Things to Do in Ratnapura

A colonial-era clock tower in the town centre, built in 1903. It marks the central roundabout and is a good meeting point. Nearby are street food stalls selling kottu roti and fresh king coconut.

🕐 Always accessible

💡 Best visited late afternoon when the light hits the clock face. The area gets busy with tuk-tuks, so watch the traffic.

A flat, unpaved path running along the Mahaweli River for about 1.5 km. You'll see locals washing clothes, fishermen, and monitor lizards. Good for a calm walk or jog.

🕐 Always open

💡 Take repellent – mosquitoes are thick near the water after 4pm. Start at the bridge near the bus stand and head south.

The southern entrance to Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest. The trailhead itself is free to access, though guided treks into the forest cost around 2500 LKR. You can wander the village paths and see birds and butterflies for free.

🕐 Dawn to dusk

💡 You don't need a guide for the first 200m of the main trail – it's a gentle walk with good birdwatching. Bring water and wear long sleeves.

A Buddhist temple complex with natural hot springs in the grounds. The springs are shallow pools of warm water (around 40°C) and free to use. The temple has colourful murals and a small stupa.

🕐 Temple: 6am-5pm daily. Springs: same hours

💡 The springs are busiest on weekends. Weekday mornings you'll often have a pool to yourself. Bring a towel and swimwear – there's a basic changing room.

A small but informative museum run by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. Displays raw gems, cutting tools, and historical mining equipment. Entry is 200 LKR (about £0.50).

🕐 Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm, closed Sun

💡 Go early to avoid crowds. The staff give a decent guided tour if you ask nicely. No photography inside.