Fort & Pettah Walk

Culture, local transportation, walking

• Experience the hustle and bustle scene of Pettah’s street life and its characters
• Hop in a tuk-tuk and cruise Colombo like a local
• Taste local staples like a king coconut juice
• Dive head first into the atmospheric Galle Face Green promenade
• Be tempted by a variety of local snacks and street food in Colombo's busiest shopping bazaar

 

Colombo is one of those cities you need to experience to understand. The culture is fascinating, and this Colombo tour will give you a great insight into local life here.

 

Our Colombo city tour begins with The Fort, which got its name from the former Dutch and British military garrisons. We’ll meander through this significant site, visiting the inner city’s best sights - the Chatham Street’s Clock Tower (the oldest clock tower in Asia), the old arcades and shop-houses, the prominent red Cargil’s building, and St. Peter’s Church.

 

Then, we add a little excitement into the mix. From the Grand Oriental, the oldest hotel in Colombo, we hop in a tuk-tuk, one of the locals’ favourite method of transportation, for a ride to the Pettah, famous for its open-air markets and bazaars.

 

Pettah is a multi-ethnic area with Hindu temples, a mosque, and the famous Wolfendaal Church. Built in 1749, it is Colombo’s oldest functioning church, and Pettah is still the busiest shopping bazaar in Colombo. You will get a taste of old Ceylon, including the hustle and bustle of street life. Its many criss-crossing roads mark out sections which specialise in various trades.

 

At Gabo’s Lane, one finds many shops trading in ayurvedic herbal medicines, the traditional form of medicine in Sri Lanka. We’ll visit Main Street and Sea Street where you’ll be enchanted by the vibrant activities and typical local street food on offer. The atmosphere in the Pettah is extraordinary, as are the characters that you may meet there.

 

After visiting Pettah we jump back in a tuk-tuk to head back to the Fort, but not before a stop at the Galle Face Green. This promenade, which borders the sea, is the longest open-air stretch in the city and had a previous life as a golf course. Now it is a lively centre of relaxation, especially in the evening, where it plays host to beautiful sunsets. Here, you’ll find a large variety of mobile food and beverage stalls with very spicy local dishes, especially curries, and milk-teas and refreshing king coconut juice. We’ll grab a sample and enjoy a stroll along the Galle Face Green before heading back to the Dutch Hospital area, where your Colombo tour will draw to a close.

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively.  Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour. Items of a personal nature, food or meals, tips / gratuities for your guide.

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.