Places to visit in Ratnapura

The city of gems, the Sinharaja rainforest and the old pilgrim path to Sri Pada.

Main town RatnapuraPlaces in this guide 2
Colour Ratnapura on my mapPlan a trip here

Places to see

Culture

Ratnapura gem city

Ratnapura

The city of gems, with gem pits, traders and a gem museum.

Best time: Dec–Mar

Nature

Bopath Ella

Kuruvita

A waterfall shaped like the leaf of the sacred Bo tree.

Best time: Dec–Apr

Food to try in Ratnapura

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Crafts and products

Gems.

Festivals

  • Sri Pada pilgrimage season, Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak): Unduvap full moon (Dec) to Vesak (May). The pilgrim season on Sri Pada: night climbs by lamp-lit steps to watch sunrise from the sacred summit.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.