HomeDev's TourGem Tour
Gem Tour
The Most Beautiful Stones In The World Are Hidden Underneath Our Land
Tour Introduction
Nature has gifted every country something which is quite notable and unique to their identity. Our tiny Island has also been gifted by a vast of picturesque places, magnificently located around the country. The most beautiful stones in the world are hidden underneath our land. The world gets the most beautifully crafted ornaments, made of the gems found in the island. At staggering prices, our gems are sold in the world market. Wearing gems adds an additional beauty and smartness into your personality. But, sadly the story behind the beautiful gems is not as beautiful as those gems are. The lives of the labourers in mines are rather miserable. They are compelled to work for longer hours for extended days in excavating the precious gems. They undergo immense suffering. Despite the potential high cost, the gems found in the rural areas are sold at very cheaper rates. But, gems, crafted with the exclusive styles get exorbitant prices in Kandy and Colombo. As a gem stone is found, its price value is divided among several including the owner of the mine in particular. My dad also used to work as a laborer in a gem mine. Albeit, he himself got a gem mine, he was never bothered to approach the vendors in the city, looking for a handsome price. He gets a pretty small amount and cannot wait to get to the mine on the next day to start little better. Mining with folk like my dad is just like gambling. Read More
My dad's friends into mining used to come our home, ever since we were quite small. They used to have parties at home, whenever they got a better gem stone. We enjoyed with such times, since we got delicious chocolates. Also, my dad used to narrate the interesting stories, surrounded by mines with my mom, while we were closely listening. Therefore, since my childhood, I have been familiar with the mining glossary. My interest in the gem industry got enhanced with my travelling abroad for higher studies. Though, most of the foreigners did not know my country by name at once, they all had well known about the beautiful gems and delicate tea of my country. I used to bring beautiful gem stones to my friends and teachers as I returned following holidays. My teachers even placed the orders to purchase gems which forced me to study about the gems, basically with my dad. Later on, I studied lengthy about gems and got the certificate for gem exporting from the gem and jewellery authority.
Later, having bought some gems from the island, I flew over to China where I was involved with the gem business as a middleman. My friends introduced me to a lot of customers there and they all were quite happy to see the relatively less prices that I offered for my gems. I had quite a lot of orders wherever I returned home. I treat this as a hobby more than a business most importantly I enjoyed a lot while touching and feeling the beauty of exotic gems. I was even little reluctant to sell some gem stones as they were that beautiful which robbed my heart. I still have such a nice collection of gem stones which stole my heart and enjoy seeing its glittering beauty as it is exposed to the sun rays. As I approached with the tourism industry, my knowledge in gems became rather helpful. As a tourist comes to the land of gem, he never forgets to buy some gems as memorable souvenirs. But, due to their poor knowledge, some of them end up buying the gems of inferior quality at higher prices.
As a qualified national tour guide lecture and an owner of a tour company, I always believe that the foreigners, touring the island should be well received, looked after and treated during the tour as it enhances the age old remarkable hospitality of the Island nation. In that light, this tour package was specially designed for the tourists who wish to have an insight into the entire aspect of the gem industry and also to facilitate the gem buying process through our tour company for those who seek to purchase the gem stones and jewellery. During this tour, you will be able to get a sound knowledge of the gems, hidden beneath the island soil, the chemical components, containing in the gems, their excavation, polishing up process and the causes behind the gem price fluctuation and many more.
On the very first day, you will have accommodation at the beautiful Hotel which is very nearby the beach. On the second day, you will be accompanied by air to the most prominent geographical location in the island. You will have accommodation in one of the finest hotels located in the hills. The hill county is the most ideal place to gain a sound insight about the history of the Sri Lankan gem industry and the gem mines. You will also be heading to Ella by train which would give your eyes some of the most beautiful picturesque features of the landscapes. Following the journey, you will be at my home. On the next day, you will be able to offer the alms, prepared with your assistance to the Bikkus and receive their blessing. Your next destination will be Rathnapura which is known as the city of gems in the island where you will visit the gem museum. Also, you will get an overall understanding about the entire dealings and the mining of the gem industry. Afterwards, you will be heading to Kandy where you get the finest collection of gems in the Island. You can also have a close look at the gems there and if you wish to purchase, you may do so. We will also not forget to see and feel the beauty of the city of Kandy. This specific tour package consists of a plethora of diverse opportunities, scattered into every aspect of touring.
In case you preferring to buy an expensive gem, probably the gem trader gives a complimentary commission for the tour company where his aim is to channel the customers consistently into his outlet. In this aspect, my aim is to facilitate a smooth process of buying where you get the best gem with the highest competitive price in the world market with an internationally recognized certificate.
Welcome to The Gem Island
On behalf of all the citizens of our country, you are warmly welcome at the airport. You all visiting the pearl of the Indian Ocean, today will have the accommodation at a hotel nearby the sea where you will not be disturbed by the tour fatigue. Negambo is the closest tourist destination to the travellers arriving from the Bandaranayaka International Airport. We can have a friendly chat having a cup of tea where we come to know each other while enjoying the bliss of blowing wind of the ocean without getting disturbed with the sound of the noisy waves.
During the evening I am waiting to give you an account on the basic background of our country while taking you for a walk along the ashore. Followed by a luxurious meal prepared with a Sri Lanka recipe you will enjoy a clam goodnight sleep. As you wake up you will get ready to set off a journey full of happiness and excitement.
Overnight stay at Heritance Negombo
The beauty of the island from air
This morning, you will be onboard a Sea Plane, carrying you to the most striking geographical location in the island about which I told you before. While being onboard, you will down see the beauty of the island, seen from above and will be landing at one of the most beautiful locations Castlereagh, surrounded by a large stretch of tea estates and a group of tiny hills. You will feel the beauty of this picturesque environment Sri Lanka during this afternoon.
