Brimming with old-world charm, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s cultural epicenter. With its large harbor and strategic seaside location, Colombo quickly earned favor among ancient traders. The island was first colonized by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, then the English, who ruled until the country gained independence in 1948. Still today, evidence of all three nations is clear in the cuisine, language and architecture. Within the city’s 19th-century fortress stands the neobaroque Old Parliament Building, and the city’s streets carry the names of former British governors.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Snapshots of Colombo
Witness the old-world British charms of Sri Lanka’s largest cultural center.
Colombo City by Tuk-Tuk
Journey through the streets of Colombo in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk as you take in the sights of Sri Lanka’s capital.
Central Colombo Walk
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage in the bustling commercial district of Pettah.
Taste of Sri Lanka
Learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine with a fascinating hands-on demonstration by a local chef.
Traditional Dances of Sri Lanka
Enjoy a colorful extravaganza of dance and music and learn about Sri Lanka’s traditions.
Beira Lake Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner cruise on a lake in central Colombo.
India’s Golden Triangle Overland
Experience India’s iconic landmarks and highlights on this six-night tour of the famous Golden Triangle.
Turtle Hatchery & Madu Ganga River by Boat
Sail the waters of the Madu Ganga and call at a turtle hatchery and conservation center in Kosgoda.
Videos
Immerse yourself in Colombo’s landmarks and discover Sri Lankan cuisine
Follow along as Alastair Miller tours Colombo, the colorful capital of Sri Lanka. His day of exploration begins with a ride on a tuk-tuk, a small, three-wheeled motorized vehicle. He stops at the striking Red Mosque—formally known as Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque—a red-and-white striped structure renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. He then indulges in a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of string hoppers, a flavorful meal centered around idiyappam—thin, steamed rice noodles that are pressed into flat discs and topped with curry or relish. Alastair’s day ends in a local chef’s kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson, where he learns how to prepare authentic shrimp curry.
Alastair Miller in conversation with Dilhan and Malik Fernando of Dilmah Tea
Alastair Miller is joined by Dilhan and Malik Fernando, the sons of Dilmah Tea founder Merrill J. Fernando, for an insightful interview about the brand’s mission to bring fresh, ethically produced Sri Lankan tea to the world. Learn more about Dilmah’s business philosophy and why the brand’s loose-leaf teas are served on board Viking’s fleet. Later, during a tour of the Dilmah Tea Plantation and Factory, discover the traditional process of hand-picking, grading and producing premium teas and uncover the delicate art of cultivating pure cinnamon.
