Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights
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Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights

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(1 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Exploring Colombo independently and the risk of getting lost or delayed. Make things easy with a private shore excursion that whisks you around the sights smoothly and comfortably. Travel by private vehicle, visit top sights such as the Seema Malakaya Temple, shop for souvenirs at handicrafts emporiums and hear tales of local life from your driver that you'd miss if alone.

• Explore Colombo with ease on a private shore excursion from the cruise port or your hotel in Colombo

• Forget cabs or buses,sightseeing stress-free by private air-conditioned car

• See the sights, shop at markets, and hear about local life and history

Available options

Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights

Pickup included

What's included

Port Pickup / Dropoff
Professional English Speaking Chauffer Guide
All Local Taxes & Charges
Private Air Conditioned Vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

We operate with our own fleet of vehicles to maintain our high standards of services together with our team of professional licensed tourist guides and chauffeurs who are fluent in most of the major languages required for tours. Our Customer Service, Our fleet of Vehicles & Drivers are Available for 365 days in the year, 7 days in the week & 24 hours in the Day Kingfisher Tours Srilanka truly capture and understand the needs of our valued customers. Our reputation will be developed by providing a high quality product and services Our ultimate goal is to provide an unforgettable travel experience to our clients, not just to see the Sri Lanka to experience the real Sri Lanka

2

The current 29-metre-high (95 ft) lighthouse was built in 1952 after the Old Colombo Lighthouse was deactivated when its light became obscured by nearby buildings as part of the Colombo Harbor Expansion project. It was opened by Rt Hon D.S. Senanayake, the first prime minister of Ceylon. Built on a concrete base which is 12 m (39 ft) high, it has four statues of lions at its base.

Due to the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean it offered, it became a city landmark. With the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War, public access to the site was restricted. This was due to its placement in a high-security zone as it is across the street from the Naval Headquarters and close proximity of the Port of Colombo.

3

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

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Stop 4

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence

5

Beira Lake is a lake in the center of the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The lake is surrounded by many large businesses in the city. It initially occupied approximately 1.65 km² of land 100 years ago and this has since been reduced to 0.65 km² today due to various reasons

6

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948

7

Sri Lanka has been referred to as Ratna Dipa (island of gems) from ages past. The moniker is well deserved for the abundance and variety of gem deposits the island is blessed with. Famed for excellent Sri Lankan blue sapphires, no less beautiful are the cat’s eyes, Alexandrites, rubies, star stones and various other precious and semi- precious gems found here.

We take you on a gem tour covering a gem museum where you will learn about the gem industry in Sri Lanka through an informative film, see a mock-up of a gem pit where you get the hang of traditional gem mining, and visit a gem and jewellery gallery where you may inspect the dazzling stones at close quarters using a loupe, learning to distinguish quality based on colour, size, luster, and the absence of imperfections. Finally you will see the stones being set in to jewellery.

8
Stop 8

National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government

9

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, is a convention center located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Built between 1970 and 1973, the convention centre was a gift from the People's Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister

10

Visit the Souvenirs and Handricrafts museum and shop whatever you want with ease and access

11

Explore the busy urban Colombo Life meeting the Local People and visit the Jamiul Alfar Mosque and then head to the Port to end the Tour

What's not included

Entrance Fees
Food & Drinks
Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 10-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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