How to Plan Your Colombo Private City Tour

Are you planning a trip to Colombo and want to explore the city’s heritage and cultural richness? Then, the Colombo Private City Tour is your perfect opportunity to discover the city’s colonial history, vibrant markets, and iconic landmarks. In this blog post, we will give you a complete guide on how to plan your Colombo Private City Tour and make it an unforgettable experience.

Experience:

The Colombo Private City Tour is a 4-hour exploration that lets you dive into the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in Sri Lanka. You will be picked up in a private air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel and taken to some of the most significant landmarks in the city. With a professional chauffeur-guide by your side, you will have the opportunity to witness the city’s culture, historic sites, markets and iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

Colombo, the heart of Sri Lanka, is home to many historic sites, cultural landmarks, and vibrant markets. The tour lets you explore some of the must-visit places in the city, including:

• The National Museum; the oldest and largest museum in the country highly regarded for its antiques collection.
• Petah Market; one of the largest in Colombo, where you can find almost everything from tropical fruit to freshly-caught seafood to jewelry.
• The Gangarama Temple; positioned both on land and on a lake, including its small but significant museum.
• The Galle Face Green, allowing you to soak up the serene views of the Indian Ocean and Colombo’s abundance of beautiful parkland in this cosmopolitan city.

Full Description:

Your chauffeur-guide will collect you from your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle to start your tour with a visit to the National Museum, where you can witness the country’s ancient history that dates back several centuries. The antiques collection is remarkable, and it paints a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and rich heritage.Following the museum, you will visit Petah Market, one of the city’s largest, the vibrant market offers a glimpse of the local’s everyday life. The colorful and chaotic marketplace has an array of stalls that offer various items ranging from tropical fruits and vegetables to exquisite jewelry and freshly-caught seafood.Exploring the city’s Gangarama Temple is an opportunity to witness the temple’s history and learn a few key historical facts. Positioned both on land and on a lake, the temple is home to numerous statues, paintings, and other Buddhist artifacts. The small but impressive museum is a must-visit to learn more about the region’s Buddhist heritage.The final stop on the tour is Galle Face Green, a stunning park facing the Indian Ocean that offers spectacular views of the sunset. The vast park has a strip of land that separates it from the ocean, which is a popular jogging path locally. Several street vendors sell mouthwatering street food and an array of snacks, so be sure to try some local delicacies.

How to Book:

Ready to book your Colombo Private City Tour? Visit here to book the tour and enjoy the utmost privacy and personalized experience the city has to offer.

Conclusion:

The Colombo Private City Tour is an amazing opportunity to explore the cultural richness and heritage of the city. With the perfect blend of heritage, culture, and local experience, the tour is a must-visit for anyone who wants to discover the real Colombo. We hope our guide on how to plan your Colombo Private City Tour has helped you make your trip memorable and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka, Colombo may make it to your list of destinations. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional experiences. It’s a dynamic city with an interesting mix of culture, history, and cuisines. Here are some frequently asked questions about Colombo that may help you plan your trip better:

1. What is the best time to visit Colombo?

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, and Colombo experiences monsoonal rains throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Colombo is during the dry season, which is from December to March. This is the ideal time for beach holidays and exploring the city.

2. What are the must-visit attractions in Colombo?

Colombo has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. Here are some must-visit places in Colombo:

i. Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple in the city. It has a large collection of Buddhist artifacts, including statues and paintings from different countries.

ii. Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is a large public park located in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll. The park also has a children’s play area and a small lake.

iii. Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a promenade located by the sea. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset, go for a walk or fly a kite. The area also has several food stalls serving local delicacies.

iv. National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It has a vast collection of artifacts that showcase the country’s history and culture.

3. What are the best foods to try in Colombo?

Sri Lankan cuisine is a fusion of flavors from different cultures. Here are some must-try dishes in Colombo:

i. Rice and Curry

Rice and curry is a staple dish in Sri Lanka. It contains rice, vegetables, and meat or fish cooked with a blend of spices.

ii. Fish Ambul Thiyal

Fish Ambul Thiyal is a traditional Sri Lankan curry made with fish, tamarind, and spices.

iii. Kottu

Kottu is a popular street food in Sri Lanka. It’s made with shredded roti, vegetables, and meat or fish cooked with spices.

