Diyaluma Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning natural attractions: it is the second-highest waterfall in the country. And the best part? It has plenty of natural swimming pools at the top to swim in!
The Diyaluma Falls is located around 1,5 hours away from Ella, therefore it`s best visited from there as a day trip.
In this travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Diyaluma Falls and making the most out of your adventure. Let’s get started!
Hint: The Diyaluma Falls is still a lesser-known attraction aka. a hidden gem. If you want to avoid the crowds, it could be a great fit for you!
Natural Pools of the Diyaluma Falls First Glimpse of the Falls
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How to Reach the Diyaluma Falls
If you’re in Ella, visiting Diyaluma Falls makes for an epic day trip! The drive itself is worth it—winding roads, stunning views, and tea plantations where you can stop, explore, and even buy fresh tea straight from the factory.
As roads weren`t busy, so we decided to self-drive from Ella to the Diyaluma Falls.
>> Want to see more spots like Diyaluma Falls? This 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary helps you plan the ultimate trip — with all the highlights mapped out.
Self-Driving to the Diyaluma Falls
We started our journey on a scooter (though we later rented a tuk-tuk—motorbikes and big backpacks don’t mix well!).
If you’re self-driving from Ella, there are two route options towards the Diyaluma Falls:
- Route A-C: The shorter option, about 1 hour and 5 minutes, but the road is busy + poor road conditions.
- Route A-B-C: The longer route through Haputale takes roughly 2 hours. Our host recommended this one due to better road conditions and less traffic. We listened to him and chose this route.
After a delicious breakfast and some tea, we set off from Ella towards Diyaluma Falls. The drive was breathtaking—passing beautiful, enormous trees, winding roads, and lush greenery. But fair warning: the last third of the route had plenty of potholes. It’s manageable, so take your time and enjoy the ride.
As we approached the falls, spotting the 200-meter cascade in the distance made it all worth it. At the base, you’ll find a small shop selling coconuts and snacks—perfect for a quick recharge before the hike. It’s also a fantastic photo spot, so don’t forget your camera!
Hire a Driver/Join a Group Trip to the Diyaluma Falls
In Sri Lanka, everything is easy and a driver will always be ready to take you to the Diyaluma Falls.
How to Go to the Diyaluma Falls if you don`t want to self-drive:
1. Hire a Driver on the Pickme App (Sri Lankan Uber): In Sri Lanka, everyone uses the Pickme app for booking transportation. It works like an Uber and you can discuss with the driver directly. The app will suggest a price that you can use as a reference to negotiate.
2. Join a Group Trip: There is a popular organized tour from Ella to the Diyaluma Falls. It includes lunch, water, snacks, and offers to stop at great photo spots and also at the famous Ravana Falls on the way back! If you don`t want to organize the Day Trip by yourself, booking this trip is a great option.
Check the Price and Availability of the Diyaluma Falls Group Trip
Leaving Ella Heading to the Diyaluma Falls
1st Stop: Lower Diyaluma Falls Viewpoint
As a first stop, we stopped at the bottom of the Diyaluma Falls. As we arrived, from afar we heard the rumbling of the waterfalls and we were amazed at how beautiful it was. It´s a great place to stop and admire the views. There is also a little shop where you can buy a fresh coconut and some snacks before the hike.
Where: Lower Diyaluma Falls Viewpoint
Lower Diyaluma Falls Viewpoint Locals Stopping By the Falls
2nd Stop: Hike & Swim at the Upper Diyaluma Falls
Hike Starting Point & Parking
The hike begins near a parking lot with nearby restaurants. Parking is free, as indicated by signposts.
Google Maps Locations: Parking place, Narrow Hiking Path Start
Total Hike Duration: 25-30 minutes one way
Guide: If you want to be accompanied by a guide, ask a local at the start. I personally did not feel the need to ask for a guide.
Hiking Route
A narrow hiking path will start on your right a few minutes into the hike. At first, there will be many stairs of different kinds leading you upwards. I found climbing these stairs tiring, but do not give up! Along the stairs, there are small shops. Consider stopping by to support them; they’re friendly and offer encouragement.
Entrance Fee & Map
Once you pass by the stairs section, you will see a ticket counter. An entrance fee to the waterfalls is 350 LKR per person.
Trail Junction: Choose Your Path
Walking further, you will soon reach a junction.
Left Route → Leads to the Upper Diyaluma Falls with the natural pools (best for swimming).
Right Route → Takes you to the Lower Falls, which are less ideal for swimming.
Pro Tip: Take the left route and start at the natural pools. Then, you can hike down to the lower parts along the waterfall, covering all sections in the end.
Restaurants at the Trail Star 
Free Parking at the Trail Start 
Diyaluma Falls Hiking Map 
Climbing Stairs 
And Stairs.. 
After the ticket office, we reach a junctio 
The path on the left leads to the pools 
Having fun at the Natural Pools 
Another Natural Pool (this one is not for swimming) 
Diyaluma Falls from Further Away
Wildlife at the Diyaluma Falls
According to some signs, elephants are not unheard of in the area. However, somehow I doubt they were frequently there due to the dense forests. I was lucky to see elephants in the wild around Sigiriya and to me it seemed they preferred grasslands as opposed to hills and dense forests.
On our day trip, we saw some monkeys and we had another lovely encounter: a Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill, a bird species endemic to Sri Lanka and only to be found on the island.
Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill Monkey Eating a Coconut
Where to Stay at the Diyaluma Falls
The Diyaluma Falls is located in a very beautiful area – if you have the time, it`s worth staying overnight.
For a luxury experience, the closest and best-reviewed hotel is the Living Heritage Koslanda. For a secluded budget-friendly nature hotel, choose Hanuman Heights, or for a busier, but also budget-friendly hotel, choose the Kasun Hotel.
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