Devon falls is a roadside beauty, situated along the Colombo – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya road, making it a popular stop for all travellers en route to Nuwara Eliya. Being 97m tall and ranked 19th tallest in the country, Devon falls is situated in Dimbula area in West Thalawakele, Nuwara Eliya district.
About the destination
Devon falls were named after a leading English coffee planter called ‘Devon’, where he had his plantation situated around the area where the fall is. The fall is also called ‘Veil of the Valley’, though the name is not so popular among the travellers. Devon falls is a named as a tiered type waterfall since it takes 3 leaps to make the waterfall and a tributary of Kotmale Oya that later joins the Mahaweli river, is the watercourse of this beautiful waterfall.
The best view of the waterfall is from the viewpoint situated at Colombo – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya road itself in Dimbula area, where you also have ample space to park the vehicle. You can also visit the tea center at the opposite of the waterfall, zip a cup of tea with the view of the waterfall before continuing your journey towards Nuwara Eliya. Though there is no clear path to reach the base of the waterfall, the mouth of the waterfall can be reached following a lesser-known path from Nawalapitiya – Dimbula road, after some effort. The recently completed Upper Kotmale Hydro power project is the reason for the significant reduction of water in Devon falls. Regardless the water level. Devon fall is one waterfall that flows throughout the year, even in severe drought conditions.
Reaching the destination
From Colombo
Take Colombo – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya (A7) highway and reach Pathana junction. Travel 500m further and the waterfall will be at your left side,
From Kandy
Take Gampola road (A5) and after reaching Gampola, continue on Kandy road (AB13) and reach Nawalapitiya. Turn to Nawalapitiya – Kotmale road (B317) and then turn right to Nawalapitiya – Dimbula road. Reach Pathana junction and turn left.
