5.0(Based on 08 reviews)

Duwili Ella & Dumbara Ella Expedition

Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka

Best selling experience & likely to fully book soon

Gem of a find
Likely to fully book
Duration

02 Days

Difficulty

Extreme

Season

All year round

Current Weather

26°C & Partly Cloudy

Location

Knuckles Mountain Range

Hiking Distance

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.

05:00 AM

Itinerary

1
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.

2
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.

3
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.

4
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.

Activity date & availability
Guests
(Minimum 01 guests required)
01
00

Things to Know

Few things you‘ll needed

Comfortable clothing & raincoat

Comfortable walking shoes

Antiseptics for leeches

Personal first aid Kit

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.

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.

Read general terms and conditions

Guest Reviews

5.0/ 5.0
Based on 08 Reviews

Reviews are gathered from various online review platforms.

Accuracy4.8
Communication4.6
Location5.0
Value5.0
Experience5.0
Felix Lund
Felix Lund
Felix Lund
Verified Guest

Most beautiful adventures I’ve done

This was one of the rawest and most beautiful adventures I’ve done & made even better by the outstanding service. The trek to Duwili Ella is rugged but manageable with the expert guidance provided. The guides knew the trails like the back of their hands and made sure everyone felt comfortable. Camping under the stars with freshly prepared food and waterfall sounds in the background? Unbeatable.

Wrote 4 Months ago
Nirosha Alwis
Nirosha Alwis
Nirosha Alwis
Verified Guest

Journey with a team that truly cares

This expedition felt like walking into a storybook. The service was absolutely top class everything from entry arrangements to the camping setup was thoughtfully handled. The forest trek was challenging but rewarding, and the natural bathing spots we passed were magical. Duwili Ella was more majestic than I imagined, and the cave camp experience was something out of a dream. I loved how the second day introduced even more secret spots ; the infinity pool was breathtaking. This is not just a hike & it’s a complete wilderness journey with a team that truly cares.

Wrote 4 Months ago
Liam Carter
Liam Carter
Liam Carter
Verified Guest

The whole trip felt adventurous yet safe

This was the most immersive experience I’ve had in Sri Lanka! The Duwili Ella trek is not just about waterfalls & it’s about the journey, and the team made it unforgettable. From the moment we left Kandy, everything was handled with care. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and supportive throughout the hike. Camping near the cave waterfall was surreal, and the food cooked right at the site was delicious. The second day was full of hidden gems. The whole trip felt adventurous yet safe, thanks to the amazing crew.

Wrote 4 Months ago
Yasmin Aitken
Yasmin Aitken
Yasmin Aitken
Verified Guest

The team was exceptional

This expedition was a dream come true. As someone who loves both nature and hiking, the trail to Duwili Ella was just the right mix of challenge and reward. The team was exceptional ,super responsive, kind, and clearly experienced. Every element of the itinerary was delivered smoothly, from the jungle meals to the campsite setup. I felt completely off grid, but still very well looked after. It's the kind of experience that stays with you forever.

Wrote 7 Months ago
Ben Okafor
Ben Okafor
Ben Okafor
Verified Guest

Great service in one trip

Phenomenal adventure! This expedition combines physical challenge with moments of real peace and awe. The team’s logistics and hospitality were flawless; from jungle lunch to campsite dinner. I was blown away by the natural beauty, but what made it special was the way the team made sure everyone was cared for. It’s rare to get such wild nature and great service in one trip.

Wrote 8 Months ago
Shenali Wijesinghe
Shenali Wijesinghe
Shenali Wijesinghe
Verified Guest

Hats off to the team!

From forest paths to hidden waterfalls, this trek was everything I hoped for and more! The support from the guides was constant, and they were clearly passionate about the area. I felt both safe and inspired throughout the hike. Duwili Ella’s cave was mesmerizing, and waking up at that campsite was magical. What truly impressed me was how smoothly everything was organized in such a remote setting. Hats off to the team!

Wrote 9 Months ago