Half Day City Tour of Colombo
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Half Day City Tour of Colombo

Active
(17 reviews)
3h - 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

Explore Colombo City in different Eyes. Sri Lanka's city, administrative, and judicial capital is Colombo. Colombo is a major port of the Indian Ocean and is located on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River. The majority of Sri Lanka's international trade is conducted there, which has one of the biggest artificial ports in the world. Visit the most well-known sights in the capital of Sri Lanka during this tour to discover more about it. For first-time visitors, the family-friendly tour is strongly recommended.

• Visit Colombo's bustling, populated cities to see marketplaces, historical
landmarks, and the way of life of the locals.
• Your journey will be made even more memorable by the drivers, who are
courteous and trustworthy.

Available options

Half Day City Tour of Colombo

Pickup included

What's included

King coconut
Water Bottle
Seasonal Fruits
Hotel pickup and drop-off Service by Air conditioned vehicle
Professional & Expert English Speaking Driver

Detailed itinerary

1

Colombo is the most famous in Sri Lanka. It was built just over 120 years ago and is dedicated to Buddhism. The temple is celebrated for its lavish architecture and statues showcasing Sri Lankan, Chinese, Thai, Burmese and other artistic styles.

2

Its architecture is Indo-Saracenic, incorporating pomegranate-shaped domes. But the most extraordinary feature is that each brick is painted red or white and used in contrasting designs.(Photo Stop)

3

Viharamahadevi Park or formally known as the Victoria park is the largest, oldest and most colorful park situated in the heart of Colombo. It is a perfect place to relax, for shady walks, picnics and most of all a great place to spend your time with your family.

4
Stop 4

Independence Square is in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. Close to the Square is the Arcade, a modern shopping mall housed in former colonial government buildings.

5

Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo. It is the most ethnically mixed place in the country. Large religious buildings represent a plethora of faiths, while more earthly pursuits can be found in market stalls and shops. The crowds in Pettah can become overwhelming during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

6

The railway line was started over a 150 years ago by the British. The old Fort region of Colombo is one of the busiest areas of the city. In 1877 the Coastal Railway Line was created and that is when the first station was opened. At the time, the Central Terminus was in a place near Maradana, The location can still be seen as it is now serving as the Sri Lanka Railway Museum.

7

St Anthony's Church is a monument of love and devotion to St. Anthony raised by all, rich and poor, in Colombo, as well as in the whole of Ceylon. May Anthony protect this City and this Island and all his devout is and lovers therein.

8

Sri Ponnambala-waneswaram Temple is one of Sri Lanka's finest examples of Dravidian architecture. This temple in Kotahena, northeast of Pettah, is built of South Indian granite. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva; while not being too old, it is still a peerless example of ancient Dravidan architecture.

9

The new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber, and Government offices will be completed in Colombo later this year. It will replace the current building, which was built during the British colonial era.

10

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is one of the foremost convention centres found on the island. BMICH has over 16,000 square feet of floor space. The construction of this convention center was a joint project between Sri Lankan and Chinese workers.

11

Sri Lankans purchase art to adorn their homes, hotels, offices, and as gifts. Nelum Pokuna street artisans have contributed their might to this endeavour. For tourists to take home, a painting depicting a local theme is the best memento.

12

The Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses of the colonial era still operational to this date. The d in the lighthouse was commissioned so that worker in that area of Colombo can be more punctual since personal watches could not be afforded by everyone back in the day.

13

The tower was built in the early 20th century by a Parsi (hailed from Bombay) family of the name Khan. The four-story tall tower remains there to this day on a landscaped roundabout. Water fountain that's attached to it has long stopped working, but clock tower continues to function.

14

The temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil is one of the most beautiful and lovely attraction places of Sri Lanka. There are many beautiful and elegant paintings of God and Goddess. Also there are an beautiful carvings of an astrology chart. The inner roof of this temple is decorated with magnificent paintings. It is said that the temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil is the most ancient Hindu temples in Colombo.

What's not included

Gratuity For Driver
Food & Drinks Other than Specified
Optional Activities
Entrance to sights

Available languages

Guide guide
EN TA

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9
8 reviews
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2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.2
9 reviews
5★
5
4★
3
3★
0
2★
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1★
1

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
Littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle.
Please observe proper dress code when visiting the temples as a form of respect. The basic rule is to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, and knees (Participants are advised dress appropriately for this activity (long pants, long-sleeved shirt or scarf to cover shoulders, and closed shoes)
Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue
The exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
We request all customers carry the Vaccination card while traveling (Digitally or Physically)
Pickup will be commenced prior to start the tour time; you must contact us to verify your exact pickup time.
Deposit trash in designated receptacles
What to Bring - Sunscreen, Caps or hats, , Camera, Sunglasses
When you entering to Hindu temple or Buddha temple, shoes and slippers must removed

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 12-99
1
Childs
Age 2-11
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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