Bomburu Ella Falls
One of the tallest waterfall cascades in the region, tumbling in stages down a green valley near Nuwara Eliya, reached on a scenic walk past vegetable farms.
Deep inside the Sita Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve, roughly 14 to 19 km from Nuwara Eliya, water tumbles down in ten separate streams that merge into what's widely regarded as Sri Lanka's widest waterfall. Bomburu Ella, also known as Perawella Falls, drops around 50 meters across a width exceeding 20 meters, fed by the upper reaches of the Uma River's principal tributary. The name itself carries a genuinely charming bit of folklore, tracing back to King Rajasinha II's royal tusker, which once broke its chain and vanished into the forest, eventually captured by an elderly man who tied it to the root of a Bo tree, giving the surrounding settlement its name, Bo-mule, later softened into Bomburu.
Reaching the falls means a proper hike through lush forest, sturdy shoes are genuinely necessary since the trail turns muddy and slippery in patches, though local vendors selling snacks and tea along the route soften the effort considerably. A wide grassland stretches out right in front of the falls, an obvious spot to sit and simply take in the view once you've made the climb, watching all ten streams converge into one wide, cascading sheet of white water.
Set between 1,500 and 2,000 meters elevation, the area stays cool and often misty, and January to March brings the driest, most comfortable conditions for the hike. It's less visited than Nuwara Eliya's more famous waterfalls, precisely because it takes real effort to reach, which is exactly why the ones who make the trip tend to call it one of the standout stops in the whole region.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Small entry fee
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Best time: After rain, for the fullest flow
Getting there
About 25km from Nuwara Eliya near Perakumba. Drive to the trailhead then walk down about 2km.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Bomburu Ella Falls?
- Small entry fee.
- What are the opening hours at Bomburu Ella Falls?
- Daylight hours.
- How long should I spend at Bomburu Ella Falls?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- When is the best time to visit Bomburu Ella Falls?
- After rain, for the fullest flow.
- How do I get to Bomburu Ella Falls?
- About 25km from Nuwara Eliya near Perakumba. Drive to the trailhead then walk down about 2km.