from Sarah Zimmermann
Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Some are located deep in the hill country, while others are hidden among lush greenery and can be reached via scenic walking trails. One of them is Dunhinda Falls near Badulla, a waterfall where the journey is just as memorable as the destination itself.
We discovered the waterfall completely by chance while travelling from Badulla towards Kandy. We spontaneously decided to make a stop, and looking back, it was definitely worth it. Along with the beautiful natural scenery, we encountered curious monkeys, little food stalls and a few surprises along the way.
Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka's best-known waterfalls. Located just a few kilometres from Badulla, the water plunges approximately 64 metres into the valley below. Its name comes from the fine mist created as the water crashes down, resembling clouds of smoke. The Sinhala word "dun" means smoke. The waterfall is particularly impressive after rainfall, when the water flow becomes even more powerful.
Interesting facts about Dunhinda Falls
|
Name |
Dunhinda Falls / Dunhinda Ella (දුන්හිඳ ඇල්ල) |
|
Location |
Badulla, Badulla District |
|
Province |
Uva, Sri Lanka |
|
Height |
Approximately 64 metres |
|
River |
Badulu Oya |
|
Special feature |
Fine water mist resembling smoke |
|
Activity |
Nature walk with steps and a viewing platform |
|
Walking distance |
Approximately 1–1.5 km each way |
|
Recommended visit duration |
Approximately 1.5–2 hours, including breaks |
The scenic walk to Dunhinda Falls
One of the things we loved most about this trip was the walk to the waterfall. Instead of simply getting out of the car, taking a photo and moving on, you can enjoy a lovely walk through Sri Lanka's tropical nature.
The trail leads you down numerous steps and pathways, surrounded by lush tropical plants and beautiful greenery. There are little things to discover along the way. One of our favourites was a mirror right in the middle of the path, which naturally makes a perfect spot for a little souvenir photo.
The walk itself is generally manageable, and you don't need to be an experienced hiker. However, don't forget that you'll have to climb all those steps again on your way back. And trust us, in Sri Lanka's tropical heat, that can be quite a workout! So take your time and enjoy the journey rather than rushing straight to the waterfall.
Small food stalls and traditional Sri Lankan snacks
What's a trip in Sri Lanka without some delicious food? Along the trail, you'll come across little stalls where locals sell a variety of snacks and drinks. From freshly made roti and fresh fruit juices to black tea and mango with chilli, there's plenty to try.
We absolutely love these little stalls because sometimes the simplest things taste the best. By buying something, you're also supporting the local community while getting a little taste of Sri Lankan food culture.
Our tip: Make sure to stop at one of the stalls, either on your way down or on your way back up. A refreshing fruit juice tastes even better after climbing all those steps. And honestly, who can resist freshly made roti?
Monkeys, Buddhist elements and little surprises
Besides the beautiful nature, you might also encounter plenty of monkeys along the way. These curious animals love watching visitors, especially when someone takes out something to eat. So keep an eye on your snacks and please don't feed the monkeys. As cute as they might look, they're still wild animals.
Along the trail, you'll also discover various Buddhist elements. These little details are a lovely reminder of how closely religion, culture and nature are connected in Sri Lanka. It's exactly this combination that makes the walk so interesting, with something new to discover around almost every corner.
The view of dunhinda falls
Once you reach the end of the trail, the highlight of the trip awaits: Dunhinda Falls. From a viewing platform, you can admire the waterfall and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water plunges over a high rock face, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.
The waterfall can be particularly impressive after rainfall, when the water volume increases significantly. When we visited, it had rained beforehand, so the water wasn't crystal clear but had turned a brownish colour. This is quite normal after heavy rainfall, as soil and sediment are carried along by the water.
Important: Never underestimate the power of the water. We also saw other visitors making their way further down towards the water. Especially after rainfall, currents can become very strong and the rocks extremely slippery. Water levels can also rise quickly. We therefore recommend enjoying the waterfall from a safe viewing point and always following any local safety warnings.
Our tips for visiting dunhinda Falls
If you're planning to visit Dunhinda Falls, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The steps and pathways can be slippery, especially after rainfall.
- Bring enough water: Although you can buy drinks along the way, carrying your own water bottle is always a good idea.
- Make time for the food stalls: Trying the local snacks is definitely part of the experience.
- Watch out for the monkeys: Keep your food secure, maintain a safe distance and don't feed them.
- Check the weather: After heavy rainfall, the waterfall can be particularly powerful but also more dangerous.
- Don't underestimate the walk back: Climbing all those steps in Sri Lanka's tropical heat can be quite exhausting.
Is Dunhinda Falls worth visiting?
For us, absolutely! We originally just wanted to make a quick stop during our journey and ended up discovering a beautiful place. And that's exactly what we love about Sri Lanka. Sometimes the unplanned experiences are the ones that stay with you the longest.
The tropical surroundings, little food stalls, monkeys and, of course, the waterfall itself make this a wonderful little adventure. What we especially enjoyed was being able to take our time and explore the surroundings instead of simply stopping for a quick photo.
If you love spending time in nature, exploring waterfalls and discovering Sri Lanka beyond the usual tourist attractions, Dunhinda Falls is definitely worth adding to your travel list. And who knows, you might even discover your new favourite roti along the way!
