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It is a relaxed stop in the quieter Sabaragamuwa hills.
