Experience traditional gem mining
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Aug
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures ranging from 23, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures ranging from 23, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking on uneven terrain required.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking on uneven terrain required.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews, concerns about price and working conditions.
Mixed reviews, concerns about price and working conditions.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Insightful Journey
Couples found the gem mining tour a unique cultural experience. Very educational and romantic.
Fascinating Process
Witnessing the gem extraction was captivating. Couples enjoyed the hands-on activities together.
Perfect Outing
Enjoyed the tour, a perfect day out for couples. Easy to book and well organized.
Labor Concerns
Couples were disturbed by the miners' working conditions. Felt this was exploitative.
Overpriced Tour
Some couples felt the tour price was too high for the experience offered. Not worth it.
Accessibility Issues
The uneven terrain made it difficult for some couples to navigate. Not suitable for all.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday
09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
23-30°C
December sees a decrease in rainfall, averaging 168 mm, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C.
December sees a decrease in rainfall, averaging 168 mm, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C.
Open
Minimal; most activities are fully operational.
Minimal; most activities are fully operational.
Recommended
With reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures, December is a favorable time for outdoor gem mining experiences in Colombo.
With reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures, December is a favorable time for outdoor gem mining experiences in Colombo.
January
HIGH
23-31°C
January in Colombo features warm temperatures ranging from 23.1°C to 30.8°C, with an average of 27.0°C. It is the driest month, experiencing approximately 40mm of rainfall over about 11.6 days, resulting in a 16% chance of precipitation. The sea temperature averages 27.7°C, making it suitable for water activities.
January in Colombo features warm temperatures ranging from 23.1°C to 30.8°C, with an average of 27.0°C. It is the driest month, experiencing approximately 40mm of rainfall over about 11.6 days, resulting in a 16% chance of precipitation. The sea temperature averages 27.7°C, making it suitable for water activities.
Open
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended to secure accommodations and gem mining experiences.
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended to secure accommodations and gem mining experiences.
Recommended
January offers favorable weather conditions for traditional gem mining in Colombo. However, the peak tourist season results in higher prices and crowded attractions. Early reservations are advisable to ensure availability.
January offers favorable weather conditions for traditional gem mining in Colombo. However, the peak tourist season results in higher prices and crowded attractions. Early reservations are advisable to ensure availability.
February
HIGH
23-31°C
February continues with warm temperatures between 23.3°C and 31.0°C, averaging 27.2°C. Rainfall remains low, with about 50mm over 12 days, leading to an 18% chance of precipitation. Sea temperatures are around 28.0°C, ideal for swimming.
February continues with warm temperatures between 23.3°C and 31.0°C, averaging 27.2°C. Rainfall remains low, with about 50mm over 12 days, leading to an 18% chance of precipitation. Sea temperatures are around 28.0°C, ideal for swimming.
Open
High demand continues; advance booking is essential for accommodations and gem mining tours.
High demand continues; advance booking is essential for accommodations and gem mining tours.
Recommended
February's favorable weather conditions make it suitable for gem mining activities. The ongoing peak season results in elevated prices and crowded venues. Early planning is recommended to secure desired experiences.
February's favorable weather conditions make it suitable for gem mining activities. The ongoing peak season results in elevated prices and crowded venues. Early planning is recommended to secure desired experiences.
March
MEDIUM
24-32°C
March experiences temperatures ranging from 24.0°C to 31.8°C, with an average of 27.9°C. Rainfall increases slightly to 70mm over 14 days, resulting in a 20% chance of precipitation. Sea temperatures rise to 28.5°C, enhancing beach activities.
March experiences temperatures ranging from 24.0°C to 31.8°C, with an average of 27.9°C. Rainfall increases slightly to 70mm over 14 days, resulting in a 20% chance of precipitation. Sea temperatures rise to 28.5°C, enhancing beach activities.
Open
With decreasing crowds, availability improves, but booking in advance is still advisable.
With decreasing crowds, availability improves, but booking in advance is still advisable.
Recommended
March offers warm weather suitable for gem mining, with slightly increased rainfall. Reduced tourist numbers lead to more manageable crowd levels and potentially lower prices.
March offers warm weather suitable for gem mining, with slightly increased rainfall. Reduced tourist numbers lead to more manageable crowd levels and potentially lower prices.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Pre-booked private tours or shuttle services offer door-to-door transport from any hotel in Colombo directly to the mines in Ratnapura and back.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber provide a direct route from Colombo to Ratnapura, following the A4 Highway. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours.
Bus
Public buses, such as route No. 122, depart from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Ratnapura. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Car
Hiring a private car allows for a flexible journey from Colombo to Ratnapura via the A4 Highway, also known as the Colombo-Ratnapura Road.
Train
Trains from Colombo can be taken to nearby stations like Pelmadulla, approximately 15 km from Ratnapura. From there, a local bus or taxi is needed.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required