Sri Lanka is a country with so many amusements, literally on every corner. Among them, Riverston is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. It is an area well-known for its fantastic environment and vivid biodiversity. In fact, you will be amazed at this wonderful natural beauty which is at the border of the Knuckles mountain range.
Besides, one of the most interesting features of Riverston is its climate. It is constantly changing and rain can be expected at any time. There are also mighty winds in the area.
Further, Riverston can be considered a location that many tourists are not well aware of. However, it started receiving a lot more attention with social media. Now it is recognized as one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the country. So, here’s all you need to know about Riverston prior to your visit!
Places to Visit in Riverston
There are several breathtaking locations to visit in the Riverston area. Among them, there are many gorgeous waterfalls as well. So, here are some such locations that you shouldn’t miss when you are exploring Riverston.
1. Riverston Tower
Riverston is a peak area of the Knuckles mountain range. In fact, there is an elevation of around 1424 meters to this peak. Also, there is a walking path which is about 2 kilometers long to reach the top of the mountain.
The foot trail that leads to the mountaintop is really picturesque. There is a communication tower at the top of the mountain. Indeed, this is a great spot to observe the valley which is just below.
However, there is a really cold climate in this area and there are high winds throughout this foot trail. Moreover, this road is covered in fog for the most part of the day. There is a relatively easy trek to reach the top. Apart from that, there is also an eye-catching viewpoint halfway down the walking path. You will be able to get a mesmerizing aerial view from there on a clear day. So, owing to all these amusements, visiting the Riverston Tower would certainly be a wonderful experience for you!
2. Bambarakiri Ella
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Riverston area, in closer proximity to Rattota town. You will be able to find this waterfall on your way to Riverston.
It is only 3 meters in height and the old suspension bridge nearby adds to the beauty of the waterfall. It will be a memorable experience for you to observe the small yet gorgeous waterfall from the suspension bridge.
Also, don’t forget to click on some unique pictures in this picturesque location. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of flora, fauna, and birdlife surrounding this waterfall. They will surely magnify the delight of your visit there. However, it is not good to bathe in this waterfall as it can be quite dangerous. So, make sure you keep that in mind if you are planning to visit Bambarakiriella.
3. Pitawala Pathana
This is probably the location that receives the most attention from tourists. It is also famous by the name ‘Little World’s End’.
The significant feature of this place is that there is a slope of about 90 degrees here and there is a mesmerizing view of the surroundings from this spot. It is situated about 0.75 kilometers away from the main road. Yet, if you are looking for an off-road experience, you can take the road through the jungle. However, it will take around 3 hours for that journey.
Apart from the incomparable views it offers, there is an incredible ecosystem consisting of many amphibians, small mammals, lizards, and endemic plants here. However, this viewpoint is subjected to constant changes in weather. Therefore, be mindful of the winds’ condition before your visit.
4. Raththinda Ella
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area which consists of three cascades. The height of this waterfall is about 75 meters. It is located in the Pitawala village area.
One specific feature about this waterfall is that from the midsection, you can enter both the upper and lower parts of the cascade. Furthermore, you can observe the Raththinda waterfall from the Pitawala Pathana and Maningala areas.
Don’t forget to take a relaxing walk through the beautiful foot trail which leads to the other side of the waterfall. However, it goes through private land. Just ask a villager in that area, and you will receive the necessary guidance to arrive at the place.
After all, this should be on your must-visit list when you are exploring Riverston.
5. Pathana Ella
This is another gorgeous waterfall located in the Pitawala Pathana village of Riverston. The waterfall originated from the Pathana Dola and it is a part of the Puwakpitiya River.
The height of this waterfall is about 75 meters. There aren’t many visitors to this waterfall due to its remoteness. In fact, it is situated in a beautiful spot deep in the jungle.
In order to visit the Pathana Ella, you have to take a walk through an abandoned village as well. Apart from that, you can get a mesmerizing view of the waterfall from the Pitawala Pathana and Puwakpitiya village. This will be an ideal destination for you if you are into lesser-known locations.
6. Sera Ella
Almost all the tourists that visit Riverston don’t forget to pay a visit to the Sera Ella. One of the most popular features of this incredible waterfall is the small cave from where you can get back to the waterfall. Anyone can enter this small cave even when the waterfall is at its fullest during the monsoon season. And yes, you will be able to get an unforgettable view of the waterfall from inside the small cave.
