What Are The Things To Do In Nara? How To Plan A Two-Day Trip?

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge and the iconic blue trains, my next stop was the Diyaluma Waterfall, at a distance of around 45 km.  Now, Sri Lanka is full of hidden gems. Along with the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this waterfall has also offered me a slice of offbeat Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall, with a height of 220 meters, is the second-tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it has many natural infinity pools.  If those were not reasons enough, Diyaluma Waterfall is irresistible for the local tragic love story associated with it. Also, it is a place of great ecological importance.  Moreover, the journey from Ella to Poonagala and the trek further offer an equally unforgettable experience.  Here are more details about visiting the Diyaluma Waterfall, its location, transport options, history, hiking experience, and more.  Where Is Diyaluma Waterfall?  The Diyaluma Waterfall is on the Colombo-Badulla highway in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka.  Koslanda, around 6 km west, is the closest town to the Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, it is located at a distance of around 30 km from Ella. Also, the waterfall is located about 196 km away from Kandy, the cultural hub of central Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the Kirindi Oya River has formed this waterfall. This river starts flowing near Bandarawela and flows across the central part of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach The Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka?  Tuk-tuks are easily available from Ella to Poonagala. Further, from the Poonagala village at the top, you have to do a short hike to reach the Diyaluma Falls.  However, you can also hike from Koslanda. This is a bottom-to-top hike and way more difficult than the top-to-bottom hike from Poonagala.  Also, the tuk-tuk to the Poonagala village cost me LKR 4000.  Moreover, remember that you have to inform your tuk-tuk driver that you need to go to the upper Diyaluma Falls and trek down from there. 1. Hiking From Poongala To Diyaluma Falls  Carry an offline map when hiking from Poongala to the Diyaluma Falls as the network is inconsistent here.  Furthermore, you must take your tuk-tuk driver as a guide or a different local guide for the hike.  My trek to the falls started from the Makaldenya Junction, and I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  The path is even, and that is why you need to wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip. Also, long and dry grasses cover the entire route.  You will find all the infinity pools here, and taking a bath is a must, considering the heat and strain of walking downhill.  Then, I took a walk of around 10 minutes to reach the Lower Diyaluma Fall. From there, you can see water falling into the valley from a height of 220 meters.  Also, this is the moment you realize the meaning of the Diyaluma Waterfalls. The name is a combination of Diya and Haluma.  Moreover, the name means the “liquid light” or a “rapid flow of water.”  2. Hiking From Koslanda To Diyaluma Falls  The hike from Koslanda is difficult. However, it offers an amazing view of the waterfall from the Diyaluma Falls Bridge below.  Furthermore, the hike takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and on this hiking route, you will find many snacks and coconut shops.  What Are The Things To Do At Diyaluma Falls?  To enjoy hiking and other activities at the Diyaluma Falls, you have to arrive a little early. The waterfalls are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.  Then, you can enjoy a bath in the infinity pools, relax on the rocks, or talk to the locals. In fact, I got to know about the history of this waterfall when talking to a local hiker.  1. Swimming In The Natural Infinity Pools Of The Diyaluma Waterfall On the edge of the main Diyaluma Waterfall, you will find the main natural infinity pool. Also, you will find many other natural infinity pools formed by the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  However, you must check with the locals and take enough precautions before getting into the water.  2. Relaxing On The Surrounding Rocks It may not sound very appealing to you. However, for me, who always cherishes TheLowDownUnder Travel experiences, it is a great thing to experience.  Sitting on a rock and seeing streaks of water gushing from a height of 220 meters. You don’t get to see these scenes often, right? Also, don’t forget to bring a towel if you want to sit on the rocks and relax.  3. Talking To The Locals  I come from a country where cricket is the religion. Sri Lanka also has a celebrated cricket team and has produced legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Arjuna Ranatunga.  So, it was great fun talking about cricket.  Then, a local guy shared the history of the Diyaluma Waterfall and the tragic love story associated with it. The History Of The Diyaluma Waterfall  A king once fell in love with a lady. However, she was from a lower caste, and the societal norms did not allow them to get married. So, they fled. Unfortunately, people against it chased them down, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  Safety Norms To Follow While Visiting The Diyaluma Falls  No set rule exists for the visitors to the Diyaluma Falls, and that is probably the most concerning matter.  The tourist inflow here is high, and most of them are adrenaline junkie.  So, stand on the edge and swim in the infinity pools, but with caution. Moreover, avoid visiting the waterfall in the monsoon season, from September to early December.  Even if you hike in these months, do not swim in the waterfall.  Overall, the Diyaluma Waterfall remains the symbol of the grandeur of nature, and the myths associated with it make it more intriguing.  So, if you are in Sri Lanka, don’t miss a hike to this waterfall, which is also at the epicenter of a unique ecosystem.  Moreover, enjoy the serenity and spirituality in the air.

