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

At a distance of 6 km from Badulla and 23 km from Ella, Dunhinda is a beautiful waterfall near Badulla in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka and among the must-visit places in Ella.

Dunhinda Falls flows down from an altitude of 63 m into a pool at the bottom. The fall is formed by a stream named Badulu Oya. The falls got its name from the smokey surrounding spray. The word Dun in Sinhala translates to smoke, and Hinda means 'evaporate'. It is also known as bridal fall, as the shape of the waterfall is similar to a bridal veil.

Dunhinda Falls is believed to have been occupied by the Vedda tribe, native to the country. During the reign of King Rajasinhe, a huge fern became lodged at the top of the waterfall which led to the flooding of Badulla. On witnessing this, the king ordered an individual named Ranhavadidaraya to clear the gate. After toiling for three months he managed to clear the water and the town re-emerged. The fern was swept away but got stuck again at a place now known as Pussellawa ('pus' meaning fern).

The trek to Dunhinda Falls is around 1.5 km long from the entrance and is moderately challenging. The clear path consists of small bridges and steep steps. There are safety wooden and iron handrails. But the view of the falls at the end of the trail is worth the long trek. Along the way, the Small Dunhinda falls, and diverse fauna such as butterflies, monkeys, and birds can be spotted. While enjoying the fall it's better to remind that do not go closer to the fall or bathe as it is deep and full of slippery rocks and stones near the bottom of the waterfall.

Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM

Entry: LKR. 200 for Person