Bopath Ella Falls Waterfall
Scenic waterfall in Sri Lanka's rainforest
Bopath Ella near Kuruwita is a broad waterfall shaped like a sacred Bo (fig) leaf; day‑trippers photograph the falls, swim in downstream pools and buy snacks from roadside stalls.
Bopath Ella Falls at a Glance#
Address: Kikiliyamana, Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
About Bopath Ella Falls#
Bopath Ella is a waterfall in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka, noted for a single, broad drop that is commonly described as leaf-shaped. It is a well-known local natural attraction within the wet-zone hill country.
The falls are popular for short visits and photography and are set in a forested riverside location with pools at the base. Nearby facilities and viewing platforms make it accessible for casual visitors.
The waterfall is named for its resemblance to a bo leaf and is part of the local river system supporting surrounding agriculture and settlements. It is visited year-round, though flow varies with monsoon and seasonal rainfall.
Bopath Ella sits near the town of Kuruwita in Sabaragamuwa Province and is within easy driving distance of Ratnapura and Colombo for day visitors from those centres.
- Height and shape: The main drop is approximately 30 metres, and the waterfall has a distinctive leaf-shaped cascade that gives it its name.
- Accessibility: Easily visible from a short roadside path and popular as a day-visit from Ratnapura and nearby towns.
How to Get to Bopath Ella Falls#
Bopath Ella is near Ratnapura and can be reached by road from Colombo (about 80-100 km depending on route). Drive southeast towards Ratnapura and follow local signage to the falls and surrounding park.
Tips for Visiting Bopath Ella Falls#
- Bopath Ella can be busy on weekends-arrive early to see the falls with fewer local visitors.
- There is a short set of steps and viewing platforms-choose lower platforms for a close-up view but beware slippery surfaces from mist.
- Combine with a market visit in nearby Ratnapura if traveling from Colombo for a fuller day trip.
Best Time to Visit Bopath Ella Falls#
Waterfalls in Sri Lanka are best visited outside the heavy monsoon months for safe access and clearer trails.
Weather & Climate near Bopath Ella Falls#
Bopath Ella Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (4293 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 21° - 30° | 26° | 122 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| February | Very Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 260 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 396 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 24° - 30° | 31° | 559 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 479 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 367 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.3h |
| August | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 369 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 432 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 508 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 413 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 246 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |