upper diyaluma Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

Swimming in fresh water

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Swimming in fresh water

Swimming in fresh water on holiday in Sri Lanka.

We would rather get some exercise rather than loll around in a swimming pool with the temperature of a bath!

We love swimming in fresh water in the GlenMyu Estate Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool.

Most travellers to Sri Lanka imagine tropical beaches and swimming in the warm waters touching the shore.
There are lots of opportunities to experience this sensation at the array of beaches around the coast.
Many hotels have swimming pools that have warm pools where you can cool yourself after sunbathing in the tropical sun.

We offer a different experience at GlenMyu Estate, which is located in the Sri Lanka hills at an elevation of around 1,000 metres above sea level.

What's the difference?

In fresh water, however, you will feel less buoyancy since it is not as dense – meaning you’ll need to put more effort into your strokes while swimming.

We like this as it’s one of the ways we get our exercise at GlenMyu Estate.

Read about the differences in the article by Blue 70 All for the Swim article “Swimming in Fresh Water vs. Salt Water: What to Know”.

We recently took a short break at Marble Beach, Trincomalee, and experienced the difference in buoyancy. The water was warm and was a welcome relief to the August sun. My wife and I swam in the warm waters in the early evening and the buoyancy was such a different sensation.

Snorkelling in Trincomalee waters

Whilst we were staying at Marble Bay and subsequently in China Bay, we snorkelled for the first time in our lives. We loved it and saw lots of fish.

The instructor asked us if we wanted buoyancy aids which are important if you are a weaker swimmer.

We declined and for us it would have not added tenth experience. I had difficulty lowering my legs in the salty water to get my flippers going! So I ended up mainly using my arms to pull me around to explore the sea life.

Having a bath in Galle

Another experience we had was in a hotel swimming pool near Galle in June.

The temperature of the water was so warm sapping my energy so much that I didn’t want to swim.
For me it was a place where you could play with a beach ball or frisbee, drink a cocktail at the pool edge and certainly not a place where I could swim.

As with lots of hotel pools, the smell of chlorine was almost suffocating, and didn’t add to the experience.

Sometimes it's a challenge swimming in fresh water

I love the temperature at GlenMyu Estate. It’s like an English summer for most of the year. Living in shorts and t-shirts is an idyllic way to spend your life.

Daily temperatures we experience at GlenMyu Estate ranges from 22 °C and 26 °C . It can go a little higher but we have lots of tress to provide some shade.

However, during October, November and early December we get less sunlight to warm the swimming pool. This makes getting in the water for a swim a little more challenging. I always recommend to guests that they do two or three lengths of the pool to warm themselves up. After that you can really enjoy your time in the pool.

It's all about what you prefer

The great thing about being on holiday in Sri Lanka is that you have the option of fresh water or warm water swimming.

They say that “variety is the spice of life”, so having options whilst you travel around this tropical island gives you plenty of choice.

Fresh water swimming near to GlenMyu Estate

Just under one hours Tuk Tuk drive from GlenMyu Estate are the fabulous Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools.

It’s still being discovered by travellers and we normally visit early in the morning and have experienced the whole place to ourselves.

So far, Upper Diyaluma Pools are unspoilt and visiting is an amazing experience and is something we recommend to our guests.

Our guests have an advantage over the travellers staying in Ella. As we are closer to Diyaluma our guests can beat the crowds to the pools and enjoys a less crowded experience.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

Swimming in fresh water Read More »

Upper DIyaluma Waterfall - experiences in Sri Lanka

Our Top Two Experiences In Sri Lanka.

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Our top two experiences in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate.

Here are our top two experiences in Sri Lanka when staying at GlenMyu Estate. They were easy to select as we, and our guests, love visiting them.

It was not difficult to come up with our top two experiences in Sri Lanka.

We love them both and our guests come back mesmerised by their time at these two wonderful places.
One is only a forty minute drive and the other is just over one hour from GlenMyu Estate.

So much more.

There are lots of other places to visit and experience when you stay at GlenMyu Estate. The two we have picked are our favourites. However, some of our guests have had wonderful times at places such as Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall, Hiking stage Stage 13 of the Pekoe Trail (Haputale to St. Catherine).

You don't need to go out.

Staying on the five acre property at Glenmyu Estate is an experience itself.

Many of our guests use their time here to rest and recuperate before exploring more of this paradise island.

One of the free things we do at GlenMyu Estate is to provide a garden tour. You can see what fruits and vegetables we are growing on the 5 acre estate.
We do not use pesticides or chemicals on the estate and all we grow is organic produce.

Another experience that our guests love is our complimentary informal Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.
This fun activity is conducted by Ru’s mum who has too many years to mention experience in a Sri Lankan kitchen.

We find that our guests love to learn about Sri Lankan cooking and some even participate a bit under Ru’s mums supervision.

The demonstration takes place when guests have ordered our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

It’s a real experience getting to eat what you have seen has been cooked an hour or so earlier in the day.

