Explore Colombo’s vibrant culture, historic temples, and bustling markets. Discover colonial architecture and shop for gems and tea in Sri Lanka’s capital.
Explore Colombo’s vibrant culture, historic temples, and bustling markets. Discover colonial architecture and shop for gems and tea in Sri Lanka’s capital.
- Galle Face Green - Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare (12-acre) oceanfront urban park, extending 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coast in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s financial and business hub. Originally laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, the park once covered a much larger area. Initially, it was used for horse racing and…
- Galle Face Green - Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare (12-acre) oceanfront urban park, extending 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coast in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s financial and business hub. Originally laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, the park once covered a much larger area. Initially, it was used for horse racing and as a golf course, but also hosted cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.
- Old Parliament Building - This colonial-era building, constructed in the Neo-Baroque style, served as Sri Lanka’s Parliament until 1983 and now houses the Presidential Secretariat.
- Colombo Lighthouse - A functioning lighthouse near Colombo Harbour, dating back to 1952. It stands as a symbol of Colombo’s maritime heritage, though public access is limited.
- Pettah - Pettah market streets are a bustling hub where locals shop for a variety of goods at different prices and qualities. The area is lively and chaotic, with narrow streets filled with people searching for necessities. Visitors can explore these vibrant market streets on a tuk-tuk tour.
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - Also known as the Colombo Red Mosque, Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid is an architectural marvel with its unique color patterns and extraordinary design, located in Pettah.
- Saint Anthony - Situated in the heart of Colombo, St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade is a historic Roman Catholic church open to people of all faiths. Known for its miraculous aura and stunning architecture, the church is over 200 years old and holds significant cultural and religious importance in Sri Lanka. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, light a candle for blessings, and learn about its rich history.
- Pettah Floating Market - The Pettah Floating Market consists of pavilions on the restored Beira Lake, between the Pettah bus and railway stations. With around ninety stalls, vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and flowers from wooden boats on the lake. The market entrance is marked by a wood-carved sign reading ‘The Floating Market’. The area features wooden boards, grey floors, and red terracotta tiles, with several restaurants offering a pleasant dining experience.
- 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 technological and tourism development. Managed by Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Pvt) Ltd, the tower opened to the public on September 15, 2022, with great excitement.
- Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil - One of Colombo’s oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to Shiva and Ganesh, featuring vibrant Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings.
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - Begin your journey at the renowned Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist sanctuary celebrated for its remarkable architecture and extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts.
- Viharamahadevi Park - Viharamahadevi Park, formerly Victoria Park, is Colombo’s oldest and largest public park, located next to the National Museum. Named after Queen Viharamahadevi, it was built on land donated by Charles Henry de Soysa during British rule. The park was occupied by the British Army during World War II and reopened to the public in 1951.
- Independence Memorial Hall - Situated in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in Colombo 7, this hall commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in the 1940s. The monument, designed after the Magul Maduwa in Kandy, features traditional Sri Lankan carvings and paintings. It is a popular tourist destination where visitors can learn about the area’s history.
- Ceylon Tea Supermarket - A renowned store offering a wide variety of Sri Lankan teas, popular among tourists seeking authentic Ceylon tea, a key Sri Lankan export.
- Seema Malakaya Temple - Seema Malakaya is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, primarily used for meditation and rest. Located on Beira Lake, it was originally built in the late 19th century and is part of the Gangaramaya Temple.
- Laksala - Laksala, the only state-owned gift and souvenir boutique, was established under the National Crafts Council and Allied Institutions Act, No. 35 of 1982. With 13 branches island-wide, Laksala offers a wide variety of Sri Lankan products at reasonable prices, supporting local industries. Visitors can find an eclectic mix of items, from beautifully packaged tea and spices to colorful batik wear and traditional Sri Lankan gems and jewelry.
- Traditional Gem Mine - Lanka Gems & Jewellery is a leading manufacturer of high-quality handmade jewelry in platinum, gold, and sterling silver, featuring natural Sri Lankan gemstones. With over 25 to 30 years of experience, they are wholesalers, retailers, and exporters of Sri Lankan gemstones and jewelry worldwide. Lanka Gems & Jewellery is a member of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority, the Export Development Board, and the Gem & Jewellery Traders Association of Sri Lanka.

- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
- All Fees and Taxes
- All Fees and Taxes
Sri Lanka is a stunning island, and its lively capital, Colombo, perfectly mirrors its allure. This vibrant city is home to a diverse population practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam as the three predominant religions.
For those visiting Sri Lanka, Colombo presents a variety of attractions. The city boasts ancient Buddhist temples with rich histories,…
Sri Lanka is a stunning island, and its lively capital, Colombo, perfectly mirrors its allure. This vibrant city is home to a diverse population practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam as the three predominant religions.
For those visiting Sri Lanka, Colombo presents a variety of attractions. The city boasts ancient Buddhist temples with rich histories, vibrant Hindu kovils, and impressive Muslim mosques, all contributing to its diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, Colombo hosts the nation’s largest domestic wholesale market, establishing it as a center of trade and commerce.
The city’s architectural appeal is further enriched by colonial-era structures built during British and Dutch governance. Moreover, Colombo is an excellent destination to purchase Sri Lanka’s prized exports—copper, tea, and precious gemstones—at competitive prices.
Dubbed the “Pearl of Asia,” Sri Lanka invites travelers to explore the numerous captivating sites in Colombo. To fully enjoy the experience…
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.