Colombo City Tour

A half-day private tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, covering Galle Face Green, the colonial Fort district, Pettah market, the Red Mosque, Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square.

About this experience

The Colombo City Tour is a half-day private tour (about 4 hours) of Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city and main business hub. It is a good introduction to the country at the start or end of a trip, and suits all ages, with most sightseeing done by air-conditioned vehicle and short walks. What will you see on the Colombo City Tour? 1. Galle Face Green – the seafront promenade, best in the late afternoon. 2. Fort district – colonial buildings, the Old Parliament and the restored Dutch Hospital shopping precinct. 3. Pettah market – busy bazaar streets selling spices, fabrics and everything else. 4. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque – the red-and-white striped "Red Mosque", completed in 1909. 5. Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka – a temple-museum full of artefacts, and a lake pavilion designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa. 6. Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park. 7. Optional: Lotus Tower observation deck, the National Museum or Wolvendaal Church. How much time do you need in Colombo? Half a day covers the main highlights. Add a full day if you want museums, shopping and a food walk. How far is Colombo from the airport? Bandaranaike International Airport is about 35 km north, 45 minutes to 1 hour via the expressway, so the tour works well on arrival or departure days. Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • Galle Face Green promenade
  • Colonial Fort district
  • Dutch Hospital precinct
  • Pettah bazaar
  • Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar)
  • Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka
  • Independence Memorial Hall
  • Sunset by the Indian Ocean

Travel tips

Dress modestly for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering. Carry water and small change. Keep valuables secure in Pettah's crowds. Use the vehicle's air-conditioning between stops.

Related