Our top two experiences in Sri Lanka -Different options for different budgets.

The cost of entry for each of the experiences may result in a choice on what to do.

Going to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is the less costly of the two experiences that are in our top two favourites at GlenMyu Estate.
You can read about the entry cost at our article “Entry Fee to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall”.

Getting there by Tuk Tuk is what we would recommend. I did it in my car once. However, I would not want to repeat driving to the car park at the start of Upper Diyaluma.
If you have a vehicle, and are a confident driver, then it may add to your experience.

A day trip to Horton Plains National Park is the more expensive experience. You can find out more about the cost at our article “Horton Plains Entry Fee”.
Although the entry ticket is costly, we consider it to be a worthwhile thing to do if it is within your budget. You will need to hire a driver and car to take you to Horton Plains (if you don’t have a car yourself) and this will add to the costs.

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the entry fee helps maintain the 7,180 acres and to support employment for local people.

The scenery, flora and fauna you will see on your 11 kilometre hike is an amazing experience. On to of this you will be able to enjoy the views at Greater World’s End, Lesser World’s End and Baker’s Falls.

1. Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Spending a morning (and perhaps into the afternoon) at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is one of our top two experiences in Sri Lanka.

You will marvel at being closer to nature in this beautiful landscape. Going from pool to pool and swimming in the cool water will make you feel great.

If you get there early enough in the morning, you may even have the pools to yourself before the crowds arrive from Ella.

As GlenMyu Estate is in closer proximity to the waterfall than Ella Town you may get lucky. Several of our guests have been able to experience this wonderful unspoilt place for a few hours before anyone has joined them.

Why should I visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?.

Only a forty minute drive from GlenMyu Estate, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is a relatively newly discovered experience. Before the access roads were improved few people visited the beautiful pools Upper Diyaluma.

You can see the number of people visiting has increased as the local council have started charging a token entrance fee!

It’s now becoming a place that regularly features on Instagram posts by tourists that visit the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We recommend that you visit Upper Diyaluma as it is such an amazing experience.

The landscape appears to be untouched and you will feel a real connection with nature.

The small hike to the top of the waterfall will invigorate you and warm you up before you enter the cool pools for a swim.

There are several pools as you traverse down the side of the falls. Each pool is unique being carved from the water eroding the bowls for years. The scenery and landscape changes as you descend which gives variety and makes you want to stay longer.

We spent around three hours on our day trip to Upper Diyaluma with our German guests, however we have had other guests who have spent most of the day there.

This is why Upper Diyaluma a makes it on to our list of our top two experiences in Sri Lanka.

Here is a glimpse of what you will experience at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools when you are in Sri Lanka.

2. Horton Plains National Park, Worlds End & Bakers Falls.

Our top two experiences in Sri Lanka.

Why should I visit Horton Plains National Park?

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a unique landscape in Sri Lanka.

The Montane Cloud Forest which covers 7,680 acres are host to some unique flora and fauna.
There are also three main scenic places to stop and get those Instagram pictures.

We love the relatively easy 11 kilometre circular hike and feel a sense of achievement when we complete it. The elevation is 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) and therefore you do feel that you have had a work-out.

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate are sent off early in the morning with a delicious packed breakfast that they can enjoy during their hike.

Sitting and enjoying the views at Lesser World’s End and Greater World’s End with a flask of ginger tea and omelette with fresh bread is an experience itself.

Making you way to the beautiful Baker’s Falls and sitting watering the water make patterns on the wall of the rocks is a meditative experience.

Visiting Horton Plains National Park is one of the more expensive outings you can do in Sri Lanka.

However, it is on our top two experiences as we still consider it to be one of the best experiences in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

You can also visit Horton Plains National Park if you are staying in Nuwara Eliya. It will take you a similar amount of time to get there from GlenMyu Estate.

Our top two experiences in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate - Summary

Experience a unique environment in Sri Lanka
Feel great – Hiking is a healthy way to explore the island.
See the view from Little World’s End
Experience the exhilaration at the precipice at Greater World’s End.
Marvel at the cascade of water at Beautiful Baker’s Falls.
Discover the Flora in this Montane Cloud Forest.
Listen to and watch the the Fauna that inhabit Horton Plains.
Spot and listen to the birds at Horton Plains.
Practice “Friluftsliv” – be connected with nature and the landscape.
To support local people and preserve this unique environment.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Horton Plains National Park, Upper DIyaluma Waterfall and see many more fabulous sights.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Our Top Two Experiences In Sri Lanka. Read More »

Hike in a beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka

Our Top 3 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on a Budget.

Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Our top 3 places to visit in Sri Lanka on a budget.

Top 3 places to visit in Sri Lanka on a budget when you stay at GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Haputale.

Here are three places to visit on a budget in the Sri Lankan Hill Country at GlenMyu Estate.

1. Get up early and visit Lipton's Seat, Haputale.

Lipton’s Seat is the viewpoint used by Scottish Tea Baron Sir Thomas Lipton to sit and survey his vast tea empire.

Entry costs are minimal.

You will need to hire Tuk Tuk to take you there and back from GlenMyu Estate which we can arrange for you.

The Highlights of Lipton's Seat.

Our guests Matt and Millie described Lipton’s Seat as “probably the most beautiful place they have ever seen”.

There is clearly a lot more to Lipton’s Seat than the three highlights below.

Seeing the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat.

Matt and Millie shared their beautiful photos with us which should inspire you to get up early on your holiday. Read our article “Sunrise at Lipton’s Seat”.

If you are lucky enough to experience a sunrise like this it will make this a great outing to do on a budget when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

Seeing the Tea Pluckers at work.

Tea plucking is mainly carried out by women in Sri Lanka.
The sight of them working away in manicured lines of tea bushes creates an iconic scene.

Grab a photo of the ladies going about their work and share it on Instagram.
(You can offer a small tip for the photo which would be really appreciated by the ladies).

Hike down after sunrise through the tea gardens to Dambetenne Tea Factory.

Apart from enjoying the fresh air as you hike down from the Lipton’s Seat viewing point you can also visit a tea factory.

Another inexpensive thing to do, you will get to see how your tea in processed. This added experience will make your budget trip in Sri Lankan all that more worthwhile.

Avoid visiting the tea factory on Sundays as no tea will have been plucked to be processed.

2. Experience the amazing nature of Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

We love Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and it is only forty minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate.

You can read about our experience at Upper Diyaluma at our article “Our day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall” .

Highlights at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Just highlights – there are many more things however we will leave that for you to discover.

The spectacular pools.
You can spend hours hopping into one pool after an other.

We spent around three hours there but we have had guests that have spent a lot longer.

The hike up to the top of the waterfall.
Admire the scenery as you hike through grassland and a forest to get to the top of the waterfall.

The second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
You can view the waterfall from the road.

Marvel at the spray coming down from the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka

3. Enjoy the gardens at St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham Bungalow, Haputale.

Adisham Bungalow (St Benedict’s Monastery) is located just outside Haputale and is another great place to visit on a budget in Sri Lanka.

The entry fee is 100 Sri Lankan Rupees so your main cost is just getting there. We can arrange a Tuk Tuk for you to take you there and back from GlenMyu Estate.

Highlights at Adisham Bungalow.

This is the most relaxing experience we recommend on a budget from GlenMyu Estate.

We really enjoyed our stroll through the garden with Ru’s parens and could have stayed longer.

You can read about our experience at Adisham in our article “Our day trip to Adisham Bungalow”.

Enjoy the clouds in the beautiful manicured gardens.

The gardens are maintaining very well by the staff at Adisham Estate.

We really enjoyed a walk through the garden and the views from the estate. There are lots of inspirational signs providing you with a little bit of wisdom on your walk.

Buy some homemade jams and cordial from the shop.

By buying one or two items you will help to support local people along with helping with the maintenance of the estate.

Our top 3 places to visit in Sri Lanka on a budget. - Summary

Get up early and visit Lipton’s Seat, Haputale.
Experience the amazing nature of Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.
Enjoy the gardens at St Benedict’s Monastery – Adisham Bungalow, Haputale.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Our Top 3 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on a Budget. Read More »

Explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Exploring Sri Lanka's Hill Country.

Explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – the best places to visit whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Beragala.

Guests really love staying at GlenMyu Estate and exploring the five acres of land.

A garden tour by Ru is very informative and we are amazed about how many guests love to find out more about where their food come from.

Spending time at our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool, playing badminton on the lawn or board games in the lounge are some of the fun things to do.

A free fish pedicure in the stream and if you are brave an able enough you can go on an adventure to the waterfall at the bottom of the land.

However, there are some wonderful places to explore in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country within an hours drive or so from the estate. Lots of guests like to stay outside the busy tourist town of Ella and have day trips to see Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall or climb Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.

We have listed the most popular things that our guests visit when they stay at GlenMyu Estate. They are not in any particular order however there is a reason why we have put Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Horton Plains National Park at the top. We love visiting these places.

Please do not discard the other items lower on the list. Our guest have raved about seeing the sun rise at Lipton’s Seat. The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route and there are only a few of our guests who have completed the stages so far.

Our Top places to explore in the Hill Country near to GlenMyu.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall – the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO), Lesser World’s End, Greater World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
Lipton’s’ Seat, Haputale.
Bambarakanda Waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Nine Arch Bridge, Ella.
Adisham Monastery, Haputale.
Stages 11,12,13,& 14 of the Pekoe Trail.
There are many more places to visit – we will write an extended list of places to see in the future.

Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country: Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

One of our favourite spots close to GlenMyu Estate explore in Sri Lanka’s Hill country is Diyaluma Waterfall which is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
It ranks 361st in the world and is 220m high (720 ft).

The falls are situated around 6 km from away from Koslanda in Badulla District on the Colombo Batticaloa Highway (A4).

It is a forty minute drive from GlenMyu Estate and we can arrange a Tuk Tuk and guide for you.

You can read our article about our day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall with some guests from GlenMyu Estate.
We also have an article about the entry cost to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.
Guest photos of their experience at the waterfall can be found here.

Horton Plains National Park - a UNESCO heritage site

Another favourite that we enjoy in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a hike around Horton Plains National Park.

You can read our article about our hike at Horton Plains in our article Hike around Horton Plains National Park.

We also have guest photos of their experience which you can look at here.

Lipton’s Seat is a place where lots of our guests enjoy and is around one hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Most of our guests combine a hike at Lipton’s Seat with a visit to Dambetenne Tea factory to see how the tea is processed

You can see our guest photos of their experience here.

Bambarakanda Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is less than one hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

You can read our article about Bambarakanda Waterfall here.

Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country near Ella.

Nine Arch Bridge is located just outside Ella Town and is one of the must see places to visit in Sri Lanka. If you make it there when a train passes over the bridge it is really a memorable sight.

We visited Nine Arch Bridge in early 2023 and you can read about our day trip here.

Adisham Hall is one of the closest places to visit from GlenMyu Estate.

You can read our article about our visit with our family to Adisham Hall and Monastery.

The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre long distance walking trail through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

The 22 – stage walking trail takes you through some of the finest ecology and mountain terrain in the South of Asia. The trail begins in Kandy is routed through Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Hatton and Ella.

The following stages are within reach of GlenMyu Estate:
Stage 11 – Horton Plains to Udaweriya
Stage 12 – Udaweriya to Haputale
Stage 13 – Haputale to St. Catherine
Stage 14 – St. Catherine to Makulella
Stage 15 – Makulella to Ella
Stage 16 – Ella to Demodara.

Ru always says to guests that if it is your first time in Sri Lanka’s Hill country you should visit a tea estate and see how your tea is made. If you have not done a tea tour in Nuwara Eliya then we would suggest doing a tour at Dambetenne Tea Factory after visiting Lipton’s Seat.

How do I find out more about GlenMyu Estate?

If you are travelling to the Sri Lankan Hill Country and do not want to be located in a busy tourist town GlenMyu Estate may be the place for you.

You can find out more about GlenMyu Estate on our website and also subscribe to our social media platforms so you can see some more pictures and videos of the property and land.

Explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Read More »

Diyaluma waterfall entry cost

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Entry fee to Diyaluma Waterfall.

In 2023 the local council started charging an entry fee to Diyaluma Waterfall. Find out what it costs to go to this wonderful site. We provide details about the Diyaluma waterfall entry cost in this article and why we think you should visit this wonderful sight.

Last year my wife and I went to Upper Diyaluma with some German guests who stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read more about our experience in our Blog Post/Article “Our day trip to Diyaluma Waterfall.”

Our first day trip to Upper Diyaluma took place in November 2022 and there was no entry fee charged at that time.

An entry fee in 2023.

In April 2023 we had some Indian guests stay with us at GlenMyu Estate and were surprised to hear that they had been charged an entry fee.

Subsequently, I was watching a YouTube video by Where’s Lucie of her trip to Ella and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

I noticed that both Lucy and her husband had been charged an entry fee to access Upper Diyaluma.

The cost of entry to Diyaluma Waterfall won't break the bank!

Although the local council has decided to charge an entry fee to Diyaluma waterfall, the cost is quite minimal. It is LKR 350 (around €1 or $1).

This was the price in April 2023 and at the time of writing (September 2023) there was no change in cost.

Here is a photo of the ticket issued to our guests in April 2023.

When considering the cost of other experiences in Sri Lanka this cost is minimal. This is especially when you consider the experience that you will have at the waterfall.

We have found guests can spend several hours there exploring the different pools as you descend the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Overall, we think it is still great value and would highly recommend that you consider visiting Upper Diyaluma Waterfall on a day trip from GlenMyu Estate. We can arrange a Tuk Tuk to take you to the waterfall, They will show you, what we consider to be the best route. The Tuk Tuk driver will look after your belongings as you enjoy a dip in the pools.

No charge at the base of Diyaluma Waterfall.

The base of Diyaluma Waterfall is viewable from the Beragala to Koslanda/Wellawaya Road (A4). At the time of writing there was no charge to stop and take photos. We, however, would always recommend that you support the local vendors. You can buy at least something small from the shops there. A drink of fresh King Coconut after your exertions of the walk is recommended (and it’s also local & eco friendly).

Diyaluma Waterfall from the A4 road.

Where is Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

The base of Diyaluma Waterfall can be viewed from Diyaluma Bridge (see Map).

There are two main access points to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

From GlenMyu Estate, which is West of Diyaluma Waterfall, there is small road (mainly for Tuk Tuks) shown as “Start Diyaluma Waterfall” on the map. There is a small shop at the end of this lane where the Tuk Tuk would normally park. You can start your twenty minute walk to Upper Diyaluma.

If you are coming from the Koslanda/Wellawaya side (from the East) there is a small lane called “Upper Diyaluma Trek” on the map.
A Tuk Tuk/small car can get access on this road towards Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

It's still a reasonable entry cos to enter Diyaluma Waterfall.

It’s hard to compare experiences however the cost of entry to Horton Plains is significantly higher (see our Article). Horton Plains however, is a UNESCO site and is well maintained and therefore we still consider that it’s good value for the experience. We also love it there and both Upper Diyaluma and Horton Plains are high on our recommendations to guests that stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Just go, you will love the experience.

If you have a similar experience to that of our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate, you will love it.

As with lots of experiences in Sri Lanka, we would recommend that you go early to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. You can red more about why it’s good to get up early in Sri Lanka at our article “The 6 best reasons to wake up early”.

Please also have a look at our guest photos of their experience at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

GlenMyu Estate is only a forty minute drive to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and lots of our guests leave early in the morning and return for a late breakfast.

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate.

Find our more about GlenMyu Estate at our website.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.

Diyaluma waterfall entry cost Read More »

A waterfall at Upper Diyaluma surrounded by nature.

Photos of Diyaluma Waterfall

Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Photos of Diyaluma Waterfall.

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma are about a 40 minute drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Here are our guests photos of Diyaluma Waterfall.

Fabien and Sandra

Our guests Fabien and Sandra invited us to accompany them on their day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. This was our first experience of Upper Diyaluma and we were blown away with the experience and regret not visiting the wonder earlier.

Where is Diyaluma Waterfall?

The falls are 18.8 kilometres from GlenMyu Estate (around a 40 minute drive).
GlenMyu Estate is near Golconda and you will travel towards Koslanda on the A4 road.

Ridhi & Janhavi

Our Indian guests Ridhi and Janhavi (best friends from college) were on a “girls trip” discovering Sri Lanka for the first time. We loved having them stay with us at GlenMyu Estate and they did so many things in their few days here.

One of their highlights was a visit early in the morning to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. Going early meant that they avoided the crowds and at times were the only people at this beautiful natural location.

You can read why we recommend why you should get up early to see the sights in Sri Lanka in the following article “The 6 best reasons to wake up early”.

Millie and Matt - November 2023.

Millie and Matt, our Australian/British couple visited Upper Diyaluma Waterfall in early November 2023. The previous night they had stayed at Yala to see a safari and were lucky enough to see a Leopard and a Sloth Bear.

As you pass Diyaluma Waterfall on the way from the south of the Island from Wellawaya towards GlenMyu Estate, they stopped on the way.

There had been quite a lot of rain over the previous week so there was a lot of water in the falls and the pools.

They had a fantastic time in the pool and mainly had Upper Diyaluma to themselves given the time of the year when there are less tourists visiting the island.

Greg & Kasia - December 2023.

Greg & Kasia are from Krakow, Poland and they stayed at GlenMyu Estate in early December 2023.

The stayed in Ella Town after their stay at GlenMyu Estate.

On the way they stopped off at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

The water was quite high so they decided that it was not safe enough to swim (sensible people) however they managed to get some great photos. They thought that Upper Diyaluma was an awesome place.

Thank you Greg and Kasia for allowing us to share your photos.

Why stay at GlenMyu Estate?

GlenMyu Estate is a boutique three bedroom hotel (homestay) which is ideally suited for visiting Diyaluma Waterfall and many other fabulous sights in the Sri Lankan Hill Country. It’s a quieter and more private option than staying in the busy tourist town of Ella.

Please read our guest reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Airbnb to see what our customers say.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb however you can also contact us directly view the WhatsApp button on our website for the best direct rates.

Photos of Diyaluma Waterfall Read More »

Non touristy places to visit in Sri Lanka

Holiday, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Non touristy places to visit in Sri Lanka

The tourist industry in Sri Lanka has been through some tough times. Severely affected by a long civil war, the 2004 Tsunami, the 2019 Easter bombings, the Covid 19 Global pandemic, and then in 2022 with government protests and an economic crisis.

However, tourist numbers are starting to increase again as the country settles down and the Sri Lanka Development Authority are targeting 2 million tourists for 2023. As numbers increase the number of non touristy places to visit in Sri Lanka will surely reduce as new places are “found” by people exploring the country

As photos and videos are loaded onto Instagram and other social media platforms more travellers will visit these places in order to see it without a crowd

Here in the Sri Lankan Hill Country we can see this affect happening to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall which is around 40 minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate. We have found that our guests are having to leave earlier in the day to avoid the crowds that arrive from Ella Town a little later on. There is now a small charge to visit the beautiful pools which has only started this year.

Before the road was improved Upper Diyaluma Waterfall was really undiscovered. It was even one of the lower recommendations we at GlenMyu Estate gave to our guests as we had not visited the pools and favoured Horton Plains National Park.

