Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights worth booking?
Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights is a 4-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $50 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Exploring Colombo independently and the risk of getting lost or delayed. Make things easy with a private shore excursion that whisks you around the sights smoothly and comfortably. Travel by private vehicle, visit top sights such as the Seema Malakaya Temple,shop for souvenirs at handicrafts emporiums and hear tales of local life from your driver that you'd miss if alone. • Explore Colombo with ease on a private shore excursion from the cruise port or your hotel in Colombo • Forget cabs or buses,sightseeing stress-free by private air-conditioned car • See the sights, shop at markets, and hear about local life and history
What you get
About this experience
Exploring Colombo independently and the risk of getting lost or delayed. Make things easy with a private shore excursion that whisks you around the sights smoothly and comfortably. Travel by private vehicle, visit top sights such as the Seema Malakaya Temple,shop for souvenirs at handicrafts emporiums and hear tales of local life from your driver that you'd miss if alone. • Explore Colombo with ease on a private shore excursion from the cruise port or your hotel in Colombo • Forget cabs or buses,sightseeing stress-free by private air-conditioned car • See the sights, shop at markets, and hear about local life and history
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- English-speaking chauffeur
- Air-condition Vehicle (Car or Van)
- Port pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
We operate with our own fleet of vehicles to maintain our high standards of services together with our team of professional licensed tourist guides and chauffeurs who are fluent in most of the major languages required for tours. Our Customer Service, Our fleet of Vehicles & Drivers are Available for 365 days in the year, 7 days in the week & 24 hours in the Day Kingfisher Tours Srilanka truly capture and understand the needs of our valued customers. Our reputation will be developed by providing a high quality product and services Our ultimate goal is to provide an unforgettable travel experience to our clients, not just to see the Sri Lanka to experience the real Sri Lanka
Pass by without stopping
The current 29-metre-high (95 ft) lighthouse was built in 1952 after the Old Colombo Lighthouse was deactivated when its light became obscured by nearby buildings as part of the Colombo Harbor Expansion project. It was opened by Rt Hon D.S. Senanayake, the first prime minister of Ceylon. Built on a concrete base which is 12 m (39 ft) high, it has four statues of lions at its base. Due to the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean it offered, it became a city landmark. With the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War, public access to the site was restricted. This was due to its placement in a high-security zone as it is across the street from the Naval Headquarters and close proximity of the Port of Colombo.
10 minutes here
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
Pass by without stopping
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Beira Lake
Beira Lake is a lake in the center of the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The lake is surrounded by many large businesses in the city. It initially occupied approximately 1.65 km² of land 100 years ago and this has since been reduced to 0.65 km² today due to various reasons
Pass by without stopping
Independence Square
Independence Memorial 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 February 4, 1948
20 minutes here
Gem Museum
Sri Lanka has been referred to as RatnaDvipa, island of gems from ages past. The moniker is well deserved for the abundance and variety of gem deposits the island is blessed with. Famed for excellent Sri Lankan blue sapphires, no less beautiful are the cat’s eyes, Alexandrites, rubies, star stones and various other precious and semi- precious gems found here. We take you on a gem tour covering a gem museum where you will learn about the gem industry in Sri Lanka through an informative film, see a mock-up of a gem pit where you get the hang of traditional gem mining, and visit a gem and jewellery gallery where you may inspect the dazzling stones at close quarters using a loupe, learning to distinguish quality based on colour, size, luster, and the absence of imperfections. Finally you will see the stones being set in to jewellery.
60 minutes here
National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, is a convention center located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Built between 1970 and 1973, the convention centre was a gift from the People's Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister
20 minutes here
Laksala
Visit the Souvenirs and Handricrafts museum and shop whatever you want with ease and access
20 minutes here
Pettah
Explore the busy urban Colombo Life meeting the Local People and visit the Jamiul Alfar Mosque and then head to the Port to end the Tour
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- KINGFISHER TOURS SRI LANKA
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking : ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointed Tour of Colombo
The pickup point for cruise ships is by the main port gate 1A. The pickup point specified by the tour operator shows it as being right by the cruise terminal and it is a substantial walk along dangerous roads to get from the ship to the port main gate. The tour is specified as being 4 to 5 hours long, however this tour only lasted 2.5 hours and we did not go into the National Museum ( as advertised), but drove straight past it instead. Cruise passengers should note that you need to get any shuttle buses back to the ship from the City centre and not from the port main gate as they are not allowed to pick up from there.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate your comments and would like to clarify a few important details regarding your tour experience. Prior to your arrival, we were in contact with you, and the pickup was carried out smoothly as arranged. Your cruise was originally scheduled to disembark at 8:00 AM; however, the final disembarkation took place around 11:00 AM. Due to this delay, port authorities did not permit tour operators to enter the port area, as shuttle buses had already been arranged to transport passengers to the main exit. For this reason, we coordinated your pickup outside Gate 1A, which is the standard meeting point used by most tour companies. Our representative was waiting there with a name board, making the meeting point easy to locate. There was no need to walk along any internal port roads, as the shuttle service safely transported passengers directly to the gate. We would also like to confirm that no mistakes occurred during the tour itself. All arrangements, transportation, and guiding services were provided as planned, and there were no issues during the sightseeing. Regarding the National Museum visit, we sincerely apologize for any disappointment. On the day of your tour, it was a public holiday and the museum was officially closed, which unfortunately made an interior visit impossible. Nevertheless, all other locations mentioned in the itinerary were completed. As for the tour duration, it concluded in approximately 2.5 hours due to unusually light traffic conditions on the holiday. On normal days, Colombo traffic typically extends the tour to the advertised 4–5 hours. The shorter duration was solely due to the lack of congestion on the roads, not because any planned stops (aside from the museum closure) were omitted. Our goal is always to provide a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for every guest, and we regret any misunderstanding that may have occurred. If you feel your concerns have now been clarified, we would be very grateful if you would consider updating or revising your review, as guest feedback is extremely important to us.
