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    Independence Square, Colombo

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    Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicAttraction in Kandy, Sri Lanka

    Royal Botanic Gardens, KandyAttraction in Kandy, Sri Lanka

    White Water Rafting KitulgalaAttraction in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka

    St. Clair FallsAttraction in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

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    Outside Colombo

    Things to do in Kandy

    Things to do in Bentota

    Things to do in Negombo

  • Explore Colombo
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Colombo

Colombo Lotus Tower

Gangaramaya Temple

One Galle Face Mall

Nelum Pokuna Theatre

Galle Face Green

Pettah Market

Jami Ul Alfar Mosque

National Museum of Colombo

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

Colombo Art Gallery

Independence Square, Colombo

Kelaniya Temple

UNESCO sites

Religious & spiritual activities

National parks

Churches & cathedrals

Viewing points

Museums & exhibitions

Shore excursions

Wellness & spas

Nearby destinations

Kandy tours

Bentota tours

Negombo tours

Nearby sights

Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicAttraction in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Royal Botanic Gardens, KandyAttraction in Kandy, Sri Lanka

White Water Rafting KitulgalaAttraction in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka

St. Clair FallsAttraction in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Outside Colombo

Bus & minivan tours

Tuk tuk & pedicab tours

Street food

Rail tours

Markets, bazaars, & souks

River rafting

Sailing trips & boat tours

Dolphin & whale watching

Cooking classes

Afternoon tea

Pub crawls & bar tours

Zoos

Explore more things to do in Colombo

Safaris & wildlife activities

Food & drinks

Outdoor sports

Water sports

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Nightlife & bars

Fitness & health

Explore more things to do in Colombo

Things to do in Kandy

Things to do in Bentota

Things to do in Negombo

Explore more things to do in Colombo

Guided Colombo Half-Day City Tour

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
83 reviews
Activity provider:
Apple Vacations Sri Lanka
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Guided Colombo Half-Day City Tour
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
83 reviews

Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. The journey of your tour will be Highlights of Colombo. Explore Colombo City.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Your hotel in Colombo Colombo CRUISE Terminal
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Carrie – United Kingdom

Niraveen was the perfect host! He was an excellent guide, took us to all the main points of interest and managed to pack a huge amount into a relatively short tour. We really enjoyed our afternoon and conversations with him, and would definitely recommend.

5
5 out of 5 stars
Y
Yolanda – United Kingdom

Krish was very informative and gave good advice. it was raining most of the tour so he also provided an umbrella. We had an excellent trip round the sights of Colombo

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Pickup location:

    Colombo

  • Car

    (10 minutes)

  • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

    Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk, Self-guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Car

    (10 minutes)

  • Independence Square, Colombo

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Self-guided tour, Pass by (20 minutes)

  • Car

    (10 minutes)

  • Viharamahadvi Park

    Photo stop, Visit, Walk, Self-guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Car

    (5 minutes)

  • Gangaramaya Temple

    Visit, Sightseeing, Walk, Pass by (45 minutes)

    Extra fee

    Lak Medura

    Shopping (30 minutes)

    Optional
  • Car

    (15 minutes)

  • ஸ்ரீ கைலேஸ்வரம் கோவில் - Sri Kaileswaram Temple - ශ්‍රී කෛලේශ්වරම් කෝවිල

    Photo stop, Walk, Self-guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Car

    (5 minutes)

  • Colombo Lotus Tower

    Photo stop, Visit, Walk, Self-guided tour, Pass by, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)

    Extra fee
  • Car

    (10 minutes)

  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

    Pass by

  • Colombo Fort Station

    Pass by

    Extra fee
  • Colombo Lighthouse

    Photo stop, Walk, Self-guided tour, Pass by (5 minutes)

  • Car

    (15 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Colombo

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Discover the best of Colombo's architecture
  • Admire panoramic views of the city
  • Immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan way of life

Full description

Pick-up from your hotel or location in Colombo City Zone at your selected starting time. Your chauffeur guide will warmly welcome you and begin the scenic and cultural drive through Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital.

Visit to Independence Square
Your first stop is the Independence Memorial Hall, located in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens area. This landmark commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. Spend about 15 minutes exploring the beautifully landscaped surroundings and taking photos of the grand stone monument and traditional Sri Lankan architecture.

External Visit to BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
A short 10-minute drive brings you to BMICH, one of the country's most prominent conference venues. This is an external photo stop where you can admire the unique architecture and visit the surrounding premises, including the statue of the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Spend around 5–10 minutes here.

