Located about 40 kms from the Grand Hotel, the St. Clair’s Waterfall is considered as one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls and referred to as the “Little Niagra of Sri Lanka”. Although the cascade is just off the Hatton – Talawakele road, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls as it runs through green hills and lush tea estates. The waterfall got its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate– the tea estate in which it runs through.

The waterfall is clearly visible when one travels by train from Kandy to Nanu Oya or Ella. The cascade is approximately over 80m in height and 50m in width, and it comprises of two smaller waterfalls: Maha Ella, meaning the greater fall, and Kuda Ella, meaning the lesser fall. The waterfall is easily accessible and is visible from most places.

There is a lookout point situated along Colombo – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya road itself with a viewing deck, where you will get a view of the gushing cascade and its surrounding greenery, a small restaurant and a museum about Upper Kotmale Hydro power project. This place is maintained by Ceylon Electricity Board and is open from 8.30A.M to 5.30 P.M. Another option is walking down a small trail to get closer to fall; the trail goes through the wonderful St. Clair Tea Estate, allowing you to get a closer look at the century-old tea bushes as well as the cascade. Even though access to the base of the waterfall is prohibited, it is still an enjoyable walk as you will be encircled by mountains and vegetation while enjoying a great view of St. Clair’s Falls.