St. Clair’s Falls, the widest waterfall in the island, is popularly known as the “Small Niagara of Sri Lanka”. Water levels have recently been affected by the Upper Kotmal Hydroelectric Project. St. Clair’s Falls, named after the tea estate, is located near Talawakele on the A7 main road between Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. In stark contrast to the nearby Devon Falls, St. Clair Falls can also be seen from the Kandy-Badulla mountain railway.
St. Clair’s waterfalls are situated in an altitude of 1198 meters above sea level, 3 km west of Talawakele in Nuwara Eliya District. It is a beautiful waterfall that runs through lush green hills and lush tea plantations. The waterfall got its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate. Located in Kotmale Oya, this fall will be affected by the proposed Upper Kotmal Hydroelectric Project, but a limited amount of water will be released for public use to prevent the fall from completely disappearing.
[envira-gallery id=”3968″]
The waterfall is approximately 80 meters high and 50 meters wide and consists of two parts: the Maha Ella, greater fall, and the Kuda Ella, the lesser fall. The waterfall is easily accessible and even accessible by train! Slightly down the road, you can see the amazing waterfall and the surrounding wildlife. Another option is to walk down a small path to get closer to the fall; A walk through the wonderful St. Clair Tea Estate allows you to take a closer look at the century-old tea bushes as well as the waterfall. Although access to the foot of the waterfall is forbidden, it is still a fun walk as you are surrounded by mountains and vegetation while enjoying a great view of St. Clair Falls.
