Exploring Bakers Falls: Nuwara Eliya’s Hidden Gem
Baker’s Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls found here in Sri Lanka. Found nestled within the sprawling wilderness of the Horton Plains, a visit to the falls is an absolute must-do if you’re trekking across the plains en route to the famous World’s End cliff.
Baker’s Fall is a famous waterfall named after Sir Samuel Baker, who was a renowned explorer. It is in Horton Plains National Park (2000 metres above sea level), Sri Lanka. The Fall is about 66 feet high and is on a tributary of the BelihulOya. After one’s hike to Big World’s End (a cliff in the national park which offers expansive views over a plateau that drops almost 880 meters vertically down) and Little World’s End (300-meter landscape drop), the sound of gushing water acts as an invitation to the hikers.
Surrounded by fern bushes, the waterfall is an audio and visual delight because of the rumbling water and the sound of birds chirping. After a 9.5 kilometre walk in Horton’s plain, the fall is an ideal and refreshing place to stopover, relax peacefully and take some memorable clicks from the viewing platform at the falls.
About the destination
The original name of this beautiful waterfall is Gonagala falls. It is a cascade type waterfall (which is said to be the most beautiful type) with 2 drops. The current name was derived from Sir Samuel Baker, the British national who discovered it in 1845. He was also famous for killing 50 elephants in the park. Belihul Oya creates this rather noisy waterfall by slamming the water on a large rock formation at the base. Though how beautiful Baker’s falls is the plunge pool around it is said to be a 12m deep death trap that took lives of many in the past.
The famous trail in the Horton Plains National park is to see the Great World’s End Drop and Baker’s Falls is 3.3 km away from the trailhead. The usual climate in the park is around 16oc and the rains can be expected most part of the year. To final part of the path to reach the fall is a root – strewn one with a downwards descend and this can be really challenging under rainy weather.
How To Reach Baker’s Falls
One can visit Baker’s falls by taking a right from the starting point or the starting stone of Horton’s plane trail. On the 8.7 kilometres hike of Horton’s planes, the Fall is reached after the ‘Mini world’s end’ and ‘World’s End’ from the right. Otherwise, it is the other way round from left, i.e. Baker’s falls come first, but one has to climb upwards to reach the falls, and it is a more difficult and exhausting journey.
At 20 metres, Baker’s Falls is on the smaller side when it comes to Sri Lanka’s waterfalls – but don’t let its size fool you, it’s still an amazing sight to see up-close. The falls are named after the famous British explorer and big-game hunter, Samuel Baker.
In order to reach the falls, you’ll have to hike around 3 kilometres from the entrance to the Horton Plain National Park. After a bit of trekking, you’ll come upon a trail that’s called ‘Baker’s Loop’. This is a circular path that will take you to Baker’s Falls and then lead you back onto the main hiking trail.
Keep in mind that the way to Baker’s Falls goes through an area that is covered in dense forests and thick shrublands. This wilderness is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating animals. This includes one of the smallest wild cats found in the world – the rusty-spotted cat – as well as its much bigger cousin, the Sri Lanka leopard. So, you should keep your eyes peeled for these reclusive forest denizens as you travel to the falls.
- To reach the falls, one has to climb through the forests, holding trees and supporting their feet on roots, so make sure you carry proper gear, comfortable and hiker-friendly clothes along with appropriate sports shoes.
- Start early in the morning, i.e. at 6:00 AM -7:00 AM.
- Carry raincoat, snacks, and some water.
- Plastic is not allowed inside the parks, though one can take water bottles after removing its label and cap ring.
- The area near the falls is quite chilling, and one may carry a light sweater or warmer.
Things to do
The nearby places that can be seen are the mini world’s end, world’s end, Baker’s Fall, Chimini pool. For nature lovers, this place gives an endless biodiversity endless grasslands, clean streams flowing through valleys accompanied by dynamic weather, mist and sunlight. Apart from that, this place is also a treat for wildlife photographers who find the majestic Sambhur Deer and rare and endangered Purple-faced leaf monkey.
Reaching the destination
From Colombo
Take Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya highway (A7) and at Blackpool Junction, take a right to Blackpool – Ambewela – Pattipola – Horton Plains road(B512). Travel 27 kms along this road to reach the entrance to Horton Plains National Park.
From Kandy
Reach Peradeniya bridge from Kandy and take a left to Peradeniya – Badulla – Chenkalady highway (A5) and reach Nuwara Eliya. Take a right to Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway (A7) from Nuwara Eliya and reach Pattipola Junction. Travel along with Blackpool – Ambewela – Pattipola – Horton Plains road(B512) and reach the Horton Plains, National Park.
