Diyaluma Falls Infinity Pool: Everything You Need to Know
Picture a rock pool that seems to pour straight into the sky, perched 220 meters above a jungle valley with nothing but a thin ledge of stone between you and the drop. That is the Diyaluma Falls infinity pool, and it’s one of the most talked-about swimming spots in Sri Lanka’s hill country. If you’ve seen a photo of someone dangling their legs over a waterfall edge with green mountains behind them, there’s a good chance it was taken right here.
Diyaluma Falls is Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, dropping 220 meters (720 feet) into the Badulla District, about 6 km from the town of Koslanda on the Colombo–Badulla highway, and its natural infinity pools are considered some of the best in the world. According to Wikipedia, the falls rank as the 619th highest waterfall on the planet and are fed by the Punagala Oya, a tributary stream that eventually joins the Kirindi Oya river system. In Sinhalese, the name Diyaluma roughly translates to “liquid light” or “rapid flow of water,” and local folklore ties the falls to a tragic love story recorded by Sri Lankan historian Dr. R. L. Brohier.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a safe, well-timed trip to the infinity pools, where they are, how to reach them, what the hike involves, and when it’s actually safe to swim.
Where Is the Diyaluma Falls Infinity Pool Located?
The infinity pools sit at the very top of Diyaluma Falls, above the main 220-meter drop, in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. The nearest access village is Poonagala, roughly 30 km south of Ella and about an hour from the town of Haputale. The falls are formed by the Punagala Oya as it winds through the tea-covered hills before spilling over the escarpment into the valley below.
Most travelers base themselves in Ella and treat the infinity pool as a half-day or full-day trip, pairing it with other hill-country highlights.
Quick Facts about Diyaluma Falls
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 220 m (720 ft) |
| Rank in Sri Lanka | 2nd highest waterfall |
| Rank worldwide | 619th highest waterfall |
| River source | Punagala Oya (tributary of Kuda Oya) |
| Nearest town | Koslanda, Badulla District |
| Distance from Ella | Approx. 39.7 km / 1–1.5 hours |
| Best access to the village | Poonagala |
| Hike length (upper route) | 20–30 minutes each way |
| Safety barriers | None |
How to Get to the Diyaluma Falls Infinity Pool
There are two main ways to reach the infinity pools, and picking the right one makes a big difference to how much energy you’ll have left for swimming.
Route 1: Via Poonagala Village
This is the shorter, more popular route and the one most guides, including our Upper Diyaluma page, recommend for reaching the infinity pools directly. From Ella, hire a tuk-tuk or drive to Poonagala village. The road winds through tea plantations and grassland, and the trip typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by tuk-tuk, with a return fare in the range of LKR 9,000.00 – LKR 11,000.00
From the parking area at Poonagala, a narrow footpath leads downhill through tall grass. Within 20 to 30 minutes you’ll start hearing the rush of water, which signals you’re close to the upper falls and the infinity pools. This route is detailed further in our guide to getting to the top of Diyaluma Falls.
Route 2: Via Koslanda
This route starts near the town of Koslanda and approaches the falls from below, passing the viewpoint at Diyaluma Falls Bridge before climbing back up toward the pools. It’s noticeably steeper; expect 20 to 45 minutes of uphill trekking over loose rock and rubble, as outlined by Walk My World’s guide to hiking Diyaluma without a guide. Small stalls along the way sell coconuts and snacks, which are welcome after the climb.
Both routes eventually connect to the same cliff-top area, so the choice usually comes down to which one your tuk-tuk driver prefers to drop you at.
Do You Need a Guide?
Not necessarily. Local guides sometimes approach hikers near the trailhead and offer to lead the walk for around 1,500 LKR. The path itself is narrow but generally easy to follow, and many independent travelers — including the writers at The Common Wanderer and Julia’s Day Off — have completed the hike solo without issue. If you’re hiking alone, during low light, or want local commentary on the area’s history and elephant activity, a guide can be worthwhile. Be sure to save an offline map before you go, as mobile signal can be patchy.
What the Diyaluma Falls Infinity Pool Actually Looks Like
The upper section of Diyaluma isn’t a single pool. It’s a series of natural rock basins carved into the stone, connected by smooth channels of water. Some are wide and shallow, ideal for a casual splash; others sit right on the lip of the 220-meter drop, which is the shot everyone comes here for.
