Ratnapura

Ratnapura means “City of Gems” is 100 kms from Colombo bordering the hill country. Ratnapura is world renowned for precious stones. These precious stones are dug up by hand from gem mines located in the hills and fields around Ratnapura, which are Sapphires, Rubies, Moonstones, and semiprecious stones such as Beryl, Zircon, Garnet, Amethyst and Quartz. The Ratnapura town has an excellent view of the Adam's Peak on the eastern horizon, and is surrounded by forested hills. The Gemological and National Museum located in Getangama on the outskirts of the Ratnapura town offers a wide range of gems for sale, and you can also view the operation of the raw stones being cut and polished.