Walk and Relax at Viharamahadevi Park
After another 10-minute drive, you’ll arrive at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo’s oldest and largest public park. Located near the Town Hall, this is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy a relaxing walk among lush greenery, fountains, and shaded walkways. Allocate around 15–20 minutes here.

Visit to Gangaramaya Temple
Next, head to the famous Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important and visually striking Buddhist temples, just 5 minutes away. Explore the mix of modern architecture and cultural heritage, including statues, a museum, and a serene lakeside setting. Spend about 45 minutes here for a deeper spiritual and cultural experience.

Hindu Temple Photo Stop
Continue your tour with a short 15-minute drive to one of Colombo’s prominent Hindu temples. This is a brief external visit and photo stop (about 5 minutes) where you can admire the colorful Dravidian architecture and towering gopuram (entrance tower) from the outside.

Optional Visit to Lotus Tower
Drive another 5 minutes to reach the Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest structure. Guests may choose to enter (optional visit, entrance fee applies) and take in a breathtaking aerial view of the city from the observation deck. If you opt to visit, spend around 30–45 minutes here. Otherwise, it remains a photo stop.


Drive Through Colombo City Highlights
End your tour with a relaxing drive through the heart of Colombo city, covering:

Colombo Fort Railway Station – glimpse colonial-era train station architecture.

Pettah Market – pass through this busy bazaar area filled with local vendors, bustling shops, and everyday life.

Main Street & Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque) – see the striking red-and-white striped mosque from the vehicle. Due to heavy traffic, stopping here is not possible, but it’s a great visual experience from the car.

Drop-off
After your drive through Colombo’s commercial heart, you will be dropped back at your hotel with wonderful memories.

Includes

  • Bottled water
  • English-speaking driver
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • You must remove footwear and hats and cover shoulders and knees when in religious temples
  • A valid passport will be required on the day of travel
  • This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions — if canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
  • If you are arriving by cruise ship, please use the shuttle bus and meet your guide near gate number 1A, where they will be waiting with name board
  • Entrance fees, gratuities, food and drinks are not included
  • When you entering to Hindu temple or Buddha temple, shoes and slippers must removed
Save up to 10%

From $25 $23 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5
4.3 out of 5 stars

based on 83 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.2/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

+12
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5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Carrie – United KingdomMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
Niraveen was the perfect host! He was an excellent guide, took us to all the main points of interest and managed to pack a huge amount into a relatively short tour. We really enjoyed our afternoon and conversations with him, and would definitely recommend.

Response from provider

May 23, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear Niraveen made your tour enjoyable and efficient. It's great that you had a wonderful afternoon filled with good conversation and memorable sights. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again on another adventure soon!

5
5 out of 5 stars
Y
Yolanda – United KingdomMay 10, 2025 – Verified booking
Krish was very informative and gave good advice. it was raining most of the tour so he also provided an umbrella. We had an excellent trip round the sights of Colombo
5
5 out of 5 stars
N
Nalini – IndiaApril 21, 2025 – Verified booking
On Time. Guide was very polite and helpful. Excellent service and drive

Response from provider

April 21, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're glad to hear everything was on time and that your guide was polite and helpful. It means a lot to know you had an excellent experience with our service and drive. Hope to welcome you again soon! 🚗🌿✨

Product ID: 252337

Activity provider:
Apple Vacations Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka
  • Western Province, Sri Lanka
  • Things to do in Colombo
  • Tours in Colombo
  • Gangaramaya Temple

Top Attractions in Colombo

  • 1Colombo Lotus Tower
  • 2Bandaranaike International Airport
  • 3Gangaramaya Temple
  • 4Pettah Market
  • 5Gem Museum
  • 6National Museum of Colombo
  • 7Nelum Pokuna Theatre
  • 8Galle Face Green
  • 9Jami Ul Alfar Mosque
  • 10Pettah Floating Market
  • 11One Galle Face Mall
  • 12Fort Railway station
  • 13Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
  • 14National Museum of Natural History, Colombo
  • 15Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana
  • 16Gangarama Sima Malaka
  • 17Independence Memorial Museum, Colombo
  • 18Colombo Art Gallery
  • 19Colombo Port Maritime Museum
  • 20Old Town Hall Building

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  • 6Colombo Family-friendly activities
  • 7Colombo Food & drinks
  • 8Colombo Wellness & spas
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  • 16Colombo Cooking classes
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  • 18Colombo Diving
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  • 2Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
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  • 5Things to do in Nuwara Eliya
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