Hunas Falls

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A Hidden Gem in Sri Lanka's Hill Country

Hunas Falls

Nestled amidst the misty hills of Sri Lanka, Hunas Falls is a serene retreat that offers visitors the perfect combination of scenic beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Located just outside of Kandy, this spectacular waterfall is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape into Sri Lanka’s hill country. Hunas Falls not only provides stunning views but also serves as a gateway to explore nearby attractions, hills, and hiking trails.

In this article, we’ll explore the beauty of Hunas Falls, its distance from Kandy and Colombo, surrounding attractions, and popular itineraries for travelers looking to experience this hidden gem.

Distance from Kandy and Colombo

Hunas Falls is located approximately 26 kilometers from Kandy, making it a convenient day trip for those based in the city. The journey by car takes around 1 hour and winds through picturesque villages and tea plantations before arriving at the waterfall. From Colombo, Hunas Falls is about 150 kilometers away, and the trip takes around 4 hours by car. Though longer from Colombo, the drive through Sri Lanka’s central highlands is scenic and peaceful, offering breathtaking views along the way.

  • Distance from Kandy: 26 kilometers (1-hour drive)
  • Distance from Colombo: 150 kilometers (4-hour drive)


A Natural Wonder: Hunas Falls

Hunas Falls is a 48-meter-high waterfall that cascades over a rocky cliff into a small pool below. Surrounded by lush green hills, the waterfall is at its most impressive during the rainy season, when the water flow is at its peak. The waterfall is part of the Hunas Falls Hotel estate, a popular resort that provides access to the falls and offers luxurious accommodation for visitors looking to spend more time in the area.

The sound of water crashing down the rocks, combined with the peaceful surroundings, makes Hunas Falls an ideal spot for a picnic or a relaxing day out. Many visitors enjoy walking along the nature trails that wind through the forest and tea estates surrounding the waterfall, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Ground-Level Experience: Connecting with Nature

One of the key attractions of Hunas Falls is the opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful and serene environment. Visitors can explore the lush greenery surrounding the falls, hike along well-maintained paths, and enjoy birdwatching. The area is rich in wildlife, with numerous bird species, butterflies, and small mammals calling the hills around Hunas Falls home.

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, Hunas Falls provides a perfect ground-level experience, offering the chance to wander through the hills and forests that surround the waterfall. The nearby Hunasgiriya Mountain offers more challenging hikes for those seeking adventure, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints that overlook the Knuckles Mountain Range and the surrounding countryside.

Popular Attractions and Nearby Itineraries

1. Hunas Falls Hotel

The Hunas Falls Hotel is a luxurious resort that sits at the base of the waterfall, offering a comfortable retreat for those who wish to stay overnight or longer. The hotel provides stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding hills, as well as access to a variety of activities such as nature walks, birdwatching, and boating on the hotel's small lake.

2. Hunasgiriya Mountain

For those seeking adventure, Hunasgiriya Mountain offers challenging hiking trails that lead to the summit, where panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys await. The trek to the top of Hunasgiriya Mountain is moderately difficult and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities and wish to explore more of the area’s natural beauty.

3. Knuckles Mountain Range

Just a short drive from Hunas Falls, the Knuckles Mountain Range is another popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The range offers numerous trekking opportunities, with trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and remote villages. For those interested in exploring the wider hill country of Sri Lanka, the Knuckles Range is a must-visit.

4. Sembuwatta Lake

A short distance from Hunas Falls is Sembuwatta Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by tea plantations and pine forests. The lake is a popular spot for picnics, paddle boating, and swimming. Visitors can also hike around the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great addition to any trip to Hunas Falls.

5. Matale Town

Located about 20 kilometers from Hunas Falls, Matale is a bustling town known for its Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple and Spice Gardens. Visitors can explore the ancient rock cave temples, learn about Sri Lanka’s spice trade, and even purchase fresh spices to take home.

6. Knuckles Waterfalls

The Knuckles Mountain Range is home to several waterfalls that are worth exploring. The Sera Ella, Bambarakiri Ella, and Dothalugala Waterfalls are some of the most famous in the region. These falls are surrounded by thick forests and provide a serene setting for hiking and nature walks. A trip to Hunas Falls can easily be combined with visits to these waterfalls for a day filled with nature and beauty.

Popular Itineraries from Kandy

1. Day Trip to Hunas Falls and Sembuwatta Lake

For those staying in Kandy, a day trip to Hunas Falls and Sembuwatta Lake is a popular option. The drive from Kandy takes around 1 hour, allowing visitors to spend the morning exploring the waterfall and surrounding nature trails, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Sembuwatta Lake. This itinerary offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for families and nature lovers alike.

2. Kandy to Knuckles and Hunas Falls Excursion

For more adventurous travelers, combining a visit to the Knuckles Mountain Range with Hunas Falls provides a full day of outdoor exploration. Begin the day with a hike through the Knuckles Range, where you can explore waterfalls, forests, and panoramic viewpoints. In the afternoon, head to Hunas Falls for a relaxing visit to the waterfall and surrounding hills before returning to Kandy.

3. Weekend Getaway to Hunas Falls Hotel

For those looking to escape the city for a weekend, Hunas Falls Hotel offers the perfect retreat. Spend two days relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, with opportunities to explore the waterfall, hike through the nearby hills, and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the hotel. This itinerary is ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic escape in the Sri Lankan highlands.

Geo Details and Elevation

Hunas Falls is located at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, providing a cool and refreshing climate that is ideal for outdoor activities. The surrounding hills reach even higher elevations, with Hunasgiriya Mountain rising to a peak of 1,463 meters. The area is part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, which are known for their cool temperatures, misty peaks, and lush greenery.


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