Diyaluma waterfalls, At 220 meters high, they are the second highest in Sri Lanka after Bambarakand waterfalls. Since I started planning my visit, these waterfalls were on my list of places to visit in Sri Lanka.
✈️ Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Clear your doubts and visit my article with all the requirements and tips for traveling to Sri Lanka.
How to Get to Diyaluma Falls
The easiest way to get to the Diyaluma waterfalls is to get there from the city of Ella:
- Local tuk-tuk driver: You can negotiate a price with a local driver to take you directly to the waterfalls and wait while you explore. It will cost approximately 7000 LKR.
- Use Uber or Pick me: Depending on availability in the area, you could use an app to book a trip to the waterfalls.
- Rent a Tuk Tuk or Motorcycle: In Ella there are several shops where you can rent a motorbike for about 5000 LKR per day. They will only ask you for your driver's license. In the case of the Tuk Tuk it is somewhat more complicated.
If you want to rent a Tuk Tuk directly in Ella, my recommendation is that you contact with Shani (I seem to remember that was his name). Shani is a super nice guy who owns a hostel in Ella, and he also rents Tuk Tuks.
Shani let us drive his Tuk Tuk without having any previous experience, in addition, he gave us a completely free driving class and gave us a discount for renting it for a couple of days. His phone number is this: +94756942028. Here is the location of his hostel on the map:
Another option if you want to save all the hassle (which is actually a bit messy) is to book an all-inclusive tour from Ella with GetYourGuide, here is the link:
Entrance to Diyaluma Falls
You will begin your ascent to the waterfalls by driving from the town of Wellawaya. Just when you take the detour from this town you will begin to notice the slope along the road. After about 20 or 30 minutes of climbing you will reach the first part of the waterfalls, the bridge that you can see in the following image.
We decided to make a short stop when we reached the bridge because the views were amazing. You could see the magnitude of the waterfalls from below, so we decided to explore a little and take a couple of photos.
Once you cross the bridge the confusion begins, since Google Maps shows numerous routes. Don't worry, on this map I clearly show you where you should park your vehicle to start the route.
Once you park, all you have to do is walk up the hill until you see this small store where you can buy something quick to drink or snack. We bought a couple of coconuts and headed directly to the dirt road that is a few meters from the store.
Supposedly, there shouldn't be a man charging for the entrance, but it seems that now they have made the way to the payment waterfall. Access to the path will cost you about 350 LKR, the equivalent to 1 €.
What to see in the Cascades: Natural Pools
As I have already mentioned before, if you want to have a full experience, it is best to go early. We left around 1 pm and it is true that we had fun along the way, but we arrived at 4 pm and we didn't have time to enjoy the entire circuit. We only saw three natural pools, but there are a lot of them.
The waterfalls are divided into the following areas:
The Main Waterfall: The view of the main waterfall falling from a height of 220 meters is impressive. There are observation points where you can enjoy the view and take good photos, like the bridge I showed you earlier.
- Natural Pools at the Top: As you walk to the top of the waterfall, you will find several natural pools where you can take a dip. These pools are safe for swimming, but be careful when approaching the edge of the waterfall. You will find the best-known pools as soon as you arrive along the route to the waterfall. Once there, all you have to do is enjoy and follow the path of the water that takes you to the next natural pools.
🐘 Be careful along the way, sometimes wild elephants have been sighted around the area.
Tips for Visiting Diyaluma Waterfalls
There are several things I can tell you after visiting Diyaluma. One of my tips is to leave early in the morning or early in the afternoon, at least if you are going by Tuk Tuk. It goes slower, and takes longer than what it says on Google Maps.
Another of my recommendations is that you should be careful with the monkeys, they are used to tourists and know that many bring food. If you plan to bring some snack, forget it, it wouldn't be the first time I've seen a monkey open and steal a backpack for food.
What should you Bring to this Adventure
- Reusable water bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle is NON-NEGOTIABLEI recommend that you do not skimp on expenses, it is a long term investment, and you will constantly make use of it, especially when you go on the road. Make sure it is resistant and keeps the temperature well.
- Sunscreen: Another essential that cannot be missing is your sunscreen, in tropical countries the sun burns like nowhere else. If you are going to do a route in the morning, you cannot miss this one.
- Hat: Don't forget to always carry a cap with you, it never hurts to cover you, especially in the morning.
- Power bank or external battery: An essential item for long-term adventures and general transportation.
Where to Stay Near Diyaluma
If you go to Diyaluma waterfalls, my recommendation is that you stay in Ella, from there you can visit all the waterfalls around. Furthermore, by staying in the city you will be surrounded by life, supermarkets and restaurants.
Top 3 Accommodations in Ella
- Backpackers Hostel: As it could not be otherwise, my first recommendation goes to our friend Shani's hostel. If you are traveling alone backpacking, don't hesitate, it is a quiet hostel with good views where you can breathe good vibes in every corner.
- Rowinrich Cottages: The best accommodation if you are looking for comfort 7 minutes from the center. It is something more premium and I recommend it if you are traveling with someone and looking for peace of mind.
- Wild Bee Hostel: This hostel is the best in Ella, the facilities inside are incredible and all for an unbeatable price.
Where to go after visiting Diyaluma Falls
After Diyaluma you can continue doing other activities around Ella, such as do the most impressive route in the city, Little Adams Peak. This route is located about 5 minutes by tuk tuk from the center of Ella and offers spectacular panoramic views of the mountains. Right next to this route is the 9 Arch Bridge, another essential when we talk about Sri Lanka.
If you head north you cannot miss the famous train that goes from Ella to Kandy, it lasts 7 hours but it is worth it, the views of the tea plantations and the jungle are spectacular. There are many things to see in Kandy, among other things is the Temple of the Buddha Tooth, probably the most sacred place on the island. Also, if you go a little further north, you can visit the lion rock in Sigiriya.
If you're heading south, I recommend to stop in Tissamaharama and visit the Yala National Park where you can find all kinds of wild animals such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles. Afterwards, don't forget to visit the best beaches in the southwest of the island: Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama and Unawatuna.
My Experience visiting Diyaluma Waterfalls
My experience at the waterfalls was very good, a relaxing contribution to the busy day I had had. My friends and I rented a Tuk Tuk in Ella and went straight to visit these waterfalls. We were going in fits and starts, since the tuk tuk kept stalling, we were new driving this thing with gears, but we took it with humor, it was quite an experience.
Once we arrived, and after crossing paths with some locals offering to guide us through the mountain, we headed to the entrance. One piece of advice I'm going to give you is not to be fooled by the locals, the path is very simple and there is no need to hire a guide.
When we arrived at the waterfalls we found a few monkeys stalking backpacks in search of food and the long-awaited reward, the incredible views from the top.
We spent half an hour enjoying the waterfalls and later we took some photos. Fortunately, we didn't find as many tourists as we expected.