Some of our guests spent some time there and loved it. We could see the number of Instagram posts were increasing showing travellers enjoying their time discovering the tiers of pools.

It wasn’t until we were asked by a young German couple to accompany them to Upper Diyaluma waterfall and join them on the hike that we discovered this hidden beauty for ourselves. I felt that we were really experiencing raw nature that had hardly been touched. You can read about our experience in the following BlogPost.

It was interesting that as we got to the last pool there were lots of people that were starting to enjoy the falls as we were about to leave. Read our article about why it is best to get up early on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

As more travellers arrive in Sri Lanka we expect Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools to sadly become like Nine Arch Bridge, an essential Instagram spot.

If you are interested in being away from the crowd and visit non touristy places in Sri Lanka we would recommend that you go now before you are fighting with others for time in the pools.

GlenMyu Estate is only around 40 minutes drive from the start of the hike and therefore is at an advantage to Ella as you will be able to get there early enough to beat the crowds.

GlenMyu Estate is on the main road connecting to Koslanda and Diyaluma Waterfall.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Non touristy places to visit in Sri Lanka Read More »

Our Day Trip to Diyaluma Waterfall

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Our Day Trip to Diyaluma Waterfall

In early October 2022 we did our first day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

I had seen Diyaluma Waterfall on several occasions as it is easily viewed from the road between Beragala and Koslanda.

One thing I hadn’t done was visited Upper Diyaluma.

Instagram is full of stunning pictures of the pools, the view and of people in various poses marking their time at this wondrous place

We have had several guests at GlenMyu Estate who have enjoyed a day trip to this increasingly popular tourist site. They all had a great experience and beautiful photos and videos recording their day.

Why hadn’t we visited Diyaluma when it is so close to GlenMyu Estate?

Building in Sri Lanka is a “challenge” and we really had to be on site during the whole build of the property to ensure the project ran “reasonably”smoothly.

We found often that, if we had to make a trip to Colombo for materials or provisions, when we came back there had either been slow progress or there were mistakes made which needed to be rectified.

The 5 acre estate was also really overgrown with unwanted vegetation as it had laid idle for many years and therefore there was a lot of landscaping to be done.

The hotel business at GlenMyu Estate effectively started in January 2022. We we were really busy until May when the effects of the government protests, fuel crisis and food supply issues meant that the number of guests staying dried up.

Although we then had plenty of time available we were concerned about the lack of fuel available. We had to save what we had until the government brought in their quota system where we knew we could get a weekly allocation.

An opportunity arises

We had two German guests book a 2 night stay in October and they were interested in visiting Upper Diyaluma. During our discussions about the trip they suggested that we join them as we had not seen the whole of Diyaluma.

The next day, the weather was good, so I accompanied Fabian and Sandra on their trip.

Diyaluma Waterfall - how far is it from GlenMyu Estate

A day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

It is around 19 kilometres from GlenMyu Estate to the base of Diyaluma Waterfall which is based on the Beragala to Koslanda road.

The drive takes around 40 minutes however as the road is being relaid there are some spots that have loose gravel on patches which makes some of the trip a little slower

About Diyaluma

Diyaluma Waterfall is the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka

It ranks 361st in the world.

The height is 220m (720 ft).

The Waterfall is situated around 6 km from away from Koslanda in Badulla District on the Colombo Batticaloa Highway (A4). You can see the location on the Google Map above.

A little bit more about the falls

The falls are formed by the Punagala Oya

This is a tributary of the Kuda Oya which in turn is a tributary of the Kirindi Oya.

Where does the name Diyaluma originate from?

In the Sinhalese language, Diyaluma or alternatively Diya Haluma translates to “rapid flow of water” or also “liquid light”.

Some Folklore

According to Dr R L Brohier, Diyaluma is the setting of the tale of a tragedy involving a young chieftain who had been banished to the highlands and the attempt for his betrothed to join him.

As all the passes in the highlands were guarded, the young man let down a rope of twisted creepers over the escarpment, and as his betrothed was hauled up, she was dashed against the rocks and died.

The Gods, were moved to pity by the harrowing spectacle. They caused the stream to gush from the mountain and veil all evidence of the tragedy in a watery light, leading to the term Diyaluma.

The view of Diyaluma Waterfall from the road on our day trip from GlenMyu Estate.

You can see the bottom of Diyaluma Waterfall from the main road.

The amount of rain determines how much water you will see coming down the falls however it is an amazing sight whatever the rainfall

It’s a great place to stop and take some pictures and there are a few shops nearby offering refreshments.

The road to Upper Diyaluma

On our day trip to Upper Diyaluma we decided to drive up to a parking place which is takes you to the start of the walking trail..

There are always some Tuk Tuks offering to take you there and, in hindsight, I wish we had taken that option.

The road up is a single track and if you meet another vehicle on the way it is quite a challenge and not great for the nerves.

