A Traveller’s Guide to Diyaluma Falls: Sri Lanka's Second Tallest Waterfall
A guide to Sri Lanka’s second tallest waterfall, Diyaluma falls.
Includes detailed instructions on how to get there, what to do, and what to be careful of!
UPDATED - July 2024
GO. CHASE. DIYALUMA. WATERFALL.
That’s our advice after visiting Sri Lanka's second tallest and most impressive waterfall, Diyaluma.
Located a little off the beaten track in the Sri Lankan highlands (about an hour from Ella), Diyaluma Falls is home to epic views and some of the best natural infinity pools in the world.
After a two-hour tuk-tuk ride from Ella to Poonagala through quintessentially lush Sri Lankan tea plantations, it’s a 30-minute tramp downhill between long, dry grasses before the first glimpse of the upper falls comes into view.
A short hike further and you’re standing on what seems like the edge of the world, watching the cascading water drop 220m to the valley below.
Unfortunately for us, we visited during the wet season, so were unable to swim in the lower Diyaluma Falls pools (we value our life a little too much).
We watched the sunset over the valley below from the top of the falls, joined by a group of young local guys keen to chat about our travels (and cricket, of course!). We flew our drone, snapped a few shots, and relaxed before reluctantly commencing our journey back to Ella.
It was the perfect afternoon trip from Ella and one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka.
To help you make the most of your visit here, we’ve put together this guide to Diyaluma with everything you need to know.
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A GUIDE TO DIYALUMA FALLS, SRI LANKA’S SECOND-TALLEST WATERFALL
WHERE IS DIYALUMA WATERFALL?
Diyaluma Falls are located in Sri Lanka's Badulla district on the Colombo-Badulla highway, about 6km east of the regional town of Koslanda, and around 30km south of Ella.
Diyaluma Falls was originally formed by Kirindi Oya, a river that starts near Bandarawela and flows through central Sri Lanka.
Where to stay in Ella: Options for all budgets
HOW TO GET TO DIYALUMA FALLS, SRI LANKA
Getting to Diyaluma Falls isn't an overly easy feat. That said, due to its growing popularity many of the local tuk-tuk drivers know exactly where to go. For that reason, we’d recommend making the trip with a tuk-tuk driver instead of taking it on yourself.
There are two ways to get to the top of Diyaluma Falls: 1) from Poonagala village at the top, which is far shorter and easier, or 2) hiking from the bottom near the village of Koslanda, which is rather strenuous and hard to follow.
Below are details of the hike from Poonagala village, which we did personally:
DIYALUMA FALLS FROM POONAGALA
After our two-hour tuk-tuk ride from Ella, we arrived in the local tea village of Poonagala and the starting point of our hike to Diyaluma Falls.
From the village, walk south until you find the footpath right by the Makaldeniya bend, and the pathway emerging from the grassland.
Follow this pathway downhill as this will lead you to Upper Diyaluma Falls.
The tuk-tuk from Ella town to Poonagala should cost around LKR 3,500 - 5,000 in return. Remember to tell your tuk-tuk driver you wish to go to the upper Diyaluma Falls and hike from there.
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THE HIKE TO DIYALUMA FALLS
POONGALA - DIYALUMA FALLS
We hiked from Poongala, and the trailhead for the Diyaluma Falls hike can be found here (we suggest saving it to an offline map as there is limited service in the area). You may be asked if you want a guide - this is completely up to you, however, our tuk-tuk driver accompanied us on the hike, so we said no.
The first part of the hike is downhill through long, dry grass. Follow the path for around 30 minutes stopping only to admire the surrounding views and for a sip of water, which you’ll need in the oppressive, humid heat. Make sure you wear shoes - the path is uneven, and parts are overgrown, which resulted in a few cuts on our legs.
You’ll soon begin to hear the sound of water rushing long before the stunning upper Diyaluma Falls become clear. It’s not long before the viewpoint of the upper falls appears, at which point the pathway starts to descend sharply to the lower falls below.
