Rathnapura | Sri Lanka | Travel | Destinations

Hill Country in Sri Lanka

Ratnapura being "The city of gems" in Sri Lanka is home for the world's best precious stones. Gem traders around the world travel to Ratnapura to select the best gems. Most tourists climb Adam's Peak via Ratnapura to relish the natural beauty of the rural village.

Sri Lanka’s gem industry has a very long and colorful history. Sri Lanka was affectionately known as Ratna-Dweepa which means Gem Island. The name is a reflection of its natural wealth. Marco Polo wrote that the island had the best Sapphires, Topazes, Amethysts, and other gems in the world.

Two of the major exports of Sri Lanka is Rubber and Tea which is cultivated here. Ancient temples situated in and around Ratnapura gives the visitor the opportunity to view these works of art.