Colombo Walking Tour: Discover Sri Lanka's History, Architecture, and Culture with Ajeet De Soyza

Embark on a captivating walking tour of Colombo with Ajeet De Soyza and delve into the rich history, architecture, and culture of Sri Lanka. Discover the influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and immerse yourself in the unique diversity of this vibrant city.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Prison Cell - The Last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha was captured on the 18th February 1815 in Madamahanuwara and was transferred to Colombo without entering Kandy. On the 6th of March 1815 the King and his escort entered the Colombo Fort where they were received by Colonel Kerr, the commandant of the garrison. Here King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha remained for nearly a year till the 24th of January 1816 when he and his family were deported to Vellore, India aboard the HMS Cornwallis.
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital (known as The Dutch Hospital) is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct

It is believed to have existed since 1681 when the Dutch established the Colombo hospital to look after the health of the officers and other staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. The hospital’s proximity to the harbour allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers

  • Colombo Fort Clock Tower - You will be taken through the heart of the central business district which is full of colonial architecture. The clock tower in fort is a unique strucuture in the city on many aspects
  • Central Bank Currency Museum - The construction of the building commenced in 1911, with the laying of its foundation stone and at the time of its opening it was the tallest building in Colombo. Designed in a Greco-Roman architectural style, with a colonnade of Corinthian columns at the building’s entrance. It has a circular glass dome with a tapering central atrium that lets light into the circular inner halls throughout all seven floors and features the tallest chandelier in Asia.
  • Cargills Department Store - The old Cargills & Millers Buildings in Colombo are considered to be the oldest department stores in Sri Lanka.

A Dutch building was originally on the land where the present Cargills & Millars buildings are located and it had been occupied by Sir Frederick North (1766-1827), the first British Governor of Ceylon from 1798 to 1805. In 1844, a British businessman William Miller started his company at this premises by replacing the old Dutch building and in 1896, it was acquired by David Sime Cargill, a Scottish businessman who headed the popular Cargills & Company

  • Grand Oriental Hotel - The Grand Oriental Hotel was officially opened on 5 November 1875, had 154 luxury and semi-luxury rooms, and was the first of the modern type of imposing hotels erected in the East.

The original building on the site was a simple, single-storey structure with an open verandah to the street inhabited by a Dutch Governor. In 1837 it was converted into barracks for the British Army.

The task of converting the building into a hotel was undertaken by the then Governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, engaging the architect of the Public Works Department, James George Smither, who was also responsible for the National Museum of Colombo, Colombo General Hospital and the old Colombo Town Hall. The estimated cost to build the hotel was 2,007 pounds but it is noteworthy that the hotel was constructed within one year under the estimated 1,868 pounds.

  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - Popularly known as the Red Mosque, the place of workship is a unique materpiece
  • Titus Stores - A family-run business for over 90 years, TITUS STORES was founded in 1924, and initially began as TITUS LAMP STORES, selling petrol lamps called TITUS Lamps. With the advent of electricity in Sri Lanka, the business shifted to homeware, gifts, and HORECA (Hotel Restaurant Catering) items and changed its name to TITUS STORES
  • Old Town Hall - Amongst the little known historic monuments of Colombo, is large gothic church-like mansion in the old business quarter of Pettah. People, both locals and tourists, pass it by with little thought to what it contains – a veritable treasure trove of artifacts. It vanishes among the landscape surrounded by equally dated buildings, colorful modern shops and other interesting pieces of architecture. The fact that it’s in one of the busiest sectors of the city doesn’t help. This building is the Old Town Hall, once the seat of the Colombo Municipality and was the main location for council meetings in Colombo.
  • Pettah - Explore first hand the busy markets of the Pettah Bazaar
  • Colombo Fort Railway Station - Built by the British, the Fort Railway station is the major hub in the Colombo city
  • Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is the main temple in the Colombo city with it’s unique architecture influenced by many cultures
  • Galle Face Hotel - Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark, The Galle Face Hotel, is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green. The Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immersive experiences that resonate with old and new generations of travellers alike.

Known as South Asia’s leading Grande Dame, the Galle Face Hotel is testimony to both Sri Lanka’s colonial past and its independent present. International guests are immersed in the Hotel’s rich traditions and compelling stories, and even a short visit to the hotel is an experience of timeless grandeur and exceptional hospitality.

The Hotel started as a Dutch villa called Galle Face House that had been a meeting place for gentlemen of the colonial era. That was until four British entrepreneurs decided to use it to start a business, unaware that, by the late 19th century, it would be known as the best hotel East of Suez.

