Baker’s Falls
A roughly 20 m waterfall on the Belihul Oya, reached by a short steep descent from the Horton Plains loop trail.
What Baker’s Falls actually is
Baker’s Falls is a waterfall of about 20 m in two drops, around 25 m wide, formed by the Belihul Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River. It lies inside Horton Plains National Park, about 3 km from the main entrance. A second source puts the height at 22 m, so call it roughly 20 m.
It is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer and big-game hunter who is credited with discovering it in 1845. The Sinhalese name is Gonagala Ella. It sits on the circular World’s End trail, so you pass it on the way round, not as a separate trip.
The last stretch is a descent of about 100 metres on a narrow path down through tall ferns and rhododendrons. It is steep, and often slippery, but short. The reward is the noise and spray where the water hits the rock below. Whether it looks impressive depends on the recent rain.
Worth your attention
The two drops
The water falls in two stages over a broad rock face. Flow depends on recent rain.
The end of the path
The descent finishes with a view of the falls from the gorge floor, where you hear the water before you see it.
The vegetation
Tall ferns and rhododendrons line the descent.
The roar and spray
The water hits rock at the base with a loud roar, and the spray keeps the rocks wet.
Before you go
Do this
- Wear shoes with real grip; the path is steep and roots are slippery
- Visit before mid-afternoon; one guide advises arriving before 3pm
- Take the side path only if you are steady on your feet
- Stay behind any warning signs and keep clear of the pool
- Plan it as part of the World’s End loop
Know this first
- The plunge pool has been associated with deaths despite warning signs; do not swim
- The descent is steep, narrow and slippery, especially when wet
- In dry spells the falls can be thin
- Polythene and single-use plastic are not allowed in the park
Getting to Baker’s Falls
Most people see Baker’s Falls as part of a stay around Horton Plains & World's End. Our Horton Plains & World's End guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Horton Plains & World's End — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Horton Plains & World's End guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Baker’s Falls — frequently asked
What is Baker’s Falls?
A waterfall of roughly 20 m on the Belihul Oya in Horton Plains National Park, reached from the World’s End loop trail.
How high is Baker’s Falls?
About 20 m according to Wikipedia, with another source giving 22 m. It is also about 25 m wide and falls in two drops.
How long does it take to reach?
About 30 to 45 minutes, including the side path, on the standard loop. The final descent is about 100 m.
Can I swim at Baker’s Falls?
No. The pool below is dangerous, and warning signs have been ignored in the past.
Also worth stopping for around Horton Plains & World's End
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