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Get InspiredAsiaSri LankaSabaragamuwa ProvinceRatnapura

Ratnapura

Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
City·Historical, Bustling, Nature Rich
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by Ashan Ariyarathne from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by Ashan Ariyarathne from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by Ashan Ariyarathne from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by Ashan Ariyarathne from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places
Ratnapura
Photo by J.M.Senanayaka Bandara from Google Places

Ratnapura, situated in Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa Province, is famously known as the 'City of Gems'. This vibrant city is a key center for the gem trade, dealing in precious stones like rubies and sapphires. The city's surroundings are rich with tea and rubber plantations, offering a lush backdrop for visitors. Ratnapura is not only about gems; it is a gateway to natural wonders such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The city boasts a diverse cultural tapestry, with significant communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Whether you are a gem enthusiast or a nature lover, Ratnapura provides a unique blend of commerce and natural beauty.

Ratnapura, situated in Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa Province, is famously known as the 'City of Gems'. This vibrant city is a key center for the gem trade, dealing in precious stones like rubies and sapphires. The city's surroundings are rich with tea and rubber plantations, offering a lush backdrop for visitors. Ratnapura is not only about gems; it is a gateway to natural wonders such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The city boasts a diverse cultural tapestry, with significant communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Whether you are a gem enthusiast or a nature lover, Ratnapura provides a unique blend of commerce and natural beauty.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Renowned gem trade center.

  • Surrounded by tea and rubber plantations.

  • Proximity to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

  • Traditional Sri Lankan culture.

  • Diverse religious communities.

Before you go: Ratnapura essentials

  • Close access to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, ideal for nature walks.

  • Rich cultural heritage with diverse religious communities.

  • Known for its gem trade, attracting gem enthusiasts worldwide.

Gem Shopping

Visit local gem shops for a chance to see a variety of precious stones.

Nature Trails

Explore nearby Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a unique rainforest experience.

Best For

Gem enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Currency

LKR ₨

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Languages Spoken

Sinhala, Tamil, English

Cultural Sites

Discover the diverse religious sites reflecting the city's cultural heritage.

Occasion Tags

Tourists, Nature, Cultural

Best time to visit Ratnapura

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit Ratnapura with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Best Season

Summer

Expect warm and humid conditions, ideal for exploring the lush plantations.

Best Season

Fall

Enjoy the cooler weather and less crowded tourist sites.

Winter

Mild winter temperatures make it a comfortable time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

Things to do in Ratnapura

Train Tickets from Ella to Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya)
From $23

Train Tickets from Ella to Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya)

3.8(23)
Duration: 3h
Ella
Bird watching in Colombo
From $75

Bird watching in Colombo

5.0(8)
Duration: 6h
Colombo
5 Days Tour in Sri Lanka (Hotels with Breakfast & Luxury Car)
From $467

5 Days Tour in Sri Lanka (Hotels with Breakfast & Luxury Car)

4.9(169)
Duration: 120h
Colombo
First Class Scenic Train Ticket From Kandy To Ella
From $95

First Class Scenic Train Ticket From Kandy To Ella

3.9(31)
Duration: 6h
Kandy
Private 02 Day Leopard Safari in Yala from Colombo
From $602

Private 02 Day Leopard Safari in Yala from Colombo

3.0(1)
Duration: 48h
Colombo
Colombo City Highlights by Tuk Tuk – All-Inclusive Adventure
From $33

Colombo City Highlights by Tuk Tuk – All-Inclusive Adventure

5.0(167)
Duration: 3h
Colombo
All inclusive Yala Private Leopard Safari: Naturalist & More
From $130

All inclusive Yala Private Leopard Safari: Naturalist & More

5.0(5)
Duration: 5h
Colombo
Airport Taxi Transfers from Colombo Airport to Bentota
From $65

Airport Taxi Transfers from Colombo Airport to Bentota

5.0(3)
Duration: 1h
Colombo
Explore on Viator

Natural & historic sites near Ratnapura

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Horton Plains National Park

4.6(10,1 K)
Central Province
National Park · Serene, Expansive, Wild, Untouched
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Udawalawe National Park

Protected Area · Rugged, Natural, Wild, Serene
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Galway's Land National Park

Protected Area · Tranquil, Lush, Serene, Protected
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Hikkaduwa National Park

Protected Area · Protected, Educational, Ecological
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Horagolla National Park

Protected Area · Tranquil, Lush, Natural, Serene
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Lunugamvehera National Park

Protected Area · Rugged, Quiet, Untouched, Natural
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Ussangoda

Protected Area · Serene, Otherworldly, Windswept