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"Private & Custom city sightseeing tour with introduction to Sri Lanka"
Welcome to the vibrant and bustling city of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, where colonial architecture coexists with modern skyscrapers, and tradition meets innovation. From its bustling streets and markets to its tranquil parks and temples, Colombo offers a unique and unforgettable experience to visitors from around the world. And what better way to explore this vibrant city than with a Colombo city tour by #srilankabycar?
Join us as we take you on a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Colombo, and discover the many hidden gems that make this city truly special. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our expert guides will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in Colombo. So, come with us on this adventure, and let's explore the best of Colombo together!
Your Colombo city sightseeing tour begins with the convenient and personalised pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise ship. Please read through the tour itinerary to learn more about this tour
The following city sightseeing itinerary covers all the major attractions and landmarks of the city. But, we guarantee that our tour is more spicy with occational de-tours on off-the beaten paths & unconventional showing you even the miserable aspects of our capital.
The Pettah Street Markets, also known as Pettah Bazaar, is a bustling open-air market located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Spread across several blocks, the market is a maze of narrow alleys and streets lined with vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, textiles, electronics, jewelry, spices, and fresh produce.
The Pettah Street Markets are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into everyday life in Colombo. Visitors can wander through the bustling streets, haggling with vendors and browsing the wide range of products on offer. The market is particularly busy in the mornings and early afternoons, and visitors are advised to keep a close eye on their belongings and be aware of pickpockets.
Overall, the Pettah Street Markets are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Colombo's bustling street markets.
The Old Dutch Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. It was originally built as a hospital by the Dutch East India Company to care for sick and injured Dutch sailors who were traveling to or from their colonies in the East Indies. The hospital was strategically located near the Colombo port, which was an important stopover point on the trade route between Europe and Asia.
Over the years, the Old Dutch Hospital served various functions. In the early 19th century, it was used as a police station, and in the late 19th century, it was converted into a post office. During World War II, the building was used as a military hospital by the British.
In the early 21st century, efforts were made to restore the Old Dutch Hospital and convert it into a shopping and dining complex. The restoration project aimed to preserve the building's historic architecture and features, including its distinctive colonnades, archways, and courtyards. Today, the Old Dutch Hospital is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it continues to be an important landmark in Colombo's history and cultural heritage.
The Colombo Fort was once indeed a fort during the European era, today the central commercial district and administrative hub for government departments and cooperate offices. The fort area is a mixture of buildings from many eras of the cities past. The most notable of residences of the fort is the President's House, official residence of the President of Sri Lanka.
Fort and Pettah are two of Colombo's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, and they are home to some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful and significant Hindu kovils. The Fort neighborhood is situated in the heart of Colombo and is known for its colonial architecture, while Pettah is a bustling commercial neighborhood with a vibrant street culture.
The Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil and the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil are two of the most important Hindu kovils in Colombo and are located in the Fort neighborhood. These kovils are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and colorful statues, and they are an important part of the Hindu community in Colombo.
In Pettah, visitors can explore the Sri Kathiresan Kovil and the Sri Muthumariamman Kovil, two stunning Hindu kovils that are equally significant. These kovils are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka's Hindu community and offer visitors a glimpse into the country's diverse religious landscape.
A tour of Fort and Pettah is an excellent way to experience the rich history and culture of Colombo. Our expert guides at #srilankabycar can provide a comprehensive and immersive experience of these neighborhoods, complete with historical and cultural context, to make your visit to Colombo truly unforgettable. Come with us on this adventure and discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of Fort and Pettah!
This 1887 built enormous cathedral is one of the oldest and most well-known churches in the city, and it is particularly famous for its ornate architecture and its association with St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things. The shrine was established in the late 1800s by the Portuguese, and it was later expanded and renovated by the British. The current structure features a mix of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and a large dome.
St. Anthony's Shrine is particularly popular among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who come to pray, seek blessings, and light candles in honor of St. Anthony. The church is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to admire its beautiful architecture and to experience its rich history and spiritual significance.
In April 2019, St. Anthony's Shrine was one of the targets of the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, which caused significant damage to the church and killed and injured many worshippers who were attending Easter Sunday services. Since then, the church has undergone extensive renovations, and it has reopened to the public. Today, St. Anthony's Shrine remains an important religious and cultural landmark in Colombo, and it continues to serve its community with prayer services, religious education, and outreach programs.
