Eli Hatha - Seven Falls Malibooda

Travel Guide Contents

Hidden Beauty of 7 Waterfalls – Eli Hatha

Another wonderful creation of nature, located in the Samanalakanda Forest (Sri padaya ) Reserve is “Eli Hatha / 07 Falls “. which is not very popular among normal travelers. Here water comes from the top of a mountain making Eli Hatha” seven water falls. This is really an excellent location. which is too amazing to believe and you can see more than fifteen big and small waterfalls in one place like nowhere in Sri Lanka. Also the forest around Eli Hatha is a safe roof for lots of rare animals and plant species. So if you want to catch two birds from one stone, Eli Hatha is a good choice.

Route

  • Colombo -> Avissawella ->Deraniyagala ->Uda Maliboda ->Eli Hatha
  • Returned via same route
Deraniyagala, Eli Hatha, Peak wilderness, Udamaliboda
Deraniyagala, Eli Hatha, Peak wilderness, Udamaliboda

Trekking at Glance

  • Hiking Spot:  07 Falls ( Eli Hatha Falls ) in Uda Maliboda
  • Height: 100M / Kegalle
  • Difficulty Level: Difficult
  • Things to wear: Hiking boots with a good grip, warm clothing
  • Things to take: Water bottle, energy bars, bug repellent
  • Not advised for children and not recommended taking kids along.
  • Due to heavy Wind on the high and the lack of protective fences in most places, have to be careful when observing.
  • Most of the times the weather is normal and it’s dangerous to hike if it is the rainy season.

Hiking 07 Falls is totally a two days hike. Hence, we’d like to bring all necessities. Not only food and camping items, things to urge shielded from wild animals and snakes are must for this journey. Uda Maliboda isn’t a really big town. So, it’s knowing get all the items from Daraniyagala or before that. Don’t get overloaded. Get only must take things. during this journey we don’t got to bother to require water. Water coming from these sources are very pure and clean. we will even drink them.

Tall multi-tier waterfall cascading through a misty rocky gorge framed by dense jungle, Eli Hatha Falls, Uda Maliboda

Actually, this is not a fun trip. Hiking inside the thickest a part of the jungle for 2 days may be a very serious and dangerous one. After first three waterfalls there’s no proper route. we’ve to form the route and go. Although there’s a little path up to the third waterfall those routes get disappeared soon thanks to rapid plant growth. It is advisable to get a help from a local who is well aware about this area Maliboda.

Tips, Notes and Special Remark

  • Don’t bring any kind of liquor to the forest.
  • Bring plastic and polythene bags back with you.
  • Enjoy, but protect the beauty.
  • Beware of snakes and wild animals.
  • Don’t go up along the falls in the rainy season.
  • As it takes 12 hours to reach to the summit, start the hike as early as possible.
  • You can find a local guide from the village if you want.
  • This is not a safe destination for women and children.
  • Last bus from Deraniyagla to Uda Maliboda is at 5.00 p.m
  • Useful Contact ( Mr. Shanthasiri-0729930915 ) He’ll arrange Guides, Accommodation, food depending on your needs

Activities

  • Waterfall Hunting and walking/hiking in Peak wilderness
  • Photography
  • Bathing
  • Exploring

Image Gallery

  • Waterfall cascading through jungle-covered rocks with a patch of blue sky above the canopy, Eli Hatha Falls
  • Waterfall streaming down mossy boulders in a misty forest valley near Eli Hatha, Uda Maliboda
  • Calm dark pool of water with a waterfall flowing down flat rock slabs in the background, Eli Hatha Falls
  • Water flowing over a small concrete weir with a wooden footbridge above, moss-covered rocks in the forest
  • Waterfall cascading over wide flat rock slabs into a calm pool under an overcast sky, Uda Maliboda
  • Misty forest scene with white rushing rapids over dark boulders, Eli Hatha trail
  • Elevated view of rushing whitewater cascading over rocks amid green forest, Eli Hatha Falls
  • Misty forest waterfall and rapids with fog rising off the rocks, Uda Maliboda
  • Hikers standing near the base of a waterfall in a misty, foggy scene at Eli Hatha Falls
  • Smooth flat rock stream bed with turquoise-tinted water and hikers resting at the water's edge
  • Rocky stream cascading through boulders in dense forest with a small waterfall, Eli Hatha trail
  • Elevated view of a wide rocky river bed with white rapids flowing between large boulders under a partly blue sky
  • Rocky stream with a small waterfall and an arched stone bridge visible in the background, Uda Maliboda
  • Tiered waterfall cascading over multiple mossy rock ledges near Eli Hatha Falls
  • Turquoise-white rapids flowing over flat rocks with forest and blue sky, Uda Maliboda
  • Reddish-purple rock stream bed with boulders and forested hillside, Eli Hatha trail
  • Aerial view of a large waterfall cascading down a reddish rock face surrounded by dense green forest, Eli Hatha Falls

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the hike to Eli Hatha Falls?

It’s rated a difficult hike. The falls sit at around 100m elevation in the Kegalle area, and reaching them is typically a two-day trek that calls for camping gear rather than a day trip.

Do I need a local guide?

It’s strongly advisable. The path is only clear up to about the third waterfall – after that there’s no proper route, and a guide familiar with the Maliboda area makes a real difference. Guides can be arranged locally (see the contact in the tips section above).

What should I pack?

Hiking boots with good grip, warm clothing, a water bottle, energy bars, and bug repellent, plus food and camping essentials for the two-day trip. Streams along the route are reported to run very clean, but always use your own judgement about drinking untreated water.

Is this hike suitable for everyone?

No – per the notes above, it’s not recommended for children, and local guidance flags it as unsuitable for women and children travelling without experienced support. It also isn’t advised during the rainy season.

Plan Your Trip

Eli Hatha sits within the same Samanalakanda Forest Reserve as Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) – worth reading if you’re exploring this part of the central highlands.