Lovers Leap
Though this may not be the first thing on your mind when you think of Sri Lanka, the island offers some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, and Lovers Leap (which has some deeply tragic romantic lore attached to it) is certainly one of them.
Surrounding Folklore
Located 5.5km from Nuwara Eliya, Lovers Leap is said to have gotten its name from the story of a young prince who had lost his way on a hunting trip and chanced upon a maiden, who he fell deeply in love with. Due to societal pressures and the disapproval of everyone around him, they couldn’t be together.
And so, filled with anguish, the two decided to leap off the peak where the waterfall spills so that they could be together forever. Due to the superstitions held dear by the villagers, the waterfall is avoided at night (most likely due to the folklore).
Features and How You Should Explore
The gory side story aside, Lovers Leap is an impressive sight for sore eyes. Standing 30 metres tall, the cascading waterfall derives its water from the streams of the Piduruthalagala mountain. Nearby, you can spot the Shiva shrine beside the rocky facade.
To reach the top, you would have to trek about 400 metres along a designated road, or you could take a detour through the tea estate that envelopes its parameters. Surrounded by the humble countryside, the Lovers Leap waterfall is definitely worth a visit! You could even have a picnic, or simply sit back and relax while the bubbling waters serenade you.