Colombo City Rides
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Colombo City Rides

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

About this experience

Sri Lanka is a breathtaking island, and its vibrant capital, Colombo, is a true reflection of its beauty. This dynamic city is home to people of various faiths, with Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam being the three major religions.

For tourists exploring Sri Lanka, Colombo offers an array of attractions. Ancient Buddhist temples with centuries of history, colorful Hindu kovils, and majestic Muslim mosques contribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Colombo is also home to the country’s largest domestic wholesale market, making it a hub of trade and commerce.

The city’s architectural charm is further enhanced by colonial-era buildings constructed during British and Dutch rule. Additionally, Colombo is a great place to purchase Sri Lanka’s most valuable exports—copper, tea, and precious gemstones—at affordable prices.

Known as the "Pearl of Asia," Sri Lanka welcomes visitors with countless fascinating sites in Colombo. To truly appreciate your journey

Available options

Colombo City Rides

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Galle Face Green 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. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.

2

A colonial-era building, constructed in the Neo-Baroque style, that served as the Parliament of Sri Lanka until 1983. It now houses the Presidential Secretariat.

3

A working lighthouse located near the Colombo Harbour, dating back to 1952. It’s a landmark that represents Colombo’s maritime heritage, though public access is restricted.

4

Pettah market street are the center for local to shop everything that they want in different qualitys and different prices. The place look chaotic. Narrow market streets full of local searching for their necessities to buy, the place,tons of hustles and bustles. You will taken through the market streets in our tuk tuk on this tour which you will be able to see everthing mentioned above.

5

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is literally an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual color patterns and unconventional yet amazing design. Located in Pe

6

Located in the heart of Colombo, St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade is a historic Roman Catholic church visited by people of all religions. Known for its miraculous aura and beautiful architecture, the church is over 200 years old and holds significant religious and cultural value in Sri Lanka.
Travelers can admire the serene atmosphere, light a candle for blessings, and learn about the unique history of this sacred place.

7

The Pettah Floating Market is a series of pavilions constructed on the far end of the restored Beira lake between the Pettah bus station and the railway station. There are about ninety trade stalls and shops along the waters, with vendors selling fruits, vegetables and flowers on the wooden boats floating lazily on the lake.

The entrance is on the west side of the market area with a wood-carved flanking marked 'The Floating Market'. The region is beautifully constructed with wooden boards, grey floors, and red terracotta tiles. Several restaurants and eateries in the market area give an enjoyable atmosphere to dine in.

8

he Colombo Lotus Tower – South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure and Sri Lanka’s tallest skyscraper – was established in 2012. Over the past ten years since its inception up to now, the city of Colombo has watched as the tower transformed the landscape of the city. The Lotus Tower grew from a mere stem to a monumental structure that resembles the country’s rapid development in technology and tourism. Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Pvt) Ltd was established in March 2022 under the Treasury, and all its transactions are audited by the Auditor General’s Department. Accordingly the tower was opened to public on 15th September 2022 with an overwhelming excitement from the public

9

One of the oldest Hindu temples in Colombo, dedicated to the gods Shiva and Ganesh. It features vibrant Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings.

10
Stop 10

Commence your exploration at the renowned gangaramaya temple, a significant buddisht sanctuary celebrated for its remarkable architecture and an extensive collection of buddisht artifacts

11

The Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria 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. The park was built on land donated to the Colombo city by Charles Henry de Soysa during the British rule of Sri Lanka, and used to be named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria. During World War II it was occupied by the British Army with Australian 17th Brigade based at Victoria Park. After the war the park was restored and open to the public in 1951.

12

Independence memorial hall is situated in the independence square (formally torington square )at colombo 7 in the chinnamon gardens. This hall was built for the commemoration of the independence from British in 1940s.the monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marketing the start of self-rule with the opening of the first Parliament by prince henry. Dukebof Gloucester occurred at a special podum February 4, 1948 this hall is designed on the architecture of the magul maduwa ( meeting hall of last king of srilanka ) located in kandy.the column and pillars are decorated with traditional srilanka carvings and painting.it is being one of the popular venue among travellers in colombo.you will be stoped by there on our tour you'll learn more about the area and history. Nice place in colombo to remember your visit to Colombo.

13

A well-known store that offers a wide variety of Sri Lankan teas. It’s a popular stop for tourists looking to purchase authentic Ceylon tea, a key export of Sri Lanka

14

Seema malakaya (tamil:சீமா மலகாய ) is a buddisht temple in colombo, srilanka. 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. (1)(2)(3) seema malakaya is a part of the gangaramaya temple and is situated few hundreds meters to its east.

15

Laksala is the only state owned gift & souvenir boutique and was established under the national crafts council and allied instituttions act, no 35 of 1982.since then laksala has witnessed numerous changes with an ever growing list of products on sale. Today laksala operates through 13 branches located island wide and offer the widest variety of all srilankan products at a reasonable price. Most importantly, laksala enabless the numerous industries that supply goods to it to stay both profitable and in business, today you will find on eclectic blend of items ranging from selection of beautifully packeged tea and spices to,colourfull batik ware to and elaborate collection of art and craft as well as the finishe collection of traditional srilankan gem and jewellery. Laksala is therefore your and stop guide and a visit to one of our stores feel like you visited all of srilanka!

16

Lanka Gems & Jewellery is a leading manufacturer of quality hand made Jewellery in Platinum, Gold and Sterling Silver studded with Natural Gem stones of Sri-Lanka and has experts in the area who have more than 25 to 30 years experience in the field of cutting gemstones and manufacturing high quality Jewellery to the most discerning customers who are always satisfied with the turnouts of their pieces of Jewellery.

We are wholesalers, retailers and exporters of all kinds of Sri Lankan Gemstones (which are more than 85 varieties mined from the gem pits in Sri Lanka) and Jewellery to all parts of the world and have experience in trading with the rest of the world for more than 3 decades.

Lanka Gems and Jewellery is a member of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, the Export Develepment Board of Sri Lanka, and the Gem & Jewellery Traders Association of Sri Lanka

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Audio guide
HI EN TA
Guide guide
HI EN TA

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
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 18-59
1
Childs
Age 3-12
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 4
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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