Sri Lanka attracts tourists because of the diverse and beautiful ecosystems in the country. On the way from Matale to Rattota, there are many beautiful tourist attractions hidden in the forest, but some of them are hidden in the endless forest. You and I will get the opportunity to see some of the most wonderful natural landscapes. This is one such place. It is called Bambarakiri Falls. After traveling about 5 kilometers on the road from Rattota to Riverston, Matale, you will come across the Bambarakiri bend. The footpath leading from that place is the road to the village of Velangahawatta. After about 50 meters along this road, you will come across Bambarakiri Falls.
Located in the area belonging to the Rattota Pradeshiya Sabha, this waterfall is a great place to enjoy the beauty of a cold stream. The source of Bambarakiri Falls begins in the Knuckles mountain range. The Bambarakiri Falls have been formed by the Velangaha Oya or Kuda Oya stream that flows through the Dumbara Valley, feeding the Ambanganga River. The water of the waterfall that flows through and collects is extremely pure. It is also suitable for drinking. It should be noted that the water of this waterfall also quenches the thirst of the people living in the Ratthota area. Moreover, the water flowing from the waterfall nourishes several paddy fields in the lower area.
According to folklore, this waterfall got its name Bambarakiri Falls because many wasp nests were built on a rock near the waterfall. However, today, no wasp nests can be seen in the ecosystem around the waterfall. Although the total height of the waterfall is about 10 meters, the waterfall consists of three sections of about 3 meters. Bambarakiri Falls flows like a chain of streams. Accordingly, the water flow that creates the first waterfall in the three-tiered waterfall flows and gives birth to the second waterfall, and after the second waterfall, the water falls into the main pool of about fifteen feet. Then, the water stream that descends from the rock platform to the platform creates the third stage of the waterfall. It should be noted that the flow in several layers and the hand-made bridge built to enter the village of Welangahawatta above the waterfall further enhance the beauty of Bambarakiri Falls. This hand-made bridge that runs above the waterfall, which enhances the beauty of nature, is unique. In addition to tourists, this can also be called a chosen place for wedding photographers. The place where the water falls in the waterfall is circular and takes the shape of a pond. Although many people take bath in this place, the place is slippery. Therefore, it should be noted that bathing in that place is also dangerous. Another reason why bathing in this place is not suitable is that there are times when the water flow in the waterfall increases suddenly. Therefore, one should be careful if bathing in the Bambarakiri Falls.
There are many types of vegetation native to the Knuckles Reserve in the environment around the waterfall. Not only that, there are also many species of birds and butterflies. To see and enjoy the beauty of the Bambarakiri Falls, one must cross the vine bridge. However, due to the fear expressed by some tourists, they enjoy the beauty of the Bambarakiri Falls from here. When crossing this hanging vine bridge, if you walk parallel to the wire support in the middle where the planks are located, the shaking of the vine bridge is very low. But if you walk normally, the shaking of the vine bridge will increase. When you get off the hanging vine bridge and go down, you can reach the waterfall. Although the Atwela Bridge is a common sight for the villagers who travel to the Welangahawatta village every day, it is a wonderful experience for tourists.
A large number of local and foreign tourists come to visit the Bambarakiri Ella waterfall, and accordingly, it is the responsibility of the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall with caution. Nearly thirty people have paid the price with their lives for neglecting that responsibility. This can be described as a must-see place on the way to visit the beautiful waterfall called Sera Ella, along with the Riverston, Pitawalapathana, Punchi Lokantaya, Kaluganga and Moragahakanda reservoirs. While admiring the beauty of the waterfall, protecting its ecosystem is also your duty and responsibility when visiting Bambarakiri Ella.
