Luxury holidays in Koslanda
The Uda Walawe nature reserve is home to over 600 Sri Lankan elephants and a number of different species of water birds, with the largest supply of water and fodder in the area. Keep an eye out for these wandering beauties – ancient elephant trails have been maintained to allow the animals to move between the plains and the hills during the drier mid-year months.
Their trail occupies a part of Devianga Kale, a sprawling forest that covers seven hills. A walk to the waterfall and south-flowing river is the key attraction, but the exotic flora and fauna will compete for your attention. Monkeys and giant squirrels join the elephants in occupying the area, and jackfruit trees are dotted throughout the greenery. Relax at the Forest Ambalamba by the waterfall, a hut built for resting after a swim.
Just five kilometres east of the village are the Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall. The cascading waters drop 220m to a pool below; enjoy the view with a picnic lunch by the bottom.
When to go
Koslanda sits between the high hills of Bandarawela and the low country of Wellawaya, so it is perfectly placed for fresh mornings, warm days and slightly cooler evenings all year round. Monsoon season is between May and August, but this shouldn’t deter you; the waterfalls and forest are most luscious at this time.