Going on a long cruise and stopping in the following ports. Trincomalee, Hambantota and Columbo. Only have a day in each. What what sites are not to be missed in all 3? TIA

Can't say I cared for Colombo, see: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ncool-colombo/

Can't help with the others.

Whilst I loved Sri Lanka, like thursdaysd, I wasn’t a fan of Colombo. If you like markets, I would pay a visit to The Pettah, one of teh most manic markets I have ever seen. Galle Face Green and the eponymous Galle Face Hotel would also be on my list. The hotel has a tremendous history of famous visitors.

@crellston - yes, I stayed at the Galle Face, it was the best thing about Colombo. Like you, I really enjoyed Sri Lanka, but I was only in Colombo because my father had been there during WWII. Wonder what excursions the cruise ship is offering.

Here is the tour I picked so far….thoughts?CENIC COLOMBO CITY

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive through the city's commercial district and Pettah Bazaar area. Along the way, pass by the Pettah Fort, old government buildings and Victoria Park, or 'Vihara Mahadevi Park', a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. A visit is made to Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation turned upscale residential district. Here, see the University and most of the embassies in Colonial mansions lining the lovely, shaded avenues.

NATIONAL MUSEUM

Next, a visit is made to National Museum. Upon arrival at this elegant, white, colonnaded building, view a scary and fascinating mask collection, a gallery filled with outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, a collection of the regalia of the King of Kandy and more. Some of the images are mobile to enable ritual processions around the temple or through the streets of the town. (A camera fee of USD $1.00 and a video camera fee of USD $8.50, at time of printing, is required to be paid directly to the Museum.)

GALLE FACE GREEN & GANGARAMAYA TEMPLE
Leaving the museum, re-board your coach and drive to Galle Face Green. A former haunt of Colombo high society, Galle Face Green is situated in the foreground of the Neo-classical facades of the Colombo Club and the Galle Face Hotel. After a refreshment stop at a local hotel, proceed for a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple, the nicest and most intimate of Colombo's Buddhist temples.

Rather depends on what else you're doing in SL. I'd probably take a taxi to the museum and possibly the botanical garden (although I didn't visit it, as I'd seen the one at Kandy) then hang out at the Galle Face. Most of it seems to be a drive by, and the buildings weren't that interesting.

Sounds like an exciting trip! In Trincomalee, don't miss Koneswaram Temple. Hambantota offers Bundala National Park, and in Colombo, explore the historic Galle Face Green. Enjoy your cruise!