Ratnapura

Ratnapura (also transliterated as Rathnapura) is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, located on the Kalu Ganga (Black River) in south-central Sri Lanka, some 101 km southeast of the country's capital, Colombo. Its name means 'City of Gems'.

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.

• 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. 
• 6.2480.281 Sinharaja Forest Reserve. A national park and a biodiversity hotspot which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  
• 6.43834480.8884562 Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large wild elephant population, making an excellent destination for safari-style tours.  

• 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. 

• 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.

Local specialties include a type of palm candy.

• Newitigala, 40 minute drive away