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Things to Do in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
When it comes to things to do in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, this city is a wonderful blend of gems and nature. See a collection of over 400 types of precious stones at the Ratnapura Gem Museum. Herds of elephants roam in the Udawalawe National Park, 35 kilometers from the city. Meanwhile, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a World Heritage site, spans 11,000 hectares and is home to 160 rare bird species.
1. Ratnapura Gem Museum
Step into this world filled with the sparkle of gemstones, where every stone tells an untold story. Here, see 200+ types of gemstones up close and learn about the thrilling process of mining.
Quick facts: Over 200 types of precious and semi-precious stones are displayed here, many of which have been extracted directly from the mines of Ratnapura. The museum also features fossils that are 300 million years old, telling the story of the island's geological history.
Highlights: A massive 370-carat blue sapphire is kept here that will leave your eyes wide open in amazement. The museum has an interactive section where you can touch actual mining tools and watch the process of cutting and polishing stones live.
2. Udawalawe National Park
This is the most magnificent experience of seeing wild elephants in their natural habitat. On a jeep safari, you can spend hours watching elephants, crocodiles, and colorful birds in their own world.
Quick facts: Spread over 32,000 hectares, this sanctuary is home to over 500 elephants roaming freely. More than 200 species of birds are found here, including the Sri Lankan peacock and eagle.
Highlights: This is one of the few places where you can see elephants up close without the fear of tigers or leopards. In the morning, when the mist clears, herds of elephants can be seen bathing along the riverbank, a sight that is truly unforgettable.
3. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The dense rainforest here takes you into a different world among 50-meter tall trees. Amidst the sweet calls of birds and the chattering of monkeys, you will experience a true adventure.
Quick facts: Spanning 11,187 hectares, this is a biodiversity hotspot with over 147 species of birds. More than 95% of the plants here are endemic, making it one of the most unique rainforests in the world.
Highlights: Here you will find a magnificent waterfall called "Ratnagiri" that roars like a lion during the monsoon. Around 6 in the morning, when the mist lifts, the entire forest is bathed in golden light and thousands of butterflies take flight together.
4. Bopath Ella Falls
Hidden in the forests of Ratnapura, this waterfall is famous for its unique shape and three tiers of cascading water. Enjoy bathing in the cool water here and capture the lush green surroundings with your camera.
Quick facts: Flowing through the dense forests of the Ratnapura district, this waterfall drops from a height of 30 meters and its shape is exactly like a Bodhi tree leaf. Cascading down in three tiers, the water joins the Kuruwita River, which later becomes part of the Kalu River.
Highlights: During the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak, the roar of the waterfall can be clearly heard up to a kilometer away, and the spray of water all around creates a rainbow-like spectacle. Locals believe that bathing under this waterfall cures skin diseases, which is why thousands of pilgrims visit here every year.
5. Rakwana Falls
Located in the heart of Ratnapura, the land of gems, this waterfall is a precious gift of nature. The sound of falling water and a dip in the nearby hot spring will take you to a different world.
Quick facts: Flowing through the dense forests of the Ratnapura district, this waterfall drops from a height of about 25 meters in three tiers. The warm water from the nearby Galle mineral spring flows through the famous gem mining areas of Ratnapura.
Highlights: The uniqueness here is that while bathing in the naturally formed small pools at the bottom of the waterfall, you may see tiny glittering gem fragments in the water. During the monsoon, the water pressure increases so much that the roar of the waterfall can be clearly heard up to two kilometers away.
6. Maha Saman Devalaya
This is a place where faith and history walk side by side. The moment you step into its peaceful courtyard, the mind finds a unique sense of calm.
Quick facts: Located in the heart of Ratnapura city, this temple draws millions of devotees every year. The deity worshipped here is Saman, whom locals regard as the guardian of Saptakona Peak and the lord of all gems.
Highlights: The most unique sight here is during Perahera, when 32 elephants march in full regalia and the light from kerosene lamps bathes the entire courtyard in gold. Ancient inscriptions here reveal that this temple was built in the 13th century, yet its wood carvings and paintings remain just as vibrant today.
7. Ratnapura Gem Market
Where gemstones worth lakhs of rupees are bought and sold only hand to hand and through bargaining. Here you can watch rough gems being cut and polished and buy a precious sapphire or topaz within your budget.
Quick facts: Hundreds of kilograms of gems are traded here every day, including sapphires, topaz, and garnets. Local traders hold gems in their hands, inspect them with their eyes without any machines, and bargain over the price.
Highlights: The most unique thing here is that the buying and selling of gems is done only with a handshake and a glance, with no paperwork involved. This trust between the shopkeeper and the customer keeps alive a centuries-old tradition, where deals worth millions of rupees are settled with just words.
8. Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya
This is the most unique destination to come face to face with the soul of Ratnapura. The tranquil beauty here and the echo of prayers will take you to a different world.
Quick facts: Located in the heart of Ratnapura city, this temple is dedicated to a deity named Suman, who is believed in Buddhism to be the first to touch the Buddha's feet. Every year, thousands of devotees come here to join the chariot procession and Perahera festival, which is the largest religious event in the region.
Highlights: This is a place where people from Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities all come to pray together, and symbols of all three religions can be seen under one roof. The special thing is that the chief priest here often observes the traditions of all three communities together, setting an example of harmony.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kiri Toffee
Kiri Toffee is a creamy, caramel-like confection made from condensed milk and sugar, and it gets its name from the Sinhala word "kiri" meaning milk. It is a beloved sweet treat often prepared for celebrations and festivals in Ratnapura.
Kavum
Kavum is a traditional deep-fried oil cake made from rice flour and treacle, with a distinctive pattern created by pouring the batter in a circular motion. It is an essential sweet for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in Ratnapura and across Sri Lanka.
Undu Walalu
Undu Walalu are small, donut-shaped sweets made from black gram flour and deep-fried until golden, then soaked in sweet treacle syrup. They are particularly popular in Ratnapura during festive occasions and are known for their soft, spongy texture.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Rice and Curry (with Ratnapura Jackfruit Curry)
In Ratnapura, jackfruit curry is a signature savory dish as the region is famous for its abundant jackfruit harvests. The unripe jackfruit is cooked in coconut milk and spices, creating a hearty and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Pol Sambol
Pol Sambol is a spicy, tangy coconut relish made from freshly grated coconut, chili powder, lime juice, and Maldive fish. This vibrant side dish is a staple at almost every meal in Ratnapura and adds a burst of flavor to rice, roti, or hoppers.
Kottu Roti
Kottu Roti is a popular street food made by chopping and stir-frying godhamba roti with vegetables, egg, and spices on a hot griddle. In Ratnapura, vendors often add local spices and vegetables, creating a rhythmic chopping sound that is iconic to the dish.
Traditional Beverages
King Coconut Water (Thambili)
Ratnapura is surrounded by lush coconut groves, and the bright orange king coconut yields a naturally sweet and refreshing water called Thambili. It is a popular thirst-quencher in the region and is believed to have cooling and hydrating properties.
Ceylon Tea (Ratnapura Tea)
Ratnapura is located near Sri Lanka's hill country tea plantations, and locally grown Ceylon tea is a deeply cherished beverage. The region produces a rich, full-bodied black tea that is often enjoyed with a splash of milk and sugar.
Kithul Treacle Toddy (Raa)
Raa is a traditional palm toddy made from the sap of the kithul palm tree, which is abundant in the Ratnapura district. This mildly fermented beverage has a sweet and tangy flavor and is often enjoyed fresh from the tree as a rustic local drink.
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Most popular day trips
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, rich in endemic wildlife and birds.
Uda Walawe National Park
Famous for elephants, safaris and scenic wildlife viewing.
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Sacred mountain peak with sunrise trek and panoramic views.
Horton Plains National Park
Highland plateau with World's End cliff and diverse flora.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Main Line connecting Colombo to Badulla
Main Line, near Ratnapura for additional connections
From Colombo (CMB), take a direct bus or hire a car via A4 highway. The journey takes about 3 hours.
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Comments (5)
Make sure you carry cash. Most places don't take cards and the ATMs run out of rupees on weekends.
Rain hit hard even in dry season. Bring a poncho, the streets flood fast and tuk tuks double their prices when it pours.
The curry buffet lunches here are unreal. Best food I had in Sri Lanka and dirt cheap away from the main road.
Gem mines were cool but the town itself is chaotic and dusty. Kind of overwhelming for more than a day.
Don't buy gems from the first shop you see near the mines. Walk deeper into the side streets, same stones for half the price.