Chaotic Pettah Markets/Street Bazars

The Pettah Street Markets, also known as Pettah Bazaar, is a bustling open-air market located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Spread across several blocks, the market is a maze of narrow alleys and streets lined with vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, textiles, electronics, jewelry, spices, and fresh produce. The Pettah Street Markets are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into everyday life in Colombo. Visitors can wander through the bustling streets, haggling with vendors and browsing the wide range of products on offer. The market is
particularly busy in the mornings and early afternoons, and visitors are advised to keep a close eye on their belongings and be aware of pickpockets. Overall, the Pettah Street Markets are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Colombo’s bustling street markets.

Old Dutch Hospital

The Old Dutch Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. It was originally built as a hospital by the Dutch East India Company to care for sick and injured Dutch sailors who were traveling to or from their colonies in the East Indies. The hospital was strategically
located near the Colombo port, which was an important stopover point on the trade route between Europe and Asia. Over the years, the Old Dutch Hospital served various functions. In the early 19th century, it was used as a police station, and in the late 19th century, it was converted into a post office. During World War II, the
building was used as a military hospital by the British. In the early 21st century, efforts were made to restore the Old Dutch Hospital and convert it into a shopping and dining complex. The restoration project aimed to preserve the building’s historic architecture and features, including its distinctive colonnades, archways, and courtyards. Today, the Old Dutch Hospital is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it continues to be an important landmark in Colombo’s history and cultural heritage.

Kathiresan Pillayar Kovil Fort & Pettah Hindu Kovils

The Colombo Fort is a central commercial district and administrative hub for government departments and cooperate offices. The Fort and Pettah neighborhoods are vibrant and historic areas that offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s diverse religious landscape, particularly the Hindu community. The Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, Sri Kathiresan Kovil, and Sri Muthumariamman Kovil are four stunning Hindu kovils located in the Fort and Pettah neighborhoods. They are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and colorful statues, and are an important part of the Hindu community in Colombo. A tour of Fort and Pettah with #srilankabycar can offer a comprehensive and immersive experience of these neighborhoods, complete with historical and cultural context, making the visit to Colombo truly unforgettable.

St. Lucia Cathedral – St. Anthony’s Shrine

This 1887 built enormous cathedral is one of the oldest and most well-known churches in the city, and it is particularly famous for its ornate architecture and its association with St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things. The shrine was established in the late 1800s by the Portuguese, and it was later expanded and
renovated by the British. The current structure features a mix of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and a large dome

St. Anthony’s Shrine is particularly popular among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who come to pray, seek blessings, and light candles in honor of St. Anthony. The church is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to admire its beautiful architecture and to experience its rich history and spiritual significance

In April 2019, St. Anthony’s Shrine was one of the targets of the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, which caused significant damage to the church and killed and injured many worshippers who were attending Easter Sunday services. Since then, the church has undergone extensive renovations, and it has reopened
to the public. Today, St. Anthony’s Shrine remains an important religious and cultural landmark in Colombo, and it continues to serve its community with prayer services, religious education, and outreach programs.

Gangaramaya buddhist temple and Seema Malakaya meditation center/ Gangaramaya & Seemamalakaya meditation center.

Gangaramaya Temple is the center for the most extravagant Vesak festivals in Colombo and Navam Perahara in February each year. founded in the late 19th century by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, which blends elements of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles. It also houses a large collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.

Seema Malakaya Meditaion Center

Seema Malakaya is primarily a Buddhist temple located on Beira Lake in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in the late 20th century. The temple is known for its unique design, which features a series of interconnected platforms and walkways that appear to float on the lake’s surface. It offers a peaceful and contemplative setting for meditation and reflection, making it an ideal location for spiritual practices. Many visitors come to Seema Malakaya to meditate and reflect, and the temple’s serene setting on the lake provides a quiet, peaceful environment for such activities.

In addition to its function as a temple and meditation center, Seema Malakaya is also a popular tourist attraction. The temple’s impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lankan culture and history. Visitors can admire the temple’s unique design and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake, making it a perfect spot for both spiritual and aesthetic experiences.

Shopping in Colombo – Mini Shopping Tour

A mini shopping tour with in the main Tour, conducted on request as the city gaining its reputation of animportant shopping hub of the South East Asia.