Bopath Falls
A waterfall near Ratnapura shaped like a bo leaf, narrow at the top and spreading below into a pool.
Updated 21 October 2026
Bopath Ella falls about thirty metres on the Kuru Ganga near Ratnapura, and it is named for its shape: the water comes through a narrow gap at the top and spreads as it falls into the outline of a bo leaf, the fig associated with the Buddha. It is an easy walk from the road and a popular bathing spot, which is also its danger, because the pool below has strong currents and a poor safety record.
What's there
- The leaf shape - water spreading from a narrow gap into a bo-leaf outline.
- The pool - the plunge pool below, used for bathing.
- The short walk - a path of a few hundred metres from the road.
- The rubber country - plantations covering the slopes around.
When to go
January to March is the driest and safest. After heavy rain the river rises fast and the pool becomes dangerous. Weekends bring crowds.
Good to know
The currents in the pool are stronger than they look and there are no lifeguards. Rocks are slippery. Stalls and touts crowd the approach.
Nearby
Ratnapura is southeast, and Kitulgala is north.
What to pack for Bopath Falls
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Bopath Falls is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
