On November 1st we are open from 10am to 5pm

Excursion Life & lore in colombo tour at Colombo

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Explore the religious and cultural history of Colombo during a half-day sightseeing excursion through this historic capital and major port city.


Scenic Colombo City

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive through the city's commercial district and Pettah Bazaar area. Along the way, pass by the Pettah Fort, old government buildings and Victoria Park, or 'Vihara Mahadevi Park', a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. A visit is made to Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation turned upscale residential district. Here, see the University and most of the embassies in Colonial mansions lining the lovely, shaded avenues.


National Museum

Next, a visit is made to National Museum. Upon arrival at this elegant, white, colonnaded building, view a scary and fascinating mask collection, a gallery filled with outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, a collection of the regalia of the King of Kandy and more. Some of the images are mobile to enable ritual processions around the temple or through the streets of the town. (A video camera fee of USD $18.00, at time of printing, is required to be paid directly to the Museum.)


Galle Face Green & Gangarama Temple

Leaving the museum, re-board your coach and drive to Galle Face Green. A former haunt of Colombo high society, Galle Face Green is situated in the foreground of the Neo-classical facades of the Colombo Club and the Galle Face Hotel. After a refreshment stop at a local hotel, proceed for a visit to the Gangarama Temple, the nicest and most intimate of Colombo's Buddhist temples.


Afterwards, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo City, Pettah Bazaar and Fort, Victoria Park, Town Hall, University, Colonial Mansions, National Museum, Taj Samundra Hotel, Gangarama Temple

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 200 yards (about 183 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 30 steps at the National Museum, 10 steps at Galle Face Hotel and 10 steps at the Gangarama Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Vehicles used are the best available in the city; they are not of the same standards as vehicles found in Western countries. Sun protection is recommended. Proper attire is required to visit the sacred sites; shorts and short skirts are not permitted, and women must have their shoulders covered. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples. We suggest bringing along a thick pair of socks because the pavement may be hot. Expect crowds at the sites visited. Guests should carry some local currency for camera fees at the National Museum.