Dunhinda Falls Sri Lanka
Witness the majestic 64m Dunhinda Falls, a misty spectacle near Badulla, Sri Lanka. A rewarding trek through lush nature awaits!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Dunhinda Falls Sri Lanka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the majestic 64m Dunhinda Falls, a misty spectacle near Badulla, Sri Lanka. A rewarding trek through lush nature awaits!
"The walk was worth it for the final view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trek has steps and uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Water bottles at stalls along the path are expensive; pack your own to stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Dunhinda Falls
Badulla
Witness the powerful 64-meter cascade, often shrouded in mist, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
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Scenic Trek Through Nature
Path to the falls
Enjoy a 1.2 km walk through lush greenery, with steps and some rugged paths leading to the viewpoint.
Rainbow in the Mist
Base of the falls
Look for the magical rainbow that often appears in the waterfall's spray, especially on sunny days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Trek
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trek has steps and uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Water bottles at stalls along the path are expensive; pack your own to stay hydrated.
🐒 Watch for Monkeys
Monkeys are common along the trail; keep your food secure to prevent them from snatching it.
📸 Capture the Rainbow
Visit when the sun is out to catch the beautiful rainbow often seen in the waterfall's mist.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trek has steps and uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Water bottles at stalls along the path are expensive; pack your own to stay hydrated.
🐒 Watch for Monkeys
Monkeys are common along the trail; keep your food secure to prevent them from snatching it.
📸 Capture the Rainbow
Visit when the sun is out to catch the beautiful rainbow often seen in the waterfall's mist.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee (around 70 LKR) to access the falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dunhinda Falls is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and the impressive 64-meter cascade, making the trek worthwhile for most visitors. While the path involves many steps and can be challenging for some, the scenic views and the chance to see a rainbow in the mist are significant highlights. Some visitors note the water's muddy color and the presence of numerous stalls along the path.
"Difficult trek through uneven steps and bold rocks. It’s little difficult to visit there elderly people. No wheelchair access to there. But breathtaking view , you can see the one of best waterfalls in Sri Lanka. You have to buy tickets to enter the place but less facilities. Big nuisance with the stalls up to the water fall. Looks they sell whatever they want without quality. Always crowded it takes little time to reach there with difficulties but worth to go there. Paid parking available."
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"A worthwhile trek to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Some parts of the trek may be challenging as it involves several sections of stairs. But almost the entire path is now paved and there are only a few rugged places.
Getting to the viewing platform is well worth it. The trek should take just over half an hour one way. Plenty of shops along the way to both sit and rest and to have a drink or snack.
There's a bunch of monkeys along the trail, and while they won't get in your way generally, they may try to snatch any food you have in your hands."
Madhumal Gunetileke
"There's a long way to walk in order to reach the view point. Many stairs to pass. If you are travelling with an elderly person or a person woth knee pains, this path will be really hard for them. But if you are young and energetic, it will be a good experience. There are shops along the way which sells cool drinks and water bottles. Water bottles there, are very expensive compared to normal shops. You would better bring your own water bottles. The view of the waterfall is really great. I personally felt the walk was worth for the final view"
Anjalee Umesha Gunathilaka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunhinda Falls is located in Badulla, about an hour's drive from Ella. You can hire a tuk-tuk or take a local bus to Badulla town, and then it's a short ride to the falls.
Yes, you can reach Badulla by local bus from Ella. From Badulla town, it's a short tuk-tuk ride to the falls. Traveling by tuk-tuk or local bus allows you to see more of the scenic views.
Dunhinda Falls is approximately 5 kilometers from the town of Badulla.
Yes, paid parking is available near the entrance to the falls.
Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Badulla and can take you directly to the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Dunhinda Falls is approximately 70 LKR.
The trek involves steps and uneven paths, making it difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues. There is no wheelchair access.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally best to visit during daylight hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are recommended to avoid crowds.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance, and advance booking is not usually required.
While there are stalls selling refreshments, the facilities are described as limited.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the viewpoint is about 1.2 kilometers, involving numerous steps and some rugged sections. It should take just over half an hour one way.
The trek involves many stairs and some uneven terrain, which can be challenging for the elderly or those with knee pain. However, younger, energetic visitors find it a good experience.
Dunhinda Falls plunges dramatically from a height of 64 meters (210 feet).
The water at Dunhinda Falls can appear muddy or brown, which some visitors find surprising.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the powerful cascade and potentially muddy water. The focus is on viewing the falls from the designated platform.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the falls and the potential rainbow in the mist.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the full scale of the waterfall. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance colors.
The rainbow is often visible in the spray when sunlight hits the mist. Visit on a sunny day and be patient.
The main viewing platform offers excellent perspectives of the falls. Some visitors also capture the surrounding lush greenery during the trek.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the overall trip to Badulla as part of the family outing. While the falls themselves are a highlight, the journey via tuk-tuk or local bus can also be an engaging experience for children, offering glimpses of rural Sri Lanka.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers
The surrounding natural beauty adds to the appeal for hikers looking to explore Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes. Consider combining a visit to Dunhinda Falls with other hiking opportunities in the Ella region, such as Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak.
📸 Photographers
+1 The chance to photograph the rainbow that often forms in the spray is a major draw. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can yield the best light and fewer crowds, allowing for more creative shots. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the full scale of the waterfall and its surroundings.
Be prepared for the mist, which can affect camera gear, so consider protective measures. The trek itself also offers opportunities to photograph the lush greenery and the unique local environment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Falls
The surrounding environment is lush and green, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey. Keep an eye out for the local monkeys that inhabit the area; they are generally harmless but may try to snatch food if you're not careful.
For those looking for a more adventurous approach, traveling by tuk-tuk or local bus to Badulla and then to the falls allows for a more immersive experience of the Sri Lankan landscape.
Understanding Dunhinda Falls
+1 Its name, 'Dunhinda,' originates from the Sinhala word 'dun,' meaning mist or smoke, which perfectly describes the ethereal spray that perpetually surrounds the base of the cascade. This misty veil often creates a magical atmosphere, especially when sunlight catches the water droplets.A unique phenomenon often observed at Dunhinda Falls is the appearance of a rainbow within the mist.
This occurs when the sun's rays refract through the water droplets, creating a vibrant arc of color. Capturing this fleeting spectacle is a highlight for many photographers. Despite its beauty, visitors have noted that the water itself can sometimes appear muddy or brown, a detail that has surprised some. The falls are situated near Badulla, a town known for its scenic hill country landscapes.
While often associated with Ella due to its proximity, Dunhinda Falls offers a distinct natural wonder that complements the broader appeal of the region's waterfalls, such as Bambarakanda and Diyaluma. 
Social
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