Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo Shore Excursion From Colombo Port

Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage comes alive in the captivating Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo Shore Excursion. Priced affordably at just $20 per group, this 4-hour experience invites visitors from the Colombo Port to enjoy the country’s illustrious gem industry. From the Gem Museum‘s dazzling displays to the insider access at Gem Mine Pvt Ltd, the tour unveils the fascinating history and modern-day significance of Sri Lanka’s renowned gemstones. With scenic views and opportunities for shopping, this excursion promises an unforgettable exploration – but there’s more to discover about the royal connections and notable gems that make this island nation a true jewel of the Indian Ocean.

Key Points

• The Jewel Hunt Tour is a 4-hour shore excursion from Colombo Port that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage, including visits to the Gem Museum and a Gem Mine.

• The tour is priced at $20.00 per group (up to 3 participants) and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Highlights of the tour include visits to Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Square, and the Gangaramaya Temple, providing scenic views and cultural experiences.

• Sri Lanka is recognized globally as a key source of fine sapphires, including blue sapphires, star sapphires, star rubies, and the rare padparadscha sapphires.

• The tour includes luxury car transport and an English-speaking driver, with pickup and drop-off available at various locations in Colombo, catering to cruise ship passengers and hotel guests.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo is a shore excursion from the Colombo Port that offers participants a chance to explore the city’s gems and jewelry offerings.

Priced at $20.00 per group (up to 3 participants), the 4-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience. It includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a convenient reserve now & pay later option.

Designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage, the tour takes visitors to various gem-related sites, such as the Gem Museum, Gem Mine Pvt Ltd, and Jewel Qudsi. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the industry and browse for unique gemstone souvenirs.

Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or simply curious about Sri Lanka’s natural wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable jewel-hunting adventure.

Itinerary and Highlights

Across the 4-hour Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo, participants explore a diverse array of gem-related sites and landmarks throughout the city. The tour’s itinerary includes visits to the Gem Museum, Viharamahadvi Park, Gem Mine Pvt Ltd, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Jewel Qudsi, and the One Galle Face Mall, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage and providing ample opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.

Highlight	Duration
Gem Museum	40 min
Viharamahadvi Park	20 min
Gem Mine Pvt Ltd	40 min
Independence Square	15 min
Gangaramaya Temple**	20 min

**n additional fee may be required to enter Gangaramaya Temple.

Sri Lankan Gemstone Industry

Sri Lanka’s gem and jewelry industry is among the oldest and largest export earners, with a history spanning 3,000 years. Approximately 75 varieties of gemstones are found in the island nation, including coveted varieties of corundum and chrysoberyl.

The country is renowned for its production of blue sapphires, star sapphires, star rubies, and the rare and highly sought-after padparadscha sapphires. Sri Lanka’s position as a key source of fine sapphires globally has earned it the moniker ‘Island of Gems.’

The country’s gemstones have long been favored by royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, who wore the ‘Trumpet Brooch’ gifted by the Mayor of Colombo in 1981, which features a variety of vibrant precious and semi-precious stones.

Royal Connections and Notable Gems

Sri Lankan gems have long been favored by royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, who wore the ‘Trumpet Brooch’ gifted by the Mayor of Colombo in 1981. This vibrant brooch features a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, resembling a bouquet.

The Ceylon Sapphire, in particular, holds a unique reputation among gemstone connoisseurs. Here are four notable Sri Lankan gems:

1. Blue Sapphires: Renowned for their exceptional quality and vivid blue hues.

2. Star Sapphires: Displaying a captivating star-like pattern within the gemstone.

3. Star Rubies: Exhibiting a similar star-like phenomenon but with a red color.

4. Padparadscha Sapphires: Prized for their rare and distinctive peach-orange hue.

These exceptional gems continue to captivate the world, cementing Sri Lanka’s status as the ‘Island of Gems’.

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Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo includes full-time transport by luxury car and an English-speaking driver, though it doesn’t cover food and drinks. Plus, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 70 years of age, and availability is subject to confirmation for both participants and date. While the itinerary is provided as a reference, it remains subject to potential changes.

