Colombo Heritage Walk
Experience hosted by Rushad
3.5 hoursHosted in English
Committed to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Up to 6 people
Includes drinks, transportation, and equipment
What you'll do
We'll begin across the harbor & explore through Colombo Fort. Discover the story of Colombo and its ancient seafaring trade. Learn about the Fort's colonization & hear the stories of its inhabitants throughout the ages as you walk along age-old streets & witness the heritage and architectural remnants of the past.
Next, we cross a canal to reach Pettah, a trade district selling goods of every description. Wander through a maze of streets & alleyways, & uncover hidden historical landmarks & cultural gems within the hustle & bustle. Walk through a farmer's market & discover a variety of local produce. Finally, escape the madness in Pettah by visiting a beautiful sacred and spiritual space. Acquire an insight into the different faiths and cultures of Colombo.
Next, we head to Slave Island, a place shrouded in history. Hear its interesting stories as we walk along a lake towards another stunning sacred space designed by Bawa, renowned Sri Lankan architect and father of Tropical Modernism. Grab some awesome cityscapes and witness the transformation of Colombo into a megapolis.
Finally, we'll explore the Cinnamon Gardens to unravel a couple of Victorian-era monuments, wonder at grandeur architecture of public buildings and private mansions, walk through a historic park & browse through local art works before ending at a place of cultural significance.
Other things to note
• If you want to visit the 2 Buddhist temples, Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka Temples (Bawa's Lake Temple), the entrance fee is 400 rupees . The 400 rupees ticket is valid for both temples.
• You required to remove footwear, caps and head scarves at the temples.
Next, we cross a canal to reach Pettah, a trade district selling goods of every description. Wander through a maze of streets & alleyways, & uncover hidden historical landmarks & cultural gems within the hustle & bustle. Walk through a farmer's market & discover a variety of local produce. Finally, escape the madness in Pettah by visiting a beautiful sacred and spiritual space. Acquire an insight into the different faiths and cultures of Colombo.
Next, we head to Slave Island, a place shrouded in history. Hear its interesting stories as we walk along a lake towards another stunning sacred space designed by Bawa, renowned Sri Lankan architect and father of Tropical Modernism. Grab some awesome cityscapes and witness the transformation of Colombo into a megapolis.
Finally, we'll explore the Cinnamon Gardens to unravel a couple of Victorian-era monuments, wonder at grandeur architecture of public buildings and private mansions, walk through a historic park & browse through local art works before ending at a place of cultural significance.
Other things to note
• If you want to visit the 2 Buddhist temples, Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka Temples (Bawa's Lake Temple), the entrance fee is 400 rupees . The 400 rupees ticket is valid for both temples.
• You required to remove footwear, caps and head scarves at the temples.
We'll begin across the harbor & explore through Colombo Fort. Discover the story of Colombo and its ancient seafaring trade. Learn about the Fort's colonization & hear the stories of its inhabitants throughout the ages as you walk along age-old streets & witness the heritage and architectural remnants of the past.
Next, we cross a canal to reach Pettah, a trade district selling goods of every description. Wander through a maze of stre…
Next, we cross a canal to reach Pettah, a trade district selling goods of every description. Wander through a maze of stre…
- 39 Reviews
- Identity verified
A wanderlust soul, lover of all things wild, student of knowledge, self-taught historian and a craftsman of travel. After 5+ years in the travel industry performing different roles in various sectors and a degree in Hospitality Management, I quit corporate life to start-up my own travel venture on December 2017.
Now, I'm on a mission to help people embark on their odyssey to connect with a destination, it's culture, history and people through the power of 'bespoke and experiential travel'.
My experiences aims to offer fellow travelers an insightful, soulful and immersive journey.
Now, I'm on a mission to help people embark on their odyssey to connect with a destination, it's culture, history and people through the power of 'bespoke and experiential travel'.
My experiences aims to offer fellow travelers an insightful, soulful and immersive journey.
A wanderlust soul, lover of all things wild, student of knowledge, self-taught historian and a craftsman of travel. After 5+ years in the travel industry performing different roles in various sectors and a degree in Hospitality Management, I quit corporate life to start-up my own travel venture on December 2017.
