Why You'll Love Ratnapura Ratnapura, literally 'City of Gems', has been the centre of Sri Lanka's gem mining industry for centuries — sapphires, rubies and other precious stones are still dug from pits around the town, with mine visits and gem museums giving a look at the process from ground to market.
Small-scale traditional gem mines still operate around Ratnapura, with some offering guided visits to see the digging and washing process.
Several small museums and a gem trading market in town explain grading and let visitors see cut stones up close.
A longer, less-used trail up Adam's Peak starts from the Ratnapura side, favoured by more experienced hikers seeking a quieter ascent.
See how gems are found in the Ratnapura gem mine tour, or continue on toward Adam's Peak's quieter southern route. Background: Ratnapura on Wikipedia.
