Gartmore Falls | Maskeliya

Gartmore Falls | Maskeliya 

                                                     Maskeliya can be termed as a beautiful area passed by those who use the Hatton route for the grace of Sri Pada. Located at the base of Maussakale Reservoir, this area has managed to attract the attention of local and foreign tourists due to its unique natural beauty.

As one of the most important factors that enhances the beauty of Maussakale reservoir, the mind-blowing twin waterfalls of 'Gartmore and Murray', collapsing into one another, can be pointed out.

The easiest way to reach these waterfalls, which are located at a distance of 140 km from Colombo, is by taking the Maskeliya Norton road from Colombo.

                                                                                                    These two waterfalls feed the Maussakale Reservoir and from a height of nearly 45 feet, during the rainy season, the cascading waterfalls can be enjoyed from different angles. But to enjoy the proper beauty of the pair of waterfalls from the same angle, one has to go to the center of the network with the help of a boat or view it from the air.

Gartmore Falls is also called 'Sri Pada Falls' as it is located close to the peak of Sri Pada Hill. To visit this falls you have to travel from Maskeli via Gartmore estate and although public transport services are available from Maskeli, your journey will be easier if you travel by a private vehicle like a motorbike. The road through the tea plantations is quite slippery and the cliff is on the side so care should be taken before proceeding. There are viewing booths set up to view Gartmore, but many tourists are eager to visit the falls itself to experience its true beauty and thrill. After traveling a distance of nearly 6km on a tractor path in the middle of the tea garden, you can reach the waterfall.

Murray Falls is created by a water stream that starts from the butterfly ridge and breaks into three parts and joins the Maussakale reservoir creating a fascinating view. This waterfall is not difficult to find as it is located in one corner of Murray Estate. But you can go to the waterfall along the footpath near the estate, but it is difficult to reach, so you have to be careful.

If you visit Maskeliya during the rainy season, you can see the beauty of several other beautiful waterfalls and it must be said that it is wise to avoid bathing or going down into reservoirs in unknown places, no matter how beautiful they are.