Full-Day Colombo City Tour (Private Car)
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Full-Day Colombo City Tour (Private Car)

Active
(103 reviews)
8h - 10h
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

This Full-Day narrated Colombo City Tour our will expose you to the brimming culture and history that is existing in Colombo. Throughout your tour learn more about the attractions you visit from your Private Guide’s narrations.

This Tour is ideal for passengers with stopover at Colombo or those who prefer a whirlwind experience. The Tour schedule is flexible making it an even more convenient way to explore Sri Lanka’s commercial capitol. From the bustling streets to the vibrant markets with bargaining sellers, the posh boutique restaurants to pristine parks, witness it all. An ancient favorite of port-trading merchants, the city is a harmonious blend of religions and cultures.

Your Private Guide will pick you from your hotel or seaport in a Private Vehicle.

Available options

Full-Day Colombo City Tour (Private Car)

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1

Ape Gama is a Replica of Traditional Sri Lankan Village, Ape Gama displays Traditional Industries, Village Life and how self-sufficient Sri Lankan society functioned earlier days.

2

Drive alongside Diyawanna Lake through Parliament Drive where you can see the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

3

Diyatha Uyana (Park) & Diyawanna Oya (Lake)

4

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka (also called Colombo Zoo or Dehiwala Zoo), Its sprawling areas are host to a variety of animals and birds. The zoo exhibits animals but also places an emphasis on animal conservation and welfare, and education.

5
Stop 5

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

6

Independence Memorial Hall & Museum, Independence Memorial Hall (also known as Independence Commemoration 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.

7
Stop 7

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. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka.

8

Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka. It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo. The park was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria but was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu following independence.

9

he Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

10

Traditional, Classy & Modern, all at one place. The flagship store of Premadasa & Co.

11

Green Path turns into an avenue for street artists and craftsmen to display their work. As such many abstract paintings, multi frame wall art, oil paintings and many such pieces of art brighten up the entire place. Woodworking and metal working craftsmen, with a number of other handcrafted item sellers, hawk their wares to passers by. Considering that the products here are original pieces.

12

The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre (Sinhala: නෙළුම් පොකුණ මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ රඟහල nelum pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa rangahala) (often known as Nelum Pokuna; previously the National Performing Arts Theatre, prior to naming at the opening ceremony; Mahinda Rajapaksa is a former President of Sri Lanka).

13

Laksala is the only State owned Gift & Souvenir Boutique and was established under the National Crafts Council And Allied Institutions Act, No. 35 of 1982.

14

The Lotus Tower is currently the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. It is also the second tallest structure in South Asia after the guy-wire-supported INS Kattabomman in India. The tower is also the 11th tallest completed tower in Asia and it is also the 19th tallest tower in the world.

15

The Pettah Market also called Manning Market is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo.

16

The Pettah Floating Markets are located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and consist of 92 trade stalls, with a number of the stalls established on boats on Beira Lake.

17

Jami-Ul-Alfar (Red) Mosque

18

The Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka usually do not resemble the ancient Indians temples with their elaborate and detailed sculptures and solid black granite construction. This is doubly true for the capital city of Colombo which does not have many old Hindu temples.

19

The church's origins relate to the early Dutch colonial period when Catholicism was banned from the island, with Catholic priests carrying out sermons from hiding places.

20

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital (known as The Dutch Hospital) is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct.

21
Stop 21

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, the financial and business capital of Sri Lanka.

22

Colombo's first prestigious shopping development. A premier retail, entertainment and dining paradise to unite local and global shoppers.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2
18 reviews
5★
12
4★
1
3★
3
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.8
85 reviews
5★
75
4★
5
3★
3
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 3
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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