Colombo Trip Overview
Any one who wants to explore Colombo city will be given an insider’s view to the bustling metropolis and discover the many layers, which form its colorful character in this one day tour. Being the largest city in the Island is it’s said that Colombo is said to be the traditional gateway to the Orient. Situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka and due to its vital role in the east-west sea trade dating as far back at the 5th century, it is possible to see the remnants of Moorish, Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlement throughout the city. Your journey will be enhanced by the many religious sanctuaries, which manifest in their variety, the peaceful tolerance of the city’s diverse inhabitants.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
• Travel comfortably with a travel guide
Additional Info
Duration: 10 to 12 minutes
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Any one who wants to explore Colombo city will be given an insider’s view to the bustling metropolis and discover the many layers, which form its colorful character in this one day tour. Being the largest city in the Island is it’s said that Colombo is said to be the traditional gateway to the Orient. Situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka and due to its vital role in the east-west sea trade dating as far back at the 5th century, it is possible to see the remnants of Moorish, Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlement throughout the city. Your journey will be enhanced by the many religious sanctuaries, which manifest in their variety, the peaceful tolerance of the city’s diverse inhabitants.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
• Travel comfortably with a travel guide
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo Sri Lanka
Set on the summit of a small mound lapped by the waters of the river Kelani Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka. Built on the banks of Kelaniya River, this beautiful shrine presents one of the most panoramic views ever offered to the tourist by this small island of ours, the pearl of the Indian Ocean. It is a common belif that Buddha together with 500 Arahats (visited Kelaniya on the Vesak day of the Buddhist Era 2531 and expounding of the Dhamma, the Buddhist doctrine to the inhabitants of the island. Often associate with rise and fall of Sri Lanka its said that as Kelaniya Temple rose so does the country and the downfall of Kelaniya Temple will cause the downfall if the country too.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo Sri Lanka
The park had been originally named after Queen Victoria with her statue adorning the northern entrance facing the colonial style Colombo Town (City) Hall. A large beautiful picturesque Buddha statue has since replaced the Victoria statue. The park was later renamed after the famous historical Lankan queen – Vihara Mahadevi whose statue lies adjacent to one of the prominent walking paths. Buddha statue is a popular photographic location. This oasis in the city is well maintained with its well-manicured green gardens, trees large and small, flowers and flower beds, fountains and many walking paths. In the centre is a little pond where ducks with colourful bills swim around with their natural grace.o ne can hire a bicycle that you can ride along the specified cycling path. There are many comfortable benches too – often occupied by young dreamy romantic couples.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Second Cross Street, Colombo 01100 Sri Lanka
The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque which is most commonly known as the Red Mosque, is located near the Beta Market. It was built in 1908 and is one of the landmarks in Colombo. It is said that in the early 20th century, many sailors who went to Sri Lanka used it to identify whether it was the port of Colombo. The design and construction was done by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe. He used Indo-Saracenic structural images, given to him by the South Indian traders who commissioned him but also mixed in elements of his own. One of the most notable architectural changes is that the dome shaped spires on top of the mosque is not of the typical onion shape. Instead its shape follows that of a pomegranate. Independence Square
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pettah Floating Market, Bastian Mawatha, Colombo Sri Lanka
The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque which is most commonly known as the Red Mosque, is located near the Beta Market. It was built in 1908 and is one of the landmarks in Colombo. It is said that in the early 20th century, many sailors who went to Sri Lanka used it to identify whether it was the port of Colombo. The design and construction was done by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe. He used Indo-Saracenic structural images, given to him by the South Indian traders who commissioned him but also mixed in elements of his own. One of the most notable architectural changes is that the dome shaped spires on top of the mosque is not of the typical onion shape. Instead its shape follows that of a pomegranate. Independence Square
Duration: 1 minute
Stop At: Galle Face Green, Galle Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
The Galle Face Green in Sri Lanka is a five hectare ocean-side urban park which is located in the heart of the business capital on the island; Colombo. It is a must to witness the marvelous sun setting with the sound of the crashing of the waves from Galle face. On one end of this stretch of land lies the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel while on the other side, you’ll see the magnificent Galle Face Hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Old Parliament Building, Fort, Colombo Sri Lanka
Travelling past Colombo’s Galle Face Green towards the area known as Fort, a cityscape looms. In the background, silvery skyscrapers and cream-colored buildings dominate. You will notice a building close to the sea whose dimensions are in complete contrast, being several hundred meters long and only three storey’s high. Sri Lanka has many buildings left over from British colonial rule. The Old Parliament Building is one of them. It is backed by the landmark of Colombo, the Twin Towers Tower, facing the Indian Ocean. The Garfield Green Square is in front of the door. It is guarded by soldiers with live ammunition and is not allowed to visit. In the evening, many people go for a walk and watch the sunset on the sea in Galerphis Green Square. There is a flag-raising platform in the middle of the square. There is a flag-lowering ceremony for the Navy at 6 p.m. every night.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Lighthouse, Colombo Fort, Colombo Sri Lanka
Colombo Light House is controlled by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. it is located just walking distance from the Galle face green , towards the harbor. The current “Colombo Light House “29-metre-high (95 ft) lighthouse was built in 1952 after the Old Colombo Lighthouse was deactivated when its light became obscured by nearby buildings as part of the Colombo Harbor Expansion project.
Duration: 1 hour
