Excursion Colombo highlights with high tea & live music tour at Colombo

Experience the diverse cultural and architectural influences of Colombo during a picturesque, half-day excursion through this fascinating Sri Lankan capital and port city.

Colombo, Pettah Bazaar and Fort, Old Government Buildings, Vihara Mahadevi Park, Town Hall

Your tour begins with a scenic, approximately 75-minute drive through the commercial district of the city and Pettah Bazaar area, and past the Pettah Fort and old government buildings. The views are more peaceful as you drive past Vihara Mahadevi Park, now renamed for a Sinhalese queen. It was named Victoria Park when it was created by the British as a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall.

Cinnamon Gardens, University, Colonial Mansions, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple

A former cinnamon plantation is now the upscale residential district of Cinnamon Gardens. Here, you can also see the University and most of the embassies, located in Colonial mansions lining lovely, shaded avenues. Drive along some of these streets, and enjoy their elegance and serenity. From here, proceed for a photo stop at Independence Square, then delve deeper into the local culture during a visit to the bustling Gangaramaya Temple, the nicest and most intimate Buddhist temple in all of Colombo.

Galle Face Green and Hotel, Colombo Club, Taj Samudra, High Tea, Live Band

Next, drive along the Galle Face Green, a former haunt for members of Colombo's high society. This beautiful area is nestled in the foreground of the neo-Classical facades of the Colombo Club and Galle Face Hotel. Today, there are joggers who talk politics and business as they run, and kite-flyers trying to catch a breeze. Your last stop is at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Upon arrival, proceed for High Tea accompanied by the sounds of a live Calypso band. Leaving the hotel, your tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo, Pettah Bazaar and Fort, Cinnamon Gardens, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Taj Samudra Hotel, High Tea, Live Calypso Band

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 392 yards (about 358 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the Taj Samudra Hotel, and 15 steps at the Gangaramaya Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency from the ship for purchases. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The coaches utilised are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Expect crowds and traffic at the sites visited. Depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets at some sites. Guests are advised to follow their guides at all times during this tour. Photography/videography of the Old Parliament and government buildings is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.