1hour/ 35Km
About an hour’s drive from Elpitiya, weaving through quiet villages and lush greenery, lies a secret waiting to be discovered – the Kaludiya Pokuna Waterfalls. At just 35 kilometers away, it may seem like a simple detour, but the destination is far more than a waterfall – it’s a journey into nature’s untouched soul.
The name “Kaludiya Pokuna” translates to “Black Water Pond,” and true to its name, the waters here shimmer with an inky elegance, reflecting the dense canopy above. Tucked away in the forest near Pitigala, this waterfall isn’t famous or crowded – and that’s exactly its charm. You won’t find food stalls or tour buses here. What you’ll find instead is raw, serene beauty.
The path to the falls requires a short trek through forest trails. As you walk, the air becomes cooler, thicker with the scent of wild herbs and damp earth. Sunlight filters through the thick foliage in scattered golden rays, lighting your way like a spotlight on nature’s stage. Birds call to one another overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might hear the distant rustle of a monkey swinging through the trees.
Then, you hear it – the soft, constant music of falling water. Rounding the final bend, the scene opens before you: a cascade of clear water slipping over black stone, tumbling gently into a pool that looks like liquid obsidian. The pool at the base is deep and still, mirroring the sky above and the green canopy around it. It’s a place that invites silence – not out of fear, but reverence.
Dip your toes in, or wade further – the water is refreshingly cold, a welcome relief after the forest walk. The rocks around the pool are smooth, perfect for sitting and watching dragonflies dance above the surface. Time seems to slow here. Some say monks once meditated near this pool centuries ago, and standing still here, it’s easy to believe.
Kaludiya Pokuna isn’t just a waterfall. It’s a quiet conversation between earth and water, a sacred corner of the wild. It’s the kind of place that whispers, not shouts – and if you listen carefully, you’ll leave with more than just memories. You’ll carry a bit of its stillness within you.
