St. Clair Water Falls Nuwara Eliya
You will love the milky white water which cascades over three black rock layers into a large pool surrounded by the beautiful green landscape creating a magnificent view of the St. Clairs.
St. Clair Falls, located in Nuwara Eliya district is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is also the 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and known as “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”
It runs through the beautiful tea estate namely St. Clair which was established in the 1870s by the British and thus gets its name; St. Clair Falls.
View from the Main Road
The view from the main road gives you a panoramic view of the surroundings with a mountain range, the valleys along with the beautiful white waterfall.
Quick View from the Passing Train
You can also view it from the passing train (Kandy - Badulla) from above the railroad on your way to Nuwara Eliya.
View from the Viewing Platform
You can have a closer view from the viewing platform at the St. Clair Tea Estate. An experience full of greenery amidst a misty atmosphere awaits nature lovers there.
There is a restaurant by the viewing platform as well. You can have a nice cup of tea, relax a little if you stop by for a few minutes on your way to Nuwara Eliya. You can also visit the small museum nearby.
You can take a few photos with your loved ones with the waterfall in the background which you will love.
Walk to the Falls for a closer view
The fall is situated around 500 m away from the road. You can reach the fall by walking down the steep way through the tea estate. You will love the amazing walk in the tranquil environment.
You can either have a closer view from the observation deck or go even closer through the tea bushes to feel the splash of water from a safer distance. However, you are not allowed to access the base of the waterfall for safety.
There is a small trail heading to the falls. The surroundings can be misty depending on the climate. Therefore, sometimes, the way through may not be very easy. However, it would be fun for adventure lovers and hikers.
How to reach St. Clair Falls
You will find these beautiful falls approximately 3 Km to the west of Talawakele town on Hatton- Talawakele highway. The falls come to your view from A7 road between 81 to 82 km posts.
Distance from Nuwara Eliya would be around 26 Km.
Distance from Kandy ( via Nawalapitiya - Dimbula Rd/B317) is approximately 71.2 km.
Distance from Colombo (via Avissawella - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya Hwy/A7) to the waterfall would be around 145.2 km.
St. Clair Waterfalls - Facts
The falls derive from the Kotmale Oya which is a tributary of the longest river of Sri Lanka; Mahaweli River and goes down the green hills.
St Clair has two falls, one after the other making spectacular scenery. The first part is the greater fall known by the name “Maha Ella” which is 260 ft high and 160 ft wide. The second part is the lesser fall known as “Kuda Ella” which comes next. It is 160 ft high. Eventually, the fall routes down to the Kotmale Falls.
This is one of the waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydro Electric Power Project. The volume of water of this great falls has been reduced drastically after construction of the dam. However, the view is still breathtaking, especially on rainy days.
Open hours, Parking and Entrance Fee
It's free and open for view throughout the day. You have parking facilities at the view point.
Nearby Waterfalls
You can also have a nice view of Devon Falls passing St Clair Falls on your way to Nuwara Eliya.