Information
City: RatnapuraCountry: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Ratnapura, known as the City of Gems, sits in Sri Lanka’s lush Sabaragamuwa Province, where rivers rush past glittering gemstone markets.Famous for its gem mines and green, rain-soaked hills, Ratnapura opens the door to Sri Lanka’s gem trade and leads to waterfalls and other stunning natural wonders.Steeped in history and alive with color, Ratnapura sits close to roaring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and sprawling national parks, making it a magnet for travelers drawn to geology, wild landscapes, and Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.About 101 kilometers southeast of Colombo, Ratnapura rests in the green foothills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands at 130 meters above sea level.The air is warm and heavy, with a tropical rainforest climate that brings frequent showers, especially between April and November; from December to March, the skies clear and it’s perfect for exploring.Temperatures hover between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F).Its name means “City of Gems” in Sinhala, from “ratna” for gems and “pura” for city, a nod to a gem trade that’s thrived here for over two millennia-once supplying treasures to the Roman and Chinese empires.A crossroads of Sinhalese and Tamil traditions, Ratnapura hums with diverse religious life and cultural color.In Ratnapura, the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem trade, you can watch miners scoop gravel from shallow pits, explore bustling markets where sapphires and rubies catch the light, and learn how experts grade each stone’s color and clarity; then step into the historic Ehelapola Walawwa to see fossils, ancient tools, and displays of the region’s wildlife, wander to Bopath Ella’s 30-meter cascade shaped like a Bo leaf, climb sacred Adam’s Peak for a sunrise over the hills, trek through Sinharaja’s rainforest alive with bird calls, join a safari in Udawalawe to spot wild elephants, visit private gem museums for hands-on lessons, hike to misty Kirindi Ella, and end at Maha Saman Devalaya, where Kandyan-style roofs shelter pilgrims and the air hums with drums during the Esala Perahera.Kalthota Doowili Ella is a tranquil waterfall about 36 km from Ratnapura, where the air smells faintly of wet stone and the crowds are few.You can tour gem mines, watch miners coax sapphires from the earth, and even buy authentic Sri Lankan gems.Lace up for hikes through rainforest trails that lead to other falls or to the sacred summit of Adam’s Peak.Hop in a jeep for a safari in Udawalawe or Sinharaja and spot elephants, rare birds, and vivid orchids.Bring your camera-there’s no shortage of misty cascades, emerald hills, and snapshots of daily village life.Step into temples, browse markets, and wander museums to soak in the region’s history and traditions.Getting there’s easy: drive the A4 from Colombo in about three hours, take a train for sweeping countryside views, or hop a bus from Colombo, Galle, or Kandy.In town, tuk-tuks are quick and cheap, while hired cars or vans work best for day trips.Eat your fill of rice and curry, string hoppers, or kottu roti; try helapa wrapped in kenda leaves, creamy kiri bath, or street snacks like samosas and fresh king coconut.Sip herbal tea, fruit juice, or a glass of toddy if you’re feeling adventurous.Stay in anything from luxury resorts with sweeping views to cozy guesthouses or budget homestays.Time your visit for the Maha Saman Devalaya Esala Perahera in August or September, with its drummers, dancers, and glowing processions, or browse glittering gems at local exhibitions.Nearby, explore Belihuloya’s eco-lodges, Balangoda’s ancient sites, or Bogawantalawa’s golden tea valleys.Ratnapura is famed for its gemstones, rich biodiversity, and countless waterfalls-but heavy rains and environmental damage from mining remain challenges for this lush, storied region.
Landmarks in ratnapura
