The Sabaragamuwa Province covers the south western part also known as the wet zone.  Located in the western foothills of the central highlands, this is a area with tropical rainforests, winding rivers and an undulating terrain.  Rice, rubber, tea and fruit is cultivated here.  The area is also famous for its precious gemstones. Some of Sabaragamuwa’s popular destinations include Kitulgala, a hotspot for adventure activities, the Sinharaja Rainforest and Ratnapura. 

The quaint village of Kitulgala owes its popularity to the Kelani River which offers exciting Grade 3 and Grade 4 rafting. Two hour rafting trips can be arranged through jungle-clad mountains and plantations growing low-country tea and rubber. The breathtaking scenery was used for the filming of the classic Oscar-winning movie “The Bridge Over the River Kwai” is breathtaking. Aside from being a key location for rafting and canoeing, Kitugala offers some interesting walks, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The best accommodation includes Paradise Farm and River Resort.

Ratnapura, the `city of gems’, is located close to Kitugala and is home to a long-established gem industry.  It is here that villagers from the surrounding gem fields gather to sell their precious stones to local gem merchants, international traders and tourists. Blue sapphires, rubies, cat’s eyes and a myriad of semi-precious stones are all mined by hand. You will see paddy fields scattered with basic mud huts covered with coconut leaf thatched roofs, the gateways to deep gem pits. At the river beds you see villagers with concave baskets sifting through the soil in search of precious stones.  Ratnapura town is filled with gem boutiques with workshop where the coarse stones are cut and polished.