Sri Lanka’s rich culture, colonial history and stunning setting merge along the mile-long Galle Face Green, nestled between the ocean and the business district. On this welcoming lawn kissed by sea breezes, young men play cricket, couples stroll and children fly kites. Food vendors may tempt passersby with isso wade—deep-fried shrimp cakes—or other treats. The prestigious Galle Face Hotel, built by the British in 1864, serves refreshing gin and tonics and offers a complete tea service. Its veranda is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
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.
Ceylon Tea Experience at Ingiriya
Gain insight into the island’s hugely successful tea-producing industry, from the plant leaf to the teacup.
The Architecture of Geoffrey Bawa
Learn about the inspiring work of one of the most influential Asian architects of the 20th century.
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.
Galle Fort & Old Town
Visit Galle, the largest remaining fortress in Southeast Asia, built by its previous European settlers.
Organic Agro Farm
Experience Sri Lankan hospitality while interacting with locals during an immersive visit to a rural village.
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.