via Viator
We
recently used cab service in colombo and had a good experience with driver Feroj. He was very polite patience and even suggested a few interesting local places to visit.cab arrived on time, the car was clean and comfortable, i highly recommend this service.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you most sincerely for sharing your thoughtful and generous review. It brings us immense joy to learn that your experience with Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka was both memorable and meaningful. Our team is passionately committed to providing exceptional service and curating journeys that embody the beauty, culture, and heartfelt hospitality of our island. Your kind words reaffirm our dedication, and we are truly delighted that our guides and staff were able to ensure your comfort while enriching your travel experience. We are deeply honored by the trust you placed in us when selecting from among many travel partners, and we are genuinely grateful for the privilege of being part of your Sri Lankan adventure. Our island is blessed with countless wonders, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you back to uncover even more treasures on your next visit. Thank you once again for your warm feedback and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you safe and pleasant travels, and we look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity of serving you again in the future. Warmest regards, Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka Team
via Tripadvisor
A good day with interesting activities
Great trip. Feroz was the perfect driver. Very friendly and accommodating. The activities were well planned and interesting. Overall a good day spent driving around with some good activities.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you most sincerely for sharing your thoughtful and generous review. It brings us immense joy to learn that your experience with Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka was both memorable and meaningful. Our team is passionately committed to providing exceptional service and curating journeys that embody the beauty, culture, and heartfelt hospitality of our island. Your kind words reaffirm our dedication, and we are truly delighted that our guides and staff were able to ensure your comfort while enriching your travel experience. We are deeply honored by the trust you placed in us when selecting from among many travel partners, and we are genuinely grateful for the privilege of being part of your Sri Lankan adventure. Our island is blessed with countless wonders, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you back to uncover even more treasures on your next visit. Thank you once again for your warm feedback and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you safe and pleasant travels, and we look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity of serving you again in the future. Warmest regards, Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka Team
via Tripadvisor
Sightseeing in Sri Lanka
We spent the day driving to various parts of Sri Lanka. The things we saw were the: Elephant Activity Spice Garden Tea Factory Waterfall View Point Our Driver was - Ferose, who was excellent in sharing the country’s history and navigating the streets for us to see & learn about Sri Lanka. I recommend Kingfisher Tours in Sri Lanka. This company is an excellent resource to utilize for excursions in Sri Lanka.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you most sincerely for sharing your thoughtful and generous review. It brings us immense joy to learn that your experience with Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka was both memorable and meaningful. Our team is passionately committed to providing exceptional service and curating journeys that embody the beauty, culture, and heartfelt hospitality of our island. Your kind words reaffirm our dedication, and we are truly delighted that our guides and staff were able to ensure your comfort while enriching your travel experience. We are deeply honored by the trust you placed in us when selecting from among many travel partners, and we are genuinely grateful for the privilege of being part of your Sri Lankan adventure. Our island is blessed with countless wonders, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you back to uncover even more treasures on your next visit. Thank you once again for your warm feedback and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you safe and pleasant travels, and we look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity of serving you again in the future. Warmest regards, Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka Team
via Tripadvisor
Feroz and Kingfisher Tours recommended
Feroz is a good driver, on time when picking us up at Galle Face hotel in Colombo. The car was suzuki avery, very clean, and AC was working well. He took us to Spice Garden (good 20 minute massage here for free preferrably with tips 1000-3000 LKR is enough), Ramboda Falls and a tea factory/plantation in Kandy. If you like elephants, Feroz will show you a good place here. Those were the highlights of the trip. Sadly, we saw some dirts and debris from Cyclone Dithwa. Feroz explained very well what happened before, during, and after the cyclone. So this is the humane side of the story when people lost lives, homes, and shops. However, when we passed through the roads the locals have already started their lives and business as usual. There were slight delays due to tractors with fork lift cleaning the roads. The whole one day trip was a very long one (staring from 8 a.m. until 9p.m.) but I suggest if you have more time stay in Kandy. Before we ended the tours, Feroz offered to take photos in front of the icon of Colombo (The Lotus Tower) and he is a great photographer, knows good angles. His smartphone does magic to these photos. I recommend Kingfisher Tours partner of Viator (Tripadvisor). They offer many tours to Sri Lanka.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you most sincerely for sharing your thoughtful and generous review. It brings us immense joy to learn that your experience with Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka was both memorable and meaningful. Our team is passionately committed to providing exceptional service and curating journeys that embody the beauty, culture, and heartfelt hospitality of our island. Your kind words reaffirm our dedication, and we are truly delighted that our guides and staff were able to ensure your comfort while enriching your travel experience. We are deeply honored by the trust you placed in us when selecting from among many travel partners, and we are genuinely grateful for the privilege of being part of your Sri Lankan adventure. Our island is blessed with countless wonders, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you back to uncover even more treasures on your next visit. Thank you once again for your warm feedback and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you safe and pleasant travels, and we look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity of serving you again in the future. Warmest regards, Kingfisher Tours Sri Lanka Team
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by KINGFISHER TOURS SRI LANKA, who run 64 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.1.
See everything KINGFISHER TOURS SRI LANKA runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights cost?
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Prices start at $50 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 22 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights?
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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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights?
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Around 8 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights 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 Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle, Flexi dates on all 5 to 7 days packages for car and English speaking driver, 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights?
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Included: Bottled water; English-speaking chauffeur; Air-condition Vehicle (Car or Van); and Port pickup and drop-off. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 338 listed pickup locations in and around Colombo. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights 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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights?
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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 Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights 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 do travelers say about Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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