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Shore Excursion: Kelaniya Temple & Colombo City Tour from the Port

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4.3(759 reviews)
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duration

Varies

Confirmation by email

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Overview

Step off the cruise ship and straight into an unforgettable private tour of Colombo, covering the sacred Kelaniya Temple, vibrant Pettah Bazaar, colonial landmarks, and the iconic Galle Face Green — all with a dedicated English-speaking guide.

Begin your day as your guide meets you at the Colombo port passenger terminal, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. From there, your private, air-conditioned vehicle whisks you off on a comprehensive tour of the city and its surroundings.

Your first major stop is the revered Kelaniya Temple — a Buddhist shrine of great historical and spiritual significance. Back in the city, you will cruise past a remarkable collection of landmarks: the stately Colombo Lighthouse, the 100-year-old Clock Tower, the beautifully restored Dutch Hospital, the striking Red Mosque, and the colorful chaos of Pettah Bazaar. Spiritual sites including a Hindu Temple and the magnificent Gangarama Temple are also on the itinerary.

Green spaces and cultural institutions feature prominently too — stroll through Victoria Park, explore the National Museum, admire the Nelum Pokuna Theater, take in the grandeur of Colombo Town Hall, and enjoy the open lawns of Cinnamon Gardens (Race Course) and Independence Square. Don’t miss the Replica of the Aukana Buddha Statue and the iconic Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (B.M.I.C.H).

Time permitting, there is a stop for shopping before heading to the breezy Galle Face Green and a glimpse of the Old Parliament building. Your guide returns you to the port passenger terminal in plenty of time for departure.

Highlights

  • Pickup from Colombo port passenger terminal by paging the name
  • Private transportation
  • Other
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Fuel surcharge

What's Included

Private transportation
English speaking driver / Tour Guide.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge

Itinerary

Port Pickup & Departure

  • Your guide meets you at the Colombo port passenger terminal, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

Kelaniya Temple & Colombo Highlights

  • Kelaniya Temple: Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temples, renowned for its ancient murals and sacred relics.
  • Colombo Lighthouse: Pass by the historic lighthouse standing at the edge of the city.
  • 100-Year-Old Clock Tower: Admire this colonial landmark that has kept time for over a century.
  • Dutch Hospital: Explore the beautifully restored 17th-century colonial building, now home to shops and restaurants.
  • Red Mosque: Marvel at the striking red-and-white striped architecture of this historic mosque.
  • Pettah Bazaar: Dive into the colorful chaos of Colombo’s oldest and busiest market.
  • Hindu Temple: Visit a vibrant Hindu temple in the Pettah area.
  • Gangarama Temple: Explore this iconic Buddhist temple famous for its eclectic collection of artifacts and artwork.
  • Victoria Park: Enjoy the serene green surroundings of one of Colombo’s central parks.
  • National Museum: Pass by or visit the repository of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Nelum Pokuna Theater: View the stunning lotus-shaped performing arts center.
  • Colombo Town Hall: Admire the grand white building known as the ‘White House of Sri Lanka.’
  • Cinnamon Gardens (Race Course): Stroll through the upscale neighborhood and its wide tree-lined streets.
  • Independence Square: Visit this historic monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence.
  • Replica of Aukana Buddha Statue: See the impressive replica of this ancient standing Buddha.
  • B.M.I.C.H: Glimpse the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
  • Shopping Stop: Time for a quick browse at a local shop.
  • Galle Face Green: Relax at the iconic ocean-side promenade.
  • Old Parliament: View the colonial-era parliament building, now the Presidential Secretariat.

Return to Port

  • Your driver returns you to the Colombo port passenger terminal in time for your ship’s departure.

Location

Colombo Lighthouse
Colombo, Western Province
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my tickets?

Tickets sold cannot be cancelled and cannot be refunded.

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Cancellation Policy: This booking is non-refundable. Once a reservation is confirmed, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.