Colombo City Drive by Bookingmart Holidays Pvt Ltd

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Colombo City Drive by Bookingmart Holidays Pvt Ltd

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(3 reviews)

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

Explore the city of Colombo on a Half day tour. Traveling around the city by air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide, make the most of a customizable itinerary, tailoring your sightseeing around your personal preferences. Visit top Colombo attractions such as marinade up the Indian Ocean views along Galle Face, dive into bustling Pettah Market & Enjoyable Street Food, admire the Gangarama Temple , Viharamadevi Park, Old Parliament Building, Independence Square, National Library, Light House, Hindu Temple, Lotus TowerColombo fort area, Colombo Port and more.

Colombo City Drive is designed for tourists those who would like to explore the Colombo city. The concept is part of the Bookingmart Holidays (Pvt) Ltd – a tour agency that function in the city for five years, and its sister agency Key Travels has 30 years of experience in travel & tourism field. With the field experience and good knowledge of the city, our agency is able to give better taste about Colombo.

Available options

Start from Negombo

Air-condition car/van/coach<br/>Pickup included

Start from Colombo City

Air-condition Car/Van/Coach <br/>Pickup included

start from Kaluthara ,Panadura

Air-condition Car/Van/Coach<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Service of a professional guide (Driver becomes guide)

Local taxes

Private half day customizable tour of Colombo, with air-conditioned vehicle at dumping for 4 hours

Detailed itinerary

Set out on your 4-hour journey, when your itinerary-guide will collect you from your hotel (Within Colombo City Range) in a private Air conditioned vehicle. Start your tour with the visit to National Museum (own expense), the oldest and largest museum in the country that’s highly regarded for its antiques collection.

Visit the colorful and messy Petah Market, one of the largest in Colombo where you can see the local culture and you can enjoy street foods based on your interest. Here you can find almost everything, from tropical fruit to fresh-caught seafood to jewelry. After shopping, explore the Gangarama Temple (own expense), positioned both on land and on a lake, and its small but impressive museum. Step-up the sunset views of the Indian Ocean at the Galle Face Green, and expanse of beautiful parkland in this cosmopolitan city & you can explore the Old Parliament Building (Only outside) in front of Galle face green valley. While on the travel you can explore Independence Square, National Library, Viharamadevi Park, Colombo Municipal Building and more…

What's not included

Entrance Fees during sightseeing tour

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN TA

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult since the vehicle contains

If you intend to visit Gangaramaya temple, you should wear clothes to cover your knees and shoulders

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