Colombo by Tuk Tuk
Colombo, Sri Lanka
From USD 55.00
Office phone number: +94 (0)77 700 9294
Colombo by Tuk Tuk
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Are you ready for a real-life video game?! Because that’s what it feels like to navigate Colombo by tuk tuk! Head down narrow streets, past monuments, and into some of the city’s most significant spots, exploring the way locals get around — by tuk tuk! You won’t see this side of Colombo on your own!
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Highlights
- Navigate the streets of Colombo by tuk tuk
- Zip through the busy streets and markets of the Colombo Fort and Pettah Bazaar
- Explore the religious side of Colombo with visits to the Dutch reformer church, Red Mosque, and Buddhist and Hindu temples
- Visit Independence Square, the CBD, Colombo Town Hall, and other important city places
- Experience the contrast of the beautiful tree-lined streets of Colombo 7 and the slum-like surroundings of Pettah
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct entrance. (opposite World trade center), Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Colombo 01
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.30 AM
- Ending point:
World Trade Center
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tuk tuk fare, entrance fees at sites listed in the itinerary, bottled water, taste of King Coconut.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food or beverages, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Your Colombo tour kicks off with a brief walk through the heart of the city’s CBD and its old colonial buildings. After a quick history lesson from your local guide, it’ll be time to hop in a tuk tuk and hit the road!
Also known as a rickshaw, tuk tuks are commonplace throughout Asia, including Sri Lanka. In our opinion, it’s one of the best ways to see a lot of Colombo in a little bit of time…and all from a local perspective!
Our first stop will be the Colombo harbour, and en route we’ll swing past the President’s House, the Fort Clock Tower, and the Colombo Lighthouse. From there, we’ll pass through Chatham Street, which keeps adding new restaurants, pubs, and bars to its scene. This section of Colombo is particularly fascinating given that it was closed to the public for more than 30 years due to civil war and security considerations. We’ll stop briefly in front of the former passenger terminal gate in the Colombo harbour before moving on to the heart of the trading district in Colombo — the busy streets of Pettah.
Hop off the tuk tuk and spend 20–30 minutes exploring the busy streets of Pettah, from the Red Mosque to the market stalls. Meander around, sampling local food and drinks, or shopping in the colourful shops of the market. If you’re unsure where to start, your local guide will happily point you in the right direction.
Back into the tuk tuks and back to the streets! Navigating the narrow streets of Pettah has been likened to a video game; it’s non-stop dodging people, buses, lorries, bullock carts, bikes, other tuk tuks…even dogs!
Next stop, Wolvendaal Church, which, at more than 360 years old is the oldest Dutch reformed church in Sri Lanka. The church may not be in the best shape, but it’s one of the most significant reminders of the various colonial occupations throughout Sri Lanka’s history. You’ll have the chance to walk through the church, which is filled with old tombstones of Dutch governors, and may be able to talk to the keeper of the church to better understand its history and current issues.
From there, our tuk tuk tour of Colombo continues along to the Captain’s Garden Hindu Temple, aka the Sri Kaileshwarm Kovil, and the main place of worship for the many Hindus of Colombo. Walk around the temple, marvelling at the colourful paintings and murals, talk to devotees, and witness a special blessing (if you’re lucky!).
Back in the tuk tuks, we’ll set off for Independence Square, where Sri Lanka claimed independence from the British in 1948. The monument and park here are of great significance to Sri Lankans.
Our last stop of the day will be the famous Gangaramaya Temple. One of the main Buddhist temples in Colombo, the cool, calming Gangaramaya is known for its architecture, paintings, and collection of artefacts from various historical eras. Additionally, it is well known for its contribution to Buddhist education. The temple sits across the road from the man-made, heavily polluted Bera Lake, which we’ll visit and discuss the everyday reality and impact of pollution in Colombo. If time permits, we can take the bridge that leads to the temple on the lake, Seema Malaka.
From there, our Colombo tuk tuk tour will come to an end as we head back to the World Trade Center.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tuk tuk fare, entrance fees at sites listed in the itinerary, bottled water, taste of King Coconut.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food or beverages, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: As the tour visits temples, please do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Given the climate in Colombo, light, breathable clothes and fabrics are recommended.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 8 passengers.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +94 (0)77 700 9294
Email address: info@colombourbanadventures.com
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