ඇලි හත

## Eli Hatha Falls (ඇලි හත) 
Eli Hatha Falls (Sinhala: ඇලි හත, lit. "Seven Waterfalls"), also known as "Waterfall 07" or "Ali Hatha Falls," is a notable natural attraction located in]. It comprises a unique collection of waterfalls formed by the Naya River, also identified as the Sithawaka Ganga, as it descends through a picturesque landscape. Situated within the Maliboda – Udamaliboda area, under the jurisdiction of the Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kegalle District, Eli Hatha Falls lies in close proximity to the revered] (Sri Pada) reserve.  

https://deraniyagala.ps.gov.lk/2024/10/23/%e0%b6%87%e0%b6%bd%e0%b7%92-%e0%b7%84%e0%b6%ad/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-KEVPDmBA4

The site's allure stems from its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a significant destination for nature enthusiasts and ardent hikers. 1  The presence of multiple cascades in a single location, combined with its setting within the], which is part of the], underscores its importance. This unique combination of a distinctive natural phenomenon and its integration into a nationally and internationally recognized protected area contributes substantially to its prominence as a subject of interest. 

### Etymology and Aliases 
The name "ඇලි හත" (Eli Hatha) directly translates from Sinhala as "Seven Waterfalls". This nomenclature reflects the prominent number of cascades that characterize this natural formation. Beyond its primary designation, the falls are also recognized by alternative names such as "ඇල්ල 07" (Waterfall 07) and occasionally "Ali Hatha Falls". These aliases contribute to its identification across various local and regional contexts.

### Geography and Description 
Eli Hatha Falls is precisely located in the Maliboda – Udamaliboda area, within the Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. Its geographical coordinates are approximately VFG8+6R8, Dick-ellekanda, LK, with specific data points at 6.8755, 80.4671. The falls are an integral part of the broader Samanalakanda (Sri Pada) reserve, a region celebrated for its natural splendor.

The defining characteristic of Eli Hatha is its series of waterfalls. While some accounts mention "more than seven large and small waterfalls" , others specifically highlight "7 prominent waterfalls". The collective vertical drop of this waterfall chain is approximately 100 meters. This measurement refers to the cumulative height of all the cascades rather than a single, continuous drop, which is an important distinction for visitors and geographical understanding. The entire chain is fed by the Naya River, which is also known as the Sithawaka Ganga. Individual falls within the chain are often identified numerically, starting from the lowest point, with Dotulu Ella Falls being the first and Ran Dotulu Ella the second.   

The surrounding environment is characterized by picturesque mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, forming a beautiful natural setting. This area is part of the Sri Pada Nature Reservation, also known as the Samanala Forest Reserve or Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. This sanctuary holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Naya River (Sithawaka Ganga), which creates Eli Hatha Falls, originates within the Sri Pada forest reserve itself. This hydrological connection signifies that the ecological health and water flow of Eli Hatha Falls are directly influenced by the broader ecosystem and water management practices within the entire Sri Pada reserve. This inherent dependency renders the waterfalls vulnerable to upstream activities, such as development projects, establishing a direct causal link between regional environmental management and the specific condition of the waterfalls.   

### Biodiversity and Ecological Significance 
The forest surrounding Eli Hatha Falls serves as a protected habitat for a diverse array of rare animal and plant species. The Uda Maliboda area, in particular, is recognized as an "unstudied, remarkable forest" within Sri Lanka's wet zone. This designation suggests that its ecological importance may be underestimated or that its biodiversity remains largely unexplored, indicating significant potential for further scientific discovery.

The region exhibits a high level of herpetofaunal diversity, including several endemic amphibian species and genera. Specific examples include

*D. kotagamai* and *Pseudophilautus alto*, along with endemic genera such as *Adenomus*, *Lankanectes*, *Nannophrys*, and *Taruga*. These findings underscore the unique and sensitive nature of the ecosystem. The vegetation in Uda Maliboda is primarily categorized as lowland wet evergreen forest, a biome that receives abundant rainfall (annual average 3,000 mm) and maintains favorable humidity and temperatures, which are crucial conditions for supporting such rich biodiversity. The Sri Pada Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, encompassing Eli Hatha, is described as having the "richest in biodiversity with the highest number of endemic species in the country". The presence of these unique and irreplaceable species within such a critical biodiversity hotspot amplifies concerns regarding environmental degradation. Any disruption to this habitat, such as from development projects, carries disproportionately severe consequences for these vulnerable populations.