Now, I'm on a mission to help people embark on their odyssey to connect with a destination, it's culture, history and people through the power of 'bespoke and experiential tra…
Now, I'm on a mission to help people embark on their odyssey to connect with a destination, it's culture, history and people through the power of 'bespoke and experiential tra…
From $49
/ person
Book for a private group
Where you'll be
1. Colombo Fort, an ancient port & bygone fort covered in heritage & architecture.
2. Pettah, a maze of bazaars dotted with gems like the Red Mosque, Old Town Hall & the Farmer's Market.
3. Slave Island, home to Beira Lake, interesting stories, harmonious neighborhoods & beautiful sacred spaces like Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya Temple.
4. Cinnamon Gardens, an affluent district with sights like Independence Square, Victoria Park & Town Hall.
2. Pettah, a maze of bazaars dotted with gems like the Red Mosque, Old Town Hall & the Farmer's Market.
3. Slave Island, home to Beira Lake, interesting stories, harmonious neighborhoods & beautiful sacred spaces like Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya Temple.
4. Cinnamon Gardens, an affluent district with sights like Independence Square, Victoria Park & Town Hall.
Rated 4.95 out of 5 from 39 reviews.
I truly recommend this tour! Wonderful experience 😃 I have had an amazing time and learned a great deal in a very short time. It was awfully interesting, very diverse and just a lot of fun. It really exceeded my expectations! I could never have done this by myself. Rushad knows a lot about so many things, gladly answers all your questions and just makes you feel welcome. Where he can he will even adapt the tour a bit to take into account your interests!
I truly recommend this tour! Wonderful experience 😃 I have had an amazing time and learned a great deal in a very short time. It was awfully interesting, very diverse and just a…
Rushad gave an informative and thorough tour of Colombo. I think I saw everything on my list, learnt more about the city's history. Rushad answered all my questions and made suggestions along the way too. I'm grateful for his flexibility and professionalism.
Rushad gave an informative and thorough tour of Colombo. I think I saw everything on my list, learnt more about the city's history. Rushad answered all my questions and made sugges…
Dear Rushad
Your guidance in Colombo was great and I learned a lot. You not only visited popular spots, but also gave us detailed history. You also listened to my poor English well and spoke in plain English. You answered every question politely. You have taken care of my condition, such as whether I am thirsty or tired. It was very good to participate. Anyone who wants to participate can feel good about him and have a good time.
Dear Rushad
Your guidance in Colombo was great and I learned a lot. You not only visited popular spots, but also gave us detailed history. You also listened to my poor English well…
I loved this experience! I had the best time with Rushad and the others in the group. I didn’t get any breakfast at the hostel I was staying at and Rushad made sure I was well fed and happy within the first 15min. The places we visited were super interesting and I definitely wouldn’t have found them by myself. I highly recommend this tour for everyone staying in Colombo. I Rushad also made sure I was able to get an Uber and got to my next destination - which especially as a solo traveler was highly appreciated.
I loved this experience! I had the best time with Rushad and the others in the group. I didn’t get any breakfast at the hostel I was staying at and Rushad made sure I was well fed…
This walk tour consists of several famous spots in Colombo. Rushed is very knowledgeable, he explained a lot of Colombo history related to these spots as well as life in Colombo. Recommend for people who wants to have better understanding of the city.
This walk tour consists of several famous spots in Colombo. Rushed is very knowledgeable, he explained a lot of Colombo history related to these spots as well as life in Colombo. R…
I had a really fantastic walk with Rushad, he is very knowledgeable and a really lovely person to spend time with. He made a very special experience and I enjoyed the intelligent conversation. He has an excellent ethical mindset and genuinely loves what he does. It was great to see so much on the tour and I left with a much deeper understanding of Colombo and it’s rich history. Highly recommend this walk.
I had a really fantastic walk with Rushad, he is very knowledgeable and a really lovely person to spend time with. He made a very special experience and I enjoyed the intelligent c…
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Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 6 guests ages 13 and up can attend.
What to bring
Sunglasses
Caps/Hats
Caps/Hats