This family-run, eight-room guesthouse north of town has warm hospitality, good Sri Lankan food and fine views of emerald-green rice paddies. The cheapest rooms have no hot water and no views. It’s run by a gem dealer who also runs gemmology courses. Trips to the gem mines and markets, parks and waterfalls are also possible.
Ratna Gem Halt
The Hill Country
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.81 MILES
The Horton Plains plateau comes to a sudden end at World’s End, a stunning escarpment that plunges 880m. The walk here is 4km, but the trail then loops…
28.83 MILES
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1.43 MILES
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20.98 MILES
It's more of a hotel garage than a museum, but this fine collection of classic cars is well worth a peek. Just buy a drink at the hotel and someone will…
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28.96 MILES
A local landmark, Farr Inn was a hunting lodge for high-ranking British colonial officials, but now incorporates a basic but expensive cafe and a visitor…
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1.74 MILES
Established by a local gemmologist, this impressive private collection of precious stones (plus quartz, fossils and artefacts) is a good place to learn…
Nearby The Hill Country attractions
0.27 MILES
The town’s somewhat neglected National Museum displays the fossilised remains of various animals (including rhinos and elephants) discovered in gem pits…
0.48 MILES
There’s a full-size replica of the Aukana Buddha at this vihara on top of a hill overlooking town; you can walk to it through Pompakele Forest Park.
0.99 MILES
The 6m-high Katugas Falls, 3km north of town, are quite scenic, but crowded on Sundays and public holidays.
1.43 MILES
This Buddhist temple, 4km northwest of the city, is an architectural treasure well worth visiting. Perched on a small hill, it has a handsome series of…
1.74 MILES
Established by a local gemmologist, this impressive private collection of precious stones (plus quartz, fossils and artefacts) is a good place to learn…
20.6 MILES
The Sinharaja (Lion King) rainforests occupy a broad ridge at the heart of the island’s wet zone. The only way to get about the reserve is by foot, and…
20.98 MILES
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27.75 MILES
The Kolawenigama Temple, 6km southwest of Deniyaya, is of modest proportions, but has a unique structure that resembles Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth…