• Welcome to Walklanka Grand Tours
  • Best Sunny Ocean Breeze - Unawatuna
  • Best Sri Lankan Tea
  • Best Adventure and wild life - Yala

JUNGLE SAFARI
& ADVENTURE

Safari

BEACH &
HERITAGE

Beach

WEDDINGS &
HONEYMOON

Weddings


Srilakan yala wild life tours

OUR LOCATION

Walklanka grand tours based on a beautiful Rathnapura district in Sabaragamuwa province in Sri Lanka. Its only 162km away from Bandaranayaka international airport and 50km away from Mattala international airport.It is surrounded by high mountains,

very beautiful natural waterfalls. Every time you come here you will be impressed with its beauty. As well city is very famous with the most beautiful gems in Sri Lanka. you will see many types of natural gems in our city.its 18km away from Udawalawa national park and 4km away from Udawalawa elephant orphanage and one hour drive to the down south golden pristine beaches,bundala national park and yala national park  

Are you a business man in the gem and jewelry trade or are you really interested in natural gems?? so don’t think twice - come and visit us while you are planning your holiday and let us make your holiday fabulous for you. You can visit places where you can buy natural rare gems from our city for reasonable price. In Rathnapura you can find all kind of natural Precious stone and Semi-precious stones.  

walklanka grand tours and travels is really close to down south golden pristine shallow sandy beaches where you can be used for variety of leisure activities ranging from sea bathing to diving.many type of unique marine life can be seen which include deep ocean reef snorkeling, deep sea Diving, Kayaking, Surfing.here you can experience whale and dolphin watching! In Rathnapura you will be able to climb at down south historical rock Cave temple and visit many places of interest!

If you have your own ideas how to spend your holiday according to your time let us know we are ready to make it happen only for you. 		 


Ratnapura

(Sinhala: රත්නපුර; Tamil: இரத்தினபுரி) ("City of Gems" in Sinhala and Tamil) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka and the Ratnapura District. The name 'Ratnapura' is a direct Sanskrit word meaning City (from the Sanskrit word 'Pura') of Gems (from the Sanskrit word 'Ratna') over 2000 years ago when the first Buddhist monks arrived here from the north eastern provinces of India namely Bodh-Gaya, Varanasi and Patliputra they not only did bring with them the Buddhist religion but since their teachings were mainly in Sanskrit and Pali they also influenced the local language, the palm candy produced traditionally in this region, but the more common explanation in Sri Lanka is that it comes from the Sinhala "ratna" meaning gems and "pura" meaning city Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura. Located some 101 km south east of capital Colombo.

It is the Centre of a long-established industry of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem mining, the city is known for rice and fruit cultivations. Large plantations of tea and rubber surround the city. Tea grown in this region is called low-country tea. There is a well-established tourism industry in Ratnapura. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Kitulgala, and Adam's Peak are especially popular among tourists.
In 1901, the town of Ratnapura had a population of 4,084, and in 2011, it had increased to 52,170 and this consisted of Buddhist,Hindus, Christians and Muslims.
 

ECONOMY - GEM TRADE

The people of the town depends on the gem trade. Gem pits common site in the surrounding area. Most of the large-scale gem businessmen of Sri Lanka operate from Ratnapura. There are considerable numbers of foreign gem traders in the city too. Among the foreign traders,

Thai (Thailand) traders are in the majority. Every day, large number of traders from suburbs and other towns gather in the town centre to sell or buy gemstones. Large-scale merchants collect gemstones from locals and sell them in the international market. Some traders go out of the city to buy gems. This includes neighboring towns like Kalawana, Bogawantalawa, and Ela-era. After the discovery of world-class alluvial sapphire deposits in the valley of Ilakaka in Madagascar, many Ratnapura merchants travel out of the country to Madagascar to buy gems.  


CLIMATE

Ratnapura features a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification. The city is located in the south-western part of Sri Lanka, the so-called wet zone. The town receives rainfall mainly from south-western monsoons from May to September.

During the remaining months of the year, there is also considerable precipitaion due to convective rains. The average annual precipitation is about 4,000 to 5,000 mm. The average temperature varies from 24 to 35 °C, and there are high humidity levels.The city is above 21m from sea level.  


PLACES OF WORSHIP

There are many places of worship in and around the city. Buddhist places of worship are more in number, which is to be expected since Buddhists constitute the great majority in the area. Nevertheless, there are plenty of places of worship in the town related to other religions. The following are some important examples:

• The mountain Sri Pada -Adam's Peak(Buddhist/Hindu/Islam)
• Maha Saman Devala (Buddhist)
• Delgamu Viharaya (Buddhist)
• Pothgul Viharaya (Buddhist)
• Saints Peter and Paul's Cathedral (Catholic Church)
• St. Luke's Church(Church of England)
• Siva Temple (Hindu)
• Diva Guhava (Buddhist)
  


MAHA SAMAN DEVALAYA

This is a shrine dedicated to the god Saman. The god Saman is (a Buddhist deity) considered to be the guardian of Ratnapura.

When the Portuguese captured Ratnapura,




the ancient shrine that stood at this location was destroyed and a Portuguese church was constructed on top of it.

When the Kandyan kingdom recaptured Ratnapura, the Portuguese church was destroyed and the shrine was rebuilt.

Although there is no direct evidence to support the existence of the old shrine, indirect evidence supports the existence of a shrine that looked like a Hindu temple at the current location before Portuguese times.
Currently this shrine is a very important place of worship for Buddhists. 		 



