Lovers Leap - waterfalls near Nuwara Eliya
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Lovers Leap in Sri Lanka's central highlands is the backyard waterfall of Nuwara Eliya, situated in the suburb known as Hava Eliya at the foot of the Pidurutalagala range, just at the brink of the forests. The distance from the center of Nuwara Eliya is only 2.3 km (1.4 miles), as the crow flies. From the man bus stand to the car park of lover's, it takes 4 km (2.5 miles) first by sealed and later on by dirt road. The walking distance from the nearest parking opportunity to the foot of the falls is only 300 m (1000 feet). There are signboards indicating the correct path. A hike to the top of the waterfall is also possible and offers views of the agricultural area of the eastern suburbs of Nuwara Eliya in particular. Large boulders close to Lovers Leap make it an excellent location for a picnic. The almost vertical waterfall is about 30 m (100 feet) tall. Due to the local rainy season, the Lovers Leap carries most water from October till January. It flows over granite ledges. The water is drinkable and collected in a small tank below the falls.
As the name indicates, the waterfall is surrounded by romantic folklore. Legend has it that lovers have leapt to their deaths from the cliff of the falls. One version of the story goes that a royal prince, who went hunting, got lost in the jungle and got lost. But a a young woman from a nearby village helped him to find his way back. On the way, they fell in love. However, due to the low social status of the women, the parents od the prince opposed a marriage strictly and forbade it. Out of despair, the young coiple jumped hand in hand from the top of the waterfall and found their deaths to be united inseparably and find everlasting love this way. Several locals avoid to enter this forest at night, because they believe in ghosts of the tragic lovers still haunting in the area.
As the name indicates, the waterfall is surrounded by romantic folklore. Legend has it that lovers have leapt to their deaths from the cliff of the falls. One version of the story goes that a royal prince, who went hunting, got lost in the jungle and got lost. But a a young woman from a nearby village helped him to find his way back. On the way, they fell in love. However, due to the low social status of the women, the parents od the prince opposed a marriage strictly and forbade it. Out of despair, the young coiple jumped hand in hand from the top of the waterfall and found their deaths to be united inseparably and find everlasting love this way. Several locals avoid to enter this forest at night, because they believe in ghosts of the tragic lovers still haunting in the area.
