Excursion The temple of kelaniya & shopping tour at Colombo

Explore the religious, cultural and artistic influences of Sri Lanka during this memorable, half-day visit to the Kelaniya Temple, with a shopping stop in Colombo.

Scenic Drive & Kelaniya Temple

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive into the countryside, and a visit to Kelaniya. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the Kelaniya Temple, an active Buddhist temple purportedly built on a site visited by the Buddha over 2,000 years ago. He is said to have preached his doctrine to a gathering of serpent kings here. Today, 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 purified water.

During your visit, marvel at the temple's fine drawings, lovely frescoes, fascinating, geometrically patterned ceilings, and three important images of Buddha; two seated and one reclining. Adorning the outer walls are more light-hearted works, including rows of whimsical dwarfs and elephants in bas-relief.

Shopping In Colombo

Following your visit, re-board your coach and return to Colombo for an opportunity to do some shopping. Colombo is renowned for its precious and semiprecious stones; sapphires, star rubies, topaz, garnets, citrine, and more can be found at the gems and jewellery outlet. Generally two venues are visited, a handicraft store and a jewellers.

Browse for tea, woodcarvings, brass, silverware, batiks, and souvenirs before commencing the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Countryside, Kelaniya Temple, Colombo, Shopping

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 85 yards (255 feet) over sometimes unpaved terrain and with 30 steps at the Kelaniya Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair as the venues are not wheelchair accessible. 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. Modest 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. Souvenir shops accept cash in US Dollars, Pounds, Euros and local currency. Credit cards might not be accepted at some, but not all shops. At some sites, depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. Sites may also be crowded and guests need to exercise caution. Photography with flash is prohibited inside Kelaniya Temple. Keeping in mind local sentiments guests should not take photographs posing beside/ in front of the statues of Buddha.