Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch
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Quick answer
Is Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch worth booking?
Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch is a 4-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $48 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $48 per person
* Experience the best of Colombo as you wish on a private half-day tour * See the Parliament, churches, temples, and hear their history via a guide * Guide provides personalized attention and tailored commentary * Round-trip private transportation from your hotel Meet your guide at your Colombo hotel,port, or air terminal, and sink into your private, atmosphere controlled vehicle. At that point, let your guide comprehend what you need to see before heading into the bustling streets. As your tour is private, your itinerary can be tailored around you. Pass markets and landmarks as you catch wind of Colombo's ancient and colonial past, and gain knowledge into its cultural and religious mix blend. See the Old Parliament, Beira Lake, Vihara Temple, Pettah markets and then some. Pick to visit the National Museum to graph Sri Lanka's history and investigate the Gangarama Seema Malakaya sanctuary on Beira Lake. Besides, if you wish, shop for souvenirs at malls and handicraft emporiums
What you get
About this experience
* Experience the best of Colombo as you wish on a private half-day tour * See the Parliament, churches, temples, and hear their history via a guide * Guide provides personalized attention and tailored commentary * Round-trip private transportation from your hotel Meet your guide at your Colombo hotel,port, or air terminal, and sink into your private, atmosphere controlled vehicle. At that point, let your guide comprehend what you need to see before heading into the bustling streets. As your tour is private, your itinerary can be tailored around you. Pass markets and landmarks as you catch wind of Colombo's ancient and colonial past, and gain knowledge into its cultural and religious mix blend. See the Old Parliament, Beira Lake, Vihara Temple, Pettah markets and then some. Pick to visit the National Museum to graph Sri Lanka's history and investigate the Gangarama Seema Malakaya sanctuary on Beira Lake. Besides, if you wish, shop for souvenirs at malls and handicraft emporiums
What's included
Included
- Entry/Admission - Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
- Entry/Admission - Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - Old Kathiresan Temple
- Lunch
- Entry/Admission - New Kathiresan Kovil
- Private, air conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Entry/Admission - St Lucia's Cathedral
- Parking fees
Not 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
What you'll see and do
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
In the hustle and bustle of Pettah, Colombo’s core commercial district is situated a most striking building, a spiritual haven called Jamiul Alfar Masjid. This mosque is remarkable because the architecture is Indo-Saracenic, incorporating pomegranate-shaped domes. But the most extraordinary feature is that each brick is painted red or white and used in contrasting designs, which gave rise to its common name, the Red Mosque. However, there seems to be a ban on Muslim women to visit the mosque due to religious restrictions. As there have been many who requested a section for the women; there appears to plan for such a section, where women can do their prayers, to be built in the future. Though the red mosque is an Islamic religious facility, visitors from other religions are eagerly welcomed.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya is a Buddhist temple with a fusion of modern architecture and a touch of culture. Being a popular landmark of the city, this complex is built on a lake and consists of a temple, a conference hall for Buddhist monks and a vocational training institute.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Pettah
Pettah market or Manning Market is an open market in Pettah, Colombo. The Market is most famous for wholesale distribution out of Colombo. These chaotic streets are always crowded, noisy and packed with tuk tuks, wooden carts and street vendors. In these miniscule shops you will find everything you will ever need for ridiculous prices. And if you’re planning on going shopping here, do some research, as different streets specialise in different items. Best way to witness the market is by foot, since even if you manage to take your car in through the madness
45 minutes here
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the most attractive shopping centres in the country. The building was originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and is considered to be the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area. It was also used as a police station and an apothocary, before it was finally converted into its current role in 2011. The building is centred around two courtyards, which sometimes host live music. It has a few cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. It's a nice place to stop and enjoy the shade, and with low slung tiled roofs and attractive colonades.
20 minutes here
Pettah Floating Market
The Pettah Floating Markets are located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and consist of 92 trade stalls, with a number of the stalls established on boats on Beira Lake. The floating market serves as a tourist attraction selling local produce and local handicraft.
Pass by without stopping
New Kathiresan Kovil
The Kathiresan kovil or Puthiya (new) Kathiresan kovil is a beautiful one easily recognizable from Galle Road in Bambalapitiya -the temple is dedicated to the war God Skanda or Murugan. Kovils are typically vertical structures heavily adorned with images from Hindu mythology. On the corners of the roof of the Kathiresan kovil you'll find Bhairava the Frightful, a fierce manifestation of Shiva.
15 minutes here · Admission included
St Lucia's Cathedral
St Lucia's Cathedral is one of only fifteen cathedrals in the country, and it's one of the most beautiful. It is the center of the Colombo Archdiocese (Roman Catholic) and is more than 200 years old.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Premadasa & Co. (Jewellers) Ltd
Gem & souvenir shop
30 minutes here
Old Kathiresan Temple
These kovils or temples dedicated to the Hindu war god Murugan (Skanda) bring color to Colombo’s back streets with their ornate exteriors of sculptured Hindu deities. Visit at night when priests perform the evening puja or prayers to the sound of drums.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Colombo · Colombo, Sri Lanka
Options you can book
02 Persons
Transport in an air-conditioned car with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
07 Persons
07 Persons: Transport in an air-conditioned High -Roof Van with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
05 Persons
Transport in an air-conditioned van with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
01 Persons
01 Person: Transport in an air-conditioned car with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
04 Persons
Transport in an air-conditioned van with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
08 Persons
Transport in an air-conditioned High Roof Van with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
06 Persons
Transport in an air-conditioned van with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
03 Persons
03 person: Transport in an air-conditioned car with the service of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide. Pickup included
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lankan Detours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $48 to $96
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Colombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Colombo is not rushed.
Is Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Colombo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Colombo and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Colombo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Colombo?
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On Outty we rank every Colombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flexi dates on all 5 to 7 days packages for car and English speaking driver, Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle, Private Multi Day Sri Lanka Tour with Chauffeur. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Colombo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch?
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Included: Entry/Admission - Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque; Entry/Admission - Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; and Entry/Admission - Old Kathiresan Temple. Not included: The personal spending (Tips, Laundry, Mini Bar, Telephone, Internet, Fax etc); Tips, gratuities and expenses of personal nature; and Any other services not specified above. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 31 listed pickup locations in and around Colombo. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Infant seats available (Only for request bookings). If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Colombo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Private Half-Day City Tour of Colombo with Lunch?
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There are 8 options to choose from, including 02 Persons, 07 Persons, 05 Persons, 01 Persons. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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