Ratnapura / Rathnapura, Sri Lanka

Ratnapura / Rathnapura, "The City of Gems"
is about 100km south-east of Colombo in the
south-western part of Sri Lanka

Ratnapura, on the flood plain of the river Kalu, has an existence centered around gem trading and has developed a burgeoning tourist industry to go with it. Gems mined in the Ratnapura / Rathnapura district and the local areas of Kalawana, Bogawantalawa and Ela-era include: alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine, cat’s eye, garnet, ruby, sapphire, topaz, tourmaline and zircon. There are organised visits to some gem mines that can be arranged through local tour operators. Gem collections can be seen at the Ratnapura / Rathnapura National Museum and a number of private museums that double as sales areas.

Ratnapura's historical places and places of interest:
The cave temple of Diva Guhava (15km)
Maha Saman Devala
Pothgul Viharn
Waterfalls: Bopath Ella, Katugas Ella, Kirindi Ella
Rubber Plantations
Gem Mines and Gem pits in Ratnapura

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JeGraNet.com statement - 15 October 2008 - Quote from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: "There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks have become more frequent. They have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers. Further attacks may occur at any time. There is an increasing risk of British nationals being caught up in an attack". As independent travellers we left Colombo after just 9 days into our planned 6 month stay as a result of a feeling of insecurity, however we are sure that 'package tour' travellers to tourist resorts will probably enjoy a worry free holiday.