Colombo Trip Overview
Colombo is the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka and is a hub for visiting beaches in the south of the island. Its history involves successive rulings by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, and it was a major port on the east-west trade routes during that era. This ancient heritage reflects on the city today in terms of its architecture consisting of colonial buildings as well as high rise sky scrapers and shopping malls. The cosmopolitan side of Colombo includes stylish theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, museums and galleries. Plenty of attractions are there in this destination to explore from the frenetic streets markets that give a snapshot of the old-style trading to the colonial architecture and serene Buddhist temples. Modern day Colombo is emerging rapidly and a Colombo city tour is a worthy item on your agenda either on the start or finish in your tour to Sri Lanka!
Additional Info
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Tours & Sightseeing >> Bus & Minivan Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Colombo is the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka and is a hub for visiting beaches in the south of the island. Its history involves successive rulings by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, and it was a major port on the east-west trade routes during that era. This ancient heritage reflects on the city today in terms of its architecture consisting of colonial buildings as well as high rise sky scrapers and shopping malls. The cosmopolitan side of Colombo includes stylish theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, museums and galleries. Plenty of attractions are there in this destination to explore from the frenetic streets markets that give a snapshot of the old-style trading to the colonial architecture and serene Buddhist temples. Modern day Colombo is emerging rapidly and a Colombo city tour is a worthy item on your agenda either on the start or finish in your tour to Sri Lanka!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Second Cross Street, Colombo 01100 Sri Lanka
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque also known as Red Mosque is a historic mosque situated on Second Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo. It is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and hence attracts many visitors and tourists. Construction of the mosque was completed in 1909. It is situated in a prime location in Colombo along with the Pettah Bazaar. The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque draws elements from Indo-Islamic architecture and was designed and built by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Situated near Beira Lake, in the heart of Colombo, the temple was established in 1885 by Venerable Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. Originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land, it gradually grew into the complex it is today, which includes the Vihara (monastery), Cetiya (pagoda), Vihara Mandiraya (Image House, which is full of colorful Buddha statues), Seema Malaka (assembly hall for monks), the Bodhi Tree, the Relic Chamber, as well as a library and a museum. At the far end of the courtyard are rows of elevating steps on which Buddha statues of the Thai style have been sequentially placed to greet the skyline.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Arcade Independence Square, 7 Colombo, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
Located right next to the Independence Square, the Arcade Independence Square once served as a lunatic asylum and then as the office of the Auditor General before falling into disrepair. Today, it has been restored and turned into an active shopping and recreational precinct, surrounded by well- manicured lawns. The Arcade has a food court that serves fast food, snacks and juices. The Dilmah Tea Lounge, Japanese restaurant Tsukiji Uoichi and Asylum Bar and Restaurant located at the Arcade are definitely worth a visit. There are a number of branded clothing stores within the complex, in addition to some local clothing shops. The complex also houses two comfortable mini cinemas that screen blockbuster movies.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Galle Face Green, Galle Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
Galle Face Green is a half kilometer promenade in the heart of Colombo and was initially laid out in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, Governor of British Ceylon. The stretch of land was used for horse racing and golf and was known as the Colpetty Race Course. There is enough space to walk around, sit and even fly kites. During the kite season, the skies over Galle Face Green are hidden behind the colorful kites that bring joy to the young and old. Those who enjoy people watching will be able to do a lot of observing at Galle Face Green, as it attracts people of various cultures, ethnicities and ages.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pettah Floating Market, Bastian Mawatha, Colombo Sri Lanka
Located along a spanned out bridge over the Beira Lake, under a series of red roofed pavilions, is the Floating Market of Pettah. Opened to the public in August 2014, The Floating Market has stalls selling various products including clothing items, shoes, jewelries, bags and accessories, electronic items, toys, fruits and vegetables. Along with that, the open sky and gorgeous body of water give the whole area a very peaceful and lovely ambience. The region is beautifully constructed with wooden boards, grey floors and red terracotta tiles. Shopping here is quite an endurance.
Duration: 1 hour