Gangaramaya Temple is the center for the most extravagant Vesak festivals in Colombo and Navam Perahara in February each year.
founded in the late 19th century by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, which blends elements of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles. It also houses a large collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.
Seema Malakaya is primarily a Buddhist temple located on Beira Lake in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in the late 20th century. The temple is known for its unique design, which features a series of interconnected platforms and walkways that appear to float on the lake's surface. It offers a peaceful and contemplative setting for meditation and reflection, making it an ideal location for spiritual practices. Many visitors come to Seema Malakaya to meditate and reflect, and the temple's serene setting on the lake provides a quiet, peaceful environment for such activities.
In addition to its function as a temple and meditation center, Seema Malakaya is also a popular tourist attraction. The temple's impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lankan culture and history. Visitors can admire the temple's unique design and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake, making it a perfect spot for both spiritual and aesthetic experiences.
A mini shopping tour with in the main Tour, conducted on request as the city gaining it's reputation of an important shopping hub of the South East Asia.
Sri Lanka gets regular cruise ship visits, mainly to the Colombo port. For those who are interested in visiting Colombo and get to know the country we conduct either regular 4 to 6 hours city tour or 8 to 12 hours extended tour with visits to Muthurajawela wetlands and Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Temple
We can collect you from the ship/pier by entering directly in to the port. This process requires time and special authorizations from port master and your ship. We kindly invite you to book this tour at least 2 business days prior to enjoy this service. Alternatively we can meet you outside one of the Gates (option highly UNRECCOMMENDED). Or if your cruise ship provides a shuttle service, we can meet you at one of the drop off locations and we will drop you back to the nearest gate or shuttle's pickup locations after conclusion of your tour.
For passengers with a layover at the airport, make the most of your time in Sri Lanka by embarking on a captivating layover tour with us. Discover the beauty and cultural heritage of the country as we take you on an immersive journey during your limited time. Maximize your layover by experiencing the highlights of Sri Lanka with our specially crafted tour program.
In this tour we will be visiting culturally sensible places of worship, such as Churches, Buddhist temples Hindu Kovils and Mosques. We invite you to adhere to the traditions and ethics as a sign of respect. Your guide will assist you in these.
We can arrange this tour from 3 different pickup locations,
Usually the tour ends returning to the original departure point. However customisations can be accommodate with prior agreement and might not result in additional charges. For example if the tour starts from Negombo and ends leaving you at the airport
You may use WhatsApp for a more responsive & resolutive answer WhatsApp Now
If you are on a cruise ship and would like to book a small group tour please visit this link instead.
The tour confirmation is instant. No need to reconfirm via email.
You are required to communicate any amendments such as late pickups, change of hotel etc timely so that we can make necessary adjustments.
If you are on a layover, make sure you communicate your arrival and departure flight number, carrier and time accurately. Please be advised that we may cancel your booking if time does not permit to properly conduct the tour. You will be refunded in full in such event
With this tour we offer only oneway airport transfer. Either we collect you from the airport for the tour or drop off you for the departure flight after the tour free of charge. If you need 2-way airport transfers (both pickup and drop off) We charge extra US$ 10 per passenger
If you are on a cruise ship we will come to the port and get you right off the ship. You must communicate your cruise name, docking and boarding time, berthing pier and name in full of all the passengers and a working mobile number at least 24 hours (local) beforehand to prepare the necessary documentation required by local authorities to grant the port entrance permission. We charge US$ 10 per passenger to cover the expenses of the service.
In case we are unable to make the port entrance passes, please take the free shuttle service provided to one of the port gates and get off (usually) at GATE 1 or GATE 1 A and meet your guide there. Look for a sign with your name.
You are required to communicate room number of the hotel. If you are staying in an Airbnb or a homestay unit please provide us clear indications. Additionally, you are required to provide your host's telephone number to ask for directions in case we are having difficulties finding the place
If you have pre-sale questions or any concerns, click the button below to send us an email. We will make sure you get an answer within a couple of hours
Send emailTo book over the phone or to have more details of this tour call now. Or schedule an appointment to talk over Skype. Our handle is "srilankabycar"
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