Some places in Sri Lanka don’t need promotion. You discover them quietly—through a bend in the road, a pause during a journey, or a view that makes you stop without planning to. Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka is one of those places.
Located close to the sacred Adam’s Peak, this striking waterfall flows through tea estates and drops dramatically into the Maskeliya Reservoir. For travelers searching for authentic waterfalls near Adam’s Peak, Gartmore offers something rare: beauty without crowds, access without effort, and a setting that still feels untouched.
Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka is a 25-meter-high waterfall located inside Gartmore Estate near Maskeliya. It is formed by two streams—Upper and Lower Gartmore Falls—which merge before plunging into the Maskeliya Reservoir. The waterfall is best known for its natural infinity-pool-like upper section and scenic tea estate surroundings.
Gartmore Waterfall is located inside Gartmore Estate near Maskeliya, in the Nuwara Eliya District. It sits along the Nallathanniya Road, the main route used by pilgrims and travelers heading toward Adam’s Peak, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls near Sri Pada.
What makes Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka unique among hill country waterfalls is its formation. Two mountain streams—commonly referred to as Upper Gartmore and Lower Gartmore—join just above the cliff edge. Once merged, they fall together in a wide, powerful cascade straight into the Maskeliya Reservoir.
Because of this structure, Gartmore is often grouped with the Gartmore Estate Waterfalls, a name locals use to describe the entire waterfall system within the estate.
The upper part of Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka is where its reputation truly comes from. Here, water flows slowly across a wide, smooth rock surface, forming shallow natural pools before reaching the edge. From the right angle, the water appears to blend seamlessly with the reservoir below, creating a natural infinity pool effect.
On clear days, Adam’s Peak can be seen rising quietly in the distance. The setting—tea bushes, open sky, and flowing water—makes this one of the most photographed tea estate waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Gartmore Waterfall is safe to visit during the dry season from December to April. However, the upper section becomes dangerous during heavy rain due to slippery rocks and sudden water surges. Visitors should avoid the edge and follow local advice at all times.
Below the calm upper flow, the waterfall changes character completely. The water crashes down with force, filling the valley with sound and mist. This lower section shows the true power of Gartmore and is ideal for visitors who want to appreciate the scale of the fall rather than approach the edge.
Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents and wet, uneven rocks.
Among the many waterfalls near Adam’s Peak, Gartmore stands out for reasons that go beyond appearance:
Located inside a scenic tea estate
Easily reachable from Maskeliya and Hatton
Offers both calm and dramatic waterfall views
Visible from a major pilgrimage route
Still uncrowded and largely untouched
For travelers exploring hill country waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Gartmore feels authentic rather than commercial.
Travel along the A7 road toward Hatton, passing through Nanu Oya and Kotagala. Continue to Hatton, then take the Hatton–Maskeliya–Dalhousie Road. Once in Maskeliya town, turn onto Gartmore Road and walk a short distance through the tea estate.
Distance: Approximately 73 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours
Start from Nuwara Eliya
Take the A7 (Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway) toward Hatton
Pass through Nanu Oya, Kotagala, Hatton, and Dickoya
From Hatton, continue on the Hatton – Maskeliya – Dalhousie Road (B33)
Reach Maskeliya town
Turn right onto Gartmore Road
Travel through Gartmore Estate and walk a short distance to the waterfall
Hatton is the closest major town. Follow the Hatton–Maskeliya Road to Maskeliya, turn onto Gartmore Road, and continue through the estate. An alternative route via Mulagama Junction involves a short walk through Moray Estate.
Distance: Approximately 18 km
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes
Start from Hatton
Take the Hatton – Maskeliya – Dalhousie Road (B33)
Pass Dickoya and reach Maskeliya town
Turn right onto Gartmore Road
Continue through the tea estate to the waterfall access point
Alternative Route:
At Mulagama Junction on the Nallathanniya Road, turn left toward Moray Estate and walk about 300 meters through the tea plantation to reach the waterfall.
From Colombo, travel along the A7 road via Avissawella and Kithulgala to Hatton. From Hatton, continue to Maskeliya and then to Gartmore Estate.
Distance: Approximately 135 km
Travel Time: 4–4.5 hours
Start from Colombo
Take the A7 road toward Avissawella and Hatton
Pass Avissawella, Kithulgala, and Hatton
From Hatton, continue on the B33 road toward Maskeliya
Reach Maskeliya town and turn right onto Gartmore Road
Enter Gartmore Estate and walk to the waterfall
Public Transport Option:
Travel from Colombo to Hatton by train or bus, then take a bus or tuk-tuk to Maskeliya and Gartmore Estate.
The best time to visit Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka is between December and April. During this period, water levels are manageable, visibility is clear, and rock surfaces are safer.
Safer water levels
Clear views of Adam’s Peak
Less slippery rocks
Ideal weather for photography and exploration
From May to October, heavy monsoon rains increase the danger, especially at the upper section. Visiting during this season is not recommended.
Very strong water currents
Muddy and dangerous conditions
Infinity pool area becomes unsafe
Not recommended for swimming or edge access
Early morning is ideal for photography. Soft light, mist, and fewer visitors allow you to capture the atmosphere of Gartmore Falls Maskeliya without distractions. Always maintain a safe distance—no photograph is worth the risk.
Visit early morning for softer light
Avoid midday harsh sunlight
Use wide-angle shots for the upper section
Always prioritize safety over photography angles
Gartmore Waterfall lies within a working tea estate. Visitors should respect estate workers, avoid damaging tea plants, and carry back all waste. Simple actions help preserve one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Do not litter
Respect tea estate property and workers
Avoid damaging plants or rocks
Follow advice from locals
Leave the area clean and untouched
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Moray Falls
Maskeliya Reservoir viewpoints
Tea estate walks and tea factories
Hatton town and surrounding hill-country villages
Gartmore Waterfall Sri Lanka is not loud, crowded, or overdeveloped—and that is exactly its strength. For travelers searching for peaceful, scenic waterfalls near Adam’s Peak, Gartmore offers an experience that feels genuine and unhurried.
If you are exploring Maskeliya, climbing Adam’s Peak, or simply looking for one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Gartmore deserves a quiet place on your journey.
Yes. Gartmore Waterfall is located very close to Adam’s Peak and is considered one of the most scenic waterfalls near Adam’s Peak. Many visitors stop here while traveling to or from the pilgrimage route.
From Hatton, take the Hatton–Maskeliya–Dalhousie Road toward Maskeliya. Once in Maskeliya town, turn onto Gartmore Road and travel through the tea estate. A short walk leads to Gartmore Waterfall.
Swimming is possible only at the upper section during the dry season and with extreme caution. Swimming is not recommended during the monsoon season due to strong currents and slippery rocks.
Gartmore Waterfall is approximately 25 meters high, making it a medium-height waterfall with a wide and dramatic drop.
Families can visit Gartmore Waterfall, but children should be closely supervised. Visitors should avoid standing near the edge of the upper section, especially during wet conditions.
Yes. Moray Falls is located nearby and is often confused with Gartmore Falls due to its similar shape. The Maskeliya region is home to several scenic hill-country waterfalls.
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