Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, offers a captivating day tour that combines historical sightseeing with an immersive shopping experience. Priced affordably, this private tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grand Independence Square to the serene Gangaramaya Temple. Alongside the guided exploration, visitors can indulge in a one-hour shopping spree at the bustling Pettah Market, where an array of textiles, jewelry, and local crafts await. With hotel pickup and drop-off services, this Colombo adventure promises an enriching and convenient exploration of the island nation’s dynamic cultural hub.

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Key Points

Comprehensive one-day sightseeing tour of Colombo’s top landmarks, including Independence Square, National Museum, and Gangaramaya Temple.
Flexible pickup from 16 locations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Dedicated shopping experience at Pettah Market and other textile, handicraft, and jewelry stores.
Entrance fees for some attractions like Gangaramaya Temple, Lotus Tower, and National Museum not included in the tour price.
Highly rated tour with positive customer feedback on punctuality, service, and overall sightseeing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that takes visitors through the highlights of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city.

Priced from Kč 647 per person, the tour lasts one day and is led by an English-speaking guide. Pickup is included from 16 locations, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment. The tour covers key landmarks like Independence Square, the National Museum, and the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by an hour of shopping at local markets and stores.

Looking for more options in Sri Lanka? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

As part of the Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping, visitors explore several iconic landmarks in the city.

They’ll visit the Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s independence gained in 1948. The National Museum of Colombo showcases artifacts from ancient kingdoms and the colonial past.

The Gangaramaya Temple, a prominent Buddhist site, features diverse architectural styles. At the vibrant Pettah Market, travelers can bargain for spices, textiles, and jewelry.

The Gangaramaya Temple showcases diverse architectural styles, while the vibrant Pettah Market offers opportunities to bargain for spices, textiles, and jewelry.

The tour also includes the Old Parliament Building, Colombo Lighthouse, and the towering Lotus Tower, the tallest structure in South Asia.

Shopping Experience

The Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping experience dedicates 1 hour for visitors to explore the shopping options in the city.

This includes textile shops, handcraft shops, and gem and jewelry stores. The shopping caters to various tastes, from traditional handicrafts to high-end fashion.

Bargaining is common at the Pettah Market, a vibrant marketplace known for its spices, textiles, and jewelry.

Whether you’re in the market for local souvenirs or luxurious items, the tour provides ample time and opportunities to shop to your heart’s content.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

The Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Guests receive hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle. All parking fees and transport-related expenses are covered. Bottled water is provided for each traveler.

The tour includes visits to must-see attractions like Independence Square, Pettah Market, and more. However, entrance tickets to sites like the Gangaramaya Temple, Lotus Tower, and National Museum are excluded, costing an additional $1.50, $23.00, and $3.00 respectively.

Personal expenses and food/drinks are also not included in the tour price.

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Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, the Colombo Privet Day Tour and Shopping appears to be a hit with travelers.

The tour boasts an impressive 5/5 rating from 3 reviews, with travelers praising its punctual and flexible driver, professional and friendly service, and excellent sightseeing experience in just one day.

The tour caters to a variety of traveler types, including:

Couples
Friends
Solo travelers
Families

There's plenty more to explore in Sri Lanka

Getting to Colombo

Reaching Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, can be done through various modes of transportation. Visitors can take a train, bus, or taxi from nearby cities and towns.

The train network connects Colombo to major destinations across the island. Buses, both public and private, provide efficient transportation options. For a more comfortable ride, taxis and rideshare services are readily available.

Most tour operators also offer hotel pickup and drop-off services, making it convenient for travelers. No matter the choice, getting to Colombo is straightforward, allowing visitors to seamlessly start their day tour and shopping experience.

Top Attractions in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, boasts an array of captivating attractions that offer insights into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore the:

Independence Square, a symbolic site commemorating the nation’s independence in 1948.
National Museum of Colombo, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient kingdoms and the colonial era.
Gangaramaya Temple, a prominent Buddhist shrine showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Pettah Market, a bustling hub for spices, textiles, and jewelry, where bargaining is a cherished tradition.

These diverse sites provide a well-rounded experience of Colombo’s cultural tapestry.

Tips for Your Colombo Day Tour

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable Colombo day tour, travelers should consider a few key tips.

Travelers should consider key tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Colombo day tour.

First, be prepared for the tropical heat and humidity by packing lightweight, breathable clothing and sunscreen.

Plus, bringing a small backpack or purse can make it easier to navigate crowded markets like Pettah.

Travelers should also familiarize themselves with local customs, such as removing shoes when entering religious sites.

Finally, be open to bargaining at shops, as it’s a common practice.

With these tips in mind, visitors can make the most of their Colombo day tour and shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and request changes to the included attractions or activities to better suit their interests and needs.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour is generally accessible for travelers with disabilities. It provides hotel pickup and drop-off, and the attractions visited have wheelchair-friendly facilities. However, accessibility may vary, so travelers should check with the tour operator for specific details.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t cover certain costs like entrance tickets, personal expenses, and food/drinks. Travelers should budget an additional $27.50 for entrance fees to the key attractions mentioned in the itinerary highlights.

What Should I Bring for the Shopping Experience?

For the shopping experience, it’s best to bring some cash for purchases and bargaining. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as the markets can involve a lot of strolling. Don’t forget to pack any reusable bags or totes to carry your souvenirs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers have the option to add more time to explore the shopping opportunities or visit additional attractions in Colombo. Extensions should be arranged with the tour operator in advance.

The Sum Up

The Colombo Private Day Tour and Shopping provides an enriching experience, blending historical sightseeing with a unique shopping adventure. Priced at Kč 647 per person, the tour offers flexibility with hotel pickup and drop-off services. Travelers can explore key landmarks, indulge in a shopping spree, and enjoy the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, all led by an English-speaking guide.