The largest and safest pools are set back from the edge and make for an easy, relaxed swim with sweeping views over the Koslanda valley. Closer to the cliff, the pools narrow and the current picks up, so caution matters far more the closer you get to that final ledge. Several travel writers describe this cliff-edge pool as one of the most striking natural infinity pools anywhere in the world, precisely because the water appears to vanish into open air.
For a closer look before you go, our photo gallery of Diyaluma Waterfall shows the layout of the upper pools from several angles.
Best Time to Visit and Swim
Timing is everything at Diyaluma. During the dry season, water levels drop and the pools become calm enough to swim comfortably. During the monsoon, the same pools can turn into fast-moving channels that are genuinely dangerous.
Seasonal Swim Conditions
| Period | Typical Conditions | Safe to Swim? |
|---|---|---|
| January – May | Low water flow, clear pools | Generally yes, with care |
| June – August | Variable, moderate flow | Check locally before entering |
| September – early December | Heavy monsoon rain, strong current | Not recommended |
| Early morning (any season) | Fewer crowds, softer light for photos | Best for photography |
Even in the dry season, conditions can shift quickly after rain upstream. Ask at your guesthouse in Ella or speak to locals near the trailhead on the day of your visit, water levels can rise faster than the weather in town would suggest.
Safety at the Diyaluma Falls Infinity Pool
This is the part of the trip that deserves real attention. There are no safety barriers or railings anywhere along the pools or the cliff edge. The rock surface is naturally smooth and becomes slippery when wet, and a fall from the upper pools would be catastrophic.
A few ground rules:
- Never enter the water during or after heavy rain.
- Avoid the pools closest to the final drop unless the flow is very low and you’re a confident swimmer.
- Don’t dive or jump headfirst into unfamiliar pools; depths vary, and rocks can sit just below the surface.
- Wear proper shoes for the hike; the path has loose gravel and overgrown sections.
- Keep phones and cameras secured; the mist near the edge makes rocks slick.
- Travel with at least one other person, and let someone know your plan for the day.
For a full breakdown of hazards specific to the upper trail, see our dedicated safety guide for the upper Diyaluma Falls hike.
What to Pack for the Hike
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Sturdy walking shoes with grip (not sandals)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- At least 1.5 liters of water per person
- Snacks: there’s little to buy once you’re past the trailhead
- A dry bag for phones and cameras
- A light rain jacket if visiting outside the dry season
Beyond the Infinity Pool: What Else to Do Nearby
Most visitors combine Diyaluma Falls with other stops in the Ella area, since the falls sit roughly midway between Ella and Haputale. Popular pairings include Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge, the tea plantations around Poonagala, and a sunset stop at the upper viewpoint before heading back. Our travel tips page for 2026 visitors covers current transport prices, opening hours, and seasonal advice in more detail, and our homepage has the full set of Diyaluma guides if you’re planning a longer hill country itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diyaluma Falls infinity pool safe to swim in?
It can be, but only under the right conditions. Stick to the dry season (roughly January to May), avoid the pools nearest the cliff edge, and never enter the water after heavy rain or if the current looks strong.
How long is the hike to the Diyaluma Falls infinity pool?
From Poonagala village, the upper trail takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way. The lower route from Koslanda is steeper and can take up to 45 minutes each way.
Do I need a guide to reach the infinity pool?
No, it isn’t required. The upper trail from Poonagala is narrow but reasonably easy to follow. A straightforward guide will still be useful if you’re hiking alone or want local insight into the area.
How much does it cost to get to Diyaluma Falls from Ella?
A tuk-tuk from Ella to Poonagala typically costs between LKR 4,500 and 5,000.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning offers the softest light for photos and fewer other hikers. Late afternoon is popular for sunset views over the valley, though the light for photography inside the pools themselves is less flattering.
Is Diyaluma Falls the same as the infinity pool at the top?
Not quite. Diyaluma Falls refers to the entire 220-meter waterfall, while the infinity pool is the specific series of natural rock pools at the very top of the falls, right where the water spills over the edge.
