At SL VOYO, Sri Lanka’s first travel platform, we help travellers go beyond basic sightseeing and experience the island in a more meaningful way. Whether you are joining our tours or planning your own adventure, here is our friendly guide to discovering Diyaluma Falls – Sri Lanka’s breathtaking cascade of liquid light.
Sri Lanka is famous for its misty mountains and rushing rivers, but few sights match the dramatic beauty of Diyaluma Falls. Standing at an impressive height of 220 meters (720 feet), it is officially the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and ranks 619th in the world.
Located just 6 kilometers away from Koslanda in the Badulla District, this magnificent natural wonder sits right near the Colombo-Badulla highway. For travellers exploring the central hills, Diyaluma offers an unforgettable stop filled with sweeping views, cool mountain breezes, and incredible natural swimming pools at the top.
The name “Diyaluma” carries a poetic and fascinating story. In the Sinhala language, the name means “rapid flow of water” or can be translated as “liquid light.”
According to the famous Sri Lankan historian Dr. R. L. Brohier, the waterfall is tied to an ancient folklore. The tale tells of a young chieftain who was banished to the highlands and his betrothed who tried to join him. When guards blocked all the paths, the young man lowered a rope made of twisted creepers down the steep cliff. Tragically, as she was being hauled up, she dashed against the rocks and died. Moved by pity, the Gods caused a stream of water to gush from the mountain, veiling the tragedy in a shining curtain of water-giving birth to the legendary Diyaluma.
The falls are formed by the Punagala Oya, a tributary of the Kuda Oya, which eventually flows into the Kirindi Oya. As the water rushes down the massive rock escarpment, it creates a powerful and mesmerizing spectacle.
Unlike single-drop waterfalls, Diyaluma features stunning multi-tier sections. While the lower falls can be easily admired from the main highway, the upper Diyaluma has become a playground for adventure seekers, famous for its natural rock pools that overlook the rolling green valleys below.
Visiting Diyaluma offers two very different experiences depending on whether you choose the lower section or the upper pools.
The lower falls are easily accessible from the Colombo-Badulla highway, offering a quick, stunning view right from the road. However, reaching Upper Diyaluma requires a short hike and a bumpy ride through local estate roads or guided paths from Koslanda. Adventurers who make the trek to the top are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a chance to take a refreshing dip in the natural infinity pools right at the edge of the waterfall drop.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
