Ratnapura - Gem City

Located 63 miles / 101 kilometres from Colombo, Ratnapura is the unrivalled gem kingdom of Sri Lanka. Since the time of the great pharaohs of Egypt, the gems of Sri Lanka were exchanged for other goods, gifted to worldwide royalty, used in almost all types of jewellery, and in the later years, sold in the international market. It's advisable to visit an authorised gem dealer in Ratnapura to buy an authentic gem for a bargain price, as stones of dubious quality are often sold to unsuspecting foreigners by some vendors. Gem mining operations are carried out at a variety of sites and sometimes tours of these sites are provided through prior arrangement. Ratnapura is also an area for excellent rubber and tea plantations. The only remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka and the famed Uda Walawe National Park are also located within easily accessible distances from Ratnapura.

Museums

The Ehelepola Museum is a great place to see the folk art and crafts of the centuries. Located within the city limits, the Gem Museum of Ratnapura is the ideal place to learn about the vast variety of gems, stone cutting and the gem industry in general. Many private museums displaying gems are also available, and these also act as sales outlets.

Religious Sites

Saman Devalaya, the abode of God Saman - said to have taken an oath to protect Sri Lanka in the ancient times, is a main attraction in Ratnapura. Many pilgrims visit the holy grounds every year, mostly during the trek to the Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) summit.

Nature

Adam's Peak, with its multi-religious significance, is a pilgrimage for the locals, made every year during December. For the tourist, this is a peak to view amazing sunsets, beautiful wildlife and endless greenery. The waterfall, becoming the River Mahaweli flows down from one side of the mountain range, easily visible from Adam's Peak.

The Sinharaja Forest, the only remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located approximately 19 miles / 30 kilometres from the Ratnapura city centre. The forest is a popular visitor attraction, as it offers excellent wildlife observation, research and study opportunities and natural enchantment typical in rain forests.

Located 43 miles / 70 kilometres from Ratnapura, the Uda Walawe National Park is an area dedicated to conservation of wildlife. Elephants, deer, wild buffalo, wild boar, jackal and langur are some of the dominant species in the park.

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