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World most extreme places

Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

From series “The Scariest Mines in the World”
The island of Sri Lanka is precious in the literal and figurative sense of the word. That’s because of Ratnapura mine, whose name can be translated as ‘the precious land.’ Since ancient times, gemstones have being mined there. This is where Blue Belle of Asia that later adorned the crown the Queen of England was found. The exact date of the foundation of Ratnapura mine is unknown, but one fact remains indisputable - for hundreds of years, the process of extraction of stones hasn’t changed here.

Part of large-scale mines have been depleted and are now in ruins, while locals continue to expand tunnels and look for new fields of jewelry. According to locals, walk through the deserted mines is absolutely safe, but at first glance tunnels may seem very insecure.

Some of the areas have been deprived of any fortifications, so any wrong move or loud noise may provoke the collapse. Locals believe tunnels of Ratnapura to be a sacred place, that’s why they always bring generous gifts to the gods. Employed workers also take into account advice of astrologers and follow a lot of important rituals, as locals believe that such a respect to the place makes source of gems literally inexhaustible. To the beginning - Kamioka

Ratnapura - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Commercial Bank ATM' located in 1.95 km ( check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Yellwo Cab' is located in 41 km ( on the map).
Fuel station: 'Filling Station' in 1.42 km
Supermarket: 'Palitha Super' in 2.26 km
Parking: 'Saman Dewalaya Car Park' in 0.77 km
Apotheek: 'Ukwatte Building' in 2.17 km
Police station: 'Police Station - Rathnapura' in 2.45 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Diamond Rest' in 0.63 km
Railway station: 'Ihala Watawala Railway Station' in 32 km

Nearest airports:
 »  Ratmalana Airport RML - in 56 km
 »  Bandaranaike Airport CMB - in 76 km
 »  Anuradhapura Airport ADP - in 178 km
 »  China Bay Airport TRR - in 222 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Ratnapura

Centauria Hill Resort

Located in 0 km from Ratnapura
Route on the map:
Rooms: 12
Tastefully decorated, rooms come with high ceilings and classical wooden furnishings. Each is equipped with a cable TV, cosy seating area and work … More: photo, rates and booking
Nilani Hotel

Located in 2 km from Ratnapura
Route on the map:
Rooms: 13
Simply furnished, the air-conditioned rooms come with colourful fabrics and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. All rooms are … More: photo, rates and booking
Kuruwita Retreat

Located in 10 km from Ratnapura
Route on the map:
Rooms: 2
Fan-cooled rooms at Kuruwita Retreat are tastefully furnished with a sofa seating area, wardrobe and writing table. Hot/cold shower facilities are … More: photo, rates and booking
Laya Leisure

Located in 18 km from Ratnapura
Route on the map:
Rooms: 64
Air-conditioned rooms at Laya Leisure are tastefully furnished with a separate living area and dining table. A flat-screen TV and work desk are also … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Sinharaja Rain Forest
39 km - Sinharaja Rain Forest
Lovers of hiking in rainforests will definitely appreciate Sinharaja Forest Reserve, located in Sri Lanka. Established in 1978, the reserve is now famous for its variety of exotic plant species, many of which one cannot see anywhere else. The same can be said about the …
Kotmale Oya Bridge
41 km - Kotmale Oya Bridge
There is an extreme bridge in Sri Lanka too. Kotmale Oya Bridge goes across the rough and muddy river of the same name. The bridge has been built long time ago, so wooden boards have decayed and impressive holes formed in between. The relative strength of the bridge is …
Bentota Beach
52 km - Bentota Beach
Lovers of romance who will relax in Sri Lanka, should definitely visit the picturesque Bentota beach. It has been named after the river of the same name and is located in the place where the river flows into the ocean. Palm trees complement the marvelous landscapes. …
Heritance Tea Factory Hotel
59 km - Heritance Tea Factory Hotel
The charming village of Kandapola is known to many tourists because of its upscale Heritance Tea Factory Hotel. It occupies a building that was built in 1940. A factory for the production of Ceylon tea was located in it in the past. The hotel is located in an …
Hikkaduwa Beach
70 km - Hikkaduwa Beach
Tourists who are going to visit the former Ceylon will be able to relax on the exotic beach in Hikkaduwa. A wide range of travelers know this picturesque Sri Lankan beach as the Orange beach. It owes its name to the sand of saturated orange color. The coast looks …
Sri Lanka Meteorite
101 km - Sri Lanka Meteorite
Every meteorite fallen to the earth has not only unique outlines, but also the unique composition. The latter is highly esteemed by the researchers because the elements contained in the meteorite can be the proof of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. A …
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