Ratnapura Travel Guide
Discover the beauty of Ratnapura with our comprehensive tour guide that includes a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Ratnapura
- List of Places to Visit in Ratnapura
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ratnapura
- Best Things to Do in Ratnapura: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ratnapura
- Food and Drink Scene of Ratnapura
- Where to Stay in Ratnapura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ratnapura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ratnapura
- Best Time to Visit Ratnapura
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ratnapura
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ratnapura: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ratnapura
- Where to Go Next from Ratnapura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ratnapura
Located in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, Ratnapura is a picturesque city that boasts of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Known as the ‘City of Gems,’ Ratnapura is a famous destination for gemstones and jewelry. The city is also famous for religious festivals, colorful markets, and ancient temples. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will discover the best things to see and do in Ratnapura.
List of Places to Visit in Ratnapura
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Maha Saman Devalaya
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Udawalawe National Park
- Galapitamada Temple
- Premadasa Jems Abeyratne Museum
Natural Attractions of Ratnapura: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Waterfalls (Bopath Ella, Katugas Ella, and Raja Ella)
- Gem Mines (Ratnapura Gem Market, Gem Mining Sites)
- Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve
- Udawalawe National Park
- Adam’s Peak
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ratnapura
- Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve Trek
- Samanala Kanda Trek
- Adam’s Peak Trek
- Adam’s Peak Biking
Best Things to Do in Ratnapura: Activities and Tours
- Gemstone shopping
- Visiting ancient temples
- Exploring the rainforests
- Wildlife safaris
- White-water river rafting
Week-Long Itinerary for Ratnapura
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and check into accommodation. |
| 2 | Visit the Ratnapura Gem Market, Maha Saman Devalaya, and Galapitamada Temple. |
| 3 | Explore Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve and hike to the stunning waterfalls. |
| 4 | Visit Udawalawe National Park for a wildlife safari. |
| 5 | Trek to Adam’s Peak and enjoy the stunning views. |
| 6 | Go white-water river rafting and explore the local cuisine. |
| 7 | Departure from Ratnapura or spend the day sightseeing local landmarks and shopping. |
Food and Drink Scene of Ratnapura
Must-Try Dishes
Ratnapura offers a wide range of Sri Lankan cuisine, including:
- Kukul Mas Curry (Chicken Curry)
- Sri Lankan String Hoppers
- Watalappan (Coconut Custard Pudding)
- Lamprais (Rice and Meat Dish)
Local Beverages
- Toddy (Palm Wine)
- Ceylon Tea
- King Coconut Water
- Ginger Beer
Where to Stay in Ratnapura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Ratnaloka Tour Inn
- Gem Field Rest
- Ratnapura Rest House
- Sanhinda Hotel
- Sapphire Holiday Resort
What to Buy in Ratnapura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Gemstones and jewelry
- Spices and tea
- Local handicrafts like masks, batiks, and wood carvings
- Ayurvedic medicines
Local Culture and Customs of Ratnapura
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Remove all footwear before entering a temple.
- Do not touch or climb on historic structures and statues.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Best Time to Visit Ratnapura
The best time to visit Ratnapura is between January and April when the weather is dry and sunny.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ratnapura
Do:
- Explore the rainforests and waterfalls.
- Shop for gemstones and jewelry.
- Try local cuisine and beverages.
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage natural sites and wildlife habitats.
- Bargain too aggressively when shopping.
- Ignore local customs and traditions.
- Take photographs without permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in Ratnapura
Ratnapura is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always best to exercise common sense and caution, especially when traveling alone or at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
Health in Ratnapura
It is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid before visiting Ratnapura. Mosquito repellent is also recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.
Getting to Ratnapura: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ratnapura
- Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (approx. 100 km away).
Bus Stations Near Ratnapura
- Ratnapura Bus Station connects to major cities in Sri Lanka like Kandy and Colombo.
Other Options
- Taxis and private cars can be hired from Colombo or other major cities in Sri Lanka.
How to Get Around in Ratnapura
The best way to get around Ratnapura is by hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk. Buses and trains also connect major cities in Sri Lanka.
Where to Go Next from Ratnapura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kandy (approx. 100 km away)
- Bentota Beach (approx. 150 km away)
- Galle (approx. 170 km away)
- Colombo (approx. 100 km away)
Conclusion
Ratnapura is a city of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gemstones. With a variety of outdoor activities, stunning views, and local cuisine, Ratnapura is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. Remember to respect local traditions, take care of the environment, and enjoy your trip to Ratnapura!
