Colombo Shore Excursions
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Colombo Shore Excursions

Active
(2 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your tour will be designed around the time your ship is in port which can be longer or shorter depending on your planned stay.  The average tour runs from 6 to 8 hours and your guide will conveniently pick you up at the terminal where your ship docs.

Your tour will start with places that are considered the most popular and important places and then cover other popular attractions if time allows.  We have years of experience and understand every aspect of providing a superb tour that will go beyond your expectations.  We are always aware of new updates and are extremely flexible to work with weather conditions and work around peak times of traffic.

Once you have completed your booking, you can contact them to personalize your tour to meet your specific desires and taste.
* Due to strict entry condition for vehicles,that you have to have at least 4 people in the group to book this tour.

Available options

Colombo Shore Excursions

Pickup included

What's included

Blue Badge guide
Bottled water
Private tour
Driver/guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Live commentary on board
Fuel surcharge

Detailed itinerary

1

As a registered tour operator,We have pre-approved pass to enter inside the port and reach very closer the passenger ship to collect travelers and drop them back to same place or requested place at the end of the tour.

2

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the Red Mosque, is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah, one of the oldest districts of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo, and a popular tourist site in the city.

3

Local fruit, vegetable market and local bazzar (walking tour)
Pettah Market, also known as Manning Market, is a popular open market in the suburb of Pettah in Colombo where one can find a wide range of goods including fresh vegetables and fruits as well as meat and seafood.

4

Colonial buildings (walk or Drive through the buildings with explanation)
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, boasts several surviving colonial-era buildings. These buildings are a testament to the city's rich history and architecture. The Old Parliament Building, now used as the Presidential Secretariat offices, and the Cargills building, located one block from the Grand Oriental on York Street, is a distinctive red-and-white structure that was opened in 1906 and claimed to be Asia's first department store, offering colonials luxury goods ranging from motorbikes to caviar.

5

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple (Historical sacred place)

6
Stop 6

Galle face green (explanation with relaxing walk along the beach side & street food tasting )
Galle Face Green is a popular public urban park located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, adjacent to the Indian Ocean and along the coast of Colombo
Galle Face Green is also known for its food stalls and street vendors, selling a variety of local snacks such as isso wade, kottu roti, and fresh cut fruit, as well as traditional Sri Lankan street food. The park is also home to several luxury hotels, including the historic Galle Face Hotel, which was built in 1864 and has hosted famous personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

7
Stop 7

Independence Square was constructed to commemorate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule on February 4th, 1948. It is located in the prominent Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood of Colombo, surrounded by several important government buildings, including the Prime Minister's office and the National Museum.
The square features a large ceremonial hall, called the Independence Memorial Hall, which was designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The hall is built in the shape of a Kandyan audience hall and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

8

Clock Tower from colonial period

9
Stop 9

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Colombo. It is located on the banks of the Beira Lake. The temple's architecture features a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles and is uniquely attractive and tolerant of members of many different religions. The temple is involved in Buddhist welfare work including old peoples' homes, a vocational school, and an orphanage. The temple also has a museum, a library and vocational training centers. The main sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue while the ceilings portray his stories. Gangaramaya is the focus of the Navam Perahera on the February poya (full moon) day each year, and it is the centre for the most extravagant Vesak celebrations in Colombo

10

Odel, Laksala or other places to buy souvenirs if clients are interested. Otherwise we skip it

What's not included

Food and drinks
Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

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

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress code: proper dress required (for temples)
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Important notes

• Dress code: proper dress for temples

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 3-80
1
Infants
Age 1-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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