Highlights / General details

Navigate the streets of Colombo by tuk tuk.

Zip through the busy streets and markets of the Colombo Fort and Pettah Bazaar.

Explore the religious side of Colombo with visits to the Dutch reformer church, Red Mosque, and Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Visit Independence Square, the CBD, Colombo Town Hall, and other important city places.

Experience the contrast of the beautiful tree-lined streets of Colombo 7 and the slum-like surroundings of Pettah.

Inclusion

Local English-speaking guide; Tuk tuk fare; Entrance fees at sites listed in the itinerary above.

Exclusion

Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Items of a personal nature; Food or beverages; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available daily at 8:30am.

Duration

Approximately 3.5 hours.

Location

Meeting point: The Water Fountain, Level 01, World Trade Center (located in front of the Dutch hospital, next to Colombo Hilton Hotel).

Ending point: World Trade Center.

Exclusion

Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Items of a personal nature; Food or beverages; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available daily at 8:30am.

Duration

Approximately 3.5 hours.

Location

Meeting point: The Water Fountain, Level 01, World Trade Center (located in front of the Dutch hospital, next to Colombo Hilton Hotel).

Ending point: World Trade Center.

Itinerary

Your Colombo tour kicks off with a brief walk through the heart of the city’s CBD and its old colonial buildings. After a quick history lesson from your local guide, it’ll be time to hop in a tuk tuk and hit the road!

Also known as a rickshaw, tuk tuks are commonplace throughout Asia, including Sri Lanka. In our opinion, it’s one of the best ways to see a lot of Colombo in a little bit of time…and all from a local perspective!

Our first stop will be the Colombo harbor, and en route we’ll swing past the President’s House, the Fort Clock Tower, and the Colombo Lighthouse. From there, we’ll pass through Chatham Street, which keeps adding new restaurants, pubs, and bars to its scene. This section of Colombo is particularly fascinating given that it was closed to the public for more than 30 years due to civil war and security considerations. We’ll stop briefly in front of the former passenger terminal gate in the Colombo harbor before moving on to the heart of the trading district in Colombo — the busy streets of Pettah.

Hop off the tuk tuk and spend 20–30 minutes exploring the busy streets of Pettah, from the Red Mosque to the market stalls. Meander around, sampling local food and drinks, or shopping in the colorful shops of the market. If you’re unsure where to start, your local guide will happily point you in the right direction.

Back into the tuk tuks and back to the streets! Navigating the narrow streets of Pettah has been likened to a video game; it’s non-stop dodging people, buses, lorries, bullock carts, bikes, other tuk tuks…even dogs!

Next stop, Wolvendaal Church, which, at more than 360 years old is the oldest Dutch reformed church in Sri Lanka. The church may not be in the best shape, but it’s one of the most significant reminders of the various colonial occupations throughout Sri Lanka’s history. You’ll have the chance to walk through the church, which is filled with old tombstones of Dutch governors, and may be able to talk to the keeper of the church to better understand its history and current issues.

From there, our tuk tuk tour of Colombo continues along to the Captain’s Garden Hindu Temple, aka the Sri Kaileshwarm Kovil, and the main place of worship for the many Hindus of Colombo. Walk around the temple, marveling at the colorful paintings and murals, talk to devotees, and witness a special blessing (if you’re lucky!).

Back in the tuk tuks, we’ll set off for Independence Square, where Sri Lanka claimed independence from the British in 1948. The monument and park here are of great significance to Sri Lankans.

Our last stop of the day will be the famous Gangaramaya Temple. One of the main Buddhist temples in Colombo, the cool, calming Gangaramaya is known for its architecture, paintings, and collection of artefacts from various historical eras. Additionally, it is well known for its contribution to Buddhist education. The temple sits across the road from the man-made, heavily polluted Bera Lake, which we’ll visit and discuss the everyday reality and impact of pollution in Colombo. If time permits, we can take the bridge that leads to the temple on the lake, Seema Malaka.

From there, our Colombo tuk tuk tour will come to an end as we head back to the World Trade Center.

Additional Information

As the tour visits temples, please do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Given the climate in Colombo, light, breathable clothes and fabrics are recommended.

Policies

This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.

Cancellation: 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**