4. What is the best way to get around Colombo?

Colombo has various modes of transport, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses. Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable means of transport in the city, but they don’t always have meters, so it’s important to agree on the fare before the ride. Taxis are also readily available, and some even have meters.

5. Are there any cultural do’s and don’ts in Colombo?

Sri Lanka is a country with rich cultural traditions, and it’s essential to respect them. Here are some cultural do’s and don’ts in Colombo:

i. Dress modestly when visiting places of worship

When visiting temples or other places of worship, it’s important to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering.

ii. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home

It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home in Sri Lanka.

iii. Don’t touch people’s heads

In Sri Lankan culture, the head is considered sacred, and it’s impolite to touch someone’s head without their permission.

6. Is Colombo a safe place for tourists?

Colombo is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any other city, it’s essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and do not carry large sums of money or valuables.

Conclusion

Colombo is a city that has something to offer for everyone, whether it’s history, culture, or food. By planning your trip well and following the cultural norms, you can have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience in Colombo.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Colombo?

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then you must include the country’s capital and largest city, Colombo, in your itinerary. Colombo has a rich history and a vibrant culture, with numerous attractions for tourists. In this guide, we will outline the best activities and things to do in Colombo, including sightseeing, food, and shopping.

1. Visit the National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is located in the heart of the city and is a must-visit attraction for tourists. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka. You can explore various galleries that display ancient art, pottery, and royal regalia. The museum also has an impressive collection of antique swords, guns, and other weapons.

2. Take a Stroll Through Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a popular seafront park in Colombo and is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll. The park serves as an excellent spot for a picnic lunch or an evening snack. You can also catch the famous sunset views as the sun slowly dips into the Indian Ocean. Local vendors selling street food, including local favorites like Isso Wade and Kottu Roti, are available too.

3. Explore the Gangaramaya Temple

The Gangaramaya Temple is a significant Buddhist temple located in the heart of Colombo. The temple dates back to the late 1800s and is a stunning example of Sri Lankan architecture. The temple has a museum showcasing the interpretation and culture of Buddhism. You can also catch a glimpse of traditional dance performances and other cultural events at the temple.

4. Shop at Pettah Market

Pettah Market is an iconic landmark in Colombo and is a perfect place for shopping. The market has a vast array of stores selling local handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery. You can also bargain with the vendors, which is a fun experience in itself. Don’t forget to try traditional street food such as Kothu Roti, Hoppers, and Wadai!

5. Experience Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is an exciting combination of flavors and textures, influenced by the country’s diverse cultural heritage. You can experience the diversity of local food by trying out various street food stalls, local cafes, and restaurants. Some of the must-try dishes include traditional rice and curry, string hoppers, samosas, and wood-fired clay oven pizza.

6. Visit the Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building is a stunning building that shares a unique colonial government structure in Sri Lanka. It is currently modified to hold the Presidential Secretariat offices. You can tour the building’s inside exhibitions nearby to understand the country’s development and colonial history from an important standpoint.

7. Take a Boat Tour

There are numerous boat tour operators in Colombo where you can enjoy the city’s beauty from a different perspective. Boat tours usually take you through the city’s canals and offer a unique perspective of the Greco-Roman and Roman-Dutch buildings along the coast.

8. Visit the Colombo Dutch Museum

The Colombo Dutch Museum is situated in an old Dutch mansion in the city center, which is historically significant. The Dutch period building is now a museum with displays of Dutch colonial archaic designs, including furniture, coins, stamps, sculptures, and pottery that reflect the period’s colonial style.

Conclusion

Colombo is a city that has something for every tourist. With its rich history, culture, and stunning architecture, Colombo is sure to delight any tourist. When you plan a trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to carve out sufficient time to explore the capital city of Colombo. With the above-mentioned list of things to do in Colombo, you can make the best of your trip and have a memorable experience.