Nil Diya Pokuna

Nil Diya Pokuna Nil Diya Pokuna Nil Diya Pokuna

Nil Diya Pokuna, meaning “Blue Water Pond” in English, is a hidden underground freshwater pool located deep within a cave system near Karandagolla, close to Ella in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. Nestled approximately 80 meters beneath the surface, this natural wonder is renowned for its crystal-clear, blue-hued waters and the adventurous journey required to reach it.

Accessing Nil Diya Pokuna involves a challenging trek through a narrow, unlit cave network. Visitors descend through small openings using ropes and ladders, navigating tight passages and expansive chambers. The cave's interior features striking rock formations and a vast dome-like space, creating a surreal subterranean environment.

The pond itself is fed by underground springs, and its serene, blue waters offer a tranquil contrast to the rugged journey. The site is steeped in local folklore, with legends linking it to King Ravana from the Ramayana epic, suggesting the cave system was part of his ancient network of tunnels.

Due to the physical demands and potential hazards, including slippery surfaces and confined spaces, visiting Nil Diya Pokuna is recommended only for those in good health and accompanied by experienced guides. The best time to explore this unique destination is during the dry season, from December to March, when conditions are most favorable.

Nil Diya Pokuna Nil Diya Pokuna Nil Diya Pokuna

About Badulla District

Badulla is the capital of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. Badulla is located on the southeast of Kandy, almost encircled by the Badulu Oya River, about 680 meters (2200 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by tea plantations. The town is overshadowed by the Namunukula range of mountains. Badulla is about 230km away from Colombo towards the eastern slopes of central hills of Sri Lanka.

Badulla and surroundings are highly recommended for eco-tourists as Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles mountains are few hours away.

Special places in Badulla: Muthiyangana Temple, Dhowa Temple, Bogoda ancient wooden bridge, Rawana water falls

About Uva Province

The Uva Province is Sri Lanka's second least populated province, with 1,187,335 people, created in 1896. It consists of two districts called Badulla and Moneragala The provincial capital is Badulla. Uva is bordered by Eastern, Southern and Central provinces. Its major tourist attractions are Dunhinda Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Rawana Falls, the Yala National Park (lying partly in the Southern and Eastern Provinces) and Gal Oya National Park (lying partly in the Eastern Province). The Gal Oya hills and the Central Mountains are the main uplands, while the Mahaweli and Menik rivers and the huge Senanayake Samudraya and Maduru Oya Reservoirs are the major waterways in Uva province.