Near Anasa Wellness Resort is the Diyaluma Falls hike, Sri Lanka’s most spectacular waterfall adventure, with top swimming pools, nearby Bambarakanda and Thotupola Kanda trails, and the perfect hill country basecamp for serious hikers.
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Sri Lanka’s hill country is a dream for waterfall lovers. The tea-covered mountains hide some of the most dramatic drops in Asia. There are so many waterfalls and little streams with the coldest and freshest spring water you’ll find. It’ll be quite an extraordinary experience – that we can guarantee.
And at the heart of it all? Diyaluma Falls.
‘Diyaluma’ translates to “torrents of smoke” in Sinhalese. This is aptly named because of its misty appearance as the water falls from the sheer drop.
This guide gives you everything you need to know. You’ll get to know about;
– Trail logistics
– Swimming spots
– Seasonal tips
– Nearby hikes and plenty more.
Plus, we’ll show you the perfect place to rest after a long day of trekking – keep reading!
Let’s clear one misunderstanding first. Diyaluma Falls is 220 metres tall. That makes it the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Bambarakanda takes the top spot, being 263 metres tall.
So why does everyone call Diyaluma Falls the tallest ‘plunge’?
Because Bambarakanda is a veil-style cascade. Diyaluma Falls drops vertically without touching the rock face. That pure plunge is rare and spectacular.
– Height: 220 metres (720 feet)
– Location: Near Koslanda, Badulla District – about 12 km from Bandarawela and 30 km from Ella
– Waterfall type: Plunge waterfall
– River source: Punagala Oya
What makes Diyaluma Falls truly special? The natural infinity pools at the top. You can swim right at the edge of the drop. That’s something you won’t find at any other high waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
The Diyaluma Falls hike is the main event. You don’t just look at this waterfall from the road. You climb it. Then you swim in it. The cool water on your skin after a hefty hike is the most wonderful feeling.
Here’s the logistical breakdown that you can use as a guide:
Trailhead location:
– Small car park off the Koslanda-Bandarawela road (A4 Highway).
Key stats:
– Distance: 3.5 km one way from the car park to the top pools
– Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours one way
– Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
– Elevation gain: about 350 metres
What the trail is like:
– Steep sections with loose rock at times
– Narrow ledges in parts (no safety rails)
– Unmarked in places – a local guide helps a lot for first-timers
– Stunning valley views once you hit the mid-point open rock slabs
Guide information:
You can find guides at the trailhead. Expect to pay around 2000 to 3000 LKR depending on the season and the guide’s experience. Worth every rupee if it’s your first Diyaluma Falls hike.
Safety notes (read these twice):
– Never attempt this after heavy rain. The rock becomes dangerously slippery.
– There are no safety rails anywhere near the top edge.
– Start early; by 7 or 8 AM. Afternoon rain is common in the hill country.
Getting to the trailhead:
– From Ella: 30 km (approximately 1 hour) by tuk-tuk (3000 – 4000 LKR for the ride) or bus via Bandarawela town
– From Bandarawela: 12 km (approximately 20 minutes) by tuk-tuk ( comes up to about 1500 LKR)
Here’s why people rave about Diyaluma Falls. The top section is a series of natural rock pools. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect at the top;
What you’ll find:
– Multiple pools, most are about 1-3 metres deep
– Crystal clear, cool water
– The famous “infinity edge” pool – shallow and right at the drop
Where to swim safely:
– Stick to pools set back 10-20 metres from the edge
– These still have incredible views but without the same level of risk
– Morning to early afternoon is best – the sun hits the pools directly
Where NOT to swim:
– Don’t go near the immediate plunge edge
– Never swim after heavy rain – currents get strong very quickly
– Avoid the bottom pool entirely (dangerous debris and currents)
What to wear:
Water shoes or old trainers. Flip-flops are a bad idea. The rocks are slippery with algae. Rub salt on your ankles and shoes to stop leeches from getting on to you.
Remember: There are no lifeguards, no toilets, and no shops at the top. Bring everything you need.
Bambarakanda is the true highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It measures 263 metres. That’s 43 metres taller than Diyaluma Falls.
But it’s a different experience. You can’t swim at the top here. The hike is shorter and easier to the base. Many visitors combine both waterfalls in a two-day trip.
Quick facts:
– Height: 263 metres – the tallest in the country
– Type: Veil / cascade (not a plunge)
– Location: Kalupahana, Badulla District
Logistics:
– From Diyaluma Falls: 45 km, about 1.5 hours drive
– From Anasa Wellness: around 1 hour, 15 minutes via A4 and B38 routes
Nature of the hike to the base:
Easy. Just 10-15 minutes downhill from the car park. The return is a bit harder (15 minutes uphill).
