UDA DIYALUMA WATER PARK
One of the best excursions in the world
Uva Province houses the highest numbers of tourism attractions in Sri Lanka including natural beauty, adventure attractions, wildlife, religious attractions, archaeological protected monuments and sports related tourism activities. Both districts in the Province – Badulla and Monaragala hold the highest number of room counts in all categories elevating the province to an undisputed ‘first place’ for tourism in Sri Lanka.
Uva's symbolic mountain is Namunukula, which stands tallest among the mountain range surrounding Badulla town. The breath taking view of Welimada basin, Katharagama and down to Hambantota beach could be possible from Namunukula peak on a clear day. Kirigalpoththa peak is the tallest mountain peak in the Haputale mountain range. Haputale-Beragala gap gives a view of the Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces on a clear day.
Poonagala, Ampitikanda, Nayabedda, Diyaluma, Rawana, Bambarakanda are some of the popular mountain estates and much loved waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Lipton's Seat in Dambetenna Estate off Haputale, Pilkington Point at Poonagala and St. Catherine' Seat in Nayabedda are top view points to see the Southern plains from the Uva Province.
The latest addition to the top attractions in Badulla Distrist is ‘Uda (Upper) Diyaluma Water Park’.
At 220m tall, Diyaluma Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in the country and a stunning spectacle of nature. The ‘Upper Diyaluma’ popularly known as ‘Uda Diyaluma’ holds out multiple falls and seven natural pools creating World Famous ‘Uda (Upper) Diyaluma Water Park’ in the upper section of Poonagala Mountain.
The winding Poonagala Oya stream strings together a series of gorgeous natural pools, before pouring over a sheer cliff face and dropping into the abyss, creating Diyaluma Falls.
The ‘Uda Diyaluma Water Park’ is located with a three kilometre trek (30 to 40 minutes) after almost 32 kms run in a four wheel drive from Bandarawela or around 40kms south of Ella or 6 kms from Koslanda, making it the perfect full day excursion and if adventure lovers are keen to camp out on the top of the water basin, , it is possible with professional service providers.
Getting to the top of Diyaluma Falls isn't an overly easy feat. There are two ways to get to the top of Diyaluma Falls: the most popular route is from Poonagala village, which is far shorter and easier and the second choice which is hiking from the bottom near the village of Koslanda, which is rather strenuous and hard to follow.
The three kilometre footpath that you find on the right by the Makaldeniya bend and the pathway emerges from the grassland.
You can follow this pathway downhill as this will lead you to Upper Diyaluma Falls Water Park. From here, it's a short walk down to the lower section of Diyaluma Waterfall and the incredible 720feet drop to the valley floor below, makes you feel like you are standing on what seems like the edge of the world.
These seven pools are amongst the best in the world for a scenic swim, with views that will take your breath away. If you’re planning a visit to Uda Diyaluma Falls, use a professional guide on planning, travelling and how to soak up everything this beautiful spot has to offer.
After a tough journey and hike to get to Uda Diyaluma Falls, I recommend sitting down on the rocky ledge, having some lunch with the gang and admiring the view for some time before getting into the action of jumping to the water hole.
At this point I should warn travellers that safety barriers do not exist at Uda Diyaluma Falls, so if anybody likes to stand on the edge of just about anything, please be careful.
During the period of June to August/ September, it's possible to swim in the Upper Falls. You should always take precautions, including checking the forecast or speaking with locals about the weather situation in the area.
Camping up there is possible with villagers providing all basic necessities. There are many lo location options when setting up camp but already built tents can be hired amongst the shade of trees or right by the riverbank. You can set up in of the many clearings. Always speak to the villagers, they are the best guides on the site.
The nights can get very cold if you set up right at the riverbank, and since the cold is unavoidable at that elevation, do take sufficient warm clothing with you. The night time is absolutely beautiful at Uda Diyaluma and the dawn even more magical; there is no better feeling than waking up to the view overlooking an entire country to the sounds of water lapping, at one of the highest points in the island.
Excursion to and camping at ‘Uda Diyaluma’ is an unforgettable experience.
These seven pools are amongst the best in the world for a scenic swim, with views that will take your breath away