Diyaluma Falls in Sri Lanka, is the second-tallest waterfall in the country with a height of 220m (720ft). It’s a stunning spectacle of nature.Diyaluma falls is located in Badulla district on the Colombo-Badulla road, about 6km East of the regional town of Koslanda, and around 30km south of Ella. Diyaluma falls were originally formed by Kirindi Oya, a river that starts near Bandarawela and flows through central Sri Lanka.

 

Photo credit - Aish Jayamaha

 

Diyaluma Falls Hike and Camping. 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.

 Local tea-village of Poonagala is the starting point of the 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. 

Photo credit-Harith Udana

 

Photo credit - Aish Jayamaha
 

Photo Credit -Surija 

 

Diyaluma waterfall is home to epic views from the upper level and some of the best natural infinity pools in the world.

Photo credit - Aish Jayamaha

 

Always make sure to check the weather forecast before you head on an adventure. The weather can change very quickly in Sri Lanka. Especially if you want to do the hike to the top of the waterfall, you need to be sure that it stays dry. Also, if you want to swim in the pools at the top, make sure that the current isn’t too strong. Campers must avoid the basin area due to sudden water level rise when rain hits the feeding zone of the falls.

 

 

 Photo credit - Aish Jayamaha 

Upper Diyaluma is ideal for camping as there’s enough vegetation surrounding the water flow, and you can set up camp at the riverbank if you wish. However, safety is key as it is extremely windy at the top; it’s preferable that you make the trip during the dry season.

 

Photo credit- Harith Udana

 Photo credit- Bonaka Dias

 

Consisting of the Uppermost and middle pools. This is the first part of the falls you glimpse when you arrive at the top. The top most pool is quite shallow with a small water stream flowing into it. There are two more pools just a short distance downstream which are shown below.

Once you head down a bit along the stream you come up to the middle section which is the section that you see for the first time . This section is steep and staggered. There are two pools in which you can bathe. Those you dare can jump in.

 Photo credit - Aish Jayamaha 

 

Heading down further after you have had your fun you arrive at those iconic infinity pools and breathtaking views. The stream runs along an extended portion of flat terrain till it reaches the final pools. There are two pools which you can easily bath in with the outlet of the second pool being naturally narrow. This gives a sense of security knowing that the narrow space is a safe barrier between you and the final pool which drops off the cliff.

Photo credit -Bonaka Dias