Tours/Colombo/Colombo City Day Tour
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Colombo City Day Tour

4.6(42)Colombo1 hour
VIATOR4.4(17)TRIPADVISOR4.8(25)

Description

Join our 6-hour Colombo tour to visit the city's must-see attractions, including the stunning Kelaniya Temple, Gangarama Temple, and Seema Malaka Temple. Stroll through Galleface Green, admire the War Memorial, and reflect at Independence Square. Your day also includes a shopping stop to pick up unique souvenirs. Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off, plus refreshing drinking water throughout the tour. Book now for a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Colombo's highlights!

Tour Options

Colombo City Day Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included45 min

The exciting day starts with pick up from your hotel by a representative of Sanota Walkers. Then you will be whisked to visit one of Sri Lanka's highly venerated temples called Gangarama Temple which is located on the famous and picturesque Beira Lake in the middle of the city of Colombo. The Gangarama Temple was established about one hundred and twenty (120) years ago and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Originally built to be a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land in the 19th BCE, the temple has grown to include several imposing buildings and become an internationally known place of worship, a centre for learning, as well as an assembly hall for monks while also hosting a museum, a library and a Relic chamber among others.

Admission included20 min

Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century.

20 min

Once you have had your senses excited with the old and the new at Fort & Pettah, it is now time to visit the world famous Galle Face Greenand relax in the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shores. Overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean, adjoining the beautiful Galle Face beach and the famous colonial styled Galle Face Hotel (which is known as Asia's Emerald on the Green since 1864) is an elegant promenade lined with swaying palm trees and frequently visited by both locals and visitors alike called the Galle Face Green.

20 min

Now let us head on to a very special place called theIndependence Squarelocated just a few minutes away from the Old Parliament building. This building was built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule and is situated at the same location where a special podium was constructed in 1948 to mark the ceremony of Sri Lanka’s start of self-rule and new parliament. The Independence Square building also houses a museum displaying a history of all the individuals who struggled and fought for Sri Lanka’s independence.

Admission included30 min

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera.

Pass by

Drop your Hotel or Airport or Port

Highlights

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Colombo
Local taxes

What's included

Included
Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Colombo
Local taxes
Not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Negombo or any other area pickups (required, extra charges)

Pickup Locations & Times

Meet your cruising excursions representative who will be holding a small sign board of your name near the Gangway. Please do not move out of the meeting area after the Gangway. do not take the shuttle bus and go out of the port promises.

Traveller Ratings

4.6
42 reviews
5
33
4
5
3
2
2
1
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Dress code is formal
  • Recommend for pregnant travelers.

Reviews(42)

C
ChrisF4967
May 28, 2026
A beginner's guide to Colombo.

A great introduction to Colombo, our guide was well versed on the city and very informative. The tour did the top highlights of the city, and show cased the the interesting mix of temples and religions. The tour is recommended for those new to the city with limited time to self explore. Lunch was also great, an opportunity to try something local.

Operator response

Hi, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We are thrilled to hear that the tour served as a great introduction to Colombo and that our guide’s insights helped bring the city's rich history to life. Colombo truly is a beautiful mosaic of different cultures and religions, and we are glad you enjoyed exploring that unique mix of temples and landmarks with us. It is also wonderful to know that you enjoyed the local lunch trying the authentic flavors is such a huge part of experiencing Sri Lanka. We really appreciate your recommendation for first-time visitors with limited time. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you are in town. Warm regards,

R
Reiner_B
February 20, 2026
Everything didn't work out so well

The pick-up from the port did not work, the statement “They will be picked up at the ship and the guide has a sign with their name” did not take place. The guide spoke only English , booked and promised was a German guide.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your valuable comment. We would like to clarify that for other languages we usually provide either audio translations or written explanation sheets. The guide assigned to your tour was an English-speaking guide. Inside the vehicle, he provided translated audio explanations, and outside the vehicle he used written explanations to assist you. However, we sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and for any inconvenience this may have caused during your tour. Your comfort and satisfaction are very important to us. For future bookings, we are happy to arrange a professional German-speaking guide to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Thank you again for your feedback and understanding.

