Hidden Colombo

Hidden Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. Your tour is tailored to showcase different places of Colombo, from traditional to unconventional attractions, and for discovering life lived by everyday Sri Lankans.

What we’ll do

Day 01 – Architectural and Cultural day

Sivan Kovil

Kovil is situated near St. Anthony’s Church, Kochikade. The large structured stone kovil was constructed in 1905 by Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan. Located in Kotahena, a busy area of Colombo within walking distance of St. Anthony’s church, the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil which dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds is a sacred Hindu Temple that has been made entirely of granite stone. The patterns of granite are a mesmerizing architectural pattern which provides its calm and peaceful ambience. You can see a myriad of devotees from all over the country gather at the temple to pay homage to the temple deity – Lord Shiva. Prayers are conducted along with instrumental music which sets the perfect mood for one to conduct religious rights. Cameras are not permitted within the temple.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

It’s believed Buddha visited the site of this temple on his third visit to Sri Lanka. Suitably grand and labyrinthine, it has a dramatic past. The original temple was destroyed by Indian invaders, restored, and then destroyed again by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch restored it again in the 18th century in order to curry favour locally.

Day 02 – Architectural and Cultural day

Geoffrey Bawa House

At the end of this quiet little street is the house where the renowned architect Bawa lived from 1960 to 1970. The house combines his usual love for traditional local forms with the stark white architectural palette he favoured. You can tour the small gardens as well as the interior with its custom furnishings. If you say, 'Gee I'd like to live here', you can also arrange to stay in one part of the house. Book tours in advance.

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque

In the heart of Pettah, the decorative 1909 Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is a show-stopper with its candy-striped red-and-white brickwork. We can walk you in for a look, except during peak prayer times on Friday (women may be denied entrance at other times as well). Afterwards have a coffee at one of the Halal cafes across the way.

Day 03 – Explore Heritage Attractions

Independence Memorial Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall, most commonly known as the Independence Square, is a National Monument in Sri Lanka. The structure was built in commemoration of the Independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule and to mark the ceremonial start of self-rule with the opening of the first parliament on the 4th of February 1948. There is also a statue of the first prime minister of the country right in front of the structure. Many events including the Independence Day celebrations are held here annually.

Dutch Period Museum

This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor and has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a military hospital, a police station and a post office. The mansion contains a lovely garden courtyard and has a nice faded feel since a 1977 restoration. On the fringes of Pettah, it is surrounded by market stalls and antique shops. It’s rather chaotic collection includes coins, weapons, pottery, portraits and furniture from the period of Dutch rule, and also traces the descent of the dwindling ‘Burgher’ community.

Day 04 – Relax and Shop

Wolvendaal Church

The 1749 Wolvendaal Church is the most important Dutch building in Sri Lanka. When the church was built, this area was a wilderness beyond the city walls. The Europeans mistook the packs of roaming jackals for wolves and the area became known as Wolf’s Dale, or Wolvendaal in Dutch. The church is in the form of a Greek cross, with walls 1.5m thick, but the real treasure is its Dutch furniture. Overdue repairs began in 2017.

Viharamahadevi Park

Colombo’s biggest park was originally called Victoria Park, but was renamed in the 1950s after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It’s notable for its superb flowering trees, which bloom in March, April and early May. Elephants used for ceremonies sometimes spend the night in the park, chomping on palm branches. It has been given a major sprucing up and now boasts comfy benches (often occupied with caressing couples), walkways, landscaping and playgrounds. You'll even still see the odd snake charmer.

Laksala

The only state owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique, Laksala operates through over 10 branches island-wide with the main being in Colombo.

Established under the National Crafts Council if you are shopping at Laksala, you are bound to come across an interesting range of items including packed tea and spices, clothes, fabrics and accessories, gem and jewellery, arts and crafts, leather and ceramics, candles, incenses and various food products that are relative to Sri Lanka. Categories are also broken down to beautifully unique handlooms, batiks, bath ware and accessories while the most interesting are the arts and crafts which offer a multitude of items.

Day 05 – Shopping around Colombo

Floating Market & Pettah

Opened in 2014, the Pettah Floating Market was a part of the Urban Development Plan to make the Business District more attractive. Constructed as a series of pavilions, the floating market is located on the far end of a restored area of the Beira Lake between the Fort Railway station and the Pettah Bus stand. There are a number of stalls that sell various types of electronics, clothes, shoes, jewellery, short-eats, vegetables and fruits. The food court also sells a generous amount of food that is easy on the pocket. There are various places where one can sit and relax while the ambience is best during sunset due to the open air setting. Boat rides can be enjoyed during the weekend. The downside at times is the bad odour that is quite generic when it comes to the Beira Lake.

Colombo EI Guest House

We EI Life Skills Training Team provides accommodation on request at “Colombo EI Guest House”. Various unmatched facilities and unmatched traditional and western food available with “Colombo EI Guest House”.

What we’ll provide

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transport – Pick up from your Stay and Drop back.

Entrance Tickets and other Tickets arrangements

Professional guide to the entire tour

Other bookings

Language translations

What to bring

Nothing much to bring as all basics are arranged by our team. But do not forget medicine, if you are following any daily medicine after or before meals. And Sun protection, Hats, Cameras on your interest and protection.

*Please provide your Passport Information Page Copy before booking as per security reasons.

What to Wear

The Climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and consists of very distinctive dry and wet seasons. The average temperature of Sri Lanka usually ranges from 28 – 32 degrees Celsius. So that while visiting wetland parks we recommend warm clothes. For women, loose cotton skirts or trousers and tops or a long dress. For men cotton trousers or shorts and a T-shirt.

Especially when you visit religious places consider wearing white or light colour clothes, female avoid short clothes.