COLOMBO CITY Tour TUK TUK Morning Evening (Private guide tour)
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COLOMBO CITY Tour TUK TUK Morning Evening (Private guide tour)

Active
(4 reviews)
3h
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

Feel Colombo's pulse and discover its sights in a way difficult to do independently or by conventional car on this private half-day tuk-tuk tour. Choose a morning or late-afternoon trip and settle into your nimble 3-wheeler with your personal driver-guide. Then, soak in the city's bustle as you zip to Pettah and Galle Face Green; and stop at temples, markets, and colonial-era landmarks.

• Connect with the real Colombo on a private half-day tuk-tuk tour

Absorb the city's buzz and culture in way hard to do alone or by enclosed car

• See the landmarks, from ornate temples to old churches and busy markets

Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with hotel pickup and drop-off Friendly Guides - Tuk Tuk Ride
Local food/snacks/drinks
Covers most visited sights in Colombo within 3 - 4 hours.
No hidden charges
Fulfilled, children friendly true local experience,
Can be recommended for all age groups
Easy to book/cancel

Available options

COLOMBO CITY Tour TUK Morning Evening (Private tour)

Pickup included

COLOMBO city tour TUK TUk

TUK Tuk <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
We take you to a local market area where you can experience how Sri Lankan coffee is made and you will taste a one for sure. Also we take you to try famous Ceylon tea at a small shop in the City

Detailed itinerary

1

Colombo Lotus Tower

Lotus Tower (Sinhala: නෙළුම් කුළුණ; Tamil: தாமரைக் கோபுரம்), also referred to as Colombo Lotus Tower, is a 350 m (1,150 ft) tall tower, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has been called a symbolic landmark of Sri Lanka. As of 2019, the tower is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia; the second tallest structure in South Asia after the guy-wire-supported INS Kattabomman in India; the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world.It was first proposed to be built in the suburb of Peliyagoda but later the Government of Sri Lanka decided to change the location. The lotus-shaped tower is used for communication, observation and other leisure facilities. Construction is estimated to have cost USD 113 million.

2

President's House

President's House is the official residence and workplace of the President of Sri Lanka, located at Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Since 1804 it has been the residence of British governors and governors-general and Sri Lankan presidents, having been known as the "King's House" or the "Queen's House" until Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972. There have been 29 governors who resided here, and also six presidents who resided or used it in an official capacity. Currently it is used by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka for state functions. The Presidential Secretariat functions as the office of the president, with much of the presidential staff based there.

3

Colombo Galbokka Lighthouse

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.

4

Colombo Fort Old Lighthouse & Clock Tower (Pass By)

The tower was constructed as a clock tower in 1856-57 and completed on the 25 February 1857. The tower was designed by Emily Elizabeth Ward, the wife of Governor Sir Henry George Ward (1797-1860). The construction was undertaken by the Public Works Department, under the supervision of Mr John Flemming Churchill (Director General of Public Works). The 29- metre-high (95 ft) tower was the tallest structure in Colombo at that time. The original clock was commissioned for £1,200 in 1814 by the then Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg (1759 - 1833) but was kept in a warehouse, due to economic reasons, until 1857 when it was finally installed. The lighthouse was deactivated after its light became obscured by nearby buildings and was decommissioned on 12 July 1952. The modern Galle Buck Lighthouse was erected on Marine Drive as its replacement.

5
Stop 5

Galle Face Green

Galle face green has always played a special part in the lives of Colombo- dwellers, although it is the British who are credited with making it a place of social interaction, as it remains today. In colonial times, the British embraced Galle face green as a leisure ground especially in the evening when elite ladies were said to promenade the length of the green. Active pursuits of cricket, football, polo and the famed horse races also took place on Galle face green. Horse-racing become popular in the 1840s and the Ceylon turf club was founded here sometime between the and 1860, although official records were not kept until 1866. The formal structure of the walk along the seaside was built during the period of governor ward in 1859. A plaque recognizes his achievement in providing a place where residents of Colombo could gather and socialize.

6

Cargills Department Store

In 1844 British businessman William Milne started 'Milne & Company', general warehousemen, importers of oilman stores etc, with branches in Kandy and Galle. In 1850 Milne was joined by his friend, David Sime Cargill, and the firm became 'Milne, Cargill & Co'.In 1860 Milne retired from business in Ceylon and moved back to England to form a company in Glasgow to look after the business of Cargill & Co. in the UK. Cargill became sole partner until he was joined by David MacKenzie and the name was changed to 'Cargill & Co'. The company had a Colombo office at the intersection of Price and York Streets in Colombo Fort, a Kandy office at Upper Lake Road and an office in Galle Fortat 22 Pedlar Street. The Galle office was closed down in

1863

7

Old Town Hall

The building is right smack in the middle of all the little shops and street stalls of Pettah. It's all arches, needle point columns, crumbly yellow walls and creaky staircases - it's got the making of a haunted mansion so it might be a fun visit with friends later in the day rather than sooner. There is no entrance ticket, you just walk inside and ask somebody near the main staircase if you can check out the building. There's a random little museum of cool old stuff next to the building that you can check out too. Sugath is the caretaker these days and will take you up some creaky wooden steps to a musty floor upstairs. Next to the door to this 'museum' are some ordinary well-kept rooms with many chairs and wooden tables that look like they are still used today - Sugath says these spaces are sometimes used for official meetings.

8

Pettah market streets are the center for locals to shop everything that they want in different qualities and different prices. The place looks chaotic. Narrow market streets full of locals searching for their necessities to buy, screaming street sellers, tut tuks run all over the place, tons of hustles and bustles. You will be taken through the market streets in our Tuk Tuk on this tour which you will be able to see everything mentioned above.

9

Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devasthanam (temple) is located behind the Colombo fort railway station. There are some other names for this temple such as Captain's Garden Hindu Temple, Kapikaawatha Shivan temple. Many believes this is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. Its history date back to 17th century. Though the buildings here are not that old it is very impressive to see its classic architecture and sculpture. Your chauffer will take you on a tour inside the temple and show you around with interesting information.
names for this temple such as Captain's Garden Hindu Temple, Kapikaawatha Shivan temple. Many believes this is the old

10

Mosque is one of the iconic structure situated in Pettah district in Colombo. Due to eye catching appearance of its red and white swirl pattern, it is being a popular tourist attraction in Colombo. It was designed in 1908 by Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe, an Indian Muslim trader who settled in Sri Lanka in early 1900s. You will be driven passed this iconic building on our tour, also be able to stop for a moment to take a picture of it.

11
Stop 11

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

This colorful Buddhist temple which has a history of 120 years is the most visited temple in Colombo. Temple runs a small museum, a collection of various artifacts and antiques belongs to Sri Lanka and different Buddhist cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, Korian, Thai will surprise you. "Seema Malaka" which is an assembly hall for monks designed by famous architecture Geoffrey Bawa, located in a lake close to the temple premises is also a one popular venue in Colombo. You will be accompanied your chauffeur with information.

12

Viharamahadevi Park (Pass By)

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 rulers 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, who was a Sri Lankan queen. You will find some amazing tropical trees, fountains, a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha at there, ideal for a walk, yes we will stop there you take pictures for your memories.

Available languages

Audio guide
HI DE PS PT FIL HR HU HAK UK UR ML MR MS EL IT MY ES AR VI JA FA RO NL NO HSN RU FI CMN YUE JV BN FR ZH-TW WUU SK SR SV KO KU TA MNP GU CS TE PA TH ZH-CN PL HE DA TR
Guide guide
DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
4 reviews
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Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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 13-80
1
Childs
Age 6-12
0
Infants
Age 1-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 14
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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