Hike to the top:
Much harder. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. The trail is steep and overgrown. Having a local guide is a very smart move to make. Guide payments will be around 2000 – 3000 LKR.
Swimming:
There’s a small pool at the base. It’s safe to wade in during the dry season. Don’t try it when the water is high because the currents are too strong.
Best time to visit:
Morning. The sun lights up the falls directly. Dry season (May to September) is ideal.
This one isn’t a waterfall trail. But it’s the source of several waterfalls in the region, including Bambarakanda. Thotupola Kanda is a 2357 metre peak inside Horton Plains National Park.
Why hikers love it:
– Cloud forest and dwarf bamboo grassland (called patana)
– Panoramic views of the southern lowlands
On clear days, you can see Diyaluma Falls and even the coast
Hike logistics:
– Distance: around 9 km round trip from the Horton Plains entrance
– Duration: 4-5 hours
– Difficulty: Moderate to hard (high altitude, muddy, windy)
Best season:
January – March or June – September.
Avoid travelling from April – May and October – November (this is due to the heavy rain that comes with the monsoon period).
Pro tip:
Start by 7 AM. The peaks cloud over by 11 AM with mist. You’ll see nothing if you go late.
In a country like Sri Lanka where there are monsoon seasons dominating the weather, timing is key. The wrong season turns a safe Diyaluma Falls hike into a dangerous one.
Best overall window: Mid-December to March in the best time frame.
Second choice: June to September – it’s much cooler and less rain.
Avoid completely: Late April, May, October, November. Fatal accidents happen at the top pools during these months. This is a fine time to check out the southern coasts of the country instead.
Morning vs afternoon – Always hike in the morning. Hill country rains roll in fast after lunch. And the mist can make the Diyaluma Falls hike treacherous.
You don’t want to rush back to Ella after a long Diyaluma Falls hike. Trust me. Your legs will be tired. Your gear will be wet. And all you’ll want is a proper place to recover.
That’s where Anasa Wellness Resort comes in.
Location: Bandarawela – just 12 km from the Diyaluma Falls trailhead.
Drive times from Anasa:
– Diyaluma Falls: 20 minutes
– Bambarakanda Waterfall: 1 hour 15 minutes
– Thotupola Kanda / Horton Plains: 1 hour 30 minutes
– Ella town: 30 minutes
What Anasa offers for hikers:
– Early breakfast packs for sunrise hikes
– A drying room for wet swimming gear
– Packed lunch service for full-day waterfall trips
– Real-time weather and water level updates from local staff
– Hit the spa – Sukoon by Anasa – for a Vichy shower or hydrotherapy session.
Feeling energetic? There’s a gym, TRX, Pilates reformer, aqua fitness, and even martial arts. Or go gentle with sunrise yoga, aerial yoga, or a wall yoga session.
All chalets are identical duplexes – king bed downstairs, two singles upstairs. Each has mountain views, a large private deck, Nespresso machine, soundbar, and designer bath products. Unlimited WiFi too.
The food is excellent. Try Alwan for modernist cuisine, the mezze and smoothie bar, or a private outdoor dinner. Custom meal plans are available as well.
Anasa also arranges guided hikes, tea experiences, cookery classes, and eucalyptus forest walks.
So base yourself here. Swim the top pools of Diyaluma Falls by day. Recover in luxury by night. Pack smart. Start early. Hire a guide if you’re unsure. And make Anasa your home base.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Happy trails!
– How tall is Diyaluma Falls & is it the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka?
It’s 220 metres tall. And no – Bambarakanda falls is the highest at 263 metres. But Diyaluma Falls has the most accessible top swimming pools. It’s also the highest plunge in the country, which is why it’s more popular with hikers.
– Is the Diyaluma Falls hike suitable for beginners?
Yes, preferably with a guide. Beginners should avoid the trail after rain and stay well away from the infinity edge pools.
– Can you swim at Diyaluma Falls and is it safe?
Yes – in the top rock pools. It’s safe during the dry season if you swim in pools set back from the edge. Never swim after heavy rain or right at the plunge point.
– How far is Diyaluma Falls from Ella and Bandarawela?
From Ella: 30 km (about 1 hour approximately). From Bandarawela: 12 km (about a 20 minute ride).
– What is the best time of year to visit Diyaluma Falls?
December to March is best. June to September is also good. Avoid April – May and October – November.
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