Heavenly Trail of Taprobane Gems (HTTG)
We offer all our guests the chance to have a traditional mining experience in an authentic gem mining site. During this expedition guests can either be accommodated on site (with basic facilities) or in a hotel in the nearby city of Ratnapura. During this tour, guests will be able to experience the entire process of traditional gem mining, from the mine to the shelf.
In the 3rd century BC, this land was known as Rathnadeepa which means “The Land of Gems “
There are many references to Ceylon gems in historical records, closely connected with ancient sailors’ names such as Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and Robert Knox
Though there are about 3000 minerals that have been identified, only about 200 have the special attributes to qualify as gemstones
There are about 75 varieties of gems found in Sri Lanka and approximately 20% to 25% of the total land area of the Island is potentially gem-bearing
The traditional centre of the gem industry is Ratnapura (The City of Gems), probably because it is located in the geographical centre of the area where gems are most found
In Ratnapura, you will find many gem mines which, look like small wooden tents situated in the middle of a field or a small valley.
Package Price Includes:
Airport pickup and dropoff.
Twin-sharing accommodation on Half Board basis throughout the tour on hotels specified in your itinerary, or similar properties.
Transfers by an air condition vehicle with the services of an experienced English Speaking Chauffeur OR National Guide Lecture throughout the tour (depending on pax count).
Entrance fees and activities include;
Dambulla Cave Temple, Bike Ride in Giritale, Polonnaruwa Ancient City,
Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic, Gem Museum Visit, Cultural Show – Kandy, Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Nanu Oya to Ella (Reserved seats. 1st, 2nd or 3rd class depending on availability), Horton Plains National Park, Yala Jeep Safari, 2 guided treks bordering Sinharaja Rainforest and 1 guided trek inside the rainforest, Visit to the historic Dutch Fortress Galle.
All applicable government taxes.
Package Price Does Not Include:
Lunch and other beverages throughout the tour unless specified in your itinerary.
Peak period and/or festive supplements indicated specifically in your itinerary.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Tips & Gratuities.
Video Camera and Still Camera permits.
Any other services not specified in your itinerary.
Optional excursions as specified in your itinerary
