Cruise Stop Tour: Private Colombo City Highlights Trip
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Cruise Stop Tour: Private Colombo City Highlights Trip

Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a fascinating journey in the capital of the isle paradise to taste its cultural texture, witness its bustling streets, visit bargain markets, and relax while watching the uprising urban lifestyle of the capital. A port city favoured by merchants of the ancient era, this commercial and administrative hub of the country proves to be a blend of cultures, religions, and socioeconomic classes. Eyewitness blessed hinterlands and betrayed slums. Your tour is tailored to showcase different places of Colombo, from traditional to unconventional attractions, and to discover the life lived by everyday Sri Lankans.

Discover the best of Colombo

Feel free to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

This Only English Speaking Private Driver (Not Lecture and Storytelling Guide) and vehicle ensure a personalized experience.

Available options

9 Seater Minibus -05 Hour Tour

Air Condition Medium Size Van: This private vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Toyota and Nissan: Dolphin, KDH and Caravan box Model 9 Seater Luxury vans, luxury passenger seats each complete with headrest, safety belt.<br/>Pickup included

4 Seater SUV - 05 Hour Tour

Air Condition SUV Crossover: This private vehicle can accommodate up to three passengers.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>SUV Crossover: Honda and MG Model 5 Seater Lux SUV, luxury passenger seats each complete with headrest, safety belt.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board (Upon your request)
Bottled water
All parking charges and taxes Include
Port pickup and drop-off for cruise ship/other ship passengers

Detailed itinerary

1

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.

2
Stop 2

Galle Face is a 5 ha (12 acres) ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m (1,600 ft) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo.

3

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka.

4

On 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, the church was one in a series of targets of a string of suicide bomb blasts across Sri Lanka. At least 93 people were killed in the blast.

5

The Temple of Lord Shiva was built in 1857 to facilitate Hindus in Colombo to worship, The Architecture resembles temples in Tamilnadu.

6

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque known colloquially as the Samman Kottu Palli, Rathu Palliya, Red Masjid or the Red Mosque) is a historic mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city

7

Pettah is a neighbourhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka located east of the City centre Fort. The Pettah neighborhood is famous for the Pettah Market

8

this market on a water front and with visibility of the Lotus Tower provides some good photo options.

9

Fort railway station is a major rail hub in Colombo

10

Discover the beauty and grandeur of Sri Lanka's Lotus Tower, is a 351.5 m (1,153 ft) tall tower, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

11

Hindu temple, the oldest in Colombo, known for its vibrant ceiling artwork & tucked-away locale.

12

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.

13

Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century

14
Stop 14

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. The temple is known for having a young elephant, Ganga, chained at the back, unable to walk, has no elephant company, and sways sideways. She has also been spotted crying by tourists

15

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo.

16

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.

17
Stop 17

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.

What's not included

Lecture and Storytelling Guide
Entrance Fees for Tourist Sites

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Only English Speaking Driver (Not Lecture and Storytelling Guide)
At time of booking, passengers must provide meet point and whatsapp number while abroad.
Travel time is already included in the total duration of the tour.
Food and beverages were not specified
Port pickup and drop-off for cruise ship/other ship passengers from the Main Gate no 01 A
Please advise us the pickup details

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 12-99
1
Childs
Age 0-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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