Location: Ratnapura
Top Things to do in Ratnapura
10 Things to Do in Ratnapura That You Shouldn't Miss
Ratnapura (Sinhalese: රත්නපුර; Tamil: இரத்தினபுரி) ("City of Gems" in Sinhala and Tamil) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, as well as the Ratnapura District, and is a traditional centre for the Sri Lankan gem trade. It is located on the Kalu Ganga (Black River) in south-central Sri Lanka, some 101 km (63 mi) southeast of the country's capital, Colombo. Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura.
Restaurants in Ratnapura
1. Maha Saman Dewalaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Danushka W - Kalutara, Sri Lanka
A place where millions of devotees comes and visit, charming and relaxing place with majestic ancient buildings and the place is dedicated to GREAT GOD SAMAN ( MAHA SAMAN DEVIYO) mainly Buddhist and other devotees comes and pay homage and offerings.
there are few shrines and a stupa that you can warships and the Saman devalaya Perahera or parade is very famous in the country.
2. Adam's Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This 7,300 foot tall mountain in the jungle of Sri Lanka is sacred to several different religions.
Reviewed By 2TsRTW - Leeds
Concrete steps to the top. Dirty and strewn with rubbish.
This is spiritual pilgrimage, not a travellers trek.
There are locals of all ages, some really struggling with the steps and I can’t see how rude tourists barging past them in an effort to get to the top as quickly as possible adds to their experience.
The view from the top is good but it’s very crowded.
3. Sri Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Asoka E - Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Temple has a history(As far as I know and studied) nearly 137 BC. Giant Pussa Deva (One of the Great 10 Giants In Great King Dutugemunu's Army) rewarded this village for his service to the King. After several years of Ruling the village became a monk and offered the village to the Buddhist monks.
Nice place to visit. Should climb near the pagoda and can see a nice view. recommend to go there early morning(7AM-9 AM) or evening after 5PM
4. Kajugaswatta Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By chandu1966 - Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
For Buddhists a must visit place, very close from Ratnapura town, a matter of minutes. I visit this beautiful place every poya day to worship. This place is very popular among Buddhists around Sri Lankan population. Ideal place to observe meditation.
5. Kalthota Doowili Ella Falls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Tharaka D - Minuwangoda, Sri Lanka
This waterfall is situated in Balangoda district. The amount of water falling per second is enormous. This natural beauty is more like Dunhida falls, Badulla. The path to the waterfall is motarable. There are cement steps built to the observation deck.
6. Gemmological Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By GIRIJA D
It is in Ratnapura area of Sri Lanka . ‘Ratna-pura’ literally means ’city of gems’. As the name shows the city is as clean as gems.
Actually it is a private commercial centre. We can see plenty of precious stones, gems,minerals fossils etc; which is mined from the river Valleys of Ratnapura.
For ordinary tourist it is not a must see place. But for merchants or those who wish to learn gemmology it is really good. For them it is worth to visit the gem cutting day with appointment.
Anyway it is good to visit, if enough time to spend.
7. National Museum Ratnapura
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By BillWeir - Flagstaff, Arizona
A 19th-century government building houses a small collection of natural history and cultural exhibits. Gems, jewelry, and mask collections stand out. Paths lead through surrounding parklands with concrete statues of prehistoric wildlife. Foreigner admission is Rs. 300, and Rs. 259 to take photos.
8. Katugas Ella Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Anuka C
A splendid waterfall situated not far from Ratnapura town. If you are going to tuk tuk it will cost only 200LKR.
ROUTE- Google maps is helpful
COLOMBO >A4 highway > close to Ratnapura >WERALUPE junction > turn left to old WERALUPE road > Y junction > turn left to MAHAWELAWATTA road > turn left with the sign board to waterfall > Now you are there.
Waterfall is hidden in amazing piece of jungle. So you have to take a little bit of trouble to go there to have a closer look of it. There is no proper road. The final result is stunning. During rainy days she is really angry. So be ware. Her popularity has tarnished her beauty to some extent. The entrance is free. Do not give money if someone asked. Most of such people are drug addicts. There are no cafeterias or changing rooms at vicinity. So please consider them before you go there. Parking is available and it is free. Please remember this. DO NOT DUMP ANY GARBAGE THERE. Nature will punish you then and there.
9. Sampath Gems
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Buddhikajw - Sydney, Australia
The place located just 20km away from Ratnapura.Great place when you coming from Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Katahragama to Colombo. I wanted to purchase a blue topaz but they convinced me to purchase a lovely sapphire. Quality was very exceptional and i was informed of the grading. I was so happy for my purchase and i was informed how another gem store would devalue my gem if i asked them for a valuation. They would never give you the real value. And when i checked with other stores, they always say a lower price to confuse you and try to switch your stone with a low grade stone.
This is the best place to purchase gems in sri lanka. Many of my friends purchased and we are all happy with it. Purchasing a gemstone is very easy but finding the quality gem is hard unless you go to the genuine place.
I recommend this place 100%
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