The Ratnapura Gem Museum holds a breathtaking display of samples of precious and semi-precious stones that include Sapphires, Rubies, and Amethysts. In addition there are also exhibited pictures, tools and other items that illustrate the history and methodology of this industry.

Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is situated near Pallebedda to the north of Embilipitiya, near the Ratnapura-Hambantota main road (A18). According to folk believes, Sankapala was the residence of Pussa Deva, one of the warriors of King Dutthagamani, who after the war received enlightenment as a monk. This means, Sankapala is considered to have been the abode of an Arahat. The cave temple was restored during the Kandyan period. Most decorations are from the 20th century. Interestingly, places of worship for Hindu deities are integrated in the mainly Buddhist complex, which is nicely located on diverse levels at the slope of a hill.

Punchi Dambadiva is located in the Ratnapura District of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. It is Buddhist temple which hosts replicas of the sacred monuments found in the pilgrim site of Dambadiva. The Punchi Dambadiva project has been started in 1981 and currently consists of the replica of Buddhagayawa, Piriniwan Manchakaya depicting the passing away of Buddha located in Kusinarawa, a replica of the first dhamma sermon Buddha gave to his five disciples in Isipathanaramaya and many others monuments.

Surathalee Ella - It is not actually a waterfall but a water-slip. The water, slides down along a rock wall on the eastern slope of Mt Ellamana for approximately 20 metres (66 ft), forming this water-slip. It is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Belihuloya.

 

This is a famous stop among the hikers in Sri Lanka because of the naturally made camping site on top of it. The name ‘Wangedigala’ may be originated from the rock in the shape of a mortar (or Wangediya in Sinhala) on top of the mountain.The famous Bambarakanda Falls also lies nearby. The route leading to the Wangedigala separates in about 2 km from the main route leading to the falls. 

The Samanala Dam is a dam primarily used for hydroelectric power generation in Sri Lanka. Commissioned in 1992, the Samanalawewa Project is the third-largest hydroelectric scheme in the country, producing 405 GWh of energy annually. It was built with financial support from Japan and the United Kingdom. It is notable for a large leak on its right bank. Power production continues as planned despite the leakage, and the water from the leak now provides two thirds of the water issued by the reservoir for agriculture in downstream areas.

The Samanalawewa reservoir, formed by a 100m high embankment dam, is one of the largest reservoirs in Sri Lanka built in the recent times. It is located 160km south east of the capitol, Colombo, and is the key element of the 120-million-watt Samanalawewa Hydroelectric Project. 

Adara Kanda (Lover’s Peak) is a mountain situated near Belihuloya in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It stands at an elevation of 1500 m. The peak is very famous for hiking and camping. It is surrounded by picturesque views of the Sabaragamuwa Province including the Sabaragamuwa University and the Samanalawewa Dam. The mountain is also known as “Paraviyangala”.

Located from about 1.5km off the small town of Belihuloya in Sabaragamuwa Province, the breathtaking waterfall has always been a serene sight for everyone who enjoys the comfort of bluish waters. The waterfall is a branch of the Belihuloya reservoir which falls across the limits of sabaragamuwa. The waterfall is named as “pahanthudawa” as it forms at the base, a pool in the shape of the wick of the lamp. Reaching the top of the fall itself is quite a hike as it runs through the jungle but upon reaching its top and enjoying the beauty you will realize it’s never a waste. The waterfall also powers a small hydro power plant which supplies water for the locality. The place is ideal for a stop on the way while on long journey and a must visit for every waterfall lover.

Delgamuwa Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Kuruvita of Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. This temple is reputed as the hiding place of the tooth relic of Buddha during the ruling period of Portuguese in the country. Currently this temple has been declared as one of the archaeological sites in Sri Lanka

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, who was the 1st Adigar under the reign King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of Sri Lanka, for whom he served as the Disawe of Ratnapura. The museum includes exhibits on prehistoric archaeological inventions, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, zoological artifacts and models relating to the Sabaragamuwa Province. The weaponry on display include Sinhala swords of the late medieval era including a sword alleged to have belonged to Ehelepola, and a collection of old guns including a Vickers machine gun used during the First World War. The cooking utensils of the region include a tripod pan with three moulds for preparing rice flour cakes known as kiri roti. Traditional Kandyan jewellery includes necklaces, bangles, anklets and earrings. The grounds of the museum contain a palaeobiodiversity park, with life-sized animal sculptures of species believed to have existed in the region.

Maha Saman Devalaya or the Great Saman Temple is a shrine dedicated to deity Saman, situated at Ratnapura, Sri Lanka who is the presiding deity of the Sri Pada Mountain which is also called Samanthakuta meaning the mountain of Saman which is believed to have the left foot impression of Lord Buddha which he kept in his visit to Sri Lanka.

 

The Batatotalena Cave, also known as the Diva Guhava in Buddhist literature, is a cave system in Sudagala, 8 km away from the town of Kuruwita, in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. The cave measures approximately 15 m high, 18 m wide, and 25 m in length, totalling the internal cave area to 6,800 m³. Accessing the cave involves a 400 m hike from Sudagala, and an additional 50 m climb to reach the cave entrance. Approximately 30 m from the cave is another partially submerged cave, which is accessible after a 20 m swim. In Buddhism, it is believed to be the cave in which the Lord Buddha spent the day after placing his footprint on Adam's Peak, from where he supposedly proceeded to Dighavapi.

Bopath Ella is a waterfall situated in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. It has a shape very similar to the leaf of the Sacred fig or "Bo" tree, which has earned it this name. The waterfall is a major tourist attraction in the country. Local myths say that it is haunted and that it hides a treasure trove. 

Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares of land area and was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation. The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared. The park is 165 kilometres from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature, Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Lion Kingdom. The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants, and 15 or so leopards. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur