City Drive

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your day of discovery begins when you board your comfortable motorcoach and embark on a comprehensive driving tour of Sri Lanka's colorful capital. This fast-growing city maintains its old-world charm, evident in its many photographic sights.

Begin by traveling through the older sections of town, past the century-old clock tower and through the colorful bazaar known as the Pettah Market. You'll pass many beautiful and ornate churches, temples and mosques, and colonial architecture built under the British influence. Your motorcoach will meander through the Fort area, considered the heart of Colombo. This historic area is now home to a more modern sensibility and houses the government and mercantile offices, chic restaurants and shops, and a five-star hotel. As you traverse the bustling streets, look for such local landmarks as the President's House, Town Hall, the Red Muslim Mosque and the charming Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architectural structures. A magnificent colonial building is home to the Colombo National Museum, and you'll have an opportunity to stop and take photographs of the property.

Re-board your motorcoach and journey through the city to the Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple for another pleasant photo stop. Mr. Elliyas Fernando, a wealthy resident of nearby Kalutara North, was a devout religious donor and follower of Buddha monk, Rev. Sangharatne Thera, of whom this temple was built on behalf of. Don't be fooled by its rather plain exterior. Inside, the walls are elegantly decorated with alluring murals of early 20th century Buddhist art which depict important events in the life of Lord Buddha. The tour continues with Colombo's elegant residential areas where you'll see the stately homes of the affluent, plus the University of Colombo, one of the largest in Asia, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall and Independence Square, as well as the sea port, which is the commercial and administrative center of the city. You will have a brief refreshment stop at a Hotel in the city.

Return to port with a camera filled with memories of your lovely and informative day, to be shared with family and friends.

For tours that offer more in-depth exploration with actual visits to one or more sites, see the other options in this port.

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