Devilโs Staircase is known by many as the most difficult road and also the most iconic journey to travel in Sri Lanka. This road is about 24km from Ohiya to Kalupahana. The presence of several tourist destinations in Sri Lanka such as Haputale, Horton Plains, Bambarakanda Falls, Lanka Water Falls, and Wangedigala on this route has led to its popularity.
On the way to Natureโs Heaven
ย ย ย The following morning, we hurriedly left the guest house at around 6:00 am to catch a bus to Kalupahana because we were so eager to start the tour.
We had to board a bus that was headed in the approximate direction of Colombo to get there. A bus to Colombo arrived after about ten minutes, so we boarded it. We were attentive in watching out for any signs of Kalupahana because we hadnโt traveled this route before.
After a half-hour on the bus through the winding Badulla-Colombo main route, we disembarked at the small Kalupahana junction.
Enjoying the Water Falls Hunting
From Kalupahana we took a three-wheeler from the junction to Bambarakanda water falls. After the kilometers ride, we arrived at the Bambarakanda Falls entrance. The ticket price cost us around 150 LKR Per person.
You must walk through a small but well-kept path to reach the fallโs base pool.
After reaching the stream that transports the fallโs water, there is an ascent through a pine forest that is well-paved with concrete stairs.
About 50m in, youโll come across a junction used to climb atop the fall, but this is forbidden due to the danger and should be avoided unless youโre a seasoned hiker. After about 05-10 minutes of ascension through the pine forest, you will arrive at the base pool.
The fall foliage is as lovely as advertised. The entire base pool area is covered in water droplets, and the sheer height of the fall is astounding.
Bambarakanda waterfall, which claims to be one of the most valuable resources of our country and which has attracted many tourists. One has to go to that place through a forest full of pine trees. This is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and its height is 241 meters. A lot of tourists visit this every year. Itโs not surprising because itโs so eye-catching when you see it. How long can you watch this?
After seeing the Bambarakanda waterfall, we came to a nearby market. A hot cup of tea with a hot roti is another wonderful thing to mid of the journey.
Hidden Gem โ Lanka Ella WaterFall
ย ย ย This is to the left of Bambarakanda Water Falls. and we went towards the Lanka Water Falls to experience its beauty. It is called Lanka Water Falls because it is shaped like Sri Lanka. The water flows beautifully and is soothing to the mind while watching it. This is to the left of Bambarakanda Falls.
It seemed as if no one had visited the waterfall for a long timeโฆ the barely emerged footprints were covered with giant grassโฆ As soon as we saw the waterfall from a distance, we were mesmerized by its beauty and rushed to its footโฆ
Arriving at the foot of Lanka Water Falls, we were bathed in the fiery steam that spread from it. It is an impossible task to file the entire waterfall from its base into one image frame. I was barely able to take a picture, wondering how much I wish I had a wide-angle lens.
If you have love in life, you should not think of bathing here. The blackness of the pool at its base suggests that it is very deep.
We didnโt notice the time passing until the sun went down. As the sun set, we had to bid farewell to Lanka Water Falls to camp at Devilโs Staircase.
Hiking and camping at the Devilโs Staircase
We said goodbye to Lanka Water Ella and came back on the same road to Bambarakanda Water Falls Entrance. From there began the most difficult and beautiful part of the journey.
After passing the Bambarakanda waterfall, there is a concrete paved road. But this part of the road is very short. Then there is a slippery path paved with granite. After passing this section you will enter a naturally located platform. The view from there is indescribable. After that, the difficult parts of the road begin
We use this way to access the Devilโs Staircase along the Ohiya road. You can get more of the beauty here by walking. This route is stunning because of the beautiful surroundings of mountains, and streams. This is a very dilapidated road. But you can travel here by motorbike or 4WD vehicle and you have to be very careful and there is more chance of damage to those vehicles.
After walking 4 kilometers, we reached Weli Vanguva along the Yakaโs steps, where we camped and prepared to have a new experience again. The sweat from walking for many hours made the body feel tired. So we went to take a bath in the natural pool called Kalu Wala (Black Pool). It is amazing. With the coolness of that water, the fatigue disappears without even realizing it.
Then we went to our campsite, made a campfire, had dinner and everyone went to sleep because of the tiring journey all day. At night, everything was covered with fog and the cold was very high.
ย ย
Woke up around 6.30 in the morning feeling cold again. The sight of the sun rising red from the mountains is also surprising. It is mind-blowing beyond words. Enjoyed the morning tea and went back to Kalu Wala (Black Pool) to wash our bodies to get fresh for our journey home.
The impact of tourism around Bambarakanda Waterfall
ย The sad thing about this journey is seeing the negative actions of the tourists. This beautiful ecosystem has already been damaged. That is why we have to say that we should make it our responsibility to preserve these natural resources while enjoying the uniqueness here.
Here is how you can be a more responsible and respectful tourist if you are traveling in the area:
- Make sure that you dispose of all of your garbage responsibly. If you have snack wrappers or water bottles as you hike, bring them with you until you find a trash can.
- If you bathe at Bambarakanda waterfall, be careful about the rain. The water in the waterfall can increase due to the rainfall occurring in the upper catchment areas
- Be respectful and polite to the local people.
- There are numerous intersections and side roads that will go you nowhere, so do not attempt the hike alone and go with someone familiar with the route. Tamils who live in estates hardly speak Sinhala, let alone English.
- Try to minimize the weight of your pack. Although there are water streams along the route, bring at least one liter with you.
- Beware of leeches.