D
danafZ9888LS
December 15, 2024
An amazing experience! I’ll definitely use them again when I visit Sri Lanka!

An amazing tour of Colombo! I felt it was with my best friend! Toward the end of the tour, I had one request. Not a problem for this amazing tour company!

Operator response

Dear Sir, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your tour felt like exploring Colombo with a best friend. It's always our goal to accommodate our guests' requests and ensure an unforgettable experience. We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!"

S
sharondaw48
April 7, 2024
Knowledgeable and Enjoyable

My driver was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He drove safely. The car was clean and AC to keep me cool. I visited many temples to experience the cultural life. I ate at a wonderful restaurant for lunch. We able to go to a store for survivors.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind feedback! We're delighted to hear that your driver provided a safe, knowledgeable, and professional service. Ensuring your comfort with a clean, air-conditioned vehicle is always our priority. We look forward to hosting you again on your next journey

I
izs06
January 16, 2024
Beautiful temples !

The driver was very knowledgeable of Hindi and Buddhists temples. The sights were fantastic. Even though the tour online it says approx 6 hours, we were informed that is actually 4 hours of tour then 1 hour of shopping which was not in the description. We did 4 1/4 hours and were exhausted, so it’s the right amount of touring. We recommend this tour.

Operator response

Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the sights and found the driver knowledgeable about Hindu and Buddhist temples. We appreciate your feedback regarding the duration of the tour and shopping time—it’s helpful for us to know how best to manage expectations. We're happy that the tour duration worked well for you, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. Thank you again

H
H6564OIisabellem
March 3, 2023
Discovery of colombo

Very good day very intense because many things to see Great guide listening very professional

Operator response

Nous vous remercions sincèrement d'avoir pris le temps de partager votre avis sur votre récente visite de la ville de Colombo avec nous. Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous avez vécu une excellente expérience et que notre tour a répondu à vos attentes. Chez Lanka Tour Host, nous efforçons toujours de fournir à nos clients une expérience mémorable, et nous sommes heureux de savoir que nous avons réussi à le faire pour vous. Vos aimables commentaires sont très appréciés et nous sommes reconnaissants pour votre recommandation. Nous sommes heureux que vous ayez apprécié la visite de la ville de Colombo et nous espérons avoir l'opportunité de vous servir à nouveau dans le futur. Merci encore d'avoir choisi notre tour et d'avoir partagé votre expérience avec nous.

K
kevineT3132CS
February 1, 2023
Excellent

Excellent Tours with Lanka Tour Host. Colombo City tour was one of the brilliant tour with them. Deshan was the tour guide and he was knowledgeable. I and my wife enjoyed very well. Thank you Deshan.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted that your Colombo city tour was such a memorable one and that both of you had a great time exploring the city. Deshan will be especially pleased to hear your kind words about his knowledge and service. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again for another wonderful journey in Sri Lanka.

A
amar1989navi
October 9, 2022
Fantastic

I most say the Colombo city Tour was amazing. Temples and sightseeing was fantastic.We would certainly book again.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring the temples and key sights around Colombo. It’s wonderful to know you had such a positive experience, and we truly appreciate your intention to travel with us again. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable journey in Sri Lanka.

L
lindad1987d
June 30, 2022
Best Arrangement

Excellent, Prompt customer service and personalised approach. Prices were really competitive. We would certainly book again Lanka Tour Host and recommend to friends and family. Thank you very much Chamika for your all arrangements.

Operator response

Dear Linda!! Greetings from Lanka Tour Host!! We appreciate you posting a review. Please tell others about us and we very much look forward to arranging future travel adventures with you!

A
Anthony L
February 23, 2020
Great day

Our city tour with Subash around Colombo was excellent and quite because of Independence Day, a nice lunch at a Curry restaurant,good local information and a very caring quire.

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