Gartmore Falls: How to Visit Sri Lanka’s Most Beautiful Waterfall

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, with incredible cascades seemingly in every direction you look. Gartmore Falls, a little-known piece of paradise near the centre of the country, has to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Considering the competition, that’s saying something. 

Not only is Gartmore Falls the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka, but it’s also completely unknown amongst many foreign travellers to Sri Lanka.

Given that it’s located almost next door to one of Sri Lanka’s biggest tourist attractions, Adam’s Peak, it’s an ideal spot to visit for those looking to explore the Central Highlands in a bit more depth, or those simply looking to unwind after a 2.00 am climb up the mountain. 

Read on for our complete guide to visiting Gartmore Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s top hidden gems.

Gartmore Falls Overview

Gartmore Falls is one of two beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka spilling into the Maskeliya Reservoir. The other is Moray Falls, only 500 m to the west. 

Gartmore Falls is split into two sections: the lower section (Lower Gartmore Falls) is a single drop of 30 m that pours directly into the Maskeliya Reservoir. The upper section (Upper Gartmore Falls) is a natural infinity pool that you can bathe in, overlooking the reservoir. 

Lower Gartmore Falls and Upper Gartmore Falls are accessed from different points and it is not possible to hike from the lower section to the upper.

Pro tip: we recommend first visiting Lower Gartmore Falls to witness the dramatic drop down the escarpment, then heading to Upper Gartmore Falls to relax in the pool overlooking the reservoir. 

Gartmore Falls is free to visit. There are absolutely no services at the falls, so bring everything with you that you might need for the day (such as food, water, a towel, etc.). 

While you’re there, spend some time walking through the tea fields of the Gartmore Estate. Taking in the shades of green and the rolling hills, and saying hello to the friendly Tamil communities is a great experience.

Read: The Essential Sri Lanka Travel Guide for all the information you need for travelling in Sri Lanka

Where is Gartmore Falls Located

Gartmore Falls is located inside the Gartmore Estate, which is just outside the small town of Maskeliya in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. 

Maskeliya is about 140 km east of Colombo and 80 km south of Kandy. Maskeliya is 20 km from Hatton, where the nearest train station is located. 

Maskeliya is also very close to Dalhousie, where most people base themselves to tackle Adam’s Peak. Want to climb Adam’s Peak with a guide? Check out this excellent day trip to Adam’s Peak.

When to Visit Gartmore Falls

Gartmore Falls can be visited at any time of the year. If you visit at the end of the Yala Monsoon season (September/October), the Maskeliya Reservoir will be very full, providing a more dramatic view of the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Love destinations like Gartmore Falls? Read our guide to the Best of Sri Lanka Off the Beaten Track

How to Get to Gartmore Falls

Gartmore Falls is best accessed from either Maskeliya or Hatton.

To get to Hatton, you can take a train from Kandy or Colombo. To book your train tickets in advance, head to 12Go Asia. 

To get to Maskeliya, there are regular buses that depart from Hatton train station. These drop you off in the centre of town. 

Once you are in either Hatton or Maskeliya, the easiest way to get to Gartmore Falls is to hire a tuk-tuk for a return trip.

From Maskeliya, the price is around 4000 LKR for the entire day. If the price has changed and you have updated information, please let us know in the comments below!

If you would like to organise a car to take you to Gartmore Falls, you can organise a highly-rated driver online.

Important: when making arrangements, be very clear with your driver that you will want to visit both Upper Gartmore Falls and Lower Gartmore Falls, as this will require the driver to drive to two separate locations. 

The road to Lower Gartmore Falls goes almost to the base of the waterfall. You can drive almost the entire way.

To access Upper Gartmore Falls, you will be dropped off on the main road. Once you are dropped off at the road, you will have to walk about 500 m to the infinity pool of this beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. The path is clear and easy to follow.

There is also a bus from Hatton, passing Maskeliya, that will take you to Gartmore Falls, but it makes a lot of stops and will take around 1.5 hours from Maskeliya (at least). You’ll also have to ensure you make the return bus to get back to either Hatton or Maskeliya. 

Read next: 21 Amazing Places to Visit in Anuradhapura in 2024

Other Activities Near Gartmore Falls

There are a ton of different tours and activities near the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. From visiting different waterfalls, to climbing Adam’s Peak, to even white water rafting, there’s something for everyone.

Where to Stay near Gartmore Falls

Budget

Traveller’s Vila

This is an incredible place to stay, set amongst the tea plantations near Hatton. The only drawback is that it’s further away from both Gartmore Falls and Adam’s Peak (but closer to the train station). 

Heaven Hills Guest House

This is your best budget choice if you want to be directly on the reservoir. 

Rashmika Homestay 

If you’d prefer to be closer to Adam’s Peak, but don’t mind a longer journey to Gartmore Falls, then this is your best bet. 

Mid-range

Butterfly Mountain Lakeside

A beautiful mid-range spot set right on the reservoir.

Tea Hills Bungalow

Set in Hatton, this place offers fantastic views and lots of comforts, but it’s further from Gartmore Falls and Adam’s Peak. 

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