A prime city of Srilanka, Ratnapura is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa province. The name Ratnapura means in Sanskrit means city of gems. Ratnapura is an old industry of gem stone mining. You can find yourself some good quality rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones. Ratnapura gem market is a storehouse of precious stones and additionally it is also a rich producer of rice and fruit. Ratnapura is surrounded by picturesque rubber estate and tea plantations. The plantations and estate surround the entire region of Ratnapura. The low country tea grown here actually makes for a good buy. Ratnapura has been a favorable destination for tourists to head to in Srilanka.
Places of interest in Ratnapura.
- For pilgrims Maha Saman Dewale is a beautiful temple setting on the hilltop built during the 13th century, worth visiting. Dedicated to god Saman, the temple also has shrines of Buddha and Pattini in the vicinity.
- Gnanasiha Tapowana Vihara is another temple located on the hill top. The temple is home to a full size replica of Aukana Buddha
- Diva Guhava is a famous cave temple in Ratnapura that holds a lot of religious significance for the Buddhist believers.
- For stone and precious gems lovers Ratnapura gem market is a go to place from best buys on precious stones and gems.
- A six meter high waterfall- The Katugas falls is a perfect destination for honeymooners and leisure travelers located at just 3 kilometer distance from Ratnapura
- Bopath Ella located at Kuruvita attracts tourists from across the globe and not just Srilanka. Bathing is permitted in the falls however the falls have also been known for sporadic and sudden floods. Despite the threat it poses and the danger it exists with, the fall has something very enchanting and luring about its appearance that makes tourists want to visit it no matter what!
- The other famous waterfalls in Ratnapura are the seventh largest waterfall in Srilanka– the Kirindi Ella
- Captured in some of the Sinhala movies for its scenic backdrop – Rajanawa waterfall is another beautiful fall worth visiting
- Fossilized remains of animals found at the gem mines make for an interesting display in the National museum.
- Rice filed make for a pretty sight in Ratnapura in addition to the picturesque tea estates and rubber plantations. A countryside tour of Ratnapura will offer you an insight on the scenic landscapes, the farms with healthy produce of fruits and vegetables. Depending on the season you visit the countryside you can find yourself in the midst of fragrant mangoes, fresh produce of Papayas. Mining industry has definitely made several rice cultivators switch profession however all is not lost and you can still find patches of traditional ways of rice cultivations taking place in Ratnapura that makes for a splendid sight.
