Ratnapura

Introducing Ratnapura

Sitting near the centre of a number of richly watered valleys between Adam’s Peak and Sinharaja Forest Reserve, busy Ratnapura (‘City of Gems’ in Sanskrit) is famous as a trade hub for the area’s ancient wealth of gemstones. The region’s wet and humid climate encourages the formation of river beds, which are in turn the perfect environment for gemstones to develop.

The rural scenery surrounding the town is often underappreciated – paddy fields cloak the valley floors, while rubber trees and tea bushes grow on the hills. Many villagers keep old Sinhalese traditions, such as leaving candles outside the front door at dusk to prevent evil spirits from entering.

Ratnapura was the traditional start of the toughest pilgrimages up to Adam’s Peak. In clear weather it can be the best place for appreciating the full height of the sacred mountain, since the Hatton side – now the preferred starting point – sits at a higher elevation.

The attractive road route from Ratnapura to Haputale skirts the southern edge of the Hill Country before ascending into the hills.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009