Explore the fast developing city of Colombo, a quaint merging of the old and the new, in a full day tour covering all its key attractions and points of interest including the National Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Fort, Independence square, Galle Face Green and more culminating in some classic Colombo shopping.
After breakfast from your hotel in Colombo, take a city tour to explore the capital city of Sri Lanka, with its captivating buildings, parks, monuments, museum, iconic temples and great shopping.
You will start with the National Museum established in 1877, the biggest museum in the island containing some of the best collections of art, carvings, swords, guns, masks, and statues from Sri Lanka’s ancient past as well as the colonial period.
Upon completion visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most beautiful and iconic Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The pathways and doors that lead into the main sanctorum contain intricately carved sculptures that are simply breath-taking. The ceilings and walls contain pictures and miniature paintings that illustrate stories from Buddhism.
Visit the Beira Lake which is very close to Gangaramaya temple, a hotspot for tourists, where you may enjoy a duck paddle boat ride if you wish or switch gear and shop at an adjacent mall for a short break. A must see nevertheless is the temple in the middle of the lake – Seema Malaka Temple; a place of serenity.
Next, you will drive to the Colombo Fort area which is packed with stunning old colonial-era architectural masterpieces. You may view the old Galle Buck lighthouse, the old parliament, clock tower, Lloyd`s building and St. Peter`s church among other iconic structures.
Take a break for a Sri Lankan buffet lunch.
After the lunch, you will be driven to the Independence Square, an iconic building and also one of the nicest places to relax in Colombo. In addition to the memorial hall itself, there’s also the huge sprawling green park outside with plenty of shade and the memorial museum.
Next is a visit to the Viharamahadevi Park, the largest and best Park to visit in Colombo, and if you didn’t stop by the Independence square park, you may take a breather here under the beautiful canopy of trees. There are lots of attractions especially for families with children, like the aquarium, children’s play zone, war memorial, lake and suspension bridge above it.
We will then take you for some classic Colombo retail therapy at a prominent local departmental store such as Odel or Cotton Collection.
Later in the evening drive to the Galle Face Green situated in the middle of the busy stretch of Galle Road facing the ocean. It`s a great place to mingle with friendly locals, groups of children playing cricket and flying kites and savour some typical Colombo street food including isso wade and kottu. The magical sunset, fresh air and the positive ambience make Galle Face Green one of the most visited places in Colombo.
Upon completion you can return back to your hotel with lots of memories and experience of the day.
INCLUSIONS
