HALF DAY COLOMBO CiTY TOUR

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Independence Square is in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. Close to the Square is the Arcade, a modern shopping mall housed in former colonial government buildings.

   15 min

2. Colombo is the most famous in Sri Lanka. It was built just over 120 years ago and is dedicated to Buddhism. The temple is celebrated for its lavish architecture and statues showcasing Sri Lankan, Chinese, Thai, Burmese and other artistic styles.

   30 min

3. The railway line was started over a 150 years ago by the British. The old Fort region of Colombo is one of the busiest areas of the city. In 1877 the Coastal Railway Line was created and that is when the first station was opened. At the time, the Central Terminus was in a place near Maradana, The location can still be seen as it is now serving as the Sri Lanka Railway Museum.

   Passes by

4. Sri Ponnambala-waneswaram Temple is one of Sri Lanka's finest examples of Dravidian architecture. This temple in Kotahena, northeast of Pettah, is built of South Indian granite. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva; while not being too old, it is still a peerless example of ancient Dravidan architecture.

   Passes by

5. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is one of the foremost convention centres found on the island. BMICH has over 16,000 square feet of floor space. The construction of this convention center was a joint project between Sri Lankan and Chinese workers.

   10 min

6. 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.

   Passes by

7. Christ Church, the main center of evangelical of worship in Colombo city for over a century, was built by the Church Missionary Society as an all-embracing ‘low church’ intended to be 'Evangelical in its worship, and musical in its setting’. Built in 1853 in Galle Face, in the heart of the city, it adjoined what is now Slave Island railway station, then a popular spot where people of all races and walks of life met to 'take the sea air'. The original church, later extended and rebuilt, was small and constructed with local materials, mainly kaboom, which deteriorated to such an extent that the west wall collapsed. Rebuilt on its old Gothic design in brick, it now features some beautiful stained glass, the East and Rose windows with their profusion of colours, a geometrical floor mosaic, and richly carved pews.

   Passes by

8. It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park in Colombo. During World War II it was occupied by the British Army with the Australian 17th Brigade based at Victoria Park. After the war, the park was restored and open to the public in 1951.

   15 min

9. St Anthony's Church is a monument of love and devotion to St. Anthony raised by all, rich and poor, in Colombo, as well as in the whole of Ceylon. May Anthony protect this City and this Island and all his devout is and lovers therein.

   Passes by

10. Its 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.(Photo Stop)

    15 min

11. Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo. It is the most ethnically mixed place in the country. Large religious buildings represent a plethora of faiths, while more earthly pursuits can be found in market stalls and shops. The crowds in Pettah can become overwhelming during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

    15 min

12. The new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber, and Government offices will be completed in Colombo later this year. It will replace the current building, which was built during the British colonial era.

    15 min

Cancellation

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

Know before you go

How it compares in Colombo

• Its from-price is 65% below the median of the 333 city tours we list in Colombo.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• 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.

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