A view of the front of this 97m-high fall is possible from Midigama. It is one of six falls affected by the upper Kotmale hydro-power project. This project has had an adverse impact on the environment. According to Sirisena, an environmentalist, poet and native of the area, Kotmale used to be famous for pure honey and jaggery, both products of the Kithul tree. These trees have disappeared since the introduction of the hydro-power project, which the Japanese government has assisted by providing credit facilities. To compensate for the loss of the fall, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) plans to release water 10 times a day.
In 1998, Sri Lankan Kumar Bandula, otherwise known as Tony, established a record of the fall. The lack of forethought by the Kotagala Plantations could have meant that the area surrounding the fall and diverse species that live here, including the endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, were adversely affected. However, the persistent lobbying of environmental groups averted disaster.
Devon Falls is located along the Talawakele - Hatton road near the 20th mile post (Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District). From here it is a walk of 1km through tea estates. The Talawakele rest-house is 6km away and it is 21km to the Dick Oya rest-house.
Adding to the impressive complement of natural beauty that is on offer throughout Sri Lanka, Devon Falls is yet another stunning waterfall that is located in Thalawakale, Nuwara Eliya. Devon Falls along with the nearby St. Clair’s is one of the more popular places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and are usually part of any trip to the area.
The falls inherited its name from a successful British Coffee planter name Devon, whose plantation still stands near the falls. The waterfall is significantly different from that of the nearby St. Clair’s, this waterfall starts from a thin narrow strip and then extends outwards strip that gets wider as it heads toward the ground. There is also a smaller offshoot on the right side of the fall, though both eventually cascade to the same surface below. Being 97 metres high it is ranked as being the 19th highest in the island.
The falls inherited its name from a successful British Coffee planter name Devon, whose plantation still stands near the falls. The waterfall is significantly different from that of the nearby St. Clair’s, this waterfall starts from a thin narrow strip and then extends outwards strip that gets wider as it heads toward the ground. There is also a smaller offshoot on the right side of the fall, though both eventually cascade to the same surface below. Being 97 metres high it is ranked as being the 19th highest in the island.
For those wanting to get really close to the falls, can be done by passing through a nearby plantation. With an in-depth look travellers will notice the distinct smell that all waterfalls have reaching their nostrils, in addition to the spray of water that is shot out in all directions. It presents a refreshing and soothing experience.Devon Falls may be just one of several waterfalls that are present in Sri Lanka but it is also one of the most famous and arguably one with the most beauty.
This was the opinion stated by Bella Woolf in her 1914 work “How to see Ceylon”. Those making Devon Falls part of their travel itinerary can judge for themselves.Guests of Jetwing St. Andrews are situated in an ideal location in Nuwara Eliya and can conveniently access this destination in addition to many others in the area.
