Colombo Trip Overview
Learn about Sri Lanka’s capital city, visiting its most popular attractions on this private tour of Colombo, with a private chauffeur in an air conditioned vehicle.. Discover the vibrant heritage of the city with stops at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Hall, National Museum and more! Drive around Colombo’s financial district, one of the city’s highlights! Originally built by the Portuguese, the commercial hub initially served as a protection against invaders before it was developed by the Dutch in 1658. Further developments were made in 1796 when the British took over the city.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
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
Learn about Sri Lanka’s capital city, visiting its most popular attractions on this private tour of Colombo, with a private chauffeur in an air conditioned vehicle.. Discover the vibrant heritage of the city with stops at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Hall, National Museum and more! Drive around Colombo’s financial district, one of the city’s highlights! Originally built by the Portuguese, the commercial hub initially served as a protection against invaders before it was developed by the Dutch in 1658. Further developments were made in 1796 when the British took over the city.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo Sri Lanka
The picturesque Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, which is also known as Kelaniya Temple is one of the most venerated sites of worship in Sri Lanka. The temple which dates back to 500 BCE was visited by Lord Buddha himself during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka. He is believed to have preached to the masses seated upon a majestic throne. According to the Mahawansa, the gem studded throne upon which Lord Buddha sat was enshrined in the original stupa at the temple.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Colombo. First established by the renowned scholar monk Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Gangaramaya dates back to the late 19th Century and has since grown in both religious and cultural significance. Today the intricate temple complex is tranquility in the hubbub of Colombo life and is one of the must see places when touring Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Colombo National Museum, Albert Crescent, Colombo Sri Lanka
Established as the Colombo Museum in 1877, the Colombo National Museum is the main museum in the country that exhibits a plethora of artefacts representing Sri Lanka’s rich history and ancient heritage. The architecture and design of the premises are dominated by features of Italian architecture and the museum spans across two floors with multiple viewing galleries on each floor. The ground floor displays artefacts belonging to the Pre and Proto Historic, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Transitional periods with stone antiquities gallery. And on the upper floor, you will find paintings, ancient textiles, pottery and ceramics, coins and currency, art and crafts, arms and armaments, presentations of traditional agricultural methods and traditional rituals and the D S Senanayake Memorial Gallery.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo Sri Lanka
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-style Town Hall building, the park is named after Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu. The park was built during the British rule of Sri Lanka, and was originally named “Victoria Park” after Queen Victoria. The park features include a huge Buddha statue and a series of water fountains. It also includes a mini zoo, a children’s play area and a BAC Jet Provost. The Viharamahadevi Park is the only large-scale public park in Colombo, and is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Independence Square, Independence Avenue, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
The most iconic and important landmark in Colombo is the Independence Memorial Hall, which is designed according to Kandyan tradition, and celebrates the hereditary artistry and architecture of Sri Lanka. At the basement of the Hall is the Independence Memorial Museum, which celebrates the island’s journey towards Independence. There is also a statue of the Father of the Nation, the island’s first premier D S Senanayake. The Square comprises of two ponds, grass lawns, paved pathways and jogging tracks.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Galle Face Green, Galle Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
Galle Face Green is a combination of sun, sea, and breeze, making it an ideal destination to unwind after a hectic day. Surrounded by luxury hotels and resorts in Colombo, the Galle Face Green offers ample space for a walk fanned by sea breeze, a place to snack on delicacies street food, and buy some inexpensive keepsakes, especially for the kids. Head to the Pier to watch the roaring waves. Or walk along the promenade and entice your tastebuds with delicious bites of isso wadey (prawn fritters), maniokkya (casava) chips and kadala (chickpeas).
Duration: 1 hour