BY  Sibashree Aug 27, 2026

My shoes were soaked when I reached the viewing platform at Dunhinda Falls.   The trail was dry, but the fine spray drifting off the waterfall made my clothes and shoes wet.   So, no wonder the waterfall got its name from this mist.   Also, enjoying a view of this waterfall will be more delightful with the construction of the viewing center at Dunhinda Falls getting started.   This platform will be a replacement for the 50-year-old existing viewing platform, which has been in a deteriorated condition for a long time.   So, as Dunhinda Falls gets decked out with a new platform, I want to share my story and practical details about a visit to it.   What Is The Meaning Of Dunhinda?   The name Dunhinda comes from Sinhala words for mist or smoke. So, the name is a direct reference to the spray that surrounds the base of the falls.  Dunhinda also has another name, “Bridal Falls.” This name comes from the shape of the cascading water, which looks similar to a bridal veil.   The local traditions suggest that the indigenous Veddha people once inhabited the area.   There is also a story about a giant fern becoming lodged at the top of the falls during the reign of King Rajasinghe, damming the water and flooding Badulla town.  Then, a local hero cleared it to protect the town.   Where Is Dunhinda Falls? Dunhinda Falls is at a distance of around 5 Km from Badulla town in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka's Uva Province.  Badulu Oya, running through Badulla itself, has formed this beautiful waterfall. The height of the waterfall is around 64 meters.   Despite not being among the tallest waterfalls in the country, it is one of the most beautiful in the country.   It stands out with its sheer volume and the dramatic mist that it throws up as it crashes into the pool below.   Overall, this waterfall, at a distance of around 243 km from Colombo and 110 km from Kandy. So, it is a natural stop if heading toward or through Badulla on a hill-country route.   How To Reach Dunhinda Falls  From Badulla Town, you can take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or self-driven car to Dunhinda Falls. I took a tuk-tuk, and it took around 15 minutes to complete the journey.   The tuk-tuk cost me around LKR 400, and the route followed the Bandarawela–Badulla road before turning onto the Mahiyangana road toward "Dunhinda Junction," roughly 5 km from Badulla.   If you are coming from Ella, expect the drive to take under an hour. Also, from Colombo, the Southern Expressway offers the fastest approach before joining the hill-country roads.   Public transport such as buses and tuk-tuks run from Badulla town. However, you will have to wait for a while.   There is a parking area near the trail entrance for those driving themselves.  The Trek To The Falls  The beautiful trek route to the Dunhinda Falls makes it a delightful experience and something beyond a quick photo stop.   From the entrance gate, a forest path of roughly 1 to 1.5 km led to the falls, passing through genuinely lush terrain with birds and butterflies.  Also, I met a few curious monkeys along the way.   The trail was safe, though sections can turn muddy after rain.  So proper footwear matters more here than at some of Sri Lanka's roadside waterfalls.   Along the way, look out for Kuda Dunhinda, or "Small Dunhinda." It is a secondary waterfall visible from a viewpoint on the same path.  What I Found At The Falls? I found an observation platform above the natural pool at the base of the Dunhinda Waterfalls.   Located at the end of the trail, the platform offered a full view of the water dropping through a narrow gap in the rock face before crashing down.  I did not attempt to swim in the pool. The pool has submerged rocks and strong currents in the water.   Also, if you want to have some refreshments, you will find small stalls of snacks, herbal drinks, and simple souvenirs.   Best Photo Spots  The observation platform gives the classic, full-height view of the falls. It is by far the easiest spot to shoot from without getting drenched.   For a slightly different angle, the viewpoint overlooking Kuda Dunhinda partway along the trail offers a quieter composition. Here, you have less spray to contend with.  Overcast mornings tend to produce the most even light for photographing the mist itself.  Harsh sun can blow out the brightest parts of the spray and lose the detail that makes this waterfall distinctive in the first place.  Nearby Attractions Badulla town itself is worth a short visit for its colonial-era architecture and the Muthiyangana Temple, one of the island's older Buddhist sites.   Also, Ella is under an hour away and opens up the wider hill-country circuit, including the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Little Adam's Peak.   