We had taken a driver, Indunil, with us as he had taken guests from GlenMyu Estate to Upper Diyaluma in his Tuk Tuk for us in the past.

We did meet a Tuk Tuk and a small lorry on the way and I was pleased that I didn’t have to navigate getting past them on this small road.

On our next trip we will certainly be hiring a Tuk Tuk to take us up.

The start of the trek to Upper Diyaluma

We parked the car next to a shop which offered free parking. Of course, in exchange we would buy something from the shop when we returned.

The trek starts with several steps roughly made from rocks as you can see from the photographs below.

It was okay climbing up however I did think that if it was the rainy season you would need to be very careful.

We passed some tea bushes on the way up as it is in a tea growing area. Ruwanthi had a chat with the guests about the tea bush.

We reached another little shop where we enjoyed the views of the hills across the valley. After a small chat with the shop owner we headed on.

The next section traversed along a cut pathway through some trees which provided a little relief from the warmth and was really welcomed. We went onwards through path through some longer grass. Fabian remarked that he was pleased that he had worn long trousers.

Here are some pictures that I took along the route during the hike one our day trip to Diyaluma Waterfall

It was quite exciting seeing the waterfall and pools in the distance and we were keen to get to our destination.

Amazing Upper Diyaluma Pools

I can’t explain the feeling that came over me when I saw the first of many pools at Upper Diyaluma. It was just amazing. To have this stunning natural place of beauty so near to GlenMyu Estate makes us feel so thankful.

Since moving to Sri Lanka we have gained a much higher appreciation of nature. We feel blessed to be able to immerse ourselves in what the Earth offers.

At the top there is a stunning clear stream which has a beautiful small waterfall at the start.

I only ventured so far to take some pictures and videos however Ruwanthi explored the area fully and was mesmerised.

Looking downward we were delighted to see and immerse ourselves in the pools that have been caved naturally into the rock.

The water is cool however it was a warm day and therefore didn’t take long to warm up after a dip

We spent quite a while there at the pools enjoying this natural phenomenon.

These are some pictures of the conditions we encountered on the way down.

We ventured down to the next set of pools and were amazed even further.

There was a rope helping the entry and exit of one of the pools. It was deep enough to have a swim and also shallow enough at one end to sit and enjoy the views.

The next set of pools were also amazing. (I know I’m using amazing a lot however this is the word that best describes my feeling).

This pool was deeper and was filled from a beautiful waterfall. We spent quite some time here and Ruwanthi really enjoyed her swim.

There were some other Foreigners visiting Upper Diyaluma and we had a chat with some other German, British and Israeli tourists.

One couple took a while before they jumped into one of the pools as the water was quite cold. However, once they were in and moving, they had a great experience there.

Another descent and we stopped by a much larger pool and waterfall. Ruwanthi wandered along the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall and also enjoyed another swim.

A word of warning!

The last picture has a warning sign about no bathing.

Clearly we should all follow waning signs.

However the water flow was quite low as there had not been much rain and therefore we decided to take a considered risk and go into the pools.

Getting into some of the pools was a little tricky and there was some algae in places making is quite slippy.

One further stop was made on the way on our Day Trip to Diyaluma Waterfall.

Our day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall has lots of highlights.

This place was where I have seen most Instagram Photos as the rock formation and pools are just stunning.

By the time we arrived here it was reasonably busy with foreign and local tourists. It took a little bit is time for the Instagram spot to be free.

Here are some of the photos we took.

You can see the main road where the main Diyaluma Waterfall is from this spot.

After spending some time here we decided to do our final trek back down to where the car was parked.

We were delayed a little as some monkeys decided that they should enjoy Upper Diyaluma as well!

Another word of warning, We would not recommend you to approach any monkeys on the island as they can be dangerous.

Here are some photos of the trek back down to the shop next to the car.

When we arrived we were quite tired from our journey and we drank some coconut water from King Coconuts which were bought and prepared by the shop.

We all had big smiles on our faces as awe reminisced about what a fabulous day we had.

When we returned to GlenMyu Estate a dip in our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool was the best thing to do after the heat of the trek and to work on our leg muscles which had been tested by the hike!

What would we do differently on our next trip to Upper Diyaluma

Transport

I would certainly arrange for a Tuk Tuk to take us up to the start of the trek to Upper Diyaluma on your day trip to Diyaluma Waterfall.

Indunil has taken guests in his Tuk Tuk from GlenMyu Estate in the past and acted as a guide for the day. Although you would be able to manage without a guide I would certainly recommend one as it makes the trek and day go much more smoothly.

I didn’t take a small backpack however I will on the next trip as it will be easier transporting, cameras, phones, swimming outfits and towels.

I would budget for more time at Upper Diyaluma. We spent around 3 hours there however we could have spent a lot longer enjoying the pools.

