St Clairs Falls and Devon Falls

Plunging dramatically through the terraced tea valleys along the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya highway, St. Clair's Falls and Devon Falls are two of the most spectacular and photographed waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Located just a short drive west of the city center, these twin waterfalls provide a dramatic look at how the island's rugged mountain terrain interacts with its sprawling agricultural landscapes.

St. Clair's Falls, affectionately known as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka," is one of the widest waterfalls on the island. It consists of two distinct segments: the "Greater Fall," which plunges 80 meters down a series of rock ledges, and the "Lesser Fall," which drops an additional 50 meters immediately below. The waterfall flows through a lush valley covered in the green tea bushes of the St. Clair Tea Estate, creating a stunning contrast between the white water and the green hills.

Just a few kilometers down the road sits Devon Falls, named after a pioneer English tea planter named Devon whose estate bordered the drop. This elegant waterfall drops 97 meters (318 feet) down a sheer cliff face, narrowing gracefully as it plunges into a deep rocky chasm below. The highway features a purpose-built viewing platform and a cozy tea castle restaurant where travelers can stop, drink a warm cup of Ceylon tea, and enjoy a panoramic view of both waterfalls cascading through the tea-covered mountains.