Known as the traditional centre of the Sri Lankan gem trade, Ratnapura is located along the banks of the Kalu Ganga River about 100 km away from Colombo. “Ratnapura” meaning “City of Gems” has been known for its precious stone mining including sapphires, rubies, amethysts and other. It’s known for its agriculture industry such as tea, rubber, rice and varieties of fruit as well. This tour is ideal if you are an ardent collector of precious and semi-precious stones that are mined from our motherland.
Highlights:
- Visit a Gem Museum and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority
- Visit a Gem Pit
- Try your hand at a functioning gem pit (upon choice)
- A visit to one of the many Gem shops
Includes:
- Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking Chauffeur / Guide
- 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water per person
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Excludes:
- Entrance Fees (If ticket option not selected)
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
- Expenses of personal nature (purchasing gem stones etc)
Experience:
You will be picked up in the morning from your hotel in Negombo and driven to Ratnapura in an air-conditioned vehicle with the services of an English-speaking chauffeur. You can bring a packed breakfast to enjoy along the way. The usual drive time to Ratnapura is approximately between 2 – 3 hours.
Your first stop would be at one of the many gem museums that are located in the city that displays samples of precious and semi-precious stones. In addition to these beautiful stones, there are various pictures depicting the gem trade, tools and other items that properly and thoroughly illustrate the history and methodology of the gem mining industry. Most museums are usually open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily due to the influx of visitors.
We can enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice and after the meal we can visit a few gem pits that are a common site in Ratnapura. The open gem pits are about 8 – 10 feet deep with reinforced sides. There are motors fixed on sides as standby devices to pump out excess water that seeps from the bottom of the pit. When the section with the gems is visible, the muddy water from the pit is diverted into a smaller knee-deep pit for washing and sifting the gem stones from the gravel.
Guests are also offered the option of experiencing the life of a gem miner where you can get your hands and legs muddy. You may have to get into waist or knee-deep water and sift through the sediment the same way the workers demonstrate. The rough stones that are left over after sifting has to be examined while you also have the option to take part in the process.
Guests are also offered the chance to visit a gem shop and if interested purchase some of the stones that are available. All purchases should be borne by the customer. You can even try your bargaining skills here. Once you are done at the shops, we will drive you back to your hotel in Negombo completing the tour.
Notes:
By selecting the tickets option, you will gain access to the entrance tickets where applicable. If you select the no tickets option, you will have to purchase the tickets as and when you arrive at the sites.
