Private Colombo City Tour: Half-Day Discovery of Sri Lanka's Trade Capital
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Colombo
Discover the trade capital of Sri Lanka on a private half-day tour of Colombo. Explore ancient temples, historic landmarks, and modern attractions in this vibrant city.
Duration: 7 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - The temple’s architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises.

Most notable for tourists is the architecture of the Simamalaka Shrine, which was built with donations from a Muslim sponsor to the design of Geoffrey Bawa.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled Drinking Water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by air-conditioned private vehicle
  • All costs related to car/van & chauffeur
  • Entrance tickets for all mentioned excursions
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Expressway Tickets
  • Parking fees
  • Site Entry Tickets
Additional Information

Colombo serves as the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, and is a city that has witnessed rapid transformation. Despite most antique structures being replaced by new residential complexes and workplaces, certain sections of the city still maintain their historical charm. It doubles as the economic heart of the island and a beloved tourist attraction, situated on the island’s western seaboard. Ancient traders such as the Indians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese were familiar with Colombo over two millennia ago, owing to its natural harbor. Present-day Colombo is an urbanized metropolis replete with shopping centers, sleek complexes, cinemas, dining establishments, cafes, residential apartments, and more.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the Gangaramaya Temple
  • Explore the Old Parliament in Colombo
  • See the Old Clock Tower in Colombo
  • Learn at the National Museum
  • Explore nature at the Zoological Garden
  • Go Shopping in Colombo
  • Visit the Independence Square
  • Explore the Red Mosque
  • Relax at Galle Face Green (Beach side)
Location
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
61 Sri Jinaratana Road,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(1 Rating)
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Michelle
Jan 21, 2020
A must - Had a fantastic city tour. Ruchitha was polite, courteous and respectful of me being a woman travelling alone. He showed me all the main sights and assisted me in the right was to behave when going into the temples etc. His English is excellent and he explains things very well. I also booked Ruchitha to drive me to Galle a couple of days later. I thought it was just as a taxi, but he also stopped for me to go to see the turtles, a tsunami museum and a quick tour of Galle fort area. Can’t recommend Ruchitha highly enough. Thank you
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