Colombo City Tour With Mahaweli

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Colombo National Museum

   Built in 1877, The National Museum Colombo exhibits showcasing some aspects of the history and culture of Sri Lanka. Today, it has over 100,000 exhibits and the most important library on the island. The Museum became so popular over the years the Sri Lankan Government had to establish a new ministerial department dedicated solely to managing the Museum. Some of the Museum's galleries date back to its inception almost 140 years ago. They demonstrate all manner of exhibits from the island's earliest agricultural civilizations to the modern colonial period. The exhibits include ancient rock inscriptions, swords, jewelry, coins, frescoes and lamps. Newer galleries have guns and breathtaking watercolor paintings of the colony of Ceylon by Englishmen who ventured here.

   45 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Independence Memorial Hall

   Independence Memorial Hall (also known as Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum. The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium February 4, 1948.

   15 minutes here

3. Gangaramaya Temple

   One of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Colombo City, Gangaramaya Temple houses an extensive collection of artefacts. Located in the bustling inner-city near the picturesque Beira Lake, this temple complex is a popular tourist attraction, a sacred place of worship and a learning and vocational training centre. Established over 120 years ago, this once little hermitage nestled on a piece of marshy land, has transformed into a must-see attraction. Hordes of people, including local and foreign devotees gather at this bustling space, revered for its embellished architecture and statues showcasing Sri Lankan, Chinese, Thai, Burmese and other artistic styles. A spectacular work of art, the Temple is elaborately designed and surrounded by statues of Buddha, lions, nymphs and china vases. Standing like sentinels at the door, two golden Buddha statues guide the throngs to the main sanctuary of the Temple and the door is decorated in intricate wood carvings of elephants and swans.

   45 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Colombo Lotus Tower

   Colombo Lotus Tower, is a 351.5 m (1,153 ft) tall tower, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has been called a symbolic landmark of Sri Lanka. As of 2019, the tower is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia; the second tallest structure in South Asia after the guy-wire-supported INS Kattabomman in India; the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world. Located at Colombo 01, near Beira Lake .

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

   Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, kniown as Colombo Red Mosque is a historic mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city. Construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque commenced in 1908 and the building was completed in 1909. The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community, based in Pettah, to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays. It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building, with a clock tower, and is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Before other landmarks were built, some claim that the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was recognised as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.

   30 minutes here

6. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

   The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct. Built as a hospital by the Dutch, it has been used for several different purposes, over the years. It is believed to have existed since 1681, as recorded The Dutch established the Colombo hospital to look after the health of the officers and other staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. The hospital's close proximity to the harbour allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers. The building has five wings forming two courtyards. It is designed to keep out the heat and humidity and provide a comfortable environment within. Like many Colombo Dutch buildings of the era, the walls are 50 cm thick. The structure features massive teak beams.

   30 minutes here

7. Old Parliament Building

   The Old Parliament Building, is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo fort area facing the sea, it is in close proximity to the President's House, Colombo and adjacent to the General Treasury Building. The building was opened on 29 January 1930 by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley; a year later it was taken over by the State Council of Ceylon for its use, who were tenants of the building until 1947, when the House of Representatives was formed with the onset of self-rule. Following the adoption of a republican constitution in 1972, the National State Assembly convened in the building until 1977, when it was renamed the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Galle Face Green

   Galle Face is a 5 ha (12 acres) ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m (1,600 ft) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo, the financial and business capital of Sri Lanka. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby. Galle Face Green originally extended over a much larger area than exists today. Records indicate that it was bounded to the north by Beira Lake, the ramparts of Colombo Fort and the city's cemetery (established in 1803), to the west by the Indian Ocean, whilst to the south by the Galle Face Hotel (established in 1864, although the original building on the site was a Dutch villa) and to the east by St Peter's Church (consecrated in 1821).

   Pass by without stopping

9. Laksala

   Laksala is a renowned state gifts and souvenirs shop in Colombo. At Laksala, you will be spoilt for choices; there is so much on offer! You can buy the famous tea, spices and cashews of Sri Lanka. You can gift yourself and others the famous Batik wear or go for intricate handlooms too. For the ones who love the shine of gold and gems, Laksala has a good collection of gems and jewelry to choose from. If you have an eye for good art and crafts work, you can look for wooden carvings, reedware, paper mache, silver artwork and paintings at the Laksala. You can also buy leather products, ceramic goods, candle and incense sticks at the Laksala.

   30 minutes here

10. One Galle Face

    One Galle Face is a mixed-use complex of buildings near the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is also Sri Lanka's first internationally and developed and managed mixed use project and was officially opened on 8 November 2019. The facility consists of four skyscrapers, one which will be open for businesses to set up offices, two for the residential component, and the fourth as part of a hotel. A shopping mall is also part of the project. The premises in its entirety is owned by Shangri-La.

    45 minutes here

11. Colombo City Centre

    Colombo City Centre is at the forefront of the dynamic changes transforming Sri Lanka and its capital into one of the world’s most exciting cities. Conveniently located, Colombo City Centre represents the best of our country with an innovative design inspired by Colombo’s rich cultural heritage, and integrated with the style of a progressive Sri Lanka. In addition, The Residences at Colombo City Centre features 192 luxurious, state-of-the art apartments in the heart of the city, while The Mall at Colombo City Centre is Sri Lanka’s largest shopping destination, housing the best local and international brands alongside world-class restaurants and entertainment.

    45 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 12 travelers per booking

Operated by

Mahaweli Tours and Holidays

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Traveler reviews

3 verified traveler reviews for Colombo City Tour With Mahaweli. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.