Diyaluma Falls, Ella - Timings, Swimming, Entry Fee, Best Season to Visit

At a distance of 30 km from Haputale and 40 km from Ella, the Diyaluma Falls is a stunning waterfall located at Koslanda in Sri Lanka. On Colombo-Badulla highway, it is one of the best waterfalls in Sri Lanka and among the famous Ella Tourist Places.

Diyaluma Falls is cascading down from a height of about 220 m (720 feet) with several beautiful natural infinity pools at different levels along its length. It is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 361st highest waterfall in the world. The waterfall is formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya. In Sinhalese, Diyaluma or Diya Haluma means 'rapid flow of water' or may be translated as 'liquid light'.

It has two different sets of waterfalls- the Upper Diyaluma Falls and the Lower Diyaluma Falls. The upper waterfall is beautiful and has pools deep enough to jump into, but the dramatic drop-off is at the lower part of the falls. The pools were cool and refreshing, especially after the short hike in the heat. The adrenaline lovers are sure to be thrilled at the prospect of dip close to the brink of the cliffs, or a jump from one pool at the upper level to another pool below.

There are several ways to reach the falls. One route starts at Makaldenya Junction on Poonagala Road, which is far shorter and easier. It will take 30 minutes to reach Diyaluma Upper falls. The hike was almost entirely downhill and passes through the long grass but the trail was marked the whole way. From there Lower Diyaluma Falls is a 10-minute walk. The alternative route is hiking from the bottom near the village of Koslanda, which is rather strenuous and hard to follow. It is about 2-hour and a 40 minutes hike. The 40-minute walk is beautiful through long grass, there is no real marked path and the views are out of this world.

The best time to visit Diyaluma Falls is during the months between January and August when the rainfall is usually low. The monsoon begins from September and lasts till December; although the sight of the falls is truly breathtaking in this season, it is advisable to avoid swimming at the pools as the currents are quite stronger than usual.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free