Ratnapura the gem city worth visiting to see mining and museums
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Yes for gem enthusiasts. Ratnapura offers open-pit gem mining tour visits (rough, muddy, real working pits — not a show), the Ratnapura Gem Museum, and NGJA-certified dealer visits where you can watch cutting and polishing. Half-day trip from Colombo (3 hour drive) or overnight stay. Rainy 6 months of the year — plan for wet.
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R
Ravi D.•975 rep0
Combine with a visit to Bopath Ella waterfall (30 min away) and Adam's Peak base at Palabaddala. Buying loose stones here is significantly cheaper than Colombo IF you know what you're doing — otherwise stay in Colombo dealers. Never buy from touts at the mine.
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Lakshan A.•975 rep0
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