Indian Ocean Cruise - from Colombo - 132955

The capital of Sri Lanka (which used to be known as "Ceylon"), has developed into an important port for ships travelling in the Far East over the last few years. "Beira Lake" surrounds the town, which is connected to the port by means of a canal. The Clock Tower, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the town and the port is well worth seeing. The town also has many buildings built in the 18th and 19th century by the Dutch, such as St. Peter's Church or Pettah, once the Dutch residential area, which today is bursting with a colourful bazaars. To the South of Beira Lake is Victoria Park. Colombo town centre is home to Dehiwela Zoo with animals from all around the world and a daily elephant circus.

Male is the capital of the Maldives on the island of Male. The Maledives consist of two circular atolls, a northerly and a southerly one. The island with a population of approximately 65,000 has a central location and is the largest in the country. The parliament has its seat in Male, and the city also has a presidential palace and an airport, various shopping centres and a large mosque. Sights include: the mosque in the Islamic Centre, the 'Friday Mosque', the National Museum, the fish market and the vegetable market.

A jewel on the East-African coast is the harbour town of Mombasa, which was built on an island of coral. The splendour of its colourful, cosmopolitan past is apparent in many of the buildings still standing today. The old town has been preserved largely as it was built in the 19th century. Its narrow streets are lined with Arabic houses, many of which have traditional carved doors with brass inlays. In addition to the mosques, there are also a large number of spice and coffee traders in the town. Sights include: Fort Jesus at the southern end of the old town, the old town itself, the mosques and the harbour.

A jewel on the East-African coast is the harbour town of Mombasa, which was built on an island of coral. The splendour of its colourful, cosmopolitan past is apparent in many of the buildings still standing today. The old town has been preserved largely as it was built in the 19th century. Its narrow streets are lined with Arabic houses, many of which have traditional carved doors with brass inlays. In addition to the mosques, there are also a large number of spice and coffee traders in the town. Sights include: Fort Jesus at the southern end of the old town, the old town itself, the mosques and the harbour.