Explore Colombo City with Culinary Experience at Famous Restaurant

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Dutch Hospital Amongst the busy commercial trade zone of the Colombo Fort region in Sri Lanka are some of the oldest structures of the city. The Old Dutch Hospital with its tropical colonial-era architecture is one of them. The old structure; with its boxy pillars, red clay roof tiles and large central courtyards; was built in the late 17th century by the Dutch. They were influenced by the tropical requirements and the local building style in Ceylon at the time, as is evidenced by the design, which is quite different from European structures of the era. While the building may seem comparatively dull overall; it’s important to feel the echoes of its history while visiting.

   45 min

2. Old Parliament The Neo-Baroque-style building was built during the British colonial era to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon, and was an idea of Sir Henry McCallum. This was subsequently included in a proposal made by a committee to construct the new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber and Government offices on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face, which was approved by the Government in 1920. Austin Woodeson, chief architect of the Public Works Department of Ceylon, was tasked with the building's design; his initial estimate of 400,000 rupees for the scheme was later revised by the Public Works Advisory Board to 450,000. 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.

   15 min

3. Sivasubramania Swami Hindu Temple Sivasubramania Swami Kovil hindu temple has a long history of about 125 years and was built to worship Lord Muruga, otherwise known as God Kataragama. This is of great importance to the Hindu people as well as the Buddhist people who are found travelling in great numbers to devoutly worship at the shrine of Kataragama on the south of the island. The most outstanding sight is the tower known as raja gopuram. This tower was built in 1994 fully embellished with colourful statues of Hindu deities. It is also accompanied by two smaller towers and a clock house. The construction of this tower was followed by a celebration called Kumbabishekam which is a traditional ceremony that is held after rehabilitation or a reconstruction of a temple

   30 min

4. Culinary Experience at Restaurant (Cooking Class) An opportunity to learn about various Sri Lankan cuisines. Participatory learning on cooking a few dishes with the host by Professional Chef. Acquire knowledge about Sri Lankan spices and it’s various uses. A sit down lunch with the chef after preparation of the meal. The restaurant we host this experience at is located in the heart of the city and could be reached with ease.Each workshop offers a completely unique dish, so you can choose to take it more than once. A sit down lunch with the chef after preparation of the meal

   2 hAdmission included

5. Gangaramaya Temple Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century. The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

   30 minAdmission included

6. Independence Memorial Hall The template Info box building is being considered for merging Independence Memorial Hall Independence Commemoration Hall. Independence Commemoration Hall Independence Memorial Hall is located in Greater Colombo Independence Memorial Hall Location in greater Colombo Alternative names Independence Commemoration Hall General information Location Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo Coordinates Coordinates Construction started 4 February 1949[1] Completed 1953 Owner Ministry of Cultural Affairs Technical details Floor area 10,000 sq. ft Design and construction Architect Tom Neville Wynne-Jones Other designers Shirley D’Alwis 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[2] to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens,Colombo

   30 min

7. Galle Face Green Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along the Galle Face Green mingling with the locals and enjoying the myriad street food choices available along the beach. after this drop to Cruise port or Hotel

   45 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 3 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Colombo

• Its from-price is 30% below the median of the 2908 experiences we list in Colombo.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 578 of 2908.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, where colonial landmarks, Buddhist temples, busy markets and a seafront promenade meet.

Galle Face Green, a long seafront lawn, fills with families, kite flyers and street-food stalls as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Nearby, the Fort district keeps colonial buildings such as the Old Dutch Hospital, restored as shops and restaurants, and the red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque rises over the crowded market streets of Pettah.

Top-ranked sights in Colombo: Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Independence Square.

See all 2908 experiences in Colombo