Discover Sri Lanka’s beauty on a Colombo to Bentota day trip. Explore beaches, temples, waterfalls, and more. Book your unforgettable journey now.
Discover Sri Lanka’s beauty on a Colombo to Bentota day trip. Explore beaches, temples, waterfalls, and more. Book your unforgettable journey now.
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Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - The Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is truly an architectural marvel that captivates with its unique color patterns and extraordinary design. Situated in Pettah, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
History of Colombo Red Mosque
Colombo has long been a welcoming center for international…
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - The Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is truly an architectural marvel that captivates with its unique color patterns and extraordinary design. Situated in Pettah, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
History of Colombo Red Mosque
Colombo has long been a welcoming center for international trade, attracting a significant Arab population. To accommodate their daily prayers, the Indian Muslim Community was tasked with building a mosque in Pettah. Construction began in 1908, and the Colombo Red Mosque (Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque) was completed in just one year. The chief designer, Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe, employed Indo-Saracenic and Neo-classical architectural styles. In 1975, the mosque’s capacity was expanded to accommodate 10,000 worshippers.
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Lotus Tower - The Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure and Sri Lanka’s tallest skyscraper, was established in 2012. Over the past decade, it has transformed Colombo’s skyline, symbolizing the country’s rapid advancements in technology and tourism. The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Pvt) Ltd was formed in March 2022 under the Treasury, with all transactions audited by the Auditor General’s Department. The tower opened to the public on September 15, 2022, to great public enthusiasm.
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Ceylon Tea Supermarket - This renowned store offers a wide selection of Sri Lankan teas and is a popular destination for tourists seeking authentic Ceylon tea, a major export of Sri Lanka.
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Galle Face Green - Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare (12-acre) ocean-side urban park stretching 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coast in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s financial and business capital. Initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, the original Galle Face Green covered a much larger area. It was used for horse racing, golf, cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.
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Viharamahadevi Park - Viharamahadevi Park, formerly Victoria Park, is a public park in Colombo, adjacent to the National Museum of Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park in the Port of Colombo. Located in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, the park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi, mother of King Dutugamunu. The land was donated to Colombo by Charles Henry de Soysa during British rule and was originally named “Victoria Park” after Queen Victoria. During World War II, it was occupied by the British Army with the Australian 17th Brigade based there. The park was restored and reopened to the public in 1951.
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Old Parliament Building - This colonial-era building, constructed in the Neo-Baroque style, served as the Parliament of Sri Lanka until 1983 and now houses the Presidential Secretariat.
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Pettah Floating Market - The Pettah Floating Market consists of pavilions on the far end of the restored Beira Lake, between the Pettah bus station and the railway station. It features about ninety trade stalls and shops along the water, with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from wooden boats floating on the lake. The entrance is on the west side, marked by a wood-carved sign reading ‘The Floating Market’. The area is beautifully designed with wooden boards, grey floors, and red terracotta tiles. Several restaurants and eateries provide a pleasant dining atmosphere.
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Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - Begin your exploration at the renowned Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist sanctuary celebrated for its remarkable architecture and extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts.
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Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil - One of the oldest Hindu temples in Colombo, dedicated to the gods Shiva and Ganesh, featuring vibrant Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings.
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Colombo Lighthouse - A functioning lighthouse near Colombo Harbour, dating back to 1952. It is a landmark representing Colombo’s maritime heritage, though public access is restricted.
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Seema Malakaya Temple - Seema Malakaya (Tamil: சீமா மலகாய) is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, primarily used for meditation and rest rather than worship. Located on Beira Lake, the temple was originally built in the late 19th century. Seema Malakaya is part of the Gangaramaya Temple and is situated a few hundred meters to its east.
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Pettah - Pettah market streets are the hub for locals to shop for a variety of goods at different qualities and prices. The area is bustling with activity, with narrow streets full of locals searching for necessities. The tour includes a tuk-tuk ride through these vibrant market streets.