There are stories on how this waterfall got its name mainly because of its beauty which is very similar to the leaves of a Sera tree (lemongrass) hanging. It is situated in a very easy-to-find location in Riverston. So, if you are looking for a place to have a shower and relax in Riverston, this is the place to go!
7. Manigala Peak
This is the perfect destination to go on a hike in the Riverston area. This eye-catching mountain is in the Knuckles mountain range. There are several footpaths to reach the top of Manigala Peak. So, many tourists make sure to accompany a tour guide or a villager on the hike to avoid getting lost.
There is this one small footpath that many tourists take to reach the mountain peak. This is a relatively easy hike, yet it will take around five hours to walk up and down the mountain. Hence, it is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey.
There are mainly three viewpoints while traveling to Manigala Peak to get beautiful views of the surroundings of the Knuckles mountain range. Make sure you don’t miss them!
8. Vedda Peni Ella
Vedda Peni Ella is a spectacular waterfall, and the Thelgamu Oya nourishes it. It is located at a beautiful spot on the borders of the Knuckles forest reserve.
There is a bridge connecting the Raththinda and Atanwala villages and this waterfall flows right under this bridge. You will be able to get an incredible view of the waterfall from this bridge.
The height of this waterfall is just about 6 meters. This place is famous for its incredible ecosystem especially consisting of several endemic aquatic species.
This waterfall has got its name as a person from the Vedda community has committed suicide in this waterfall. However, this waterfall is a great location to have a bath in the cool waters and just relax. Nevertheless, it is important for you to be mindful of the climate when visiting this waterfall as it is known to cause flash floods.
9. Thelgamu Oya
This is unarguably one of the most beautiful rivers in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Knuckles mountain range.
Thelgamu Oya is also identified as the crucial water source for the Knuckles region. It is a tributary of the Amban Ganga and it flows into the Mahaweli River.
There are several spots in Thelgamu oya from where you can have a refreshing bath safely. In fact, it is famous as one of the streams with many natural swimming pools. The clean waters and the natural pools make it one of the most amazing freshwater streams in the country. Owing to all these reasons, it is indeed a great place to visit to relax and enjoy when you are in the Riverston area.
Where is Riverston Located?
Riverston is situated in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. There is a distance of about 30 kilometers between Matale and Riverston. It is easier to reach Riverston via Rattota, from the Girandurukotte road. It is located 1265 meters above sea level.
How are the Topography and the Climate at Riverston?
When you are visiting Riverston, you will be able to see that there are three sections to the whole Riverston area. They are Riverston Gorge, mountains, and the outside falls. Apart from that, it is identified that the climates of Riverston and Horton Plains are very similar. After all, if you are a nature lover, this is simply a must-visit.
Best Time to Visit Riverston
Riverston is mostly known as a year-round destination. Yet, if you prefer the arm climate, March, April, and May are the ideal months for you. In the months of July and September, there is a very windy climate in the Riverston area which makes it very pleasant to walk around. From November to February, there is a very cool climate in the area. So, you can choose the time period for your visit, according to your preferences. Furthermore, make sure to visit either in the morning or in the evening to get the best views of the area. Apart from that, the sun can be quite harsh in the noon. So, keep these things in mind, when you are planning your trip to Riverston!
How to Reach Riverston?
The distance from Colombo to Riverston is about 176 kilometers. The easiest way to reach Riverston from Colombo is by train. So, if you choose to travel by train, you should first take the train from Fort station to Kandy and then take the distance by taxi or bus.
Apart from that, the cheapest method to travel to Riverston is by bus. You can take a bus to Kandy and then take another bus to Riverston from Kandy.
Riverston is situated quite close to Kandy as the distance between them is only 53 kilometers. So, you can easily catch a bus to Riverston from Kandy.
However, if you don’t like traveling by public transportation, you can also arrange private transport to Riverston from Colombo and Kandy as well.
The Bottom Line
You will be missing out on a lot if you don’t pay a visit to Riverston when you are in Sri Lanka. Especially, if you are a nature lover, you will instantly fall in love with this wonderful place. It is also a great place to go waterfall hunting. In addition, there are many cool accommodation spots in Riverston now as it is emerging as a popular tourist destination. Even the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has paid attention to developing this area. Therefore, it is indeed one of the best locations to have a peaceful vacation in the Sri Lankan mountainous region. So, make sure to add Riverston to your bucket list right away. Happy and safe traveling!
