Discover the history, culture, and markets of Colombo on a private half-day tour. Explore landmarks, temples, and markets with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy personalized attention and tailored commentary.
Discover the history, culture, and markets of Colombo on a private half-day tour. Explore landmarks, temples, and markets with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy personalized attention and tailored commentary.
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - Amidst the lively atmosphere of Pettah, Colombo’s bustling commercial hub, stands the impressive Jamiul Alfar Masjid, a spiritual sanctuary. This mosque is notable for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring pomegranate-shaped domes. Its most distinctive aspect is the red and white painted bricks arranged in contrasting…
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - Amidst the lively atmosphere of Pettah, Colombo’s bustling commercial hub, stands the impressive Jamiul Alfar Masjid, a spiritual sanctuary. This mosque is notable for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring pomegranate-shaped domes. Its most distinctive aspect is the red and white painted bricks arranged in contrasting patterns, earning it the nickname, the Red Mosque. Currently, Muslim women are restricted from visiting due to religious guidelines, but there are plans to create a dedicated section for women to pray in the future. Although it is an Islamic place of worship, visitors from all faiths are warmly welcomed.
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - Gangaramaya is a Buddhist temple that blends modern architecture with cultural elements. As a prominent city landmark, this complex is situated on a lake and includes a temple, a conference hall for Buddhist monks, and a vocational training institute.
- Pettah - Pettah Market, also known as Manning Market, is an open market in Pettah, Colombo, renowned for wholesale distribution. These vibrant streets are always bustling, filled with tuk-tuks, wooden carts, and street vendors. In these small shops, you can find everything you need at incredible prices. If planning to shop here, it’s advisable to research, as different streets specialize in various items. The best way to experience the market is on foot, as navigating by car can be challenging.
- Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the country’s most appealing shopping centers. Originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, it is the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area. It has also served as a police station and an apothecary before being transformed into its current form in 2011. The building is centered around two courtyards, occasionally hosting live music, and features cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars. It’s a pleasant spot to relax in the shade, with its low-slung tiled roofs and charming colonnades.
- Pettah Floating Market - Located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka, the Pettah Floating Markets consist of 92 trade stalls, some of which are set on boats on Beira Lake. This floating market is a tourist attraction offering local produce and handicrafts.
- New Kathiresan Kovil - The Puthiya (new) Kathiresan Kovil is a stunning temple easily visible from Galle Road in Bambalapitiya. It is dedicated to the war god Skanda or Murugan. Kovils are typically vertical structures adorned with images from Hindu mythology. On the corners of the Kathiresan Kovil’s roof, you’ll find Bhairava the Frightful, a fierce form of Shiva.
- St Lucia’s Cathedral - St Lucia’s Cathedral is one of only fifteen cathedrals in the country and is among the most beautiful. It serves as the center of the Colombo Archdiocese (Roman Catholic) and is over 200 years old.
- Premadasa & Co. Main Store & Gem Museum - A gem and souvenir shop.
- Old Kathiresan Temple - These temples, dedicated to the Hindu war god Murugan (Skanda), add color to Colombo’s back streets with their ornate exteriors featuring sculpted Hindu deities. Visit at night to witness priests performing the evening puja or prayers accompanied by the sound of drums.

- Hotel pickup and drop-off included for added convenience
- Explore the richness of Colombo: includes entry to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
- Refreshments provided with complimentary bottled water
- Enjoy a delicious lunch as part of your tour experience
-
Discover the history of Old Kathiresan Temple and New Kathiresan Kovil
-…
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included for added convenience
- Explore the richness of Colombo: includes entry to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
- Refreshments provided with complimentary bottled water
- Enjoy a delicious lunch as part of your tour experience
- Discover the history of Old Kathiresan Temple and New Kathiresan Kovil
- Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide
- Visit and admire St Lucia’s Cathedral, with entry fees covered
- No additional charges: Parking fees included
- The personal spending (Tips, Laundry, Mini Bar, Telephone, Internet, Fax etc)
- Tips, gratuities and expenses of personal nature
- Any other services not specified above
- The personal spending (Tips, Laundry, Mini Bar, Telephone, Internet, Fax etc)
- Tips, gratuities and expenses of personal nature
- Any other services not specified above
- Enjoy the highlights of Colombo on a private half-day tour
- Visit the Parliament, churches, temples, and learn their history from a knowledgeable guide
- Benefit from personalized attention and customized commentary from your guide
-
Enjoy round-trip private transportation from your hotel
Meet your guide at your Colombo hotel, port, or airport, and…
- Enjoy the highlights of Colombo on a private half-day tour
- Visit the Parliament, churches, temples, and learn their history from a knowledgeable guide
- Benefit from personalized attention and customized commentary from your guide
- Enjoy round-trip private transportation from your hotel
Meet your guide at your Colombo hotel, port, or airport, and relax in your private, climate-controlled vehicle. Then, let your guide know what you would like to see before venturing into the lively streets. Since your tour is private, the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.
Pass by markets and landmarks while learning about Colombo’s ancient and colonial history, and gain insights into its diverse cultural and religious heritage. Visit the Old Parliament, Beira Lake, Vihara Temple, Pettah markets, and more.
Choose to visit the National Museum to explore Sri Lanka’s history and discover the Gangarama Seema Malakaya sanctuary on Beira Lake. Additionally, if desired, shop for souvenirs at malls and handicraft emporiums.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- When your exploring the cities casual clothing is fine but not in a provocative way where you’ll get into uncomfortable situations. Likewise, if you are visit any religious places wearing white clothes (long sleeve or mid sleeve blouses/ long skirts or loose pants or trousers) recommended for both ladies and gentlemen.
- Please advise TOUR START TIME you prefer would like to secure at the time of booking
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Infant seats available (Only for request bookings)
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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.