Lovers leap, Nuwara Eliya | Tips, Folklore, Timings

Lovers Leap, Nuwara Eliya Overview

Lovers Leap is nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Nuwara Eliya, creating a serene and romantic ambiance. It is characterized by a single stream of water that gracefully cascades down a rocky precipice, creating an ethereal sight against the backdrop of verdant surroundings. There is an observation deck strategically placed to provide visitors with an optimal view of the waterfall.

Lovers Leap is steeped in a romantic local legend. According to folklore, a tragic love story unfolds around the waterfall, involving a young couple. The tale adds a touch of mystique to the natural beauty of the site. There are various stories as to how this waterfall got its name, and all of them make the place even more intriguing. Towards the end of the hike, the view of the waterfall, and the view of the entire city from the top of the hill are guaranteed to make you swoon. The trek may get tough, but it is worth it.

It is recommended that you visit these waterfalls during the wet season to see them in their full glory. It is easy to find the waterfalls since there are directions marked on the way. You will come across a shrine of Lord Shiva on your way as well. Tourists generally prefer visiting this waterfall in the afternoon, after paying a visit to the Tea Estate. A bit of hard work and challenging climbing can take you to the best viewing point of the city. It is easily accessible, located a short distance from the town center, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Folklore of Lovers Leap

From the numerous local folk tales about this waterfall, the most common one that is told to the tourists is that two lovers belonged to different classes. After discovering their affair, their families tried to tear them apart and did not consent to their relationship. In deep despair, the lovers decided to jump down from the top of the waterfall so that they could unite after death. There are also legends that say that the ghosts of the two lovers still haunt the area around the waterfall.

Tips While Visiting Lovers Leap

Even though the climb to get to the waterfall is easy, there are some tips you need to keep in mind -

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to facilitate your climb.
It is recommended to take your lunch up to eat. You can sit on the rock and enjoy the view.
Carry a first aid kit in case of minor scratches or accidents.
The hill is said to have leeches around in the greenery. Make sure to carry a bottle of Dettol or some salt.
Take your time to climb up the rocks since they can get slippery.

How To Reach Lovers leap

To get to the Lover's Leap waterfall, you need first to reach the Pedro Tea Estate, reach the factory manager's bungalow via a dirt road, and follow the signs along the way. You will then enter the massive rock face and a shrine of Lord Shiva. The waterfall lies beyond this shrine. The Pedro Tea Estate and factory is easily accessible by a tuk-tuk, or a Ragalla-bound bus from the central city.