  • Galle Face Green - Based on the time of the day, you will be able to see the activities on the Green whilst getting a glimpse into the past of the green with iconic buildings such as the Old Parliament and the famous Galle Face Hotel
  • Old Parliament Building - This Neo-Baroque-style building was built during the British colonial era to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon. It was built on an idea of Sir Henry McCallum, which led to a proposal made by a committee to construct the new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber and Government offices on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face’ were accepted by the Government in 1920.

The chief architect of the Public Works Department, A. Woodson was responsible for the design of the building with his initial estimate of Rs 400,000 for the scheme being later revised Rs 450,000, taking into account the extra expenses involved.

The British Coat of Arms adorned the top of the building face till 1948, when it was replaced by the arms of the Dominion of Ceylon and was once again replaced in 1972 with the arms of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • All fees and taxes included
Additional Information

The start time of this tour can be changed based on your preference

Join me as take you through a walk of the City of Colombo - the Central business district which has transformed itself originally from a Fort built by the Portuguese to a thriving trading center over a period 500 years. See and learn of the influences created and the legacies left to us by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British immersing yourself in our History, Architecture and Culture that is now uniquely Sri Lankan

This walking tour is also combined with a few Tuk Tuk rides which you gives you an authentic experience of daily Sri Lankan life. Part proceeds of the tour are channeled towards the education of orphaned children that I sponsor towards providing them with a better future

Experience Colombo - Experience Diversity - Experience Sri Lanka

Location
Port of Colombo
Chaithya Road
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(33 Ratings)
5 stars
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Flypig687
Aug 29, 2024
Great Tour of Colombo and great tour guide! - We worked with Ajeet to help plan our trip and get a driver and also take this tour with him. He was excellent to work with and communication was a breeze through the entire process. The walking tour of Colombo was fun and informative, a great way to spend a couple hours. Ajeet obviously knows his city and his country and is excited to share it with you. Would highly recommend taking this tour with Ajeet and working with him to help plan your trip to Sri Lanka!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
Aug 24, 2024
City tour with Ajeet! - We had the fantastic opportunity to have the city tour of Colombo with Ajeet. The tour takes you around the old heart of the city and Ajeet has an immense knowledge of all historical and cultural aspects of this very interesting city! We enjoyed the experience of walking around Colombo and hearing all about its very rich history from Ajeet! A must do in Colombo!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aishwarya_n
Jun 18, 2024
Must-do experience - Ajeet was extremely kind and filled with so much knowledge about Colombo city. I was the only person on the tour and he made me feel extremely comfortable. I truly believe that if you want to know about a city, you should explore it by walking through it. It did get a bit tiresome at the end as it was a hot day in Colombo. Make sure you carry a water bottle and some snacks and wear comfortable shoes.
Review provided by Viator
Corrcastle
May 20, 2024
Wonderful host - Ajeet was a delightful host who showed us the highlights of Colombo and made time to share his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for his city.
Review provided by Viator
Jonb21
Apr 4, 2024
Strongly Recommended! - Ajeet is everything you would wish in a guide. Charming, knowledgable and responsive to your interests and requests. This tour was a great introduction not only to Colombo but to Sri Lanka in general. Great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashers99
Mar 9, 2024
Great overview of Columbo and Festival - Very interesting history lots to see, took great pictures and videos loved Colombo. AJ looked after us well and a special thanks for letting us know about the Nawam Maha Perahera festival, which was wonderful to watch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherri_e
Feb 16, 2024
Great tour. Must do while in Colombo - Ajeet, was a wonderful guide. He had great insights into Colombo and Sri Lankan history and the challenges being faced. Ajeet was very interesting to listen to and was able to answer all our questions. The pace was very good and he was very insiteful. Pickup was on time and easy to fine. Ajeet made sure we got to our desired drop off location.
Review provided by Viator
Ian_h
Feb 15, 2024
An amazing walking tour with Ajeet - Ajeet is a terrific ambassador for Sri Lanka. He is brings to live the history of colonialism and is exceptionally knowledgeable in discussing how this nation is in transition from a geopolitical perspective. The walking tour provided a great balance of the Fort region and the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of this port city. A+
Review provided by Viator
Carol_h
Feb 13, 2024
Great tour! - We had a terrific tour with Ajeet! He was so informative, had lots of interesting data and we really had a chance to see all around Colombo with him.
Review provided by Viator
Drombaut
Jan 20, 2024
A solid introduction to Sri Lanka - Ajeet is very knowledgeable and easy going . It was great to listen to him sharing about Sri Lanka these days. The tour is limited due to walking distances and gives only a very small view of Colombo, but certainly helps to better understand Sri Lanka's challenges.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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