Diyaluma FallsAbout Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma Falls is a large waterfall in Uva Province, Sri Lanka, with a total drop commonly cited at about 220 metres, making it one of the country’s highest falls. The waterfall consists of a series of cascades and a prominent main drop set in a steep ravine.
The site is visited for dramatic views of the cascades, photography and for the natural rock pools at the top of the falls where visitors often bathe. There are viewing points both at the base and on the plateau above the falls; the upper pools require a short scramble.
The falls are formed on a mountain stream in the Badulla District and are reached from nearby roads with short hikes or local tracks from the village of Koslanda and surrounding settlements. Facilities are basic and the site is primarily a natural attraction rather than a developed park.
Diyaluma has always been a natural geographic feature rather than a cultural construction; access and visitor use have increased with road improvements and growing interest in hill-country attractions.
- Height: Measured at about 220 metres, it is commonly cited as Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall.
- Top pools: Natural rock pools at the top are a popular destination but require a scramble to reach; swimming is common though conditions can be slippery and currents unpredictable.
What to See#
- Top pools: Series of natural rock pools and small cascades at the top plateau above the main drop that are regularly used for bathing and viewing the falls from above.
- Base viewpoint: Base viewing area beside the stream where the main series of drops is visible and photographed; downstream trails offer lower-elevation views.
Best Time to Visit Diyaluma Falls
Dry months (December-March) are the most reliable for access and safer conditions for exploring the top pools.
Weather & Climate near Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1967 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 143 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| February | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 182 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 272 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Excellent | 22° - 28° | 25° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| July | Excellent | 22° - 28° | 25° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| August | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 25° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Very Good | 21° - 28° | 25° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 21° - 28° | 24° | 268 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 337 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 245 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
How to Get to Diyaluma Falls
From Badulla or Bandarawela, take the A4 toward Koslanda; signage points to Diyaluma Falls. The roadside car park sits near the base and a steeper track leads to the top pools. Public buses stop at Koslanda; local tuk-tuks handle the final mile.
Tips for Visiting Diyaluma Falls
- To reach the top of the falls, use the marked path from the roadside settlement of Koslanda - the trail is steep and slippery in places.
- Go early morning: the natural pools at the top fill with locals and families by late morning on weekends.
- Avoid wet-season monsoon days: the access path becomes hazardous when the river runs high.