Baker’s Falls | Horton Plains

Baker’s Falls | Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park, the beautiful cloud forest situated among the second and third tallest mountains in Sri Lanka – Kirigalpotta and Totapola, is home to many fascinating species of flora and fauna. Standing 22m tall, Baker’s Falls is one of the key highlights that amplifies the beauty of the park and it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya district, Sri Lanka. It is frequently visited by travelers throughout the year.

About the destination

The original name of this beautiful waterfall is Gonagala falls. It is a cascade type waterfall (which is said to be the most beautiful type) with 2 drops. The current name was derived from Sir Samuel Baker, the British national who discovered it in 1845. He was also famous for killing 50 elephants in the park. Belihul Oya creates this rather noisy waterfall by slamming the water on a large rock formation at the base. Though how beautiful Baker’s falls is the plunge pool around it is said to be a 12m deep death trap that took lives of many in the past.

The famous trail in the Horton Plains National park is to see the Great World’s End Drop and Baker’s Falls is 3.3 km away from the trailhead. The usual climate in the park is around 16^oc and the rains can be expected most part of the year. To final part of the path to reach the fall is a root – strewn one with a downwards descend and this can be really challenging under rainy weather.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Take Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya highway (A7) and at Blackpool Junction, take a right to Blackpool – Ambewela – Pattipola – Horton Plains road(B512). Travel 27 kms along this road to reach the entrance to Horton Plains National Park.

From Kandy

Reach Peradeniya bridge from Kandy and take a left to Peradeniya – Badulla – Chenkalady highway (A5) and reach Nuwara Eliya. Take a right to Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway (A7) from Nuwara Eliya and reach Pattipola Junction. Travel along with Blackpool – Ambewela – Pattipola – Horton Plains road(B512) and reach the Horton Plains, National Park.