• Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - Gangaramaya is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, established by the renowned scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th century.

Following the Venerable Sri Sumangala, his principal disciple Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera assumed the temple’s administration. He laid the groundwork to transform the small temple into an institution of international significance.

The subsequent chief incumbent was Ven. Devundara Keerthi Sri Sumangala Jinaratana Vacissara Thera, mentor to Ven. Galboda Gnanissara, who contributed to making Gangaramaya what it is today: more than just a temple, but a place of worship, a center for learning, and a cultural hub.

• Old Parliament Building - This Neo-Baroque-style building was constructed during the British colonial period to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon, conceived by Sir Henry McCallum. It was later included in a proposal by a committee to build a new structure for the Secretariat, Council Chamber, and Government offices on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face, approved by the Government in 1920.
• Galle Face Green - Galle Face is a 5-hectare (12-acre) ocean-side urban park, extending 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s financial and business capital. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green covered a much larger area than today. Initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, it also hosted cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.
• Arcade Independence Square - Independence Memorial Hall (also known as Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka, built to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule, with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, and also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

The monument was erected at the site where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, took place on February 4, 1948.

At the head of the monument stands the statue of the country’s first prime minister, Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake, “The Father of the Nation.” Most annual National Independence Day celebrations have been held here. Besides being a monument, it served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon and the House of Representatives of Ceylon until the parliament moved to the new parliament complex. Currently, it is the venue for religious events and annual national day celebrations.

• Colombo National Museum - Initially known as the Colombo Museum, it was established on January 1, 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.

The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) played a crucial role in bringing to Gregory’s attention, upon his appointment as Governor in 1872, the need for a public museum. With considerable effort, the legislative council’s approval was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, J.G. Smither, prepared the plans for a new structure in the Italian architectural style. Construction was completed in 1876, and the Museum began its operations the following year.

The museum authorities took various steps to showcase the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

With the museum’s development to an international level, it achieved the status of a national museum during Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala’s tenure. He managed to open branch museums in Jaffna, Kandy, and Ratnapura, and a full-fledged Department of National Museums was established in 1942 under Act No. 31. The number of branch museums has now increased to nine, and a school science program and a mobile museum service are also in operation.

• Laksala - Enjoy shopping at Laksala for a wide range of handicrafts and handmade Sri Lankan products.
• Traditional Gem Mine - Did you know Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich gems?

Here is the chance to purchase captivating gems and jewelry at affordable prices, approved by the Gem Bureau of Sri Lanka.

(No hidden business, 100% satisfaction guaranteed)

• Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - The construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque began in 1908 and was completed in 1909. The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community in Pettah to fulfill their requirement for five-times-daily prayers and Jummah on Fridays. The mosque’s designer and builder was Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe (an unqualified architect), based on details/images of Indo-Saracenic structures provided by South Indian traders who commissioned him. It is a hybrid architectural style, combining elements from native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture with Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles. Originally, it had a capacity for 1,500 worshippers, although only about 500 attended prayers at the time.

It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building with a clock tower, reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (constructed in 1910). Before other landmarks were built, some claimed that the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.

In 1975, the mosque, with assistance from the Haji Omar Trust, purchased several adjoining properties and began expanding the mosque to increase its capacity to 10,000.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• All taxes, fees and handling charges included
• Experienced driver/guide provided
• Travel in comfort with private vehicle transportation

• Food and drinks

Enjoy a day filled with exclusive attention as you go sightseeing, indulge in shopping, and savor a Sri Lankan lunch. Discover urban allure with us, visiting various attractions like the Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by leisure time to hunt for keepsakes.\n\nTackling Colombo solo could lead to misdirection or delays. Opt for simplicity with a private coastal tour that ensures a seamless and cozy journey around the highlights. In the comfort of a personal vehicle, take in prime locales including the Seema Malakaya Temple, peruse for handcrafted goods, and listen to insights about the local way of life from your guide that might elude you if exploring alone.\n • Navigate through Colombo effortlessly on a private coastal excursion originating from the cruise terminal or any hotel in Colombo\n • Avoid the hassle of taxis or buses by enjoying the ease of sightseeing in a private, climate-controlled vehicle\n • Encounter landmarks, browse through marketplaces, and soak up stories of the locale’s past and present.

• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• A maximum of 15 people per booking

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