Dunhinda Falls
View(s):
The 64 m-high Dunhinda Falls are located 5 km north of Badulla. The best time to see the falls is June and July, but they’re worth a visit at any time. The source of this waterfall is a water stream called Badulu Oya which starts in the Badulla area.
The name Dunhinda is derived from the misty appearance in front of the waterfall during the rainy season, as ‘dun’ in Sinhala means mist. It is known as Bridal Falls in English, as the shape of the waterfall resembles a bridal veil. Dunhinda is a remarkably
beautiful waterfall.
To reach this waterfall you need to travel on the Badulla – Mahiyangana main road till you reach ‘Dunhinda Junction’.
It is easily identified by the sign board with a gate at the right side of the road. The observation platform at the basin of
Dunhinda Falls can be reached via a scenic 1.5 km long jungle footpath. On the way, there is also a vantage point to the
Kuda Dunhinda Ella, the ‘Small Dunhinda Falls’ further downstream. However, it is difficult to walk near that
waterfall because you have to go through the forest in the mountains.
Along the footpath, vendors sell snacks, drinks and sundry items. Thus the footpath is
usually not lonely. At some points it is very narrow and
you need to take care.
You are advised to be careful
of monkeys in the area and
avoid walking with food items
in your hands.
After completing the climb, you can see the beauty of
Dunhinda. You should not
attempt to bathe in the water since it is very dangerous.
Pix by
M. A. Pushpa Kumara