Excursion Whispers from the past tour at Colombo

Explore the unique history, culture and architecture of Colombo during a picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to this fascinating port city.

Colombo, Pettah Bazaar, Vihara Mahadevi Park, Botanical Garden, Town Hall, Cinnamon Gardens

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour orientation drive through Colombo, the capital and major port city of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a fascinating city that links the past with the present, and its tangible history is a unique mix of relics of Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements blended with Indian influences. Pass through the commercial area of the city, rows of shops in the Pettah Bazaar area and Vihara Mahadevi Park. This park was created by the British as a botanical garden for tropical species, and is situated cross the street from the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. From here, drive through Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation that has evolved into an upmarket residential district, where the University and most of the embassies are based in Colonial mansions along beautiful, shaded avenues.

National Museum, Mask Collection, Hindu and Buddhist Bronzes, Statuettes, Shiva Sculptures

Next, proceed for a guided visit to the elegant, white, colonnaded National Museum. The museum houses a fascinating mask collection with its share of demons, including Prince Maha Kola, who is displayed wearing a diadem of interwoven snakes. Another gallery contains a display of outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes. One group of statuettes is connected with the cult of Shiva, and includes a fine sculpture of Shiva as 'Lord of the Dance'. The National Museum also houses a trilingual stone tablet inscription that Zheng He brought to Sri Lanka on his third trip, and offers praise to three religions; Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Following your tour, re-board your coach and explore Sri Lanka's strong Buddhist identity at your last stop, the Kelaniya Temple.

Kelaniya Temple, Carvings, Frescoes, Ceiling Paintings, Buddha Images, Flower Offerings, Incense

This active Buddhist temple was built on a site believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself over 2,000 years ago, and where he preached his doctrine to an assembly of serpent-kings. Today, human worshippers come to lay sprigs of lotus flowers around the great, white dagoba, light oil lamps and sprinkle the base of the Tree of Enlightenment with purifying water. Artistic highlights of the temple include very fine carvings and lovely frescoes, fascinating geometrically patterned ceiling paintings, and three important images of Buddha; two in a sitting position, and one in a reclining pose. During your guided walking tour, explore this fascinating temple, and have a chance to offer flowers and light incense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 200 yards (about 183 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 30 steps at the National Museum and 30 steps at the Kelaniya Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the Kelaniya Temple; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the temple. A thick pair of socks is suggested, as the ground may be hot. Anticipate crowds, traffic and waiting times at the sites visited. As in any large city, please take precautions to protect your belongings. Leave all valuables on board; do not wear any jewellery shore-side, and anticipate pickpockets may be present. A videography fee of US$18 is assessed to guests opting to videotape inside the National Museum, and paid at their own expense. Flash photography is prohibited inside the Kelaniya Temple to avoid damaging frescoes. Photography is also completely prohibited in certain areas of the temple. Keeping local sentiments in mind, guests should not take photos of themselves beside/in front of the statues of Lord Buddha. The tour sequence may vary.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo, Pettah Bazaar, Vihara Mahadevi Park, Town Hall, Cinnamon Gardens, National Museum, Mask Collection, Kelaniya Temple, Carvings, Frescoes, Buddha Images

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