Colombo Private Guided City Tour with Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square
by SriLankan Chic Holidays
Overview
The tour begins with private transportation through Colombo, where travelers will first view the Old Parliament Building from outside, as it is a high-security site. The guide then stops at the base platform of the city lighthouse for photos, followed by a 30-minute walking tour around the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct to see colonial buildings and hidden sights. After a brief stop to photograph a notable building nearby, the tour proceeds to a former popular British colonial-era hotel located next to Colombo harbor for photo opportunities. Next, the group pauses at a prominent building in Colombo for photos and continues to the iconic Colombo Lotus Tower for a quick photo stop, noting the tower is not yet open to the public. The tour includes a 30-minute visit to Gangaramaya Temple, where visitors learn about Buddhism and Sinhalese Buddhist culture and view Lord Buddha’s hair relics inside and outside the temple. Following this, there is a 10-minute stop at the Old Town Hall to admire the architecture and see Viharamahadevi Park. The tour’s main highlight is a 30-minute visit to Independence Square to learn about Sri Lanka’s independence from the British Empire, with an option to walk through the adjoining Arcade Square and park. The tour concludes with about an hour exploring other local sights in Colombo and a stop for a local lunch or dinner. The total duration is about three to four hours. Included are private transportation, bottled water, air conditioning in the vehicle, and entrance to Gangaramaya Temple. Alcoholic drinks, gratuities, meals, and pick-up from airports or other cities are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Old Parliament Building
The guide stops for an outside view of the Old Parliament Building, which is a high-security zone, allowing photo opportunities from a distance.
City Lighthouse Base Platform
Visitors have about five minutes to go to the base platform of the lighthouse to take photographs.
5 min
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
A 30-minute walking tour takes place here to explore several colonial buildings and some lesser-known sights nearby.
30 min
Colonial Building Photo Stop
There is a brief stop of about five minutes to admire and photograph this attractive building and some others in the area.
5 min
British Colonial Era Hotel
Located next to Colombo harbor, this former popular hotel during British rule is a place to pause for photos.
Main Colombo Building
This important building in Colombo is a highlight where guests can admire the architecture and take photos during a five-minute stop.
5 min
Colombo Lotus Tower
The tour includes a five-minute stop for photos of this iconic tower, which is currently not open to the public.
5 min
Gangaramaya Temple
A 30-minute visit to this Buddhist temple includes learning about Buddhism and Sinhalese Buddhist culture and seeing Lord Buddha's hair relics inside and outside the temple.
30 min
Old Town Hall
Guests stop for ten minutes to admire the Old Town Hall’s architecture and get a view of Viharamahadevi Park nearby.
10 min
Independence Square
This 30-minute stop is the main highlight, where visitors learn about Sri Lanka’s independence history and can walk through the adjoining Arcade Square and park.
30 min
Colombo
The tour ends with about an hour exploring other sights in Colombo, followed by a stop for a local lunch or dinner.
60 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Colombo
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- Colombo Private Half-Day City Tour with Licensed Guide
- Colombo City Highlights by Tuk Tuk - All-Inclusive with Lunch and Dinner
- Colombo Cooking Class with Traditional Sri Lankan Food and Lunch
- Colombo Express Food Tour with 9+ Tastings in Sri Lanka
- Colombo Bay 4-Hour Tuk Tuk City Tour with Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch or Hopper