Visit Ratnapura, Sri Lanka—Famous for Sapphires and Rubies—and Explore Its Gem Mines!

Sri Lanka has long been known as the ‘Island of Gems’ and is recognised as one of the world’s foremost producers of gemstones.

Ceylon sapphires (blue sapphires from Sri Lanka) are particularly renowned for their exceptional quality, having been used in the engagement rings of the late Princess Diana and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (wife of Prince William) within the British Royal Family.

Indeed, it is said that Sri Lanka yields almost every type of gemstone except diamonds, producing an innumerable variety of gems beyond sapphires, including rubies, cat’s eye (chrysoberyl), moonstone, alexandrite, topaz, garnet, spinel, and many more.

Is Sri Lanka famous for its gems!?

Sri Lankan gemstones are internationally acclaimed for their beautiful hues and high transparency.

In particular, the ‘paparacha sapphire’ (a lotus-like orange-tinged pink colour), a variety of sapphire, is primarily sourced from Sri Lanka and is renowned as an exceptionally rare and valuable gemstone.

Additionally, Sri Lanka produces numerous distinctive gemstones unique to the island, such as star sapphires and star rubies, which display a star-shaped brilliance when light is shone upon them, and cat’s eye stones, which possess a band of light resembling a tiger’s eye.

Such abundant and high-quality gemstone resources have captivated numerous monarchs, nobles, and explorers since ancient times. For instance, Marco Polo recorded his high praise for Sri Lankan gems in the 13th century, and legend even holds that King Solomon presented Sri Lankan gems to the Queen of Sheba during biblical times (※various theories exist).

Among these, Ratnapura stands out as particularly renowned. Located approximately 100 kilometres from the capital, Colombo, its name derives from the Sinhala words ‘ratna’ (meaning gem) and ‘pura’ (meaning town). True to its name, it has developed since ancient times as a globally renowned source of precious stones.

Around Ratnapura, gem mines of all sizes are scattered, and one can even witness gems being found in riverbeds and paddy fields. It is truly an area where “treasure lies beneath the earth”. For gem enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka, Ratnapura is undoubtedly a must-visit holy site.

Location and Directions to Ratunapla

Ratnapura is a medium-sized town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province in southwestern Sri Lanka, and also serves as the provincial capital. It lies approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Colombo, taking around two and a half to three hours to reach by car.

Public transport options include long-distance coaches to Ratnapura, or alternatively, buses via Ella or Badulla.

However, as the railway line to Ratnapura is currently out of service, travelling by train is not possible. While coach travel is inexpensive, it is time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient for travellers due to limited frequency and journey times.

Indeed, even locally organised optional tours emphasise the use of private cars, stating that they offer “comfortable travel in air-conditioned private vehicles, free from the stress of traffic jams and transfers.” This makes them an ideal mode of transport for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka who lack local knowledge, or for those wishing to make the most efficient use of their time.

Our company also offers private car hire services with experienced, government-licensed drivers through our Ranka-mi platform.

From Colombo airport transfers to day trips and UNESCO World Heritage tours, we offer comprehensive services with prior consultation and support available in Japanese. We can flexibly arrange customised itineraries not only to Ratnapura but to destinations across the island, so please rest assured in entrusting your journey to us.

Introducing local tours offering mine site visits

Various tours are available locally to visit gem mining sites in Ratnapura in person. Here are some representative tours that can be booked in advance from Japan (※Prices and details are subject to change).

Tour Name & (Language)

Content and Features

Ratnapura Gem Mines & Waterfalls viator.com

Private tour departing from Colombo. Travel by private vehicle to Ratnapura to visit a local gem mine (quarry) and observe traditional mining methods. Afterwards, stop at the nearby Bopatt Falls and the historic Samanthavaraya Temple. A dedicated driver-guide will accompany you, with lunch and mineral water included (duration approximately 10–12 hours). This is an English-speaking tour, offering relaxed sightseeing in a small group.

By joining a local tour such as the one described above, you will be able to experience first-hand the sheer scale of the gem mines and the vibrant atmosphere of the trading markets.

If your schedule allows, you could incorporate climbing the World Heritage site Adam’s Peak near Kandy or trekking in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. While local tours require returning to Colombo, a chartered vehicle enables a more flexible itinerary.

Furthermore, our drivers can also provide guidance to the gemstone mines. A major feature is that you can view the mining sites without booking a tour.

Upon request, we can arrange visits to reputable local mines, assisting with tour arrangements and ensuring your safety. Furthermore, by utilising our services, you can flexibly arrange for rough stones acquired in Ratnapura to be taken to workshops in Colombo or Kandy for cutting, or even stop by during your travels to observe polishing demonstrations.

Naturally, when visiting jewellers or negotiating purchases at the market, our Platinum Plan includes a driver who will assist you in the local language, so you can rest assured.

For gemstone enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, we warmly recommend making the most of our taxi charter service to fully enjoy your tour of the gem mines in Ratnapura. You are sure to encounter unforgettable memories and discover your very own ‘raw gemstone’. Why not come and see for yourself the brilliance that lies dormant within the tropical Sri Lankan earth? 🚖✨