Diyaluma Falls
Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall at 220 metres, crowned by a chain of natural infinity pools that look out over the Koslanda valley.
Diyaluma is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, a 220 metre ribbon of water dropping off the escarpment near Koslanda, and it has become one of the most talked-about spots in the hills, all because of the pools at the top. Where most people just look at a waterfall, at Diyaluma you can climb up and sit in a string of natural rock pools right at the lip, with the whole valley falling away in front of you.
There are really two Diyalumas. The lower falls you can see straight from the road, a long white streak against the green, which is enough for many people. The upper pools are the prize, reached by a hike of around forty five minutes up from the village of Poonagala through tea and scrub. It is not a hard walk, but it is uphill and hot, and the last stretch to the pools needs a bit of care.
Those pools are stunning and also genuinely dangerous, sitting right on the edge of a huge drop, so this is not the place for showing off. Go with someone who knows the way if it is your first time, keep well back from the lip, and go in the morning when the light is good and the rock is not yet crowded. Treat it with respect and it is one of the finest half days in the hill country.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm
- Time needed: Half day
- Best time: Morning, for the upper pools in good light
Getting there
About 40km from Ella toward Koslanda. Reach the base by road, or take the trail from Poonagala village up to the pools (around 45 minutes).
Before you go
- For the famous upper pools, allow a hot forty five minute climb from Poonagala. The lower falls are visible straight from the road if you would rather not hike.
- The pools sit right at the top of a huge drop. Keep well back from the edge and do not take risks for a photo.
- Go in the morning for good light, cooler walking and fewer people.
- A local guide is well worth it on a first visit, both for the route and for knowing which pools are safe.
Frequently asked questions
- What makes Diyaluma Falls special?
- It is the country's second highest waterfall, and unusually you can hike to a set of natural infinity pools right at the top and sit in them above the valley. That combination is what draws people from all over the island.
- Is the hike to the upper pools hard?
- It is moderate. Around forty five minutes uphill from Poonagala, hot but not technical. The final approach to the pools needs care, which is why a guide helps first time.
- Is it safe?
- The pools are safe to sit in if you stay away from the edge, but the drop beyond them is enormous and people have died here taking risks. Respect the edge and do not swim toward it.
- How much does it cost?
- The falls themselves are free. You may pay a small amount for a guide or for parking near the trailhead.