Ratnapura, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#1675
6.680369, 80.402297
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ratnapura, known as the City of Gems, is a prominent city in Sri Lanka, situated in the Sabaragamuwa Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 61,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 370 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee); major banks include Bank of Ceylon and Commercial Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are the main providers offering good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks generally accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb. Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $150. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but cards are accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available with rates approximately $10-$25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Sapphire Hostel with beds costing about $8 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are popular for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Chill offers good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited formal events; local community gatherings can be found via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Ratnapura primarily connect through social media and local club activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in major cities; local tuk-tuks are popular for short distances. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops; scooters can be rented from nearby larger cities. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Unawatuna Beach, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines offers domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SriLankan Airlines serves major international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the A1 highway connecting to Colombo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ratnapura Railway Station is the central transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are frequent; no specific public transport passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities; train services are available but less frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ratnapura Teaching Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center offers regular classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Ratnapura has basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats, such as Ratnapura Laundry Service, are available at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe and UberEats for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kottu Roti and Traditional Sri Lankan Rice & Curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mango Tree Hotel offers vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Peenie for local sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Ratnapura Central Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is a popular online shopping destination. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific grocery delivery services; shopping usually done in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local bars like The Royal Bar are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lager beer is brewed locally; try the Lion Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited; wine is more commonly enjoyed at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors are prevalent near markets, offering various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC serve international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ratnapura Gem Museum and the historic Saman Devalaya. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ratnapura Gems and Mineral Museum is a key attraction. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ancient temples, including the Sri Vishnu Dewalaya. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sri Lanka Buddhist Cultural Center is significant for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ratnapura Gem & Jewelry Festival occurs annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ratnapura's central area is rich in culture with local art displayed. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances are held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ratnapura Central Market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local traditional music can be enjoyed at cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; however, local murals depict cultural themes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine are available at various guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging galleries show local artists, often in community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore colonial-era architecture throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gem mining is a significant aspect of Ratnapura's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Udawalawe National Park is accessible for wildlife experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Country roads and paths surround the city, ideal for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding Ratnapura offer beautiful vistas, especially during sunrise. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sinharaja Forest is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the outskirts of the city for guided bonfire experiences. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like 1000 Plus for delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have recreational areas for sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language institutes offer Sinhala and Tamil classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community library available for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Ratnapura Cultural Center offers various programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, with some local cafes offering gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local gaming in social clubs. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $78,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on a progressive scale applicable to Sri Lankan income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 8% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations are applicable for tax on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate for property transactions. |