I would try to arrive by 9.30 am/10 am so that the full day could be enjoyed. This would also result in the trek taking place when the temperate was a bit cooler and there would be less crowds.

We started from the top of Upper Diyaluma and I would consider starting from the lower pools so that photos can be taken at the Instagram spot before more people arrive.

Our Day Trip to Diyaluma Waterfall- In summary!

We would definitely recommend Upper Diyaluma as a day trip from GlenMyu Estate and it now ranks equal to Horton Plains National Park as places to visit whilst staying with us

GlenMyu Estate - A Stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is an alternative to the busy tourist town of Ella to spend your time in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

If you want to find out more about a stay with us please visit our website GlenMyu Estate or contact us by WhatsApp 94 752 999 272

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Our Day Trip to Diyaluma Waterfall Read More »

350 Sri Lankan Rupees to enter Upper Diyaluma Waterfall in May 2023

Entry fee to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

What is the entry fee to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

Up until recently there was no entry fee to enjoy the amazing Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. I was surprised to hear on a YouTube video about Ella by Where’s Lucie that she and her husband were charged an entry fee when they visited the marvellous sight.

In May 2023 two of our guests at GlenMyu Estate left the hotel early and travelled the 40 minute journey to experience the beautiful pools at Upper Diyaluma.

They had a wonderful time and shared gave me their entry tickets so that I could share the information with our other guests at GlenMyu Estate.

Here is a photo of the entry ticket price for a Foreigner.

The ticket cost is 350 Sri Lankan Rupees per person (May 2023).

In the scheme of things it’s not a large cost but something you will need to be aware of if you decide to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Is it worth it?

We would certainly recommend that you experience the wonder of Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. The hike is not strenuous and you will get to see a beautiful and natural place in Sri Lanka.

Visiting Upper Diyaluma has been more popular since the road between Beragala and Koslanda has been improved (there are still some rougher parts of the road to be fixed).

We have noticed that it is now becoming another must do Instagram spot in the area along with Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Lipton’s Seat, Haputale and World’s End in Horton Plains National Park.

You can read our BlogPosts about Horton Plains National Park and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall which we continuously update.

Any other costs when visiting Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools?

If you do not have your own transport you will need to arrange to get to the start of the hike to Upper Diyaluma which is between Beragala Junction and Koslanda towards Wellawaya.

From GlenMyu Estate it normally costs around 6,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (May 2023 cost) for a return journey in a Tuk Tuk. The driver who we usually use accompanies you on your hike, will look after you bags while in the pools and show you the best route.

Did the guests enjoy their trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

They loved it!
The Nature was amazing, the hike was easy and the clarity of the water in the pools was beautiful. As it had rained a little during the previous day, the pools were quite full of water and they decided not to go into some of the pools where they thought it was a dangerous.

They felt that the whole experience was worth it and the entry fee to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall was negligible.

How long did they stay at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

Our guests stayed around 3 hours enjoying the hike, swimming in the pools and taking lots of photos and videos.

We have had other guests that have stayed longer as they enjoyed it so much there.

What will I need to bring?

Well, 350 rupees per person entry fee to Upper Diyaluma is a god starting point.
Swimming costumes as you will want to enjoy the pools.
The hike is quit easy and you don’t need walking shoes. A pair of training shoes or sandals with a good grip should do.
A sun hat! – You will be a quite a high elevation and it’s easy to get sunburn if you don’t take precautions.
Suncream – it’s less painful!
Water – you will need to rehydrate as the sun can be quite strong.

Some money to buy something at the local shops to support the businesses there. We normally buy a King Coconut each after the hike and enjoy this refreshing drink at the shop. Some fruit of other local produce is also a good gesture to support the local people.

Your purchase will be accompanied by a Sri Lankan smile for free – it’s worth it!

What else did your guests do on their trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

The guests stopped at a clay pot shop located on the side of the road between Koslanda and GlenMyu Estate. They bought some small locally made items to be used as gifts for their friends and family. Again it was great to see them support a local small business which was really appreciated by the shop owners.

Any other tips for a trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

We always recommend to get up early and see the sights before it gets too hot and too busy with other tourists.

Our guests had the top of Upper Diyaluma Waterfall to themselves for a while and as the morning advanced more people started to arrive. However they said that there were probably only 20 or so people around towards the end of their trip.
In May tourist numbers reduce as the South West Monsoon starts so in peak tourist season between December and April you are more likely to encounter more people.

They finished their experience as the rain started, so another very good reason for getting up early!
You can read about our trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall on the following BlogPost.

Our guests also did a day trip to Horton Plains National Park from GlenMyu Estate and they provided a copy of their entry ticket so we could share the entry fee cost with our guests. You can read about our trip to Horton Plains National Park here which we update as guests provide a copy of their entry tickets..

If you are interested in a stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country at GlenMyu Estate please visit our website for more details.

We are located within reach of great experiences such as Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Nine Arch Bridge, Mini Adams Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Horton Plains NationalPark, Lipton’s Seat and many more.

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