Shore Excursion to Colombo City Tour
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Shore Excursion to Colombo City Tour

Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Colombo City with New Eyes. Colombo serves as the country's city, executive, and judicial capital. On the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River, is Colombo, a significant port on the Indian Ocean. On this tour, you'll see the most well-known attractions in Sri Lanka's capital to learn more about it and the locals' way of life. The family-friendly tour is highly advised for first-time guests.

Available options

Shore Excursion to Colombo City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pickup & Drop Service By Air Conditioned Vehicle with Regular stops
Bottled water
English Speaking Chuffer Guide or audio guide
King Coconut
Free Wi-Fi Onboard Upon Request
Seasonal Fruits

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Colombo National Museum was founded in 1877 and was formerly known as the Colombo Museum. The building's architecture and design are heavily influenced by elements of Italian architecture, and the museum is spread across two levels with several viewing galleries on each.The throne and crown of the Kandyan Monarchs are among the several priceless and significant historical artifacts that are kept there. You may take your time exploring and wandering around the grounds because the environment is often tranquil and serene.

2
Stop 2

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is a well-known temple in Colombo. It was founded in the 19th century and is noted for its stunning architecture, religious significance, and cultural relevance. The temple complex consists of many buildings and structures, including a major shrine chamber, a museum, a library, an assembly hall, and monks' residence quarters. The main shrine area contains a big Buddha statue as well as beautiful sculptures and paintings. The temple is especially well-known for its annual Navam Perahera celebration, which draws thousands of people each year. Furthermore, Gangaramaya Temple is active in a variety of humanitarian and social welfare programs, such as education and healthcare for underserved populations.

3

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the most attractive shopping centres in the country. The building was originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and is considered to be the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area. It was also used as a police station and an apothocary, before it was finally converted into its current role in 2011. The building is centred around two courtyards, which sometimes host live music. It has a few cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. It's a nice place to stop and enjoy the shade, and with low slung tiled roofs and attractive colonades.

4

The Old Parliament Building, is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo fort area facing the sea, it is in close proximity to the President's House, Colombo and adjacent to the General Treasury Building

5

Viharamahadevi Park is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park of the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, the park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu

6

This is the main railway station situated in the heart of Colombo. The building was built and put into operation in 1908. At present, the station consists of 10 platforms and caters 0.2 million passengers daily. It consists of passenger waiting rooms, changing rooms (utility rooms) and cafeterias. Station has special arrangements for disabled persons. The main seat reservation counter of the Sri Lanka Railways too is at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.

7

Independence Square is a popular stop on a city tour, where tourists may wander around the building or relax in the shade of the mango tree avenue. The Arcade, located near the Square, is a contemporary shopping center housed in historic colonial government buildings that have been brightened with a fountain, covered ponds, and more lion sculptures. Independence Square is located in Colombo's upscale Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood, where vast tree-lined boulevards remain from colonial days, and derives its name from the Independence Memorial Hall, which was established there to mark Sri Lanka's independence from British control in 1948.

8

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a conference venue. The conference center was built between 1970 and 1973 as a gift from the People's Republic of China in remembrance of Prime Minister Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike.

9

In the hustle and bustle of Pettah, Colombo’s core commercial district, is situated a most striking building, a spiritual haven called Jamiul Alfar Masjid. This mosque is remarkable because the architecture is Indo-Saracenic, incorporating pomegranate-shaped domes. But the most extraordinary feature is that each brick is painted red or white and used in contrasting designs, which gave rise to its common name, the Red Mosque.However, there seem to be a ban on Muslim women to visit the mosque due to religious restrictions. As there have been many who requested for a section for the women; there appears to be plans for such a section, where women can do their prayers, to be built in the future. Thogh the red mosque is an islamic religious facility, visitors from other religions are eagerly welcomed.

10

The temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami
Devasthanam Kovil is one of the most beautiful and lovely attraction places of Sri Lanka. There are many beautiful and elegant paintings of God and Goddess. Also there are an beautiful carvings of an astrology chart. The innor roof of this temple is decrorated with magnificent paintings. It is said that the temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami DevasthanamKovil is the most ancient hindu temples in Colombo. 

