Ratnapura, whose name translates as City of Gems, has been Sri Lanka’s centre of gem mining for centuries, and a guided visit here takes in a working gem pit, a cutting and polishing demonstration, and a museum explaining the geology behind the island’s sapphires, rubies and other precious stones. It is a genuinely different side of Sri Lanka to the standard heritage or wildlife circuit, appealing to travellers with a specific interest in gemmology or craft. Guided visits to reputable dealers allow for informed purchasing for those interested, with no obligation to buy.