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ColomboCulture & history

Our most recommended Colombo Culture & history

From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip

1. From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip

Depart Colombo and travel by a shared vehicle, in a small group, to the city of Sigiriya, and head directly to Sigiriya Rock on arrival. Gaze in awe at the massive column of rock that, according to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle The Culavamsa, was selected by King Kassyapa as the site of his new capital. Admire numerous paintings of historic queens, princesses, and maids inside the rock fortress before getting a break for lunch at your own expense. Then, explore some of the traditional crafts of the region, such as wood carving and batik textiles, with time to purchase souvenirs before departing. Start the journey back towards Colombo via Dambulla to explore the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Discover the magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings of vivid colors and different shapes, painted from around the 2nd century B.C. up to the 18th-century Kandyan era.

Form Colombo:Morning or Evening Colombo City Tour by Tuk-Tuk

2. Form Colombo:Morning or Evening Colombo City Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel for the captivating Colombo city tour. Your knowledgeable host will provide a brief introduction to the tour as you set off to explore the city's prominent attractions. The tour includes a visit to the Gangarama Buddhist Temple, a significant religious site situated in the heart of Colombo. Built in the late 1800s, the temple once sprawled over a vast area and featured various exterior structures, including the Seema Malaka. Originally constructed with its foundation in the Beira Lake, the Seema Malaka exuded strength and grandeur. However, due to the swampy terrain beneath the lake, it eventually sank by 1970, becoming a fascinating underwater site. During the tour, you'll also have the opportunity to visit other notable landmarks, such as Galle Face Green, the Dutch Hospital, the Old Parliament Building, Colombo Harbour, the Slave Island area, the War Memorial, Colombo Public Library, Colombo National Museum, Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park, Town Hall, the race track shopping area, Independence Square, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Additionally, you'll be able to admire a replica of the Aukana Buddha statue, adding to the richness of your morning city exploration. With the city tour complete, you'll be taken back to your hotel, where your journey began. The memories of this enriching exploration of Colombo's cultural and historical treasures will undoubtedly stay with you for a lifetime.

Colombo City Tour

3. Colombo City Tour

Discover the heart and soul of Sri Lanka's capital city with a guided tour of Colombo. This bustling metropolis is home to a myriad of vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors that are just waiting to be experienced. As you explore the city's streets, you'll be introduced to the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty that the city has to offer. From magnificent temples and ancient landmarks to impressive museums and modern shopping districts, Colombo is a treasure trove of excitement and discovery. And with your own private guide and vehicle, you'll have the freedom and flexibility to tailor your tour to your interests and pace. So if you're ready to discover Colombo's hidden gems and experience the full richness of Sri Lanka's capital city, book your tour today and let the adventure begin!

Guided Colombo Half-Day City Tour

4. Guided Colombo Half-Day City Tour

Discover both the modern and traditional areas of Colombo and learn more about the city's colonial past on this tour, from a 100-year-old clock tower to British colonial-era buildings. During this tour, visit the Old Parliament, explore the affluent residential areas and admire the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall, a gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s republic of China. Immerse yourself in a fascinating blend of cultures, religions, and socioeconomic classes and experience daily life for Sri Lankan residents. You will see attractions such as the Sambodhi Chaithya Buddhist Temple, the lighthouse, Red Mosque, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Town Hall, and Independence Square. You may also choose to visit a handicrafts emporium for a spot of shopping if you wish. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Sigiriya, Dambulla & Minneriya day tour

5. Sigiriya, Dambulla & Minneriya day tour

Experience the ultimate Sri Lankan adventure with our Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya National Park one-day tour. Travel in style and comfort with a licensed guide and a climate-controlled vehicle, exploring ancient sites and immersing yourself in the country's natural beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century AD. Enjoy stunning views as you hike to the top of the fortress, passing through ancient frescoes and mirror walls along the way. Next, we'll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses numerous statues and paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha and his teachings. Admire the serene beauty of these sacred caves and learn about the ancient religious beliefs and practices of Sri Lanka. The tour culminates at the Minneriya National Park, where you'll enjoy an open-air 4x4 jeep safari in search of elephants, the park's most magnificent inhabitants. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants and observe the park's diverse wildlife, including a plethora of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The picturesque landscape includes a beautiful lake surrounded by jungle, making the tour a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind amidst the breathtaking nature of Sri Lanka. Throughout the tour, you'll have the expert guidance of a licensed guide to provide you with deep insights into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, its fascinating history, and diverse wildlife. The tour also includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and a delicious lunch to offer you the most pleasurable memories. This tour package is ideal for travelers seeking an intense cultural and nature experience within a short time. With #srilankabycar, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless. Join us on this incredible journey to experience the best of Sri Lanka's rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and wildlife diversity. Book now and discover why Sri Lanka is known as the land of wonder!

From Colombo/Negombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla Day Trip & Safari

6. From Colombo/Negombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla Day Trip & Safari

Clients will be pick up from Colombo and Negombo , heading to Lian Rock Fortress Sigiriya . which is unbelievable fortress constructed on top of a massive rock and well organized draining system built in surrounding area. According to the Sri Lankan chronicle of history book " Culavamsa" describe that this kingdom was selected as the new capital by King Kasyapa in the 4th century. Explore numerous frescoes of historic inside the rock caves before you entering to the Lion Feet at Sigiriya rock fortress. Clients make sure to ware comfortable cloths and shoes and hats to climb 1200 steps to visit the top of the Sigiriya rock fortress. After the remarkable Lion Rock Fortress clients will be able to participate for Sigiriya Village Tour which help you to experience the life style of village and enjoy authentic natural lunch make in front of you and taste some village fruits(payment direct by the client 20$ p.p ) . After the village tour clients have time for wild safari at three national parks. which is very attractive activity in this day tour. Because this area is famous for large group of an Elephants and other wild animals and birds. After the safari start return back to Colombo visit Dambulla Cave Temple to explore the largest size of caves complex in Sri Lanka. Discover the remarkable Buddha statues and frescoes painted in various colors in caves. which were built in 2nd century B.C. by king Walagamba according to chronicle of history book "Culawamsa." After the Dambulla Cave Temple client will be drop at the same pick up location.

Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

7. Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

Discover the natural beauty and inspiring culture of Sri Lanka on a 3-day trip departing from Negombo. Visit landmarks such as Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Udawalawe National Park. Enjoy a hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, and some meals included. Day 1 : COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA – KANDY Sigiriya Museum This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Overnight Stay at Royal Kandyan or Similar Hotel Day 2 KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA- ELLA Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. Glenloch Tea Factory Glenloch Tea Factory situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula are been maintain using all the correct method of planting, Soil conversation and Maneuvering. Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature Ramboda Waterfall Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. If intrested can be do an Train Ride from Nanu Oya - Ella Overnight Stay Day 3 Ella City Tour – Udawalawe National Park - Colombo Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak Nine Arches Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting Udawalawe National Park This park is home to several hundred elephants and other rare plants and wildlife We can arrange Drop Colombo Or Negombo or Airport

Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

8. Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

Day 1 Explore the important historical monuments in Sri Lanka on this 3 days tour while visiting ancient Buddhist temples, museums, palaces, gardens, Buddha statues, and many more. Embark on an exciting and very rare 3-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka's holiest, the Cultural Triangle. Explore 5 UNESCO-listed sites where important historical monuments are to be found. Visit cultural triangle cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy. Stay overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya between private-guided sightseeing ventures. Get picked up in Colombo and head to your hotel in Sigiriya via Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka. The first activity of the 3 days tour is the hop-on hop-off city tour of the historical city of Anuradhapura. The tour covers a large number of historical places such as Buddhist temples, dagobas, palaces, gardens, and other remarkable structures in the city testify to the grandeur of ancient civilization. The city tour also includes the most sacred 8 Buddhist sites in the city, better known as "Atamasthana", Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. Later in the day settle in for a good night's sleep at your hotel in Sigiriya. Day 2 After breakfast leave for the Sigiriya rock fortress, home to one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your Sigiriya tour starts early morning, allowing you to escape the mid-day heat. Climb the rock and reach the summit to see the site of the King's palace, swimming pool, and king's throne. Soak up in the breathtaking scenery from the top of the pinnacle. Later drive to Polonnaruwa and see the dozens of ancient temples, Buddha statues, and many ancient structures built by ancient Kings. Witness massive stone-cut Buddha statues, dagobas, an audience hall, and much more at the cultural museum of Polonnaruwa. Later in the day Minneriya safari on an open jeep. Enhance your experience with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. Spot wild elephants, bears, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and maybe even a leopard. Stay overnight in Sigiriya. Day 3 Depart early for Colombo via Kandy, visiting a spice/herbal garden en route. In Matale, spices and herbs are used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine. Hear about this history as you explore the site with your guide. Later visit Dambulla Golden Temple and Tooth Relic Temple are sure to add another level of sacrosanctity to your experience. Dambulla hosts more than 150 Buddha statues and a large number of ancient murals. The next stop will be Kandy city. Today Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most important cities because of the presence of the temple of the sacred tooth of the Buddha. This is the most visited Buddhist temple on the island, frequented by thousands of devotees every day. Return to your hotel in Colombo.

From colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Full-Day Tour

9. From colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Full-Day Tour

The one-day tour you're looking for includes visits to Dhambulla Golden Cave Temple, Sigiriya, and a village tour, with a stop at Minnariya National Park. The tour begins by heading to Dhambulla Golden Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple complex is located in the town of Dhambulla and is known for its stunning cave temples. Inside the caves, you'll find a collection of beautifully preserved ancient Buddhist statues and intricate wall paintings. After exploring Dhambulla Golden Cave Temple, the tour proceeds to Sigiriya, also known as the "Lion Rock." Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress situated on top of a large rock plateau. As you ascend to the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The site also features the remnants of an ancient palace, water gardens, and frescoes that depict celestial maidens known as the "Sigiriya Maidens." Next, the tour takes you on a village tour, providing an opportunity to experience the traditional Sri Lankan way of life. You'll visit a local village and have the chance to interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and witness traditional activities like farming and cooking. This immersive experience will give you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Minnariya National Park. This park is famous for its large population of wild elephants and is known as one of the best places in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. You'll embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the park, allowing you to get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Apart from elephants, Minnariya National Park is also home to various other wildlife species such as deer, buffaloes, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. This one-day tour provides a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters, giving you a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka's rich heritage and natural wonders.

Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

10. Sri Lanka: Five-day Multi-City Sightseeing Tour

Explore the best of Sri Lanka with this tour to the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, rolling tea plantations in Ella, the chance to see wild elephants in the Udawalawa National park. Day 1 - Be welcomed by your guide at the Colombo International Airport where your guide will take you to your hotel in Colombo. Day 2 - Journey from Colombo to Sigiriya after eating a filling breakfast. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Relax before heading to the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya before having dinner and staying at a 4-star hotel in Sigiriya. Day 3 - Travel to Kandy after a hearty breakfast to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which holds the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. Take some time to unwind in your hotel before proceeding to see the amazing flora at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Eat dinner and stay overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kandy. Day 4 - Next, have a full breakfast before heading to Ella to walk among the lush tea plantations. Learn more about the colonial history of Sri Lanka and take in stunning landscape views. Return to your hotel in Ella for dinner and to rest. Day 5 - After breakfast, drive to Udawalawa National park where you can spot elephants in their natural habitat.

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What people are saying about Colombo

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 75 reviews

Aaron was very professional and made sure that we were comfortable throughout the trip, and also stopped at a cafe because we had not had any breakfast before the trip started. He also suggested different places to go to besides the two trips and recommended suggestions for us to do in Colombo. Strongly recommend this trip and Aaron as a tour guide!

CJ was on time. Speaks good english and knows the area very well. He was very helpful and pleasant. Everything went as planned. Sigiriya is awesome. Prepare yourself for climbing the stairs! Great history in Dumbulla. Recommended.

Had excellent time, tour operators are second to none Driver Chris excellent fit for the job we are lucky to have him as driver and guide Me and my wife thanked Chris thousand times

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.

It was a nice day spent in Sigiriya and Dambulla. Very flexible upon request. Good experience that I recommend