hike · Uva
Dunhinda Falls — Badulla
Cover photo: Thushal Madhushankha (Unsplash)
- District
- Badulla
- Province
- Uva
- Best for
- Waterfall lovers and photographers; short forest walk to a misty plunge fall
About this place
About 5 km from Badulla town in the lower central hills; reached by a roughly 1.5 km footpath through forest from the car park. Best flow June-September and after rains; go in the morning to avoid crowds. Small entrance fee; path can be slippery and swimming at the base is unsafe.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Open roughly 7 AM-5/6 PM with a small ticketed entry (recent guides cite ~LKR 200 for foreigners; confirm at the gate).
- Best flow in the wet months about June-September; go in the morning for light and smaller crowds.
- Forest path is slippery when wet; wear grippy footwear and allow 45-90 minutes round trip.
- Swimming at the base is unsafe; stay behind barriers and supervise children.
- Carry water; small snack stalls near the car park, none on the trail.
How to travel there
About 5 km from Badulla town on the Badulla-Kandy-Mahiyangana road; take a bus or tuk-tuk from Badulla to the Dunhinda junction/car park, then walk the forest footpath (~1-1.5 km each way).
Where to stay
Badulla town: budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the station; Ella (1 hr) for tourist-oriented stays.
Nearby places
Badulla town and railway station, Dhowa (Dowa) Temple, Bogoda Temple and wooden bridge (near Hali-Ela), Ella (day trip, ~1 hr)
Scams to watch for
- Tuk-tuk drivers from Badulla inflating the fare for the short run to the car park; fix the price before boarding.
Comments & tips