Overnight stay at The Farm Resorts
More in hill country
Today, you will be visiting the gem mines in the hills. You will see in your naked eye how the mining chores are done and above all you can try your sheer luck at a mine. In the afternoon, you will be accompanied to a tiny village nearby where you will get a hands on experience on the lifestyle of the folk, living in a traditional hill village. You can also be interactive with them.
Overnight stay at The Farm Resorts
The most beautiful train journey
You will get into the train early in the morning from Nanuoya station to reach at Ella. The tourists who come to Sri Lanka call this journey as the most beautiful train journey in the world. This journey will definitely be one of the most memorable tours that you have ever been on. Peeping through the window as if you are trying to touch the fresh waters flowing through the waterfalls in lush green vegetation, you arrive at the beautiful ‘Ella’ town where you have your lunch. And afterwards on our way back we will see the ‘Ravana Falls’ and following a journey of about two and a half hours you reach at my village where I was born and bred. We will be staying at a hotel nearby my home for two days. This night your dinner will be at mine. My mom would be delighted to see you and I believe that she cannot hide her sense of enthusiasm very especially to serve you with a delicious meal which she herself made.
Overnight stay at Hotel near by My Village
Offering alms to the bikkus and receive blessing
You will offer the alms at the bikkus during the noon at the temple while being attired in white. As believed by the majority in the Island, offering alms to the bikkus gives you blessing not only for this life but for the life after death as well. After you receive the blessing of the bikkus, you will be heading towards Rathnapura which is the city of gems.
Overnight stay at the Royal Peak Resort
Explore the city of Gems
‘Rathna’ means gems and ‘Pure’ means city. So today, you are in the city of gems. You will first go and see a tunnel as deep as 30 meters. If you wish, you can get there and see how the labourers work at the mine inside. In this type of a mine, there is a sub culture which is unique to its specific activities, happening over there. Until the gems are excavated, there are certain beliefs and prayers upheld and recited. You will be able to know them there. Next you will be heading to the bank of the Manik River (Gem river) where there happens a different type of gem mining. Afterwards, you will be visiting the gem museum in the city where you will see many different exhibits.
Overnight stay at the Royal Peak Resort
The Last capital Kandy
This morning, you will be visiting the main street in the town where the gem trade is done. You will be flocked by a lot of vendors who would show you their gems while trying to convince you to buy their ones. This afternoon, you will be heading to Kandy which is the last kingdom of the ancient Ceylon. Kandy possesses the finest and the most exclusive collection of Sri Lankan gems. Kandy is central to the gem trade as most of the leading gem traders in the island have outlets in Kandy.
Overnight stay at Amaya Hills Kandy
Most exclusive collection of Sri Lankan gems
Early in the morning, you will be visiting the temple of the tooth relic in Kandy. The museum inside the palace will be rather significant where you will see the most elegant and richest gems and jewellery, worn by our ancient kings and their consorts. Later you will be getting to the gem shops, maintained by the leading gem traders in the island where you can select the gems of your choice. I humbly request you to show me your choice before you buy, as I want you to buy the best available product at the highest competitive prices. The gems that you buy there are issued with an internationally recognized certificate.
Overnight stay at Amaya Hills Kandy
Explore Commercial Capital
Following breakfast, we will travel around Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where you will be able to see some unique places which include the independence square, the town hall, the ‘Viharamaha Devi Park’ and many other places. In the evening we will be getting to the main trade centers in the city from where you can buy gifts or souvenir for your loved once. You will stay at a beautiful hotel nearby the sea in Colombo this afternoon. Evening you will enjoy experience of walking along the Galle Face ocean side urban park.
Colombo to Airport and Departure
Following breakfast, we will be leaving Colombo for the Katunayake International Air Port. With a deep sense of thankfulness, I appreciate your time spent in Sri Lanka. With the expectation of meeting you once again I remain here.
Day 01
Nigambo
Negombo (Little Rome)
North west multicultural coastal city
Day 02
Hatton
Sea Plane
The beauty of the island from air
Castlereagh Sea Plane
Experience the finest bungalows in Sri Lanka
Day 03
Hatton
Visit a tea village
Experience llifestyle of the traditional hill village
Gem mines in the hills
Try your sheer luck at mountainous tea plantation
Day 04
Monaragala
Train Ride through Rolling Tea Plantation
The world's most scenic train ride
Relax at Home
With Local recipe, Village tour and Lakeside visit
Day 05
Monaragala
Offering alms
One of the most common practices spiritual among Buddhists
Day 06
Ratnapura
Explore the city of Gems
Long-established area of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems
Mines at the lower land
Experience tunnel mining as deep as 30 meters
Day 07
Ratnapura
Gem Street
Where the lucrative gem trade comes alive every morning on the streets
Kandy
A city surrounding with mountains, and the last capital of the ancient kings. UNESCO world heritage site
Day 08
Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha
Gem shop visit
Gem shop visit
Day 09
Colombo
Colombo City Tour
Exploring the commercial capital of Sri Lanka
Day 10
Departure
These packages include the leading and luxurious hotels in the Island and the transport will also be given in luxurious vehicles. The entire package is decided on the star class of the hotel and for any clarification, you may kindly contact me. These rates are initially decided for two tourists and as the number of the tourists increases, the rates will decrease. Upon the booking of your tour, 50 % should be paid and the rest can be paid three days before your arrival.
Payment Options & Policy
50% at the Time of Confirmation
Balance 50% three days before your arrival
$ 2200
These rates are initially decided for two tourists and as the number of the tourists increases, the rates will decrease.