Shore Excursions Colombo Port Passenger Jetty to Kelaniya Temple.

We will be paging your name in front of the Cruise at the given time. Introduce your Driver and give a brief introduction about the Tour and the travel timing.

Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior to the chronologically recorded history of Sri Lanka (since 543 B.C) was renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa following the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa, King Devanampiyatissa’s brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa) there.

The ancient temple was destroyed many times and again by the Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Each time the temple had been reconstructed. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha. 

• Jewellery Manufacturers: Witness the craftsmanship behind Sri Lanka’s renowned jewels.
• Precious Stones & Traditional Gem Mines: Discover the local gem industry and explore the fascinating world of Sri Lankan gemstones.
• Intricate Woodcarving, Brass & Silverware:      Marvel at the skillful artisanship of traditional local handicrafts.
• Batik & Handicraft      Shopping:      Explore the famous Batik designs and unique handcrafted items.
• Dutch Hospital Shopping      Precinct & One Galle Face Mall: Enjoy some shopping at these iconic locations.
• Wall Art Street: Experience the vibrant local street art scene.
• Gem Museum & Gem      Warehouse:      Learn about the history and significance of Sri Lankan gems.
• Ceylon Tea: Visit a traditional tea market and sample the world-famous Ceylon tea.

Throughout history, three renowned origins have stood out for blue sapphire stones: Burma, Kashmir, and Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon until 1972. Among these, Sri Lanka, or Ceylon, has maintained its status as the most prolific source of sapphires.

Today, Kashmir sapphires are nearly extinct, with no significant discoveries of new stones in the past century. Burma continues to yield high-quality sapphires, although its primary emphasis is now on ruby mining.

Sri Lanka stands out in the world of precious gemstones, with sapphires constituting 85% of the 130 varieties mined there. Among these, none rival the global appeal of Ceylon Blue Sapphires, renowned for their hue reminiscent of cornflowers.

Primarily sourced from alluvial deposits within Sri Lanka’s highland complex, Ceylon Blue Sapphires, particularly those from the Elahera region, are esteemed for their superior quality. Recent discoveries in the Kataragama klippe, Thammannawa, Kataragama area have added to this reputation.

Across centuries, Sri Lanka’s fame in the gemstone world has been propelled by remarkable finds, making it a sought-after destination for large blue sapphires and blue star sapphires exceeding 100 carats.

Ceylon Blue Sapphires, noted for their lighter and brighter blue tones, have been traded globally since the 2nd Century A.D., prized for their clarity and saturation. Traditionally, the most prized blue sapphires exhibit a velvety blue to violetish hue, ranging from medium to medium-dark tones, characteristics still highly coveted in today’s market.

Take in the stunning city views as you tour Colombo’s scenic spots.