Natural Beauty
Kuruwita is a perfect hideout for anyone looking for tranquillity, surrounded by rivers, lakes, waterfalls and greenery. You will be listening to the twitter of birds and the sound of leaves grazing against each other.
You can relax or enjoy boat rides on the lake or discover the nearby waterfall, Bopatha Ella. If you like an adventure you can hike to see the Batadombalena Cave. In Buddhism, it is believed to be the cave in which the Lord Buddha spent the day after placing his footprint on Adam’s Peak.
Kuruwita is a town in Sri Lanka’s Ratnapura District known for the picturesque Bopath Ella Waterfall, being a major gem-mining area, and for the historical Delgamuwa Viharaya, which once hid the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Kuruwita is a town located in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. It is known for its lush, natural landscapes, significant historical and religious sites, and its role in Sri Lanka’s gem mining industry.
Here is a summary of Kuruwita’s key features and attractions:
Key Attractions
| Attraction | Description | Significance |
| Bopath Ella Falls | A picturesque waterfall, popular with locals, particularly from Colombo, due to its accessibility. Its name means “Bo-leaf falls” because its shape resembles the leaf of the sacred Bo tree. | A beautiful natural attraction and a popular spot for relaxation. |
| Batatotalena Cave (Diva Guhawa) | A large cave system located near the town. It is a revered Buddhist site and an important archaeological site. | Religious: Believed to be the cave where the Buddha rested after placing his footprint on Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Prehistoric: It is an archaeological site with evidence of the prehistoric Balangoda Man. |
| Delgamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya | A historically significant Buddhist temple. | Reputed as the hiding place of the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha during the time the Portuguese threatened the capital of Kotte in the 16th century. The relic was later moved to Kandy. |
| Batadombalena Cave | A nearby archaeological site. | An important prehistoric site with evidence of human habitation dating back as early as 8,000 years BCE, providing evidence of the Balangoda Man. |
| Dodam Ella | Another beautiful waterfall in the same area as Bopath Ella. | A lesser-visited waterfall, offering a more tranquil experience. |
Location and Economy
- Location: Kuruwita is situated in the Ratnapura District of the Sabaragamuwa Province, approximately 87 km from the capital, Colombo.
- Gem Mining: The town is located near Ratnapura, the “City of Gems,” and the local economy is strongly supported by the gem mining industry and the trade of precious stones.
- Nature: The area is known for its high precipitation, which contributes to its lush, green landscapes and numerous waterfalls.
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Kuruwita