MAHASAMANDEWALAYA

The mountain Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)

Ratnapura is situated at the foot of the 2243 metre high Adam's Peak. All four major religions claim Adam's Peak as a holy mountain. 		 



Buddhists call the mountain Sri Pada (the sacred footprint), or Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain) and believe the Lord Buddha has visited the mountain and set his sacred footprint. This place also known as a place where many miracles happened. All people who go to worship should talk gently and behave gently.  

Ratnapura is also the starting point for the 'Classic' Hard route up Adam's Peak, via Gilimale and Carney estate. The Pilgrimage season starts on Poya (full moon) day in December and runs until the start of the South-West Monsoon in April. It has been a pilgrimage centre for over 1000 years. King Parakramabahu and King Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa provided ambalamas or 'resting places' for weary pilgrims along the mountain route. The other more popular route is through Dalhousie (pronounced 'Del-house') close to Dickoya. Other routes to Adam's Peak.  

PETER-PAUL CHURCH

The history of Catholics in Ratnapura begins with Portuguese rule in Ratnapura. Very few Catholics lived in the town in the 17th century. Many of them are the descendants of Portuguese and locals that they married.

There is evidence to suggest that the Portuguese built a church on top of a destroyed Buddhist temple. That Portuguese church was destroyed when the Kandyan kingdom recaptured Ratnapura from the Portuguese. The current church was built in a different location along the Main Street of Ratnapura (inside the town). The Church building being used now is said to be inspired by Blessed Joseph Vaz the Apostle of Ceylon during the 17th century when he visited Ratnapura as a part of his apostolic mission to Sabaragamuwa. After Sabaragamuwa became a diocese on 2 November 1995 SS. Peter-Paul's Church was raised to the status of the Cathedral of the diocese.  



DIVA GUHAV

A cave temple, believes to be that the place Buddha had rest while visiting Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) with his 500 priests, as in Mahavamsa one of the nine places Buddha had visited during his third visit to the Sri Lanka.


Spectacular view of Samanala Kanda (mountain of Sri Pada) and size of the cave (able to shelter over 500 people at once) lead widely acceptance as Diva Guhawa.

About 5 km off from Kuruwita town
(10 km towards to Colombo from Ratnapura)
on Erathna road, one of the ancient road to Sri Pada, direct to Diva Guhawa.


  



WATERFALLS

Bopath Ella Situated at Kuruvita, few miles away from Colombo Ratnapura high level road and very easy access via a vehicles.

Both waterfalls attract visitors from all over the country to Ratnapura. You are allow to bath in this waterfall,

but warning for flash flood may appear in a matter of minutes.

Despite its danger the beauty of this place is a gem to ratnapura. You have to turn to left at Higgassena close to Kuruwita from the main Ccolombo - Ratnapura road go about 2 KM.

The fall is like a boo leaf that gives it name.



  

KATUGAS ELLA

A popular water fall among locals, situated at Mahawalawatta, 3 km away from Ratnapura town.

KIRINDI ELLA

The seventh highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Situated 4 km away from Ratnapura - Pelmadulla Main road from Pelmadulla town.


RAJANAWA

Situated next to Ratnapura Kalawana main road in Marapana village, this beautiful seenary been captured in few famous Sinhala films. Gem Mines There are many gem mines around the area, especially in paddy fields on lower ground, which are deep around 10m to 50m.



Portable hand operating tools use for mining process such as shovel, picks, pans (specially made from bamboo) and cradles. Once soil lifts out from the mine, with the use of water, the dirt and mud wash out using pans and thus if there any gemstone, which heavier than normal stones, remains at the bottom of the pan as mud wash away

Srilanka Best TOURS

Let us Make your Trip AWESOME

DOWN SOUTH ATTRACTION


Southern province consisting of
Gall ,Matara and Hambanthota district is one of the most fascinating province of Sri lanka, With its long history, rich culture and bountiful gifts of nature, the the southern province is a veritable treasure trove for those interested in delving into the region’s glorious past savour its culture miscellany or enjoy its natural beauty.

the southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourist and frequented by visitors all the year around but the real season kicks off during October to April when the monsoon moves North east and the sea becomes calm with blue skies Down south has One of the three kingdoms of Sri lanka some centuries back in history still remain in glory and pride. This is one of the main tourist destination in Sri lanka.

it has beautiful golden pristine beaches where you can enjoy on the beach from sunrise to sunset

Down south offers for you verity of things to do and visit to make it as your best tourist destination in Sri lanka. Such as

• All water sport activity at Benthota
• Ambalangoda Art and craft
• Coral and Underwater safari
• Neluwa dooli ella Water fall
• Gall fort , Word heritage site
• Gem and jewellery
• Unawatuna golden pristine beach
• Stilt Fishing
• Exciting whale and dolphin
• Surfing at mirissa
• Highest light house in sri lanka
• Blow hole ( Hummanaya )
• Mulkirigala rock cave temple
• Hot springs at Madunagala
• Hambanthota harber
• Tissamaharama Dagoba
• Situlpawwa Rock temple
• Yala national park

Walklanka Grand Tours and Beach tours warmly welcome you to the southern province and wish you to make pleasant and unbelievable stay in our mysterious paradise



YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area.

It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies inSouthern Province and Uva Province.

The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.

There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera National Park. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon.

Yala national park offers for you verity of things to do and visit to make it as your best tourist wild safari in Sri lanka. Such as

• Boat riding
• Largest elephant visiting
• Bird watching
• Historical temple within the park
• Largest leopard watching
• Thrilling jeep riding in the jungle
• Overnight camping

Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbors 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.