Dunhinda Falls

                                                     Dunhida Fall

The Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off Badulla town. The

waterfall, which is 210 feet (64 m) high gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, (Dun in sinhala means mist

or smoke) which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The water fall is created by the river called

Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town.

To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can

see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the

waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and

This fall is steeped in history. The area was once inhabited by indigenous people - the Veddha tribe. During the time of King Rajasinhe, a giant fern got stuck at the top of the fall, between two mountains. This acted as a dam, which resulted in the flooding of Badulla town. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the king entrusted the task of clearing the sluice to a person named 'Ranhavadidaraya'. After toiling for three months he managed to clear the water and the town re-emerged.

The fern was swept away but got stuck again at a place now known as Pussellawa ('pus' meaning fern). It was the first fall on the island where a fee was introduced to view it. This applies to both local and foreign visitors.

Dunhinda Falls

Dunhinda Falls is 5km from Badulla town and from the main highway it is a tortuous 1km walk. The Ella rest-house is 29km away.