Explore the Gemstone Industry in Ratnapura

12 to 13 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Our professionaly qualified Gemologist will teach you the insides and outsides of the industry, from the geology to the formation of gemstones, Mining & to the distribution of gemstones in the island, the cutting industry to the marketing of gemstones in the west.

You will gain knowledge about the operation of an industry that has captivated the ancient and modern worlds.

If you are interested in gemstones, this is a one-on-one experience that you should not miss.

What's Included

Gemstones Inspection Equipments
Bottled water
Breakfast
Air-conditioned vehicle
King Coconut Water
Fuel surcharge
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
OR
Meeting point

Please come to the 43D House Number, Its almost opposite to the St.Mary's Catholic Church

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 12 to 13 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Heraniyawaka Gem Market is one of the most famous street markets for rough gemstones in Sri Lanka. It usually operates from 6.30 am to 9.30 am every day, these are peak hours but the market continues until noon. You can mostly see sapphires and spinal in rough form in this market. Most of the mining people bring their stones to this market.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Closer to Town you will be visiting gemstone mining & also in River Mining.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    In Ratnapura, Most of the gemstones being offered are rough Sapphires, but there are also cut and polished Sapphires and a wide variety of rough and cut-colored gemstones. The stones that have made the region world-famous are various Spinels, Aquamarines, Tourmalines, Topaz, Garnets, Amethyst, Cat’s eyes, Alexandrite, Zircons and Moonstones.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    The National Museum of Ratnapura is one of the national museums of Sri Lanka. It is located in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka and it was opened on 13 May 1988. The museum building is called “Ehelepola Walauwa”, as it once belonged to Ehelepola Nilame, a courtier of the Kingdom of Kandy. The museum includes exhibits on prehistoric archaeological inventions, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, zoological artifacts and models relating to the Sabaragamuwa Province.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    Break for Lunch On Your Choice, we can recommend some places for you

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    The area closer to Kaluganga bridge at the Demuwawatha Street is a good place to view traditional cutting operations for high-quality sapphires and other gemstones such as cat’s-eye chrysoberyl. This method is still preferred by Sri Lanka cutters, especially for preforming. The traditional method of gemstone faceting done by a manual instrument called ‘Hanaporuwa’ also known as the “Pattale” by natives . Hanaporuwa (Ceylon Bow Cutter) was the main instrument of gemstone faceting in Sri Lanka until the early 1970’s.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    We will be visiting few gem shops in this area on our way to Colombo.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Total tour duration includes travel time
Supplied by Travel with CHE

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Car Tours
DSA non-compliant
Zombie
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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