Colombo port passenger terminal shore excursions -Kelaniya temple

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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.

The Lotus Tower, also known as the Colombo Lotus Tower, stands at a height of 351.5 meters in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has become a symbolic landmark for the country.

As the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Colombo, Sri Kaleshwaram Kovil stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and religious devotion. Adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings of Hindu deities, the temple's majestic blue roof rises 80 feet above the ground, drawing awe and reverence from all who visit.

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948.

The replica of Aukana Buddha Statue is situated in Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07, just opposite the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). This Buddha statue was built in 1970 and is a replica of the Aukana Buddha Statue found in Anuradhapura which is believed to date back to the 5th century. It depicts Lord Buddha in a standing position.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, located in the western province. Diverse and vibrant, it is also the country's administrative and economic center.

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city, home to around a million people is also one of the busiest ports in the south, and Colombo was the capital for two hundred Itntil the capital was shifted to nearby Sri Jayawaritut remains the hub and heart of the city.it

The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, and lots of shopping. Its architecture, influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization, is very visible in the buildings surrounding it.

The Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park in the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, the park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu. The park was built on land donated to the Colombo city by Charles Henry de Soysa during the British rule of Sri Lanka and used to be named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria. During World War II it was occupied by the British Army with the Australian 17th Brigade based at Victoria Park. After the war, the park was restored and opened to the public in 1951.

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.

Noteworthy specimens originating from Sri Lanka, such as the Blue Giant of the Orient, Logan Sapphire, and the Star of Adam, underscore the country’s prominence in the realm of blue sapphires. These gems are celebrated worldwide for their clarity, transparency, and saturation.

Ceylon tea is a popular type of black tea that is also known as Sri Lankan tea. Served as an iced tea or warm, it is a favorite beverage for many tea drinkers. While Ceylon is known for its bold flavor, it can vary significantly in taste, depending on the type of tea and where it's grown in the country.

The Floating Markets are located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and consist of 92 trade stalls, with a number of the stalls established on boats on Beira Lake. The floating market serves as a tourist attraction selling local produce and local handicrafts.