Kandy: Exclusive Blue Sapphire Mining Experience, Sigiriya
ID: GYG1426979-2178420
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Discover Sri Lanka's sapphire mines on a private tour from Kandy. Explore the Elahera mining region with a veteran miner, and visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Golden Cave Temple.
Begin your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Kandy. Head to the Dambulla Golden Temple and marvel at the ancient rock carvings and over 150 Buddha statues housed within a massive cave complex. Next, climb the "Lion Rock" to see the 5th-century frescoes and the ruins of King Kassapa’s palace, offering 360-degree views of the jungle.
Afterward, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Elahera mining region, world-famous for producing some of the finest blue sapphires on earth. You won't just be watching from afar; you will be guided by a veteran sapphire miner with decades of hands-on experience.
This is the same expert who guided world-renowned gemologist Professor Hanco Zwaan (Netherlands) during his geological research in Sri Lanka. Under his mentorship, explore the geology of sapphire-bearing gravel (Illama), compare traditional artisanal mining methods (hand-dug pits) with modern mechanical operations, learn how to identify raw gemstones in their natural state, and hear firsthand stories of the most significant sapphire discoveries in the region.
Highlights
- Explore the Elahera mining region with a veteran sapphire miner
- Learn how to identify raw gemstones in their natural state
- Visit the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Compare traditional artisanal mining methods with modern operations
- Enjoy a private tour with pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kandy
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the Dambulla Temple visit
The mining area can be muddy; wear appropriate footwear
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and climbing at Sigiriya
INCLUDED
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kandy
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Personalized tour by a veteran sapphire miner
- Bottled water
- All logistics for mine site entry
NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance tickets to Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Lunch and drinks
- Gratuities
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