### Tourism and Accessibility 
Eli Hatha Falls offers an exciting and adventurous journey, particularly appealing to ardent hikers. The hike typically spans approximately two full days, indicating a moderately challenging trek. Visitors are advised to wear good grip hiking shoes and warm clothing due to the terrain and weather conditions. Safety warnings emphasize caution during observation, as strong winds and a lack of safety fences are prevalent in many areas, and it is generally not recommended to bring children. While the weather is usually normal, hiking becomes dangerous during the rainy season. The optimal time to visit is during the dry season, which allows for easier access to the falls and surrounding hiking trails. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can enhance the visual experience, as sunlight filtering through the trees accentuates the falls' beauty.

The area offers opportunities for refreshing dips in tranquil pools at the base of the falls, stunning photography from various vantage points, and picnics amidst nature. Local wildlife can often be observed, further enriching the experience. Compared to some of Sri Lanka's more famous tourist destinations, Eli Hatha Falls is described as less commercialized, offering a more intimate engagement with nature.

### Environmental Concerns and Conservation Status 
Eli Hatha Falls, despite its natural beauty and protected status, faces significant environmental threats, particularly from mini-hydro power plant projects. Reports from 2012 indicated that a mini-hydro power plant was being constructed within the Sri Pada Nature Reserve, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, raising concerns about environmental regulation violations.

The construction of such projects involves building weirs (dams) and diverting water through tunnels to turbines. Specifically for Eli Hatha, a dam was reportedly constructed at the foot of the third waterfall, with water intended to be diverted to a turbine at the first waterfall. This diversion has already had a measurable impact: the second waterfall in the Eli Hatha chain has reportedly disappeared due to water being blocked and carried away. Furthermore, if the project proceeds as planned, waterfalls numbered 4, 5, 6, and 7 are at risk of completely drying up, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem.

he broader implications of mini-hydro projects in Sri Lanka are substantial. More than 145 mini-hydro power plants are currently active, with over 73 new projects approved. These projects collectively contribute approximately 3% to the national power supply, with 50% of them generating 1MW or less. However, their environmental cost is disproportionately high, leading to the disappearance of over 50 waterfalls and the draining of approximately 1400 km of rivers and streams. The construction of these plants often involves clearing hundreds of mature canopy trees, including endemic species like Hora

*Dipterocarpus Zeylanicus*), for penstocks (concrete channels), powerhouses, and access roads. This loss of forest watersheds and disruption of hydrological flow exacerbates climate change impacts and diminishes groundwater reserves.

The location of these mini-hydro plants in highly sensitive ecosystems, such as tropical forests rich in biodiversity, is particularly concerning. The obstruction and diversion of water transform biodiverse streams into "dead zones". The environmental damage extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the waterfalls, affecting paddy fields downstream due to water shortages and harming the tourism industry, a key income source for the country. The situation at Eli Hatha Falls serves as a poignant example of a larger national environmental challenge, where the pursuit of a relatively small amount of energy comes at a significant ecological cost, particularly within a globally recognized heritage site.

### Cultural Significance 
Eli Hatha Falls holds cultural relevance primarily through its integration into the local community's life and its proximity to the highly revered Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) region. Locals frequently visit the falls to admire its beauty and partake in picnics, indicating a direct, community-level appreciation for this natural wonder. This engagement suggests that the falls serve as a place for relaxation, contemplation, and social gathering, reflecting a cultural practice of immersing oneself in nature.

While specific ancient folklore directly attributed to Eli Hatha Falls is not extensively documented in the provided material, its location within the Samanalakanda Forest Reserve, which encompasses Sri Pada, implicitly links it to a site of profound multi-religious and historical significance in Sri Lanka. Sri Pada is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, and its surrounding natural features, including waterfalls, often share in this broader cultural reverence.

Furthermore, the "less commercialized" nature of Eli Hatha Falls, compared to more widely known tourist attractions, suggests it retains a more authentic and community-integrated character. This indicates a distinct form of cultural value, rooted in local appreciation and sustainable interaction with the environment, which stands in contrast to the potential commercial exploitation seen elsewhere. The encouragement for tourists to engage with residents for insights into the area's history and traditions further highlights this community-centric cultural aspect.

### References 
https://deraniyagala.ps.gov.lk/2024/10/23/%e0%b6%87%e0%b6%bd%e0%b7%92-%e0%b7%84%e0%b6%ad/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-KEVPDmBA4

https://tharanayalk.blogspot.com/2016/03/eli-hatha.html