Ratnapura

city in Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka

Ratnapura is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, located on the Kalu Ganga (Black River) in south-central Sri Lanka, some 101 km southeast of the country's capital, Colombo. It means City of Gems.

Understand

Get in

Get around

See

Road through Udawalawe National Park, near Ratnapura
  • Adam's Peak. 2243-metre mountain located 28 km away 
  • Kitulgala. Nearby village on the Kelani River where The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. 
  • 🌍 Sinharaja Forest Reserve. A national park and a biodiversity hotspot which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 
  • 🌍 Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large wild elephant population, making an excellent destination for safari-style tours. 

Waterfalls

  • Bopath Ella (turn left at Higgassena close to Kuruwita from the main Colombo - Ratnapura road go about 2 km). A pair of waterfalls which attract visitors from all over the country. You are allowed to bathe in this waterfall, but be warned that flash floods may appear in a matter of minutes. 
  • Katugas Ella, Mahawalawatta (3 km from town). A popular water fall among locals. 
  • Kirindi Ella, Pelmadulla Main road - Pelmadulla (4 km away from Ratnapura). The seventh highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. 
  • Rajanawa (next to Ratnapura Kalawana main road in Marapana village). This beautiful seenary been captured in few famous Sinhala films. 

Do

  • Visit some of the showrooms where you can purchase local gems
  • Arrange a visit to some gem mines through some of the local guesthouses
  • Visit local gem market most mornings except "poya" days in Newitigala (40 minutes drive away) up to 15:00.


Buy

Eat

Local specialties include a type of palm candy.

Drink

Sleep

Connect

Go next

  • Newitigala, 40 minute drive away
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