Belihuloya, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

Belihuloya at a glance

Why visit Belihuloya?

• The river. The Belihul Oya tumbles over rocks through the town, creating pools for swimming and paddling.
• Waterfalls. Bambarakanda, Sri Lanka's highest waterfall, and several smaller falls are close by.
• A break on a long journey. It is roughly halfway between Colombo and the southern hill country.
• Nature and peace. Forested hills, tea and rubber estates, birds and quiet villages.
• Cooler air. At the foot of the mountains, it is fresher than the lowlands.

Things to do in Belihuloya

Swim in the Belihul Oya

The Belihul Oya river runs through the town in a series of rocky cascades and pools. In the dry months, some pools are calm and clear enough for a swim. Many riverside hotels have access to the water. Never swim after heavy rain, when the river can rise quickly and currents become dangerous.

Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda Falls, near Kalupahana, is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, dropping in a long, thin ribbon down a sheer rock face. It is a short drive from Belihuloya, followed by a short walk to the viewing area. It is at its most impressive after the rains. See our guide to waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Other waterfalls

The area around Belihuloya has several other waterfalls. Pahanthudawa Falls, near the road towards Horton Plains, is a pretty cascade surrounded by forest. Your driver or hotel can suggest which falls are flowing well at the time of your visit.

Samanalawewa reservoir

Samanalawewa is a large reservoir near Belihuloya, created by a dam on the Walawe River for hydropower. Its quiet shores and viewpoints make a peaceful excursion.

Walks and hikes

Trails lead through tea and rubber estates, villages and forest. Some hotels arrange guided walks to viewpoints and waterfalls. See hiking in Sri Lanka and nature trails.

Bird watching

The forests and river valleys around Belihuloya are good for birds, including some of Sri Lanka's endemic species. Go early in the morning with a pair of binoculars. See bird watching in Sri Lanka.

Horton Plains from the south

Belihuloya lies below the southern edge of Horton Plains National Park. Ask your driver about the best route and timing for an early-morning visit, as the walk to World's End is best done before the mist comes in.

Day trips from Belihuloya

• Haputale: about an hour away, with Lipton's Seat, Adisham Bungalow and tea estates. See our Haputale guide.
• Diyaluma Falls: one of Sri Lanka's highest waterfalls, with natural pools at the top.
• Ratnapura: the "City of Gems", known for gem mining. See places to visit in Ratnapura and gem mining in Sri Lanka.
• Udawalawe National Park: for wild elephants, around one and a half to two hours away.

How to get to Belihuloya

Belihuloya is on the main A4 road between Colombo and the southern hill country, which continues via Balangoda to Haputale, Bandarawela and Ella.

By private car

A private driver is the easiest way to visit and to reach the nearby waterfalls. Approximate times:

• Colombo to Belihuloya: about 4 hours
• Belihuloya to Haputale: about 1 hour
• Belihuloya to Ella: about 2 hours
• Belihuloya to Udawalawe: about 1.5–2 hours

By bus

Buses between Colombo and Badulla, Bandarawela or Haputale pass through Belihuloya on the A4. Ask the conductor to let you off.

By train

There is no railway station in Belihuloya.

Belihuloya as a stop on your route

Belihuloya works well as an overnight stop on these journeys:

• Colombo to Ella or Haputale, via Ratnapura, instead of the route through Kandy.
• The south coast or Udawalawe to the hill country. See our guide to getting from Galle to Ella.
• Sinharaja to the hill country. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a few hours away.

When to visit

The clearest weather is usually from about January to April. Belihuloya can get rain at other times, especially during the monsoon months, but this also keeps the river and waterfalls flowing. The river can be dangerous after heavy rain, so check conditions before swimming. See our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

Belihuloya has riverside hotels, eco lodges and simple guesthouses, many with views of the river or forest. A room where you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water is part of the experience. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

What to bring

• Swimwear and a towel for the river
• Shoes with good grip for wet rocks
• Insect repellent
• A light rain jacket
• Binoculars for birds
• Cash for small shops and waterfall entry. See money in Sri Lanka

Safety tips

• Never swim after heavy rain. The river can rise very quickly.
• Take care on wet rocks, which can be very slippery.
• Swim only where locals or your hotel say it is safe.
• Don't climb on waterfalls. Many accidents in Sri Lanka happen at waterfalls.

Read our responsible travel guide.

A suggested two-day visit

Day 1: drive from Colombo via Ratnapura, stopping for lunch. Arrive in Belihuloya in the afternoon and relax by the river.

Day 2: visit Bambarakanda Falls in the morning, then Samanalawewa. In the afternoon, swim in a calm river pool or take a walk through the estates.

Day 3: continue to Haputale and Ella, or south to Udawalawe for a safari.

Belihuloya or Haputale?

Both make good stops in the southern hill country, but they feel very different:

Many travellers stay one night in each, on the way from Colombo to Ella.

Food and local life

Belihuloya is a small rural town, and most visitors eat at their hotel, where rice and curry with fresh vegetables is usually a highlight. Along the main road, small shops sell fruit, snacks and king coconuts, which are perfect after a walk. On the way through Balangoda and Ratnapura, look out for roadside stalls selling fresh produce from the surrounding farms. See our food and cooking page.

Visiting with children

Belihuloya is a relaxing stop for families. Children enjoy the shallow, calm edges of the river pools in the dry months, and the short walk to Bambarakanda is easy. Always supervise children near water, and stay away from the river after rain. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Who Belihuloya suits

Belihuloya suits nature lovers, couples looking for a quiet stop, families who enjoy river swimming, and travellers driving from Colombo to the southern hills. It is a good choice for second-time visitors who want to explore beyond the main route. See our pages on lesser-known attractions and scenic places.

A note on the road

The A4 road through Belihuloya is a main route, so expect buses and lorries, and plenty of bends as it climbs towards Haputale. Allow extra time, ask a pharmacist about motion-sickness options if you need them, and plan to arrive before dark. Your driver will know the safest places to stop for photos.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Driving straight through. Stop for at least one night to enjoy the river and waterfalls.
• Swimming after rain. The river is dangerous when it is high.
• Visiting Bambarakanda in the driest months only. The falls can be thin at the end of a long dry spell.

Frequently asked questions