Port Passenger Jetty to Colombo Highlights with Floating Market
Duration
4 Hours
Confirmation by email
The operator confirms your booking; your voucher arrives by email
Languages
[object Object], [object Object], [object Object], [object Object]
Overview
Explore Colombo's iconic temples, colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cultural gems on a private half-day shore excursion departing from the cruise port.
Discover Colombo at a relaxed pace with this private shore excursion tailored to cruise ship passengers. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle, you will explore the city's most celebrated landmarks without the rush. Your journey takes you through the historic Colombo Fort area, where a century-old Khan clock tower, the St. Anthony's Shrine, and the striking red-and-white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque stand as testament to the city's layered heritage. Wander through the bustling lanes of Pettah Bazaar, visit the serene Wolandaal Church, and admire the ornate gopuram of the Sri Kalawasanathan Swami Devassthanam Kovil.
Highlights of the tour include the enchanting Pettah Floating Market—92 vibrant stalls, several perched on boats on Beira Lake—selling local produce and handicrafts. You will also visit the iconic Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, one of Colombo's oldest, and the meditation sanctuary of Seema Malakaya, gracefully set on the lake. The tour continues through Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square, and the grand Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, before reaching the architecturally striking Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre and its vibrant art street.
Complete your experience strolling along the Green Path art walk, gazing across Galle Face Green, and shopping at the historic Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, One Galle Face, the Wall Art Street, a traditional gem mine, a gem warehouse, and a Ceylon tea supermarket—before being returned to the passenger terminal.
Highlights
- The 100-year-old clock tower, several British-Built colonial buildings, Pettah
- The Pettah Floating Markets are located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a
- The Hindu temple has a history going back over a century and is dedicated to
- Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the
- The Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) is a public park located in
- Independent hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built to commemorate of
What's Included
Itinerary
Colombo Fort & Pettah Heritage District
- Khan Clock Tower, Colombo Fort & Red Mosque: The 100-year-old clock tower anchors the historic Colombo Fort precinct, surrounded by British-built colonial buildings. The vibrant red-and-white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Pettah Floating Market
- Pettah Floating Market: Located on Bastian Mawatha in the heart of Pettah, this unique marketplace features 92 trade stalls—several perched on boats on Beira Lake—selling fresh local produce and handcrafted souvenirs.
Sri Kalawasanathan Swami Devassthanam Kovil
- Sri Kalawasanathan Swami Devassthanam Kovil: This Hindu temple, with a history spanning over a century, is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Its towering gopuram is intricately sculpted with depictions of the deity and related stories. The temple is an active place of worship, drawing devotees seeking the blessings of Skanda.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Seema Malakaya
- Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple: One of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Colombo, founded by scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th century.
- Seema Malakaya: A tranquil meditation sanctuary set on the waters of Beira Lake, originally constructed in the late 19th century and best known as a place of quiet contemplation rather than formal worship.
Viharamahadevi Park & Colombo Town Hall
- Viharamahadevi Park: The oldest and largest public park in the Port of Colombo, named after Queen Viharamahadevi, mother of King Dutugamunu. Situated opposite the colonial-era Town Hall, the park was restored after World War II and opened to the public in 1951.
- Colombo Town Hall: Known locally as the "White House", this landmark building serves as the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council.
Independence Memorial Hall & Square
- Independence Memorial Hall: A national monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule on 4 February 1948, when full governing responsibility was restored to the elected Ceylonese legislature.
Cinnamon Gardens Cultural Circuit
- Cinnamon Gardens & Cultural Landmarks: A scenic drive past the elegant Cinnamon Gardens district, the National Art Gallery, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), and the architecturally striking Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre (Opera House).
Green Path Art Walk & Shopping
- Green Path Art Walk: This popular avenue comes alive with street artists and craftspeople displaying abstract paintings, multi-frame wall art, oil paintings, woodwork, and metalwork.
- Gem Museum & Ceylon Tea Store: Browse a traditional gem mine, a gem warehouse, and a Ceylon tea supermarket for local keepsakes and souvenirs.
Galle Face Green & Dutch Hospital Shopping
- Galle Face Green: A beloved urban park stretching along the Indian Ocean shoreline, with views of the Old Parliament Building and Beira Lake.
- Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct: One of Colombo's oldest buildings, now a vibrant retail and dining complex. The tour also passes One Galle Face and the Wall Art Street before returning to the port.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my tickets?
Tickets sold cannot be cancelled and cannot be refunded.
Do I need to print my ticket or is a mobile voucher accepted?
Most attractions accept mobile vouchers, but some may require a printed ticket. Please check the specific voucher details after booking.
Please select a date