Duwili Ella & Dumbara Ella Expedition
Best selling experience & likely to fully book soon
02 Days
Extreme
All year round
26°C & Partly Cloudy
Knuckles Mountain Range
35 KM+
The biggest and most beautiful hike in Sri Lanka
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Knuckles Mountain Range, taking you to Duwili Ella, a 40m waterfall with a hidden cave where we camp overnight. The two-day journey covers over 36 km through steep climbs, dense jungle trails and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way you will come across cascading waterfalls, clear streams, misty peaks and Sri Lanka’s smallest village, Walpolamulla. Known as the ultimate Knuckles trek, it is perfect for those with good fitness who want to experience the raw beauty of the wilderness.
Available sessions for Duwili Ella & Dumbara Ella Expedition
Pickup from Kandy
We’ll pick you up 5:00 am from your location in Kandy to begin the hike.
Itinerary
Pickup & into the wild
Pickup from Kandy, followed by arrival at Knuckles Forest Entrance. Entrance tickets are issued, and the trek to Duwili Ella begins through forest trails and natural bathing spots. Enjoy a packed jungle lunch before continuing the hike.
Camp by the falls
Reach the campsite near Duwili Ella Cave or Dumbara Ella. Settle in, relax, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner under the stars.
Hidden waterfall exploration
Wake up to breakfast at camp. Begin the hike to Kaludiyapokuna Waterfall, then visit the Secret Waterfall (Sansun Ella) and the Infinity Pool. Enjoy time to explore, swim, and have lunch in the wild.
Walpola-mulla village & departure
Trek to Walpola-mulla, the smallest village in Sri Lanka. Our adventure is complete. We hope you feel the satisfaction and contentment of a successfully completed challenge as we travel back to your drop-off at Kandy or Dambulla or preferred location.
Location
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking wilderness of cloud-kissed peaks, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for trekking, camping, and birdwatching, it offers an authentic escape into nature’s purest form in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Private Transfers to Knuckles Mountain Range
Need transfers from where you are to Knuckles Mountain Range? Contact us today!
What‘s included and not
What‘s Included
All meals starting with breakfast on the first day till lunch on the final day
Entrance tickets
Bottled Mineral water
Camping gear (Camping tent and cover, sleeping bags, gas stove, gas cartridge)
Natural bath and traditional village lunch
Leech socks & protection liquid
Return way transport from Kandy or Dambulla
Fee for your professional guide
All applicable taxes
What‘s Not Included
Alcohol or other beverages
Snacks and food other than the main meals
Tips for your guides
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Some things you’ll see on the way
- Riverston view point
- Walpolamulla village (Smallest village in Sri Lanka)
- Hidden waterfalls
- Kaludiya pokuna waterfall
- Dumbara waterfall
- Infinity pool
- Sansun waterfall
- Thattu waterfall
- Duwili waterfall & Caves
- Endemic birds
- Freshwater creatures in crystal clear water streams
The wet season typically lasts from late November to end of January. If the Duwili Ella hike is canceled during this time, alternative tours will be offered.
Things to Know
Few things you’ll needed
Comfortable clothing & raincoat
Comfortable walking shoes
Antiseptics for leeches
Personal first aid Kit
Any private medication
Sanitary items
Cameras
A small bag with some basic items you might need
Bring along your good spirits and a thirst for adventure
Safety
Do not consume alcohol, intoxicants, or heavy meals before activities.
The forest is home to many different creatures and teeming with leeches. Carry a bottle of Dettol antiseptic to quickly detach any leeches that may cling to you. Beware of allergies to insect bites and stings.
We need to know if you are suffering from heart conditions, epilepsy, or any other medical condition before participating in our activities. Especially food allergies.
Be honest about your level of fitness. Do not attempt an activity if you are not in a condition to participate.
Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the activity. Make sure they're comfortable and that you won't mind them getting a bit damp or muddy.
Follow the guide’s instructions at all times. We are not liable for injuries or damages caused by ignoring safety briefings or instructions.
Safety is our top priority, so please respect the decision of your guide.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer all the General Terms and Conditions prior to your journey in addition to the below.
Please ensure that your health insurance policy is valid in Sri Lanka for the safety of all concerned and, most importantly, for you.
Guest Reviews
Reviews are gathered from various online review platforms.
Sleeping so close to the forest and waterfalls was an experience in itself.
If you enjoy hiking and getting away from the usual tourist routes, this expedition is something special. The trek through the Knuckles Forest to Duwili Ella was beautiful, with plenty of natural scenery and places to stop along the way. We had lunch in the jungle before continuing to the campsite near the falls, where we settled in and enjoyed a freshly prepared dinner under the stars. Sleeping so close to the forest and waterfalls was an experience in itself.
This expedition was easily one of the most memorable experiences.
This expedition was easily one of the most memorable experiences of our Sri Lanka trip. We were picked up from Kandy and headed towards the Knuckles Forest before starting the trek to Duwili Ella. The trail took us through dense forest and natural bathing spots, and the whole area felt incredibly untouched. Reaching the campsite near the waterfall after a full day of hiking was such a rewarding feeling, especially knowing we would spend the night surrounded by nature. The next day was just as impressive, Swimming in the natural pools surrounded by mountains and forest was unforgettable. The freshly prepared meals at camp were also a welcome treat after hiking. Finishing the expedition by trekking through the village made the experience feel even more special. Definitely challenging at times, but absolutely worth it.
Would do this again without thinking twice.
The guides made it super comfortable, and even the tougher parts of the trek felt manageable because of the pacing. I never felt rushed, which made it easier to actually enjoy everything instead of just ticking places off. Camping near the waterfall was definitely a highlight. There’s something about sleeping outdoors, far away from everything, that makes you appreciate simplicity. And waking up in the morning surrounded by mist and forest sounds was just perfect. It’s such a quiet, untouched village, and reaching it after everything made the whole experience feel complete.
Every day felt like a new discovery.
This trip felt like a reset button. From the moment we entered the forest, everything outside just faded away. No notifications, no rush just walking, exploring, and being fully present. Duwili Ella was stunning, but what really stayed with me were the smaller hidden spots along the way. Every turn in the forest felt like a surprise. The jungle lunch was simple but somehow tasted amazing because of the surroundings. Camping was such a core memory. Sitting around, talking, listening to the waterfall, and later looking up at the night sky… it just felt unreal. Everything was so quiet and peaceful. The second day’s waterfall exploration made it even better. Each place Kaludiyapokuna, Sansun Ella, Infinity Pool had its own personality. Some calm, some adventurous, but all equally beautiful.
Still thinking about this journey.
The trail was beautiful but also had that adventurous edge where you feel like you’re really in the wild. We stopped at natural bathing spots along the way, and it already felt like the kind of places you only see in documentaries. The packed jungle lunch was such a vibe & eating in the middle of nature, surrounded by nothing but forest sounds. Reaching the campsite near the waterfall was honestly one of my favorite parts. We just chilled, relaxed, and watched the surroundings slowly turn golden as evening came in. Dinner under the stars with the sound of the waterfall nearby felt unreal. It’s the kind of moment you don’t really forget.
Everything felt like a real adventure.
This expedition was on a whole different level compared to regular tours. From the pickup in Kandy to trekking deep into the Knuckles Forest, everything felt like a real adventure. The hike to Duwili Ella was challenging at times but incredibly rewarding, especially with all the hidden bathing spots along the way. Camping near the waterfall was definitely a highlight. The night felt peaceful and disconnected from everything. The next day’s hike to the hidden waterfalls and the infinity pool was just unreal places you wouldn’t normally find on your own.