How to plan your Colombo city tour

A Colombo city tour can provide you with a glimpse into the life, history, and culture of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a vibrant city that boasts of rich history, splendid architecture, and top-notch eateries that can make your holiday experience memorable.

If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, check out the Colombo city tour offered by Take Me Sri Lanka. This post will guide you on how to plan your itinerary, what’s included, and more.

Overview

This Colombo city tour by Take Me Sri Lanka is a private tour that takes you around the city’s most prominent attractions. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or the Colombo airport, making travel to the first destination convenient. The tour is a full-day program starting from 7 in the morning.

What’s Included

The tour package includes unlimited fuel, air-conditioned private transportation, lunch, and entrance tickets to popular tourist attractions such as the Colombo National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple. Additionally, the tour also covers lesser-known sites, such as colonial buildings and local markets in Colombo.

Meeting and Pickup

The Colombo city tour offers pickup and drop-off facilities from any hotel in Colombo or the Colombo airport. This eliminates the need to worry about transportation and makes the tour convenient for travelers.

Pickup points

The tour offers pickup from any hotel in Colombo and the Colombo airport.

Start time

The tour starts at 7 in the morning.

Pickup details

After booking the tour, the operator will contact you to confirm your pickup details. You can choose your pickup location from your hotel or the Colombo airport.

What To Expect

The Colombo city tour takes you to an array of attractions, from ancient temples, colonial buildings, to bustling markets, and contemporary landmarks. The highlights of the tour include:

Gangaramaya Temple

One of the most venerated temples in Sri Lanka, the Gangaramaya Temple, is an ancient temple with an impressive architecture that blends elements of Indian, Thai, and Chinese design.

Beira Lake

Beira Lake is one of the most serene places to visit in Colombo. The lake is home to several species of birds and fish, making it an excellent place for bird-watching and fishing.

Colombo National Museum

The Colombo National Museum is where you can learn more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history, culture, and art. The museum contains an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the country’s colonial period.

Old Parliament Building

The old parliament building is an impressive colonial structure that was once home to Sri Lanka’s ruling elite. The building features a neoclassical design, and its well-manicured gardens make it an excellent spot for photography.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

You will receive a confirmation from the operator soon after booking the tour. This will have all the details of the tour, including pickup time and location.

Not wheelchair accessible

This tour is not suitable for travelers with wheelchairs, as most attractions do not have the necessary facilities.

Stroller accessible

The tour is stroller accessible as it is conducted in an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Near public transportation

Most public transports in Colombo are available near the attractions, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city on their own.

Most travelers can participate

This tour is suitable for all types of travelers. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or friends, the tour is an excellent way to explore Colombo without any hassle.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel the tour before 24 hours of the start time, you will receive a full refund. However, if the cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the tour, there will be no refund.

Book the tour here

If you are planning to visit Colombo, the city tour offered by Take Me Sri Lanka is an excellent way to explore the city’s most prominent sites. Book your tour here to make your holiday experience memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and attracts thousands of tourists every year. This city is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, historical and religious sites, and charming people. However, travelers often have many questions before they visit Colombo. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Colombo.

1. What is the best time to visit Colombo?

The best time to visit Colombo is between November and February. During this period, the city experiences less rainfall and enjoyable weather conditions. The temperature is ranging between 25°C to 30°C, which is perfect for sightseeing.

2. What is the currency used in Colombo?

The currency used in Colombo is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). You can easily exchange your currency at the airport or any authorized currency exchange centers throughout the city. It is helpful to have some cash on hand, but most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Colombo also accept credit cards.

3. Is it safe to travel to Colombo?

Yes, Colombo is generally a safe city to travel. However, like any other big city, travelers should exercise common sense precautions to ensure their safety. It is recommended that you take extra care in crowded places like markets, train stations, and bus terminals. Always keep your valuables close to you and avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark.

4. What are the top attractions in Colombo?

Colombo has a lot of attractions to offer for tourists. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Gangaramaya Temple: This is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city.

• Galle Face Green: This is a promenade where you can enjoy the sunset or have a picnic with your friends or family.

• National Museum of Colombo: It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and is home to a wide range of exhibits that reflect Sri Lankan history and culture.

• Viharamahadevi Park: This is a beautiful park located near the city center, where you can enjoy a peaceful time with nature.

5. What is the transportation system like in Colombo?

Colombo has a reliable transportation system that includes buses, trains, and tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation among tourists because they are inexpensive, fun, and convenient. However, you should always negotiate the fare before getting in a tuk-tuk. Buses and trains are also affordable and reliable, and they can take you to many parts of the city.

6. What are the best restaurants in Colombo?

Colombo has a wide range of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the best restaurants in Colombo are:

• Ministry of Crab: This is a popular seafood restaurant located in the Dutch Hospital precinct.

• Colombo City Center: This is a shopping mall with many restaurants offering a variety of cuisine options.

• Green Cabin: This is a classic restaurant that has been serving Sri Lankan food for more than 70 years.

7. What is the dress code for visiting religious sites in Colombo?

If you plan to visit any religious sites in Colombo, it is essential to dress modestly. For women, it is advisable to cover your shoulders and wear skirts or pants that cover your knees. Men should also avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless T-shirts. It is recommended to carry a scarf or shawl to cover your head when visiting temples.

8. What is the nightlife like in Colombo?

Colombo has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and casinos. Some of the most popular places to enjoy the nightlife in Colombo are:

• Bally’s Casino: This is one of the biggest casinos in Colombo that offers a variety of games.

• Galle Face Hotel: This is a popular hotel that hosts many events, including live music, karaoke, and DJ nights.

• Colombo Courtyard: This is a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city and serves delicious cocktails.

9. What are the best beaches near Colombo?

If you want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, there are many beaches near Colombo that you can visit. Some of the best beaches near Colombo are:

• Mount Lavinia Beach: This is a beautiful beach located in the southern part of Colombo, known for its golden sand and clear waters.

• Negombo Beach: This is a popular beach located about an hour’s drive from Colombo, known for its picturesque fishing village and water sports activities.

• Unawatuna Beach: This is a stunning beach located about two hours’ drive from Colombo, known for its coral reef and turquoise water.

Conclusion

Colombo is a beautiful city that has something to offer for every traveler. We hope this blog post answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Colombo and helped you plan your trip better. Remember to take precautions and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife.