Colombo City Tour – Mangrove Boat – Turtle Hatchery

Duration: 9 Hours
Start/End: Colombo port/Colombo port
Highlights: Gangarama Seema Malaka, National Museum, Old Parliament, Independence Memorial Arcade & Independence Square, Shopping at Odel & Laksala, Lighthouse and Clock tower, BMICH, Madu Ganga boat cruise, Turtle hatchery, Kothduwa temple
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Upon arrival at the port, meet your guide and driver to start your Colombo day tour by going to Gangarama Seema Malaka Temple located on Beira Lake. The simple but elegant architecture combines with a collection of ancient bronze Thai-style Buddha statues lined up viewing to the emerald water surface together creating a surreal picturesque scenery. Next, head to Sri Lanka National Museum where exhibits a variety of valuable items, artifacts, pictures, and documents about the history and development of the country.

Then, visit the Old Parliament Building and marvel at the neo-baroque Western-style architecture revealed in dozens of columns built reminding about Temple of Artemis. After that, stroll along the scenic Cinnamon Gardens. The name started from the time serving as a place for cinnamon plantations. The gardens amazingly transformed into a walking park with coffee and souvenir shops, museums and galleries. Visit Independence Memorial Arcade & Square. Continue on collecting some idyllic local souvenirs and products at Odel Mall and Laksala boutique.

Next, admire the remarkable Lighthouse and Clock Tower before heading to BMICH – Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Go to Pettah Bazaar which is considered as the replica of Cairo in Sri Lanka. Witness the daily activities of local people and purchase some interesting local products if you want. Then, visit Kothduwa temple where is believed to once remained the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth.

Continue on to hop on the Madhu Ganga boat ride to watch the mangrove wildlife enriched with a wide range of water birds, waders, and gulls. Last but not least, head to Turtle hatchery where well preserve this endangered species. Finally, the driver transfers you back to port at a nice time.