Laxapana Falls: A Majestic Cascade of Nature and Energy

Sri Lanka is a land blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, where cascading waterfalls shatter the island’s mountainous landscape of verdant greens. Of the many waterfalls that exist along the central highlands, Laxapana Falls is one of the most spectacular and significant. Nestled away in the misty hills of Norton Bridge, a short distance from Nuwara Eliya, Central Province, Laxapana is not only a stunning nature sight but also a key source of hydroelectric power generation on the island. Rising to a height of some 126 meters (413 feet), it is Sri Lanka’s eighth highest waterfall and a source of revenue for tourism as well as green energy production.

Geographic Location and Access
Laxapana Falls is situated in the Maskeliya area of the Nuwara Eliya District, close to the boundary with the Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. It occurs along the Kelani River, which is one of Sri Lanka’s chief rivers, and is formed by the confluence of its two main tributaries—the Kehelgamu Oya and the Maskeliya Oya. The falls are situated about 16 kilometers from Norton Bridge and about 45 kilometers from the town of Nuwara Eliya.

Access to Laxapana Falls is relatively straightforward. From Nuwara Eliya or Hatton, tourists travel by car or take public transport to Norton Bridge and then continue in vehicle or tuk-tuk via winding roads on the edges of tea plantations. The final stretch to the waterfall would require a short walk, subjecting visitors to the beauty of the forest hills and tea estates surrounding it.

Natural Beauty and Landscape
Laxapana Falls’ natural beauty is just spellbinding. The falls cascade over a cliff face embedded in boulders amidst emerald-green forests and fog-covered peaks. The vertical descent and the powerful water run create a deafening roar, and the spray forms rainbows when it is a sunny day, making the site even more mystical in its appeal.

The area around the falls is rich in biodiversity. Travelers often get to witness an intermixing of bird species, butterflies, and occasionally monkeys and tiny mammals. The slopes around the locale are tea-planted, contributing to the renowned highland landscapes of the nation. The falls also provide some peaceful pools at its base, though swimming is generally not advised due to the fact that the currents are too powerful and the rocks too slippery.

The ideal period, however, is during the monsoon, especially between May and September, when the falls are at their fullest and offer an even more breathtaking spectacle. It is also the time when the trails get muddy and accessibility a bit challenging.

Cultural and Historical Significance
Laxapana Falls is not only a natural wonder but also holds mythological and religious significance. As local folklore and Buddhist heritage, the falls’ area is believed to have been visited by the Lord Buddha when he passed through Sri Lanka. It is said that he had rested here after his visit to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), which lies in close proximity.

The name “Laxapana” is thought to have been derived from Sinhala “Laxa” (hundred thousand) and “Pahana” (lamps or lights). It has also been understood as “a hundred thousand lights,” maybe something having to do with the spiritual lighting that the location is said to possess or the literal lights from hydroelectricity here. Another theory explains the origin of the name to the large number of stone oil lamps lit by pilgrims of yore, especially in undertaking pilgrimages to Adam’s Peak, which borders the falls.

The location is important also during the colonial and post-independence periods, namely due to its role in Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric growth.

Hydroelectric Power and Engineering Marvel
Apart from its religious and scenic significance, Laxapana Falls is also a component of Sri Lanka’s hydropower network. The falls is utilized by the Old Laxapana and New Laxapana Hydroelectric Power Stations, two of the oldest and most significant hydroelectric facilities in the country. Old Laxapana Power Station, commissioned in 1950, was one of the earliest significant power development schemes in Sri Lanka.

The later addition of the New Laxapana Power Station has contributed to capacity and supplies to a large extent to the national grid.

Together, the two power plants generate over 100 megawatts of electricity, which are assets for the country’s initiative towards generating renewable power. The power plants utilize water from the Kelani River and the catchment basins around it, utilizing the natural gradient of elevation for efficient power generation.

The technology used in these power plants—especially considering the hilly topography, heavy rains, and forest conservancy needs—is impressive. These power plants are serviced by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which also governs environmental impacts and water flow management to ensure it is sustainable.

Tourism and Ecotourism Potential
Laxapana Falls has been a favorite eco-tourism spot, welcoming both local and international tourists alike. Its somewhat off-roads location is a guarantee that it will not be too commercialized like more accessible tourist attractions, which makes it perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers.

A number of tourists make a visit to Laxapana as well as treks to Adam’s Peak, Devon Falls, St. Clair’s Falls, or Aberdeen Falls, all in the central highlands. The waterfalls can also be included in a wider tour of tea country, where an individual can visit tea factories, hike through plantations, and experience the colonial elegance of towns such as Nuwara Eliya and Hatton.

There are some observation points with great views of the falls. There is a short hiking path down to the bottom but be careful since the trails are slippery and steep. Guided tours are recommended for those who are unfamiliar with the terrain.

For a close connection with nature, bird-watching and camping around Laxapana are being widely preferred. But there are no amenities around the waterfall, so it is ideal for independent travelers or nature lovers on package tours.

Conservation Challenges
Although the surrounding area of Laxapana Falls remains largely virgin, it is not exempted from some environmental hazards. Deforestation, uncontrolled tourism, and pollution of water are growing issues. Specifically, increased foot traffic on pilgrimage days and trash from careless tourists have begun to take their toll on the natural surroundings.

Hydropower operations also need to be regulated properly to maintain an ecological balance. Although hydropower is a renewable source, over-diversion of water or damming has been found to impact aquatic habitats and the natural beauty of the falls.

Getting to Laxapana Falls

From Colombo:

• By Car: Drive approximately 3–4 hours via the A1 highway to Hatton. From Hatton, take the B40 road towards Maskeliya. Continue for about 10 km until you reach the falls.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Colombo to Hatton. From Hatton, you can hire a tuk-tuk or take a local bus to Maskeliya

From Nuwara Eliya:

• By Car: Drive approximately 70.8 km via the A7 and B40 roads to Maskeliya.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Nuwara Eliya to Hatton, then transfer to a bus heading towards Maskeliya.

From Hatton:

• By Car or Tuk-Tuk: Proceed towards Maskeliya on the B40 road.

Reaching the Falls

Once in Maskeliya, follow the signs to Laxapana Falls. There are two main access points:

• Upper Access Point: Located near the Polpitiya Power Station, this route involves a short hike to the top of the falls, offering panoramic views.
• Lower Access Point: Located near the Mlesna Tea Centre, this route involves a descent of approximately 663 steps through dense flora to reach the base of the falls. The journey offers a close-up view of the waterfall and the surrounding natural beauty.

Visiting Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from October to December, when the waterfall is at its most majestic due to peak rainfall. However, be cautious as the water levels can rise rapidly during this period.
• Safety Precautions: Avoid swimming in the pool at the base of the falls due to strong currents and slippery rocks. Exercise caution when walking on wet surfaces.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry sufficient water, and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.