Ratnapura

Getting there

Public (SLTB) buses leave from Colombo regularly, taking around 4 hours. Bus routes 67 & 98 leave from Colombo Fort and routes 99 & 122 leave from Pettah. Bus route 122 for example departs 3-4 times per hour between 04:00 and 19:00 daily. However these are basic public buses. Travellers wanting a bit of comfort can take a private bus. Superline runs luxury buses each night at 22:00 and 23:00 from Pettah to Ratnapura for Rs 2260, but the arrival time is around 02:00.

See

Adam's Peak. A significant 2243-m mountain located 28 km away, but better reachable from the east. Kitulgala. Nearby village on the Kelani River where The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. 1 Sinharaja Forest Reserve. A national park and a biodiversity hotspot which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 2 Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large wild elephant population, making an excellent destination for safari-style tours.

Waterfalls Bopath Ella (turn left at Higgassena close to Kuruwita from the main Colombo - Ratnapura road go about 2 km). A pair of waterfalls which attract visitors from all over the country. You are allowed to bathe in this waterfall, but be warned that flash floods may appear in a matter of minutes. Katugas Ella, Mahawalawatta (3 km from town). A popular water fall among locals. Kirindi Ella, Pelmadulla Main road - Pelmadulla (4 km away from Ratnapura). The seventh highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Rajanawa (next to Ratnapura Kalawana main road in Marapana village). This beautiful seenary been captured in few famous Sinhala films.

Do

Visit some of the showrooms where you can purchase local gems Arrange a visit to some gem mines through some of the local guesthouses Visit local gem market most mornings except "poya" days in Newitigala (40 minutes drive away) up to 15:00.

Eat

Local specialties include a type of palm candy.