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Independence Memorial Hall - Independence Memorial Hall is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens. Built to commemorate independence from British rule in the 1940s, the monument marks the site of the formal ceremony inaugurating self-rule with the opening of the first Parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, on February 4, 1948. The hall’s design is inspired by the Magul Maduwa (meeting hall of the last king of Sri Lanka) in Kandy, with columns and pillars adorned with traditional Sri Lankan carvings and paintings. It is a popular venue among travelers in Colombo, offering insights into the area’s history.
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Wolvendaal Church - Wolvendaal Church, located in Pettah, Colombo, is one of the most significant Dutch colonial-era buildings in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.
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Laksala - Laksala is the only state-owned gift and souvenir boutique, established under the National Crafts Council and Allied Institutions Act, No. 35 of 1982. Since then, Laksala has undergone numerous changes, offering an ever-growing list of products. Today, Laksala operates through 13 branches island-wide, providing the widest variety of Sri Lankan products at reasonable prices. Importantly, Laksala supports the industries that supply goods to it, ensuring their profitability and sustainability. Visitors can find an eclectic blend of items, from beautifully packaged tea and spices to colorful batik wear, an elaborate collection of art and craft, and a fine selection of traditional Sri Lankan gems and jewelry. Laksala is a one-stop guide, and visiting one of its stores feels like exploring all of Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange - Lanka Gems & Jewellery is a leading manufacturer of high-quality handmade jewelry in platinum, gold, and sterling silver, adorned with natural gemstones from Sri Lanka. The experts have over 25 to 30 years of experience in gemstone cutting and jewelry manufacturing, consistently satisfying discerning customers with their exquisite pieces. As wholesalers, retailers, and exporters, they offer a wide range of Sri Lankan gemstones (over 85 varieties) and jewelry worldwide, with over three decades of international trade experience. Lanka Gems and Jewellery is a member of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, and the Gem & Jewellery Traders Association of Sri Lanka.
- Entry/Admission to Colombo Fort Railway Station
- Entry/Admission to Kayman’s Gate Belltower
- Entry/Admission to Old Parliament
- Entry/Admission to Pettah
- Entry/Admission to Colombo Lighthouse
- Entry/Admission to Old Town Hall
- Bottled water
- King coconuts
- Entry/Admission to Independent Square
- Entry/Admission to Galle Face Green
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission to Colombo
- Entry/Admission to Colombo Fort Railway Station
- Entry/Admission to Kayman’s Gate Belltower
- Entry/Admission to Old Parliament
- Entry/Admission to Pettah
- Entry/Admission to Colombo Lighthouse
- Entry/Admission to Old Town Hall
- Bottled water
- King coconuts
- Entry/Admission to Independent Square
- Entry/Admission to Galle Face Green
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission to Colombo
- Colombo lotus tower
- Temple of sri kailawasanatan dewasthanam
- Entry/Admission - Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Colombo lotus tower
- Temple of sri kailawasanatan dewasthanam
- Entry/Admission - Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
Sri Lanka is a stunning island, with the charming city of Colombo as its capital. Colombo is a melting pot of various religions, with Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam being the predominant faiths. Tourists visiting Sri Lanka have a plethora of attractions to explore and enjoy in Colombo. The city is adorned with Buddhist temples rich in history, Hindu…
Sri Lanka is a stunning island, with the charming city of Colombo as its capital. Colombo is a melting pot of various religions, with Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam being the predominant faiths. Tourists visiting Sri Lanka have a plethora of attractions to explore and enjoy in Colombo. The city is adorned with Buddhist temples rich in history, Hindu temples, and Muslim mosques, enhancing its beauty. Colombo hosts the largest domestic wholesale market. The city is further beautified by numerous buildings constructed during the British and Dutch colonial periods. Copper, tea, and precious stones, which are vital to Sri Lanka’s economy, can be purchased in Colombo at very affordable prices. Visitors to Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Pearl of Asia, will find many fascinating sites to explore in Colombo. To truly complete a trip to Sri Lanka, understanding the history of Colombo is essential.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.