Diyaluma Falls hike & natural pool: Private tour from Colombo

Hike to a 720-foot waterfall, swim in its pool, and see the highlands from the cliff

A private full-day tour from Colombo to Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall at 220 meters, with hotel pickup and a professional English-speaking guide. After a small hike from Koslanda, you reach the upper falls, swim in the natural pool, and rest on the cliff with views across the surrounding terrain. Picnic lunch and all transport are included.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• picnic lunch.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• hotel pickup and dropoff.

Times

• Every day 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00

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Before you book

Group Private 1 group tour ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 3h before

Ages Adult (6 to 90 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Ella Excursions Tours

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

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Traveler reviews

4.93 ★★★★★ Exceptional 14 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a drive toward the Colombo-Badulla highway, heading into the highlands near Koslanda. Diyaluma Falls drops 220 meters, the second highest in Sri Lanka, and the name itself means "rapid flow of water" or "liquid light" in Sinhalese. The waterfall is formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary system that feeds into the larger river network of the region. Once you arrive, a small hike takes you to the upper section of the falls, where the water moves with visible force down the escarpment.

At the top, you get unobstructed views of the natural pool below and the surrounding Sri Lankan highlands. There's time to photograph the cascade and the landscape, then to swim in the pristine waters of the pool itself: a chance to cool off and feel the full power of the falls up close. The cliff edge offers a place to rest and take in the scale of what you're standing above. A picnic lunch is included, so you can eat with the falls as your backdrop.

Your guide speaks English throughout the day and handles all the logistics: transport from your hotel, entry fees, and the return journey. The full day runs eight hours, which gives the hike, the swimming, and the rest time room to breathe without feeling rushed. You'll end back at your hotel with the memory of a major natural landmark and the physical sensation of having stood at the top of it.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high is Diyaluma Falls and what makes it notable in Sri Lanka?

Diyaluma Falls is 220 meters (720 feet) high, making it Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall and the 361st highest in the world. The name translates from Sinhalese as "rapid flow of water" or "liquid light," and according to Sri Lankan historians, the falls are tied to local folklore about a tragic love story from the highlands.

What's involved in the hike to reach the upper falls?

The hike is small and begins from Koslanda, which is 6 kilometers from the falls on the Colombo-Badulla highway. The route takes you to the upper section of Diyaluma, where you can see the natural pool and the cliff views. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will I have time to swim in the natural pool?

Yes. Once you reach the upper falls, there's ample time to swim in the natural pool and relax on the cliff. Bring your own swimming kit, as it's not provided as part of the tour.

What does the eight-hour tour include?

The tour includes private transportation from your hotel, a professional English-speaking guide, bottled water, a picnic lunch, and all entry fees and taxes. Hotel pickup and dropoff are part of the package.