Shore Excursion From Port Terminal : Colombo City Famous Landmarks

For travelers docking at Colombo Port Terminal, the Shore Excursion offers an enriching exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks. This private tour takes visitors through the National Museum, Old Parliament, and Independence Memorial Arcade, providing a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s vibrant history and culture. With air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and inclusive amenities, the excursion ensures a hassle-free experience. But as the tour unfolds, the true highlight emerges, inviting visitors to uncover the stories that have shaped this fascinating destination.

Key Points

• This 4-6 hour shore excursion from Colombo port offers private transport to explore the city’s famous landmarks, including the National Museum, Old Parliament, and Independence Memorial Arcade.
• The tour includes admission tickets, lunch, bottled water, and gratuities, providing a hassle-free experience for visitors.
• Highlights of the tour include the impressive collections at the National Museum, the grand architecture of the Old Parliament building, and the picturesque Independence Memorial Arcade.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants can be carried on laps, making it suitable for families.
• While the tour has received mixed reviews, with concerns about punctuality and customer service, the positive feedback highlights the excellent guide and driver.

Overview of Shore Excursion

This shore excursion from Colombo port is designed to explore the city’s famous landmarks. Operated by Asni Tours & Travel (M) Sdn Bhd, the tour includes highlights such as the National Museum, Old Parliament, Independence Memorial Arcade, and Beire Lake.

The tour duration ranges from 4 to 6 hours, with air-conditioned private transportation, an English-speaking chauffeur, bottled water, admission tickets, lunch, and gratuities included.

Pickup is at the Colombo port gate number 1, and travelers are advised to confirm the time with the local provider prior to the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, with infants required to sit on laps and children needing adult accompaniment.

Tour Details

The tour duration ranges from 4 to 6 hours, providing ample time for participants to explore Colombo’s renowned landmarks.

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the Colombo port, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, admission tickets, and a lunch.

Gratuities are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, though refunds aren’t issued for missed tours due to cruise ship delays.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Participants are picked up at the Colombo port, with the guide located at gate number 1.

Travelers should confirm the pickup time with the local provider prior to the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Pickup location: Colombo port, gate number 1
• Pickup time: Confirm with local provider beforehand
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, infants on laps, children with adults

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the provided information, the shore excursion from Colombo port has received a total of 3 reviews, with an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5.

The positive feedback mentions an excellent driver/guide, Christopher_P, in April 2023.

However, the negative experiences include late arrival, missed tour sights, and unresponsive customer service, reported by ALAN_O in April 2019 and Andrea_M in April 2024.

These customer reviews suggest a mixed experience, with room for improvement in the tour’s punctuality, itinerary management, and responsiveness to customer concerns.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this shore excursion.

It’s important to note that refunds won’t be issued for missed tours due to cruise ship delays.

This tour operates daily, 24 hours a day, from April 1, 2020, to July 29, 2025.

Most travelers can participate, and it’s a private tour for your group only.

The key details to remember are:

• Refunds not issued for missed tours due to cruise ship delays
• Tour operates 24/7 from 4/1/2020 to 7/29/2025
• Private tour for your group only
• Most travelers can participate

Highlights of National Museum

What’re the highlights visitors can expect to see at the National Museum during this shore excursion?

The National Museum houses an impressive collection of Sri Lankan art, culture, and history. Guests will be captivated by the museum’s stunning exhibits, which include ancient Sinhalese sculptures, masks, and intricate woodcarvings.

A highlight is the impressive collection of stone and metal statues from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods. Visitors can also explore the museum’s ethnographic displays, showcasing traditional costumes, jewelry, and handicrafts from across Sri Lanka.

The museum’s colonial-era architecture adds to the overall experience, transporting guests back in time. This stop on the shore excursion provides a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring Old Parliament Building

After exploring the rich cultural heritage at the National Museum, the tour takes visitors to another historic landmark in Colombo – the Old Parliament Building.

This grand structure, built in the 1930s, served as the seat of government until 2009. Visitors can admire the building’s impressive neo-classical architecture, featuring:

• Ornate columns and pediments
• Intricate carved details
• Magnificent central dome

Inside, the building offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s political history, with guided tours showcasing the former chambers, offices, and meeting rooms where important decisions were made.

The Old Parliament Building stands as a testament to Colombo’s storied past and provides a captivating stop on the city sightseeing tour.

Visiting Independence Memorial Arcade

Next, the tour takes visitors to the impressive Independence Memorial Arcade. This iconic landmark commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948.

Visitors can explore the grand archway and surrounding gardens, which feature statues and monuments honoring the nation’s founding fathers. The arcade’s ornate architecture, with its blend of traditional and colonial influences, provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests can stroll through the grounds, learn about the country’s history, and capture picturesque photos of this significant historical site. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Independence Memorial Arcade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be modified, as it’s a pre-set package. However, guests can discuss any special requests or preferences with the local provider prior to the tour to see if they can accommodate them within the existing itinerary.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers a group discount for bookings of 4 or more people. The exact discount amount is not specified, so customers should inquire when making their reservation to get the best available rate.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

According to the information provided, the cancellation policy for this shore excursion is that refunds are not issued for missed tours due to cruise ship delays. Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour operates daily.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the shore excursion tour. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas like museums or government buildings. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography policies.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour provider notes that lunch is included, but there’s no information provided about dietary restrictions. Travelers with specific dietary needs should contact the tour company in advance to inquire about accommodations.

Recap

This enriching shore excursion offers a hassle-free exploration of Colombo’s renowned landmarks. Travelers can enjoy the city’s vibrant history and culture, with air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and included admission tickets, bottled water, and lunch. The tour’s convenient pickup from the port terminal ensures a seamless experience, allowing visitors to discover Colombo’s captivating National Museum, Old Parliament, and Independence Memorial Arcade.