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Colombo Walking Tour with Ajeet De Soyza

44 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 44 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 95% of reviewers
95% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Colombo, Sri Lanka
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from $47 per person

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Gangaramaya Temple
Central Point
Dutch Hospital
Famous Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo

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On average, this is booked 43 (25) days in advance.
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3 to 4 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Join me for an unforgettable walking tour through Colombo’s vibrant Fort, where history, culture & architecture come alive. This city has been my home for nearly three decades, I’ll share its stories and secrets as only someone deeply connected to it can. I’ll guide you through 500 years — from a Portuguese-built fort to the bustling trading hub it is today. Discover how Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences shaped Colombo into the uniquely Sri Lankan city you see now

This is more than just a history lesson — it’s an experience. We’ll stroll at a relaxed pace, weaving fascinating stories with authentic Tuk Tuk rides for a taste of everyday Sri Lankan life. Together, we’ll explore the city’s heritage, uncover traditions, and look ahead to its exciting future — all while supporting a meaningful cause, as part of the proceeds go towards educating orphaned children I sponsor

Experience Colombo. Experience diversity. Experience Sri Lanka. Let’s explore this incredible city together!

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Government Fees
  • Donation to the Temple considered as the Admission Fee. A ticket will be issued by the Temple.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

2 Galle Road
Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Prison Cell

The Last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha was captured on the 18th February 1815 in Madamahanuwara and was transferred to Colombo without entering Kandy. On the 6th of March 1815 the King and his escort entered the Colombo Fort where they were received by Colonel Kerr, the commandant of the garrison. Here King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha remained for nearly a year till the 24th of January 1816 when he and his family were deported to Vellore, India aboard the HMS Cornwallis.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital (known as The Dutch Hospital) is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinctIt is believed to have existed since 1681 when the Dutch established the Colombo hospital to look after the health of the officers and other staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. The hospital's proximity to the harbour allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Colombo Fort Clock Tower

You will be taken through the heart of the central business district which is full of colonial architecture. The clock tower in fort is a unique strucuture in the city on many aspects
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Central Bank Currency Museum

The construction of the building commenced in 1911, with the laying of its foundation stone and at the time of its opening it was the tallest building in Colombo. Designed in a Greco-Roman architectural style, with a colonnade of Corinthian columns at the building's entrance. It has a circular glass dome with a tapering central atrium that lets light into the circular inner halls throughout all seven floors and features the tallest chandelier in Asia.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cargills Department Store

The old Cargills & Millers Buildings in Colombo are considered to be the oldest department stores in Sri Lanka.A Dutch building was originally on the land where the present Cargills & Millars buildings are located and it had been occupied by Sir Frederick North (1766-1827), the first British Governor of Ceylon from 1798 to 1805. In 1844, a British businessman William Miller started his company at this premises by replacing the old Dutch building and in 1896, it was acquired by David Sime Cargill, a Scottish businessman who headed the popular Cargills & Company
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Oriental Hotel

The Grand Oriental Hotel was officially opened on 5 November 1875, had 154 luxury and semi-luxury rooms, and was the first of the modern type of imposing hotels erected in the East.The original building on the site was a simple, single-storey structure with an open verandah to the street inhabited by a Dutch Governor. In 1837 it was converted into barracks for the British Army.The task of converting the building into a hotel was undertaken by the then Governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, engaging the architect of the Public Works Department, James George Smither, who was also responsible for the National Museum of Colombo, Colombo General Hospital and the old Colombo Town Hall. The estimated cost to build the hotel was 2,007 pounds but it is noteworthy that the hotel was constructed within one year under the estimated 1,868 pounds.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Popularly known as the Red Mosque, the place of workship is a unique materpiece
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Titus Stores (pass by)

A family-run business for over 90 years, TITUS STORES was founded in 1924, and initially began as TITUS LAMP STORES, selling petrol lamps called TITUS Lamps. With the advent of electricity in Sri Lanka, the business shifted to homeware, gifts, and HORECA (Hotel Restaurant Catering) items and changed its name to TITUS STORES
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Old Town Hall

Amongst the little known historic monuments of Colombo, is large gothic church-like mansion in the old business quarter of Pettah. People, both locals and tourists, pass it by with little thought to what it contains – a veritable treasure trove of artifacts. It vanishes among the landscape surrounded by equally dated buildings, colorful modern shops and other interesting pieces of architecture. The fact that it’s in one of the busiest sectors of the city doesn’t help. This building is the Old Town Hall, once the seat of the Colombo Municipality and was the main location for council meetings in Colombo.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Pettah (pass by)

Explore first hand the busy markets of the Pettah Bazaar
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Colombo Fort Railway Station

Built by the British, the Fort Railway station is the major hub in the Colombo city
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is the main temple in the Colombo city with it's unique architecture influenced by many cultures
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Galle Face Hotel

Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark, The Galle Face Hotel, is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green. The Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immersive experiences that resonate with old and new generations of travellers alike.Known as South Asia’s leading Grande Dame, the Galle Face Hotel is testimony to both Sri Lanka’s colonial past and its independent present. International guests are immersed in the Hotel’s rich traditions and compelling stories, and even a short visit to the hotel is an experience of timeless grandeur and exceptional hospitality.The Hotel started as a Dutch villa called Galle Face House that had been a meeting place for gentlemen of the colonial era. That was until four British entrepreneurs decided to use it to start a business, unaware that, by the late 19th century, it would be known as the best hotel East of Suez.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Galle Face Green (pass by)

Based on the time of the day, you will be able to see the activities on the Green whilst getting a glimpse into the past of the green with iconic buildings such as the Old Parliament and the famous Galle Face Hotel
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Old Parliament Building (pass by)

This Neo-Baroque-style building was built during the British colonial era to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon. It was built on an idea of Sir Henry McCallum, which led to a proposal made by a committee to construct the new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber and Government offices on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face’ were accepted by the Government in 1920.The chief architect of the Public Works Department, A. Woodson was responsible for the design of the building with his initial estimate of Rs 400,000 for the scheme being later revised Rs 450,000, taking into account the extra expenses involved.The British Coat of Arms adorned the top of the building face till 1948, when it was replaced by the arms of the Dominion of Ceylon and was once again replaced in 1972 with the arms of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Colombo Walking Tour with Ajeet De Soyza?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+0530).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-111860P3

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Reviews

4.86
44 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 44 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
41
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 43 (25) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Colombo Walking Tour with Ajeet De Soyza?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+0530).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • Private transportation.
  • Government Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • Donation to the Temple considered as the Admission Fee. A ticket will be issued by the Temple.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 18..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Colombo Walking Tour with Ajeet De Soyza is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Colombo Walking Tour with Ajeet De Soyza will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

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  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Government Fees
  • Donation to the Temple considered as the Admission Fee. A ticket will be issued by the Temple.

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+0530).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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