Aberdeen Falls: A Guide, and Why Not to Swim
Moderate · Nuwara Eliya District · Central Province
Aberdeen Falls drops 98 m in two tiers on the Kehelgamu Oya near Ginigathena, into a large, deep plunge pool. It is one of the most photographed falls in the hill country, and one where people have drowned.
What you’ll walk through
Turn off the Hatton-Colombo road at Kalugala Junction and drive to the entrance, about 45 minutes from Ginigathena, then take a short hike down to the base. Rock formations at the foot of the fall let visitors walk behind the curtain of water.
Do not swim in the plunge pool. Its depth varies and people have drowned here, including a man in October 2022. The rock around the pool and behind the fall is slippery.
Access & permits
We could not confirm any ticket, permit or fee from an official source.
On the map
Pin 1 is Aberdeen Falls. The others are the nearest places in our trail directory.
- Aberdeen Falls: The 98 m falls near Ginigathena.
- Galboda Falls: A 2 km walk from Galboda station. About 5 km away.
- Devon Falls: Seen from the A7 near Talawakele. About 14 km away.
- Adam's Peak: Sri Pada, 2,243 m. About 15 km away.
Key landmarks & features
- Kalugala Junction - The turn-off from the Hatton-Colombo road.
- Kehelgamu Oya - The river that forms the falls.
- Two tiers - A 98 m drop in two stages.
- Plunge pool - Large, deep and of varying depth.
When to go
September to December, when the flow is strongest.
Walk it with Hike Lanka
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Nearby in the directory
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