Experience the legacy of Sri Lanka’s rich gem industry with a one-day excursion to Rathnapura, known as the “City of Gems.” Sri Lanka has long been revered for its high-quality gemstones, attracting traders from around the world. Divided into precious and semi-precious categories, the gems from Sri Lanka are known for their beauty and value. Rathnapura, or “Ratna Deepa” (Island of Gems), has been a central hub for the gem industry for centuries, and this tour provides a firsthand look into the traditional mining methods and cultural heritage behind these prized stones.

The tour begins early, with your guide meeting you at your hotel. As you travel along scenic interior roads, you’ll pass through lush landscapes filled with paddy fields, cinnamon cultivations, and rubber plantations. Along the way, your guide will make stops to introduce you to the local flora and the daily life of farmers and plantation workers.

Upon arriving in Rathnapura, you’ll see local miners at work alongside farmers tending to paddy fields. The unique sights of miners in search of hidden fortunes set against serene agricultural landscapes provide a unique glimpse into the lives of Rathnapura’s people. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe artisanal mining techniques up close and learn about the rituals, beliefs, and labor that go into gem mining.

You’ll visit a lapidary, a gem museum, and a jewelry workshop where raw gems are cut, polished, and transformed into stunning jewelry. Learn about the varieties of precious stones native to Sri Lanka, including the corundum family (sapphires and rubies), the rare Beryl family, Alexandrite, Spinel, and Chrysoberyl, among others. The semi-precious stones, such as garnet, moonstone, and topaz, add to the diversity of Rathnapura’s offerings. If interested, you’ll have the option to purchase these stones or have them mounted as jewelry.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of traditional Sri Lankan flavors. Afterward, enjoy a bit of free time to explore the city of Rathnapura on foot, observing its daily rhythm and lively marketplaces.

The tour concludes, as you depart Rathnapura for the return trip. You’ll be back at your hotel with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage.

Included:

• Meet-up and hotel departure 
• Private transport with an air-conditioned car, van, or coach
• Lunch 
• Visits to the gem museum, lapidary, and gem shop
• All entrance fees and taxes, fuel, and insurance
• Optional foreign-language guide upon request

Excluded:

• Hotel accommodations
• Personal expenses, beverages, and tips for the chauffeur/guide