Ratnapura

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.

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. 
• 1 Sinharaja Forest Reserve. A national park and a biodiversity hotspot which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  
• 2 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.

Eat

Local specialties include a type of palm candy.

Go next

• Newitigala, 40 minute drive away