Tourist Attractions in Ratnapura
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JMBTourist Attractions in Ratnapura
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JMBIS4229: AESTHETICS AND DESIGN
ASSIGNMENT NO 01
NAME : NIKESHALA W.A.T
REG NO : RU/E/2008/120
DATE : 04/11/2011
BEAUTY OF RATHNAPURA
Ratnapura which can be verbatim translated as 'The City of Gems' is located at the foot of Sri
Pada or Adam's Peak. It is known for gem mining and natural beauty. People can shop for
precious gems or visit deep mines., Ratnapura area has fill with natural beauty beause of
waterfalls and lush forests. Sri Pada, Uda Walawe National Park and Sinharaja Forest are
places where one can witness nature in full glory. All three spots give shelter to diversified
wildlife. People can undoubtedly enjoy refreshing and tranquil atmosphere in Rathnapura
area.
Gems of Rathnapura
They say that King Solomon purchased a wonderful ruby for the queen of Sheba from Sri
Lanka. Marco Polo (1293 AD) wrote about a rybt at Anuradhapura..."a flawless ruby a span
long and quite as thick as a man's fist". Land of Sri Lanka has produced three largest blue
sapphires of the world, including the 'Blue Bell' which bedecks the British crown and the
'Star of India', displayed at the New York Museum of Natural History.
When We turn towards Ratnapura museums or many of the workshops, We can get to see an
array of precious stones like rubies, sapphires, topaz, garnets, etc. The city hosts several
private gem museums and gem cutting centers which also operate as sales outlets. One can
visit several gem mines in the region. Most of them are located in paddy fields on lower
ground. These mines have been dug from 10m to 50m.
Maha Saman Devalaya
Maha Saman Devala, an important shrine for Buddhists, is devoted to God Saman a Buddhist
deity who is regarded the guardian of Ratnapura. The temple which stands here was rebuilt
after the Kandyan kingdom recaptured Ratnapura from the Portuguese. Before the conquest
of the Portuguese an ancient temple stood here which was destroyed by the Portuguese.
Waterfalls
Several waterfalls can be visited on excursions from Ratnapura. Bopath Ella is easily
accessible by vehicles. It is 30m high and the shape is similar to Bo leaf. Although people can
bath in the waterfall,. Katugas Ella is 3km away from Ratnapura . Kirindi Ella is seventh
highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, located 4km from Ratnapura. Rajanawa is located in
Marapana village of Ratnapura. The place is known for its scenic beauty and some famous
Sinhala films have made use of its picturesque locations.
Diha Guhava
Ratnpura has several places of worship most of which are related to Buddhism. Thre more
popular among these. Legend holds that Diha Guhawa is the place where Lord Buddha had
rested after marking his footprints at Sri Pada (Adam's Peak). The cave can shelter more than
500 people at once.
Uda Walawe National Park
Uda Walawe National Park, 70km from the town, is mainly comprised of grasslands and
thorn scrubs punctuated by trees. The park is known for providing shelter to elephants,
various species of deer, monkeys, jackal, water buffalo and wild boar. Plenty of avifauna can
also be witnessed in the park.
Sri Pada
Sri Pada is the centre of faith for the people of all religions in the country. The summit is
known for the huge footprints now said to be covered by a rock. Hindus, Buddhists and
Muslims, all link these footprints to their religion. This most popular trekking route in Sri
Lanka is also known for its picturesque beauty and adventure. Ideal season for climbing is
December to April.
Sinharaja Forest
Sinharaja which literally tanslates as 'Lion King' in the Sinhala language is the last remaining
tropical lowland rainforest of the country. Several rare varieties of trees grow. The forest
hosts lot of endemic wildlife, particularly birds as well as mammals, insects, reptiles, rare
amphibians and butterflies. The forest is a living heritage.
Above mention places and things are increases the aesthetically beauty of Rathnapura area.
