Colombo Trip Overview
Ratnapura is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka. The place is famous for being the gem trading center of Sri Lanka and hence derives its name ‘Ratna’ (gems) and ‘pura’ (town). The place is also home to some scenic spots and waterfalls that you would love to visit on your Ratnapura trip. There are so many places to visit in Ratnapura that you might get confused as to which place to visit first.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Additional Info
Duration: 10 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Ratnapura is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka. The place is famous for being the gem trading center of Sri Lanka and hence derives its name ‘Ratna’ (gems) and ‘pura’ (town). The place is also home to some scenic spots and waterfalls that you would love to visit on your Ratnapura trip. There are so many places to visit in Ratnapura that you might get confused as to which place to visit first.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Maha Saman Dewalaya, Panadura Road, Ratnapura 70000 Sri Lanka
The Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya is considered the main Devalaya of deity Saman except for the Shrine at top of Sri Pada.The history speaks of a temple at Ratnapura area since the time of king Dutugemunu of Anuradhapura Kingdom, But the recent history starts from Dambadeniya period.A court Minister called Aryakamadeva had come over to Ratnapura to make a vow for gemming, and if lucky to build a Devalaya to keep God Sumana Saman’s statue. After a sucessful gem mining expedition, he is said to have built the first devalaya dedicated to God Saman at Ratnapura. Although the devalaya was highly influenced by Hindu culture, it remained a Buddhist place of worship throughout the years.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kajugaswatta Temple, Pompakele Road, Ratnapura 70000 Sri Lanka
Kajugaswatta Temple is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Ratnapura. The temple is located on top of a hill at the center of the city. Highlight of the Kajugaswatta Temple is a large standing statue of Lord Buddha to which many Buddhist devotees come to pay homage. Top of the hill gives amazing views of the surrounding city of Ratnapura. The visit to this gem muesuen will aloow you to precious stones (plus quartz, fossils and artefacts) is a good place to learn about gem mining in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gemmological Museum, 6 Ehelepola Mawatha Batugedara, Ratnapura 70000 Sri Lanka
Established by a local gemmonologist this impressive private collection of precious stones (plus quartz, fossils and artefacts) is a good place to learn about gem mining in Sri Lanka.Visiting this gem museum will allow you to learn about the precious stones extracted in Sri Lanka (sapphires, tourmalines, rubies, emeralds, amethysts…) before being able to admire them, and possibly buy them, in the next exhibition room.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Katugas Ella Falls, Weralupa Junction, Ratnapura Sri Lanka
Katugas Ella waterfall is situated in Ratnapura. It is a relatively small waterfall of 6 meters in height. It lies on the Katugas Ela (lake) and falls on to the Kalu Ganga. This is a splendid waterfall hidden in the jungle. This waterfall lies on the Katugas Ela with its sources in the monsoon forests of the southern slopes of the Minuwangala Mountain. Katugas Ela falls eventually falls on to the Kalu Ganga. Walk few hundred meters along the stream and continued up stream tackling rocks and streams and you will reach a small cascade of Katugas dola which will easily fool any person as Katugas falls. Actually the main waterfall is found further upstream.
Duration: 1 hour
