Sri Lanka
Heritage Trail through Colombo
Discover Colombo, a coastal capital where colonial grandeur, maritime history, and contemporary energy meet along lively boulevards and oceanfront promenades. Wander through heritage quarters shaped by centuries of global exchange, enjoy private encounters with the city’s architectural and artistic legacy, and indulge in Colombo’s acclaimed dining scene.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive in Colombo. In the arrival hall, will be met by our chauffeur-guide who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
Tonight, you will dine at Shang Palace, the Cantonese fine dining restaurant or Capital Bar & Grill, which serves the finest steaks and grilled seafood, at your hotel.
Meals: D
Tonight, you will dine at Shang Palace, the Cantonese fine dining restaurant or Capital Bar & Grill, which serves the finest steaks and grilled seafood, at your hotel.
Meals: D
Day 2
After breakfast, your chauffeur-guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together, you will explore the highlights of Colombo in a World War II Jeep.
Some of the monuments and buildings you will see during your tour are:
Old Town Hall Museum: A large gothic church-like mansion in the old business quarter of Pettah, the museum houses a veritable treasure trove of artifacts.
Wolvendaal Church: Dating back to the 17th century, this antique church houses many ancient tombstones and graves of forgotten Dutch Governors and diplomats.
Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil: One of the oldest Hindu temples in Colombo, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the elephant God) and Lord Shiva (known as "The Destroyer" within the Hindu trinity that includes "The Creator", Brahma and "The Preserver", Vishnu).
The Jail Cell of the Last King of Sri Lanka: Perhaps Colombo's quirkiest landmark, the jail cell of the last King of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, is a unique landmark.
Currency Museum, Central Bank of Sri Lanka: The museum has a collection of ancient coins, dating back from about 3 BC to modern coins and notes that are being used in Sri Lanka.
Colombo Fort Clock Tower: One of the most prominent attractions in the city, the clock tower built in the year 1857.
Galle Face Lighthouse: Established in 1952, the Lighthouse features stunning views of the Indian Ocean at sunset, set against a backdrop of the urbanized centre of Colombo city.
Thereafter, you will have lunch at the Gallery Café, housed in the former offices of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
After lunch, you will drive to the Old Dutch Hospital; the 400-year-old hospital was built by the Dutch East India Company. You may like to go shopping in the currently refurbished recreational hub or spend some time exploring the precinct.
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Some of the monuments and buildings you will see during your tour are:
Old Town Hall Museum: A large gothic church-like mansion in the old business quarter of Pettah, the museum houses a veritable treasure trove of artifacts.
Wolvendaal Church: Dating back to the 17th century, this antique church houses many ancient tombstones and graves of forgotten Dutch Governors and diplomats.
Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil: One of the oldest Hindu temples in Colombo, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the elephant God) and Lord Shiva (known as "The Destroyer" within the Hindu trinity that includes "The Creator", Brahma and "The Preserver", Vishnu).
The Jail Cell of the Last King of Sri Lanka: Perhaps Colombo's quirkiest landmark, the jail cell of the last King of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, is a unique landmark.
Currency Museum, Central Bank of Sri Lanka: The museum has a collection of ancient coins, dating back from about 3 BC to modern coins and notes that are being used in Sri Lanka.
Colombo Fort Clock Tower: One of the most prominent attractions in the city, the clock tower built in the year 1857.
Galle Face Lighthouse: Established in 1952, the Lighthouse features stunning views of the Indian Ocean at sunset, set against a backdrop of the urbanized centre of Colombo city.
Thereafter, you will have lunch at the Gallery Café, housed in the former offices of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
After lunch, you will drive to the Old Dutch Hospital; the 400-year-old hospital was built by the Dutch East India Company. You may like to go shopping in the currently refurbished recreational hub or spend some time exploring the precinct.
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Day 3
After breakfast, you will leave for an experiential walk of Colombo City with the local historian and photography buff, Mark Forbes or with a core member from his team, who will take you through the glory days of Colombo Fort.
Next, you will visit one of the houses of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Your tour around the house will be led by a member of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust who will be happy to enlighten you about the legacy of Geoffrey Bawa.
Thereafter, you will have lunch at one of the popular restaurants in the city - The Ministry of Crab.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Next, you will visit one of the houses of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Your tour around the house will be led by a member of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust who will be happy to enlighten you about the legacy of Geoffrey Bawa.
Thereafter, you will have lunch at one of the popular restaurants in the city - The Ministry of Crab.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Day 4
Today, you will be met by our chauffeur-guide in the hotel lobby, and he will escort you to Colombo International Airport in time to connect for your flight to your Onward Destination.
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