If you have time, you can take the path right and head up to the top of Diyaluma Falls, where more manageable natural swimming pools exist, and then follow the pathway to the lower part of the falls.
While the path isn't signposted, it's super easy to follow and seems to be pretty well maintained.
From here, it's a short walk down to the lower section of Sri Lanka's 2nd tallest waterfall, Diyaluma and the incredible 220m drop to the valley floor below.
KOSLANDA - DIYALUMA FALLS
The hike can also be completed from below the falls near the town of Koslanda. The trailhead starts here.
The lower falls hike is a little more strenuous, with about 20-30 mins of some fairly tough uphill trekking, however, you’ll be able to witness the falls from below at Diyaluma Falls Bridge, which makes it an appealing alternative to hiking from Poongala village.
Additionally, there are a number of small stalls in which to buy snacks or coconuts, much needed after hiking in the heat.
Which trailhead you commence from is most likely going to be up to your tuk-tuk driver and where they drop you off - however, both are similar in terms of time and intensity.
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WHAT TO DO AT DIYALUMA FALLS
SWIM IN NATURAL INFINITY POOLS
During the summer months when the water levels have dropped, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at the various natural pools, including right on the edge of the main waterfall.
It's the best infinity pool in the world, and definitely worth a chilly dip.
Alternatively, there are several larger, safer pools at the upper Diyaluma Falls, but again, take precautions before diving in.
CHILL ON THE SURROUNDING ROCKS
Where else in the world can you sit on the edge of a cliff next to a gushing 220m tall waterfall and just relax?
After a tough journey and hike to get to Diyaluma Falls, we recommend sitting down on the rocky ledge, having some lunch and admiring the view for an hour or so. Remember to bring a towel or something to sit on.
CHAT WITH LOCALS
When we visited Diyaluma Falls, there were a large group of locals who wanted to learn all about us. "Where are you from" was the most common question, followed by question after question about cricket!
On the flip side, we asked everything we could about the country, the somewhat volatile political situation at the time, and of course where to find the best rice and curry!
It's important to embrace these travel moments, and chatting with locals is a great way to learn more about the local culture.
SAFETY AT DIYALUMA FALLS
At this point, we should warn you that safety barriers do not exist at Diyaluma Falls, so if you're an adrenaline junkie (like Mark), and like to stand on the edge of just about anything, please be careful.
During the summer months, it's possible to swim in the falls. You should always take precautions, including checking the forecast or speaking with locals about the weather situation in the area, and not diving in head first.
Please, don’t attempt to swim in the falls during the monsoonal periods, as the water level is far higher and the currents much more powerful.
During the rainy season (Sept - early Dec), the heavy water flow makes it impossible to swim at the lower falls. The upper falls are a little safer, though please check with locals on the day you arrive.
Read more of our top safety tips in our Sri Lanka travel tips post, as well as our Sri Lanka safety guide
WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA
We’d recommend staying in Ella town, which is the closest hub to Diyaluma Falls.
We’ve already written a super comprehensive guide to where to stay in Ella, which covers the best hotels, hostels, guesthouses and eco-lodges for every budget.
READ THE GUIDE | Our ultimate guide to where to stay in Ella
In the meantime, here are a few of our top recommendations:
ROWINRICH COTTAGES | Spacious loft-style cottages with terraces overlooking the jungle-clad valley and Ella Rock. Prices and availability here
CHILL VILLE VIEWPOINT HOTEL | great value hotel set amongst beautiful gardens close to the Nine Arch Bridge. Prices and availability here
THE SECRET ELLA | Overlooking Nine Arch Bridge, The Secret is tucked away in a 10-acre tea estate in Ella’s hills. Prices and availability here
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SRI LANKA
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach, and Ahangama Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
Have you visited Diyaluma Falls before? Is there anything we've missed? Let us know in the comments
VISITING SRI LANKA? READ THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
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