11

A bazaar with definite Middle Eastern flair, the Pettah is where Sri Lanka’s multi-culturalism is at its most pronounced. The bustling bazaar of pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most interesting places to spend a few hours. It is the most ethnically mixed place in the country. The crowds in Pettah can become overwhelming during the morning and late-afternoon rush hours, but the streets are still thronged during most daylight hours.  Large religious buildings represent a plethora of faiths, while more earthly pursuits can be found in market stalls and shops selling seemingly everything.

12

Beira Lake is one of Colombo’s most famous landmarks. It lies right in the middle of the capital which is surrounded by many large businessess in the city, and is one of the few places of relaxation and beauty within the city limits.  As such the area on and around it has many attractions; not to mention the history of the lake itself. It still retains its Portuguese name. It is connected to many intricate canals which provided an easy way of transporting goods within the city and suburban cities.

13

Colombo's highest tower Lotus Tower is also known as "Nelum Kuluna" in Sinhala. The Colombo lotus tower is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 356 meters, this tower is the highest in South Asia, the 11th tallest in Asia, and the 19th tallest in the globe. It has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

14

The Colombo Lighthouse was initially constructed as a clock tower in 1856 and completed on the 25th of February 1857 and the tower was designed by the wife of Governor Sir Henry George Ward. The construction work was undertaken by the Public Works Department. It was supervised by the Director of Public Works himself; Mr John Flemming Churchill. The Colombo Lighthouse and Clock Tower in Sri Lanka is one such noteworthy architectural site.

15

Colombo’s newest theatre is designed in the shape of a Lotus flower, and with a range of varied auditorium and performance facilities. This glossy venue is located in a high-profile spot south of Viharamahadevi Park. Its stunning design is based on the Nelum Pokuna, the 12th-century lotus pond in Polonnaruwa. Look for important productions here.

16

Even though Sri Lanka was declared an independent state in 1948 many of the remnants of colonialism was left behind. The last state to occupy the country were the British and their architectural structures have forever influenced our country and our history. The Colombo Lighthouse and Clock Tower in Sri Lanka is one such noteworthy architectural site. The Lighthouse is considered a historical and cultural landmark giving the fact that it is one of the few lighthouses of the colonial era still operational to this date. It is claimed that the clock in the lighthouse was commissioned so that worker in that area of Colombo can be more punctual since personal watches could not be afforded by everyone back in the day.

17

The Word Trade Center of Colombo, located in the heart of the city, is a center-point of trade and business. As one of the most exclusive business addresses in Sri Lanka, this 152m tall commercial landmark has two 39 story towers connected by the 4 story retail block that they stand over, bringing the total floor count to 43. With over 750,000 square feet of prime office and retail space, state-of-the-art facilities, superb dining, convenient shopping, and spectacular vistas in a "One Stop Shop" concept; the twin structure holds over 120 local, international and multinational brand names that makes it one of the most important buildings in Colombo.

What's not included

Food & Beverages Other than Specified
Gratuity For Driver
Optional Activities
Entrance to sights

Available languages

Guide guide
AR DE EN FR TA ES

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
The exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information : Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re – boarding time.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle.
Deposit trash in designated receptacles

Important notes

# You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher for admission & Please refer to the voucher for validity.

# Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

# If the pick up is offered - Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Important note:

1) Please update your valid contact (mobile) no with country code to verification purposes. If you forget to update during your booking, please E-mail, WhatsApp or SMS to given hotline no with your booking id start from BR-XXXX.

2)We will contact you for if any verification need. (supplier have the right to request passenger passport details to the purpose of verified).

3)To contact us, please look for the operator contact no on the voucher and send us E-mail, SMS or WhatsApp only.

NOTE: OUR GIVEN HOTLINE NO WhatsApp AVAILABLE

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo
By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy
115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle
120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo
35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

  • Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
  • Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
  • Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
  • Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
$120 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Childs
Age 2-11
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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