hike · Uva
Diyaluma Falls and Upper Diyaluma Pools — Badulla
Cover photo: Hiranya Pahasara (Unsplash)
- District
- Badulla
- Province
- Uva
- Best for
- Adventurers and swimmers; waterfall viewpoint plus natural infinity pools above
Sri Lanka's second-tallest fall (about 220 m) near Koslanda on the Haputale-Wellawaya (A4) road; viewpoint from the main road, upper pools via a 30-45 minute hike from the top parking. Visit December-March or after rains; never swim near the main drop edge. Free roadside viewpoint; tuk-tuk or guided hike from Ella or Koslanda.
About this place
Sri Lanka's second-tallest fall (about 220 m) near Koslanda on the Badulla-Haputale road; viewpoint from the main road, upper pools via a 30-45 minute hike from the top parking. Visit December-March or after rains; never swim near the main drop edge. Free roadside viewpoint; tuk-tuk or guided hike from Ella or Koslanda.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- At 220 m it is Sri Lanka's second-tallest fall; the upper natural infinity pools are the main draw.
- Upper-pool hike is steep and exposed in parts; wear grippy shoes and allow 2-4 hours round trip.
- Swim only in the upper pools in dry weather, well back from the drop edge; never swim near the main lip and never in spate.
- Roadside lower viewpoint is free; upper access may carry a small village/parking charge — confirm locally.
- December-March and just after rains give the best combination of flow and safety.
How to travel there
On the A4 between Haputale/Beragala and Wellawaya, near Koslanda; the lower viewpoint is roadside. Reach by bus to Koslanda from Badulla or Wellawaya, then tuk-tuk; most visitors come by tuk-tuk or tour from Ella (~1-1.5 hrs). The upper pools start from the Poonagala/top parking side.
Where to stay
Koslanda: small eco-lodges and tea-estate bungalows; Ella (1-1.5 hrs) for the full range of guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
Nearby places
Koslanda town, Bambarakanda Falls (near Kalupahana), Ella (day trip), Haputale and Lipton's Seat
Scams to watch for
- Informal 'guides' at the upper trailhead demanding inflated fees; agree a price first or walk the marked path independently.
Comments & tips