Rathnapura, the city of Gems is located at the heart of a richly watered valley midst the cusps of Adam’s Peak and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
From olden days until now, the city has remained a trading hub for gemstones owing to the abundance of gem mines it has been blessed with. The rich landscapes that combine green paddy fields and lush tea and rubber estates are common rural sights that its visitors can immensely enjoy during a trip to this mellow-weathered town.
Among the sightseeing opportunities available in the area include the lush Pompakelle Forest park, the scenic 6-meter high Katugas falls, the Maha Saman Temple – an ancient architectural treasure as well as the Gem museum and laboratory in the town center and several other ancient temples if you wish to spend some quiet time in rural settings.