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Travel guide
Places to Visit in Ratnapura: The City of Gems
By the Vacations Ceylon Tours team · Last updated: 23 October 2026
Quick answer
Ratnapura ("city of gems") is the centre of Sri Lanka's gem trade. The best places to visit are:
- traditional gem pits and a gem museum;
- Bopath Ella waterfall;
- the Maha Saman Devalaya shrine;
- the routes to Sinharaja and to Adam's Peak, which has a longer trail from the Ratnapura side.
Places to visit at a glance
| # | Place | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gem pits | See traditional gem mining |
| 2 | Gem museum | Learn about Ceylon sapphires |
| 3 | Bopath Ella falls | A waterfall shaped like a Bo leaf |
| 4 | Maha Saman Devalaya | An important shrine |
| 5 | Sinharaja (Kudawa side) | Rainforest walks |
| 6 | Adam's Peak (Ratnapura trail) | A longer pilgrimage route |
| 7 | Udawalawe | Elephants, about 1.5–2 hours away |
Buying gems
Buy only from reputable dealers who provide documentation. Read buying a blue sapphire in Sri Lanka, or see our Ceylon blue sapphire service.
Drive times and conditions are approximate. Prices are a personal quote based on your dates, group size and hotels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ratnapura famous for?
Gems, especially Ceylon blue sapphires.
Can I visit a gem mine?
Yes, with a guide.
Is Ratnapura near Sinharaja?
Yes. The northern Kudawa entrance is reachable from the Ratnapura side.
Can I climb Adam's Peak from Ratnapura?
Yes, but the Hatton route is shorter and more popular.
Part of our guide
This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka.
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