Inclusions	Restrictions
Luxury Car Transport	Not Suitable for Wheelchair Users
English-Speaking Driver	Not Suitable for Individuals Over 70
Tour Itinerary as Reference	Subject to Availability Confirmation
–	Itinerary Subject to Changes

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Where can travelers be picked up and dropped off for the Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo?

The tour offers 8 convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the city, including popular hotels like Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Granbell Hotel Colombo, Movenpick Colombo, and Galle Face Hotel, as well as the Passenger Terminal at the Port of Colombo and Marino Beach Colombo.

Travelers can choose from the following pickup/drop-off spots:

1. Cinnamon Grand Colombo

2. Granbell Hotel Colombo

3. Movenpick Colombo

4. Passenger Terminal – Port of Colombo

This flexibility makes it easy for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests to access the tour, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Colombo jewel-hunting adventure.

Gem Museum and Gem Mine Visits

As part of the Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo, travelers first visit the Gem Museum, where they can browse a curated collection of Sri Lanka’s renowned gemstones and learn about the country’s rich gemstone heritage spanning over 3,000 years. Following the museum stop, the tour then takes participants to a local gem mine, Gem Mine Pvt Ltd, allowing them to witness firsthand the extraction and processing of these precious stones.

Gem Museum	Duration
Visit	40 min
Shopping	40 min
Learning	Ongoing

Gem Mine Pvt Ltd	Duration
Visit	40 min
Gem Extraction	Ongoing
Shopping	40 min

Scenic Views and Free Time

Throughout the tour, participants regularly enjoy scenic vistas and ample free time to explore several of Colombo’s iconic landmarks and public spaces.

For instance, the tour includes stops at Viharamahadevi Park, where visitors can take in picturesque views and wander the sprawling greenery.

At Independence Square, guests have the opportunity to stroll through the manicured gardens and admire the striking architecture.

The tour also features a visit to the One Galle Face Mall, allowing participants to soak in the lively atmosphere and take in the panoramic ocean vistas.

Plus, the Gangaramaya Temple offers a serene setting for exploration and reflection.

1. Viharamahadevi Park: Scenic views, free time (20 min)

2. Independence Square: Scenic views, free time (15 min)

3. One Galle Face Mall: Scenic views, free time (15 min)

4. Gangaramaya Temple: Scenic views, visit (20 min, extra fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Gems Directly From the Mines?

No, visitors generally can’t purchase gems directly from mines in Sri Lanka. Gemstone mining is a highly regulated industry, and most sales occur through authorized dealers and showrooms that offer a wider selection and assurance of quality.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Quantity of Gems I Can Buy?

There are usually no strict limits on the quantity of gems visitors can purchase in Sri Lanka. However, it’s important to check with local authorities and tour operators about any applicable restrictions or export regulations. Reasonable quantities are generally allowed.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Information on Gem Grading and Pricing?

The tour guides typically provide information on gemstone grading and pricing. They educate participants about the factors that determine a gem’s quality and value, such as color, clarity, cut, and carat. This helps visitors make informed purchasing decisions.

Is There an Opportunity to Witness Gemstone Cutting and Polishing?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention opportunities to witness gemstone cutting and polishing. However, visitors may have the chance to observe these processes during the visits to the gem museum and gem mine, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Can I Visit Any Jewelry Workshops or Factories During the Tour?

According to the tour overview, visitors can explore gem stores and museums, but there’s no mention of witnessing gemstone cutting or polishing workshops. The focus seems to be on shopping and sightseeing rather than active jewelry production.

Recap

The Jewel Hunt Tour of Colombo Shore Excursion offers a captivating 4-hour exploration of Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage.

Visitors can discover the country’s renowned gems, visit the Gem Museum and Gem Mine, and enjoy scenic views.

With convenient pickup locations and flexibility for cruise passengers, this tour is an unmissable opportunity to explore the rich gemstone history of Sri Lanka.

You can check if your dates are available here: