Colombo, Sri Lanka‘s bustling commercial hub, is located on the country’s west coast and with a population of between 800,000 and one million (estimates vary) is by far the country’s biggest city, as well as the most developed.

The city is a jarring mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high-piled fruit and vegetables, colourful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. On its crowded streets stand places of worship, symbolic of Sri Lanka‘s multiethnic heritage: graceful Buddhist viharas (temples), for instance, stand close to extravagant temples encrusted with Hindu statuary, along with Muslim mosques with minarets scattered along Colombo’s streets.

Scheduled visits:
• Gangarama Seema Malakaya – Gangaramaya Temple is the center for the most extravagant Vesak festivals in Colombo and Navam Perahara in February each year. Seema Malakaya Meditaion Center – Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and run by Gangaramaya Temple this small but eye catching meditation center is famous for it’s bronze Thai Buddha statues.
• National Museum, where you can watch some aspects of the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
• Independence Memorial Arcade & Independence Square
• BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

• Odel shopping
  • Cinnamon gardens
  • Shopping at Laksala state owned Handicrafts emporium
  • Lighthouse and Clock tower
  • Old Parliament
  • Beire Lake
  • Pettah – The chaotic Pettah markets definitely worth a visit to see the ordinary disorderliness. Pettah market is an amazing experience for bargain shoppers. It’s noisy, sticky, smelly, hot and crowded with it’s narrow streets and shops and stalls of merchandise.

Local Culinary experience

Indulge in typical Sri Lankan cooking lessons that promise an authentic experience as well as a delicious meal.

Visit the kitchen where a typical Sri Lankan meal is being prepared using the fresh and wholesome products purchased at the market. Get involved in the fun process of cutting, chopping of the veggies, grinding of the herbs, pounding of the spices and scraping of fresh coconut. Watch closely how each dish is prepared using just the right amount of spices and herbs so as to preserve the nutrition and goodness.

Learn some interesting facts and even some secret tips about traditional Sri Lankan cooking. With the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen.

INCLUSIONS

• Port pickup and drop-off for cruise ship/other ship passengers
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

EXCLUSIONS

• Tips, gratuities and expenses of personal nature
• Entrance fees to Colombo Museum, Cooking experience and lunch (Given in the entrance fees column)