Private Colombo Tuk-A-thon
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Private Colombo Tuk-A-thon

Active
3h - 4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Information-rich stories: Immerse yourself in the less-known back stories and deep local insights as you would never hear from a guidebook alone. The content and the routes are well-researched and updated.

Customizability: With unique random local experiences exploited in each trip, every trip won't be the same. With our guide's vast knowledge, can customize the content based on your liking - be it more towards architecture, a few food experiences, random local interactions, or simply going easy with balanced content.

Brutally honest insights: Tour guides have long been used for glamourizing the destination. But travelers' quest to viscerally get to know the destination as it is demands the guide to be a comprehensive window to open up the real conversions to capture the stories as they are and leave it to you to form a memory.

Best drivers in town: Getting across the busy hours and streets can at times be dystopic. Our well-experienced crew knows the best routes to get around.

Available options

Private Colombo Tuk-A-thon

Pickup included

What's included

Tickets to the sites

Detailed itinerary

1

Meet and greet at a convergence point of Colombo's colonial past and modernization. We'll begin with a 15 min walk through what used to be the old Dutch fort's hospital, now turned into a fine dining and shopping precinct with so much history preserved. Before we hop into our tuk-tuks, we'll get to see the wall street of Sri Lanka and a monumental clock tower older than Big Ben.

2

As we hop on and off of our tuk-tuks - you'll be introduced to the port-centered trades and the buildings of the British colonial past, which gave shape to Colombo as the capital. As we ride past a long street surrounded by what used to be governors' mansions, shipping offices and banks in the 1800's you'll feel like walking back in time.

3

Catch a glimpse of one of South Asia's busiest ports with so much history to be dredged out. Along the way, learn the story of naval travelers to Colombo and how they moved around.

4

Meant to say the periphery of the colonial fort town, this is where Colombo became a key trading hub for locals and a pot-purry of ethnicities involved in the trade. A labyrinth of nooks and streets filled with bustle and colonial monuments hidden in plain sight.
We might take brief strolls, as the traffic plan isn't always photo friendly.
You might want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and some modest clothing (temple clothing) to get the best out of these walks.

5

A testament to the cultural diversity of Colombo, catch a breathtaking visit to a granite-carved Hindu temple.
The place has some limitations to photography indoors and observes modest clothing and no foot/headwear policies.

6
Stop 6

We take a break from the crowds to get some fresh coastal air at one of the oldest promenades in Colombo with Asia's oldest hotel at one end and the latest infrastructure development at another.

7
Stop 7

Your fine sample of a Buddhist monument with a Buddha's relic and an aesthetic zeal - is located in an area called ''slave islands'' with a history of colonial slavery and moat building.
We recommend modest clothing.

8

We move further into Colombo, passing the central park and the new town hall which might seem a bit out of place. The area isn't short of both colonial and modern buildings which particularly has relevance to art/music and performances.

9
Stop 9

A Sri Lankan architectural ICON and a milepost in political history bring us on a flashback of the State's history and its tussles.
We'll wrap up our journey here with so many memories to share and you can whine down at the close by shopping precinct or head out to your next plan for the eve.

What's not included

Food and Drink

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
infants

Meeting point

Please stay by the open area tables of the Dutch Pub. Look for your host wearing a Blue shirt/ T-shirt

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 18-75
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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