Gem Mine Visit
See traditional pit mining for sapphires and rubies.
heritage
Ratnapura (The City of Gems)
Sabaragamuwa Province
Best Time to Visit: January to March
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
5 Highlights
About Ratnapura (The City of Gems)
Ratnapura has been the center of the world's gem trade for over 2,000 years. It sits at the foot of Adam’s Peak and is surrounded by lush rainforests. Here, you can witness traditional pit mining techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Highlights
Gem Mine Tours
National Museum of Ratnapura
Saman Devalaya Temple
Bopath Ella Falls
Rainforest Trekking
Top Attractions
Saman Devalaya
A historic temple dedicated to the guardian deity of Adam’s Peak.
Local Cuisine
Sabaragamuwa CurryRich, dark curries often made with wild forest ingredients.
Kithul JaggeryPremium local sweetener made from the fishtail palm.
Cultural Etiquette
Ask for permission before entering a gem pit
Buy gems only from licensed dealers
Remove shoes at Saman Devalaya
Seasonal Events
Saman Devalaya PeraheraSeptemberA grand cultural procession dedicated to God Saman.