Colombo City: A Guided Walk with Local Insights - Exploring Landmarks and Markets
Colombo
Discover Colombo's landmarks and markets on a 3-hour guided walk. Explore Galle Face Green, Pettah markets, Red Mosque, and Gangaramaya Temple.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sambodhi Chaithya - You will meet the tour host by Sambodhi Chaithya (In front the Colombo Port Gate No 01) and start your tour.
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - This refined shopping mall itself has a history to tell, as the complex was once used as a Hospital by the Dutch invaders during the late 17th century. As your guide who will meet you there will tell you, this now renovated building is supposed to be the oldest within Colombo. At the beginning of your tour, you will be given your snacks and water bottle and will receive a detailed explanation of the route.
  • Galle Face Green - Your first stop on your walk will be at Galle Face. This wide green space adjoining the beach lies close to several landmarks, including the Old Parliament and Galle Face Hotel. It’s used as an open-air venue for several major events. Continuing on your walk, you will pass into Colombo’s core business district. A place where millions and billions of Sri Lankan Rupees exchange hands. The buildings here mostly hail from the colonial era, a place of ‘old money’. The Fort Clock Tower stands at a crossroad and tells the time to busy passers-by. During the time it was built in the 1800s the tower not only served as a clock tower but also as a lighthouse. But now only the Clock Tower function is in use.
  • Pettah - After weaving your way through busy office workers and seafarers in the business district, you will be walking through Pettah. Grime from centuries of trade coats the ground and walls of old dilapidated warehouses dating back to the colonial era. But then you come to the market zone, and your environment bursts into bright color, noise, and smells. Hawkers shouting, people chattering in droves, colorful wares stacked in small boxy stalls, larger shops, and even on the ground, little carts selling fragrant street food, etc. It is said that every product that comes to Sri Lanka from abroad, passes through Pettah. So you can find anything and everything there.

After the interesting sights of the Pettah Market, you will be visiting the century-old Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque on Second Cross Street, also known as the Red Mosque. The area is once again filled with olden day buildings. The Mosque gains its name from the Red and White striped paintwork of the Mosque. You will receive a brief tour here. Next, you will visit the main rail hub of Colombo, the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Constructed by the British during their invasion, the station celebrated its centenary anniversary recently.

  • Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - The final stop on your tour will be the famous Gangaramaya Temple, which was built during the 19th century. This fully fledged hermitage is famous for its smoothly blending of modern design with classic Sri Lankan architectural style. Today the Temple serves multiple roles as a place of prayer, an institution of learning, an orphanage and more. After touring the Temple, you will return to your starting spot at the Dutch Hospital, completing your tour
What's Included
  • All taxes and service charges included.
  • Complimentary snacks and refreshments.
  • English-speaking tour host/guide service.
What's Not Included
  • Food or drinks.
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • Gratuities (optional).
Additional Information

(SKU: LK81IR1000) Experience the significant landmarks of Colombo City on this 3-hour walking tour. Enjoy exploring the verdant spaces of Galle Face Green, situated next to the sea. Roam through the lively streets of Colombo’s principal commercial area, and pay a visit to the historic Colombo Fort Clock Tower. Navigate the busy lanes of Pettah Market, filled with vibrant street vendors. Stop to see the Red Mosque, acknowledged as one of the oldest in the nation. Pass by the colonial-era Fort Railway Station, still serving as Sri Lanka’s main railway junction. Conclude your journey with a visit to the sacred structure of Gangaramaya Temple.

Location
Sambodhi Pagoda
Chaithya Road
Sambodhi Chaithya (Colombo Port Temple) - In front of the Colombo Port Entrance Gate No 01
Cancellation Policy

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

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
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