Shortly after the beginning of the path you can see the lower falls (more of a cascade really). Quite a long way down in the valley below. Thee are only about 15 m in height and much broader than the main falls. A ledge about 10m from the top makes for a pectacular ‘Spurt’ when the river I running high. At the main falls, the river plunges in two tages about 60m through ‘V’ in the rock which caues a mity haze (Dunhida) which gives the fall its name. There are granite cliffs on either side and a large pool at the bottom. It is quite pectacular and well worth the effort. Here there is alo a large, Kidney haped obervation platform where concrete table and benches have been built to give a pleaant picnic spot. It can, however, be very buy at times.

 

3.5 km north of Badulla lie the majestic, 63-meter-high Dunhinda Falls, reached via a beautiful drive from town. A huge archway proclaims the existence of the falls. We are into the car park. Now is the pleasant 1.5km scramble along a well worn jungle trek during which we cross a wobbly, Indiana Johnes-style suspension bridge & clamber over jagged rock, past stall selling snakes & herbal teas to reach the viewing platform. The falls are fed by Badulla Oya, a tributary of River Mahaweli. Though the falls are not the highest in the island, in fact are seventh highest, renowned for their sheer volume, spewing out an impressive quantity of water which creates great clouds of spray as it crashes into the pool below spraying us too on the viewing platform. Dunhida, in Sinhala means spray.

 

The Legends of the Dunhida Falls

 

                        

In the 14th century, Princess Mampitiya Anuhas Menike Bandara fled with her lover, the commoner Kahapitiya Arachchi Bandara, from the wrath of her father, the ruler of Gampola. Frustrated by the inability to erase tracks & traces of wherever they found refugee, the lovers, pledging their eternal love, plunged themselves into the depths of the pool. It is said following their tragedy, more tragedy fell upon the surrounding villages: a terrible storm swept away whole villages including Kosgolla, together with people, cattle, poultry & all.

The name of the princess "Anuhas" in Sinhalese means supernatural powers. Another legend is associated with an entrance to a secret 30 km long passageway hidden by the falls. Treasure of Prince Kumarasinghe of Uva lies hidden somewhere in the falls.

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