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Region

Rainforest & Gem Country

Sabaragamuwa is the island at its wettest and most biodiverse: primary rainforest full of endemic birds, waterfalls running hard all year, and a capital built on sapphires. It is the least-visited of Sri Lanka's regions and the most rewarding for anyone who travels with binoculars or an umbrella.

Showing 15 of 15 destinations

Dense rainforest of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Must-see

Sinharaja Rainforest

Rainforest & Gem Country

Sri Lanka's last great lowland rainforest - a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with endemic species.

From $30–50/day (guide included)Overnight
Clock tower in the gem city of Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Must-see

Ratnapura

Rainforest & Gem Country

The 'City of Gems' - Sri Lanka's sapphire capital, gateway to Sinharaja and the classic Adam's Peak trail.

From $20–35/dayFull day
Wild elephant and spotted deer near the Udawalawe reservoir in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
Wildlife Safari

Udawalawe National Park

Rainforest & Gem Country

The most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants - hundreds live around the great Udawalawe reservoir.

From $35–55/day (safari included)Full day
Bo-leaf shaped Bopath Ella waterfall at Kuruwita, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Bopath Ella Falls

Rainforest & Gem Country

A waterfall shaped perfectly like a sacred Bo leaf - Sri Lanka's most symmetrical cascade, minutes from Ratnapura.

From $15–30/dayQuick stop
Panoramic mountain view above Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Belihuloya

Rainforest & Gem Country

A breezy mountain-foot village of streams, hikes, and reservoirs - the adventurous back door to the highlands.

From $20–35/dayOvernight
Flat-topped Bible Rock (Bathalegala) rising over the valley, Sri Lanka
Off the beaten path

Bible Rock (Bathalegala)

Rainforest & Gem Country

The flat-topped mountain shaped like an open book, watching over the Kandy road - a short, superb sunrise hike.

From $15–30/dayFull day
Kelani River flowing through the rainforest at Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
Hiking & Peaks

Kitulgala Water Rafting

Rainforest & Gem Country

White-water rafting through lush forests on the rain-fed Kelani River.

From $35–50/day (with raft)Half day
Kirindi Ella waterfall plunging 116 metres near Pelmadulla, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Kirindi Ella Falls

Rainforest & Gem Country

A 116-metre plunge in the gem country near Pelmadulla - among the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

From $15–30/dayQuick stop
Pahanthudawa waterfall and its rock pool at Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Pahanthudawa Falls

Rainforest & Gem Country

Belihuloya's lamp-flame waterfall - a small cascade and natural pool that became one of the island's most loved swims.

From $15–30/dayFull day
Surathali Ella waterfall near Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Surathali Ella

Rainforest & Gem Country

A 60-metre film-star waterfall beside the Belihuloya road, reached by a short forest amble.

From $15–30/dayQuick stop
Orphaned elephant calves at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Sri Lanka
Wildlife Safari

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Rainforest & Gem Country

The gold standard of elephant care - orphaned calves raised wild and released, watched from a distance at feeding time.

From $20–35/dayQuick stop
Alupola Ella waterfall plunging through forest near Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls

Alupola Ella

Rainforest & Gem Country

A 68-metre plunge in the wet hills above Ratnapura - gem country's forest waterfall.

From $15–30/dayQuick stop
Courtyard manor house of Maduwanwela Walawwa, Sri Lanka
Museums & Colonial

Maduwanwela Walawwa

Rainforest & Gem Country

The manor of the 'Kolonne King' - a labyrinthine 17th-century walawwa of courtyards, carvings, and tall tales.

From $15–30/dayHalf day
Gateway of the Maha Saman Devale near Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Off the beaten path

Maha Saman Devale

Rainforest & Gem Country

The chief shrine of the god Saman, guardian of Adam's Peak - Ratnapura's great temple and its September pageant.

From $15–30/dayHalf day
Elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka
Wildlife Safari

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Rainforest & Gem Country

A famous sanctuary for orphaned elephants, best known for the herd's twice-daily river bathing.

From $25–40/dayQuick stop