For wildlife-focused travelers, Udawalawe National Park is a feasible day trip from Badulla.  Where To Stay Near Dunhinda Falls  Badulla town has a reasonable spread of guesthouses and small hotels.  The options are enough to make it a comfortable overnight base without needing to push on to Ella the same day.   Staying in Badulla also means an early start on the trail before the mid-morning heat and any afternoon rain sets in. It makes for a more pleasant walk through the forest.   Do you want to stay somewhere with more restaurants and traveler infrastructure? Ella is close enough to use as a base instead.  It is ideal for a half-day excursion rather than an overnight stop.  Safety And Practical Notes  The trail, while generally safe and heavily used, does involve some uneven and occasionally muddy footing.  So trainers or light hiking shoes are a better choice than sandals.   Resist the urge to swim in the main pool at the base.  The currents are stronger than they look. There have been drownings here in the past.  That is why the observation platform is the recommended vantage point.   Bring small notes for the entrance fee and any snacks along the trail.  Entrance Fee And Facilities There is an entry fee of LKR 200 payable at the gate before the trail begins. Also, there are basic toilet facilities and a parking area for those arriving by vehicle.   The fee structure is modest. It goes toward maintaining the path and the observation platform at the base.   There is no formal visitor center.  Best Time To Visit The Dunhinda Falls   The waterfall changes its character with the seasons.   June and July are the safest months, when trail conditions are dry.   However, in the wetter months, particularly from around November to March, the falls are at their most dramatic and full.  The trek itself gets muddier.   If your priority is photography and volume, aim for right after the rain. However, if it is a comfortable walk, the mid-year months are the best.  Also, early mornings from 7 AM to 8:30 AM and late afternoons from 4 PM to 5:30 PM are the best.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

Everyone mentions elephants when talking about Maduru Oya. However, for me, it was different, though they were everywhere around me.   It was the silence that grabbed my attention first.   The week with crowded safari queues at Minneriya and Kaudulla was hectic. So, when I reached the Maduru Oya National Park, it felt like stepping into an empty room from a busy street.   There was no convoy of jeeps kicking up dust or radio chatter between drivers racing to the same sighting.  Just tall grass, a wide blue reservoir, and the low rumble of our jeep's engine!  Maduru Oya is in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and it is around 314 kilometers from Colombo. Furthermore, it stretches over Polonnaruwa, Badulla, and Ampara districts.  It became a national park in 1983 as part of the Mahaweli Development Programme.   The Programme aimed to protect the catchment area of the Maduru Oya reservoir and four other tanks that feed the region's irrigation network.  However, you do not remember all these details once you are inside the national park. You have your eyes set on a herd of elephants wading through the shallows with the reservoir stretching out behind them.  Maduru Oya At A Glance  Location Polonnaruwa, Badulla and Ampara districts, dry zone  Distance from Colombo About 314 km (roughly 5–6 hours by road)  Area 58,850 hectares  Declared a national park 9 November 1983  Best time to visit March to September (dry season, better water-point sightings)  Known for Elephant herds, Vedda heritage, ancient Buddhist ruins  Nearest hub Kuda Sigiriya / Mahiyanganaya area  Hours 6 AM to 6 PM (The Ticket Counter Closes at 4 PM.)   Why Maduru Oya Doesn't Feel Like Sri Lanka's Other Parks Fifteen percent of Maduru Oya is water, and 85% is landmass. This ratio shapes the characteristics of the park.   The reservoir and its surrounding wetlands draw the following birds and animals.  Grey Pelicans  Sea Eagles  Painted Storks  Elephants  Also, the mix of open grassland, scrub, and water made every drive here feel more layered than the flatter areas.   Furthermore, you will notice patches of tall secondary grass across the park due to the shifting of cultivation over the decades.   Our guide kept reminding us that these are the places where elephants like to disappear. It happened twice or thrice!  We spotted an entire herd of six or seven animals, and suddenly they were gone.    The park's boundaries lie in the low hills stretching from the Lunugala ridges.  Also, to the southwest, a rocky mountain range spreads across roughly eight kilometres. It gives the drive some visual relief from the flat dry-zone plains most visitors associate with Sri Lanka's east.  Wildlife: Elephants First, Everything Else After  Maduru Oya is famous for its elephant population. Herds of elephants here are really large, and once you pass the tall grass, you will get long and easy-to-watch stretches without the sight of another vehicle.   Along with elephants, you will also find the following wildlife here.  Leopards  Sloth Bears  Sambar  Spotted Deer  Wild Boar  Wild Buffalo  Toque Macaques  Purple-Faced Leaf Monkeys  Moreover, if you are on a night-adjacent drive, you can spot nocturnal slender loris here.   Reptile sightings are common too, with water monitors and the occasional mugger crocodile sunning near the reservoir's edge.  A Delight For Birders   Birders have plenty to work with here, as close to a hundred species of birds call it home. Some species commonly spotted here are:  Woolly-Necked Stork  Openbill  Painted Stork  Racket-Tailed Drongo  Sri Lanka Junglefowl  Yellow-Fronted Barbet  Spurfowl  My trip has been mammal-heavy so far. So, Maduru Oya was a good place to slow down and let the birdlife catch up.  Ruins The Safari Jeep Doesn't Usually Stop For  Maduru Oya also surprised me with the amount of history it stores inside.   It has a scattering of ancient Buddhist ruins, shrines, hermitages, statues, and dagobas concentrated around areas like Henanigala, Kudawella, Gurukumbura, Uluketangoda, and Weerapokuna.  Some of the Brahmi rock inscriptions here date back to the 1st to 3rd centuries BC.  Also, an ancient sluice gate uncovered during construction of the Maduru Oya Dam is believed to date to around the 6th century BC.   Most standard safari drives skim past these.  If ruins interest you, mention it to your guide or driver before you set out, since a slightly different route can take you closer to them.  The Vedda Community   The park also sits within Vedda country.   Sri Lanka's indigenous Vedda community, believed by tradition to descend from King Vijaya and Queen Kuweni, live in and around the reserve.  Some tours can arrange a respectful visit to learn about their way of life. I would treat this the way I would treat any community visit.  Go through a reputable operator, and let the encounter be led by the community rather than treated as a photo stop.  Planning Your Visit To Maduru Oya Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, or the Kuda Sigiriya area are the common base areas for a visit to Maduru Oya.   So, the park can easily fit into your itinerary as a side trip if you are already covering the Cultural Triangle.   There is no public transport into the park itself. So, you will need a hired vehicle or a pre-arranged safari jeep.  Most tour operators based in Habarana, Sigiriya, or Polonnaruwa can put together a half- or full-day excursion.  Safaris And Costs  A half-day safari jeep, roughly four hours, typically runs somewhere in the LKR 7,500–10,000 range.  However, this varies by operator and season and rarely includes the park's own entrance fee, which you pay separately at the gate.   It is worth booking your jeep a day or two ahead during the dry season, when demand picks up.   I would also second the advice I heard from more than one local guide.  Go with a small group. Maduru Oya rewards patience and quiet, and a crowded jeep makes both harder to come by.  Entry Fee  Entry Fee and Charges to the Park How Much To Pay  Local Adults  LKR 60  Local Children (6-12 years)  LKR 30 Local Student  LKR 20 Local Children (below 6 years)  Free Local Group Fee (per vehicle)  LKR 400 Foreign Adults  USD 12 Foreign Children (6-12 years)  USD 6  Adults from Foreign SAARC Countries    USD 10  Children from Foreign SAARC Countries (6-12 years) USD 5 SAARC Country Children (below 6 years)  Free of Cost Foreign SAARC Visitor Group Fee (per vehicle)   USD 10   Taxes on Total Cost  18%  Entrance Fee per vehicle LKR 300  What Is The Best Time To Visit Maduru Oya National Park? March through September is the sweet spot to visit Maduru Oya National Park.   It is the dry season when wildlife concentrates around the designated water points of the park. So, sightings are more predictable.   Early morning drives are cooler and calmer, and as with most Sri Lankan parks, the animals are noticeably more active before the heat of midday sets in.  Where Does Maduru Oya National Park Fit In A Sri Lanka Itinerary? Maduru Oya is not a park I would build an entire trip around.  However, it is an excellent addition if you are already in the Cultural Triangle and want a safari experience without the crowds of Yala or Minneriya.   Pair it with Polonnaruwa's ruins in the morning and a Maduru Oya drive in the late afternoon. You can also use it as a quiet counterpoint after the more chaotic parks further south.