Architectural Day Tour in Colombo

Discover and witness captivating mysteries of Colombo’s outstanding buildings and reveal the little known architectural secrecies of the city. Marvel at the impressive old structures still standing tall from the colonial era. Appraise designs of the Dutch, The Portuguese and the English.

Also experience the modern architectural achievements of Sri Lanka like the Lotus Pond Theater, combination of the ancient and modern eras.

Pick up from hotel :

Will be visiting,

• Old Parliament buildings,

• Seema Malakaya – Gangaramaya.

• Galle Face Hotel,

• The Independence Square,

• Race Course,

• The Dutch Hospital,

• The Town Hall,

• Colombo Light House,

• Grand Oriental Hotel,

• Cargill’s building,

• Lotus Pond Theatre,

Drop off at the hotel.

 

Old Parliament building

Built in the neo-baroque style of architecture, the Old Parliament Building is one of the major attractions of Colombo. The beautiful architecture and the history associated with the building is fascinating, to say the least. The building was opened on January 29, 1930 by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley. When the State Council of Ceylon was established a year later, the old building was used as the office space for the council. 

 

Seema Malaka Temple

Seema Malaka Temple is the assembly hall for monks at the Gangaramaya Vihara Buddhist Temple, one of the most famous temples in Sri Lanka. The reason for its fame is three fold – modern architecture, religious importance and cultural significance. The architecture of the temple is a perfect harmony of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. 

 

Galle Face Hotel

Founded in 1864, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a rich colonial history and is arguably one of the best heritage hotels in the world. The Galle Face Hotel was originally built by four British entrepreneurs and is among the few remaining colonial hotels in operation today in Asia. In 2012 it became the first hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. The hotel reflects the grandeur of a bygone era yet offering modern comfort for today’s traveler. Despite many renovations over the years, the period detail of the Galle Face Hotel has been preserved in its architecture and façade.

 

Independence Square

This imposing building is situated at the heart of Cinnamon Gardens, Sri Lanka’s ritziest neighborhood. Nowadays, the Independence Memorial Hall is mostly popular as a recreational venue for joggers, strolling couples, students from the nearby university and families looking for a refreshing reprieve from the urban mess of Colombo. Every architectural square inch of this monument teems with lavish symbols of the island’s rich history and political freedom. The most prominent feature of the monument, the assembly hall, was inspired by the “Magul Maduwa,” the royal court of the King of Kandy, the last kingdom on the island. 

 

The Race Course

The magnificent colonial racecourse building is complete with a colossal grandstand. Now, the 120-year-old Colombo Racecourse, is a center of another sport, preserve the British classic-style architecture of the grandstand, and discreetly transform an adjacent building into a shopping and restaurant area.

 

The Dutch Hospital

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 precinct.

 

Town Hall – Colombo

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

In 1921 renowned Scottish town planner, Professor Patrick Geddes, recommended that the Council should construct a large central and dignified municipal building to house the council, a public reception hall, the mayor's office and a public library. The need for the Colombo Public Library was addressed by a philanthropic donation of a building by Dr. W. Arthur Silva in 1925. This building, Sirinivasa, is now the official residence of the mayor.

 

Colombo Light House

The Lighthouse is one of the lesser known but equally fascinating attractions of Colombo. Operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Lighthouse is 12 metres high and is built on a concrete base. The Lighthouse was built in 1952. Tourists and locals flock to the Lighthouse to sit and relax in the peaceful spot. From the Lighthouse, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.

 

Grand Oriental Hotel

The story of the Hotel begins as a British military barrack constructed in 1837. Gradually the barracks were converted into hostels for soldiers and later in 1875 refurbished as the well-equipped, luxurious Grand Oriental Hotel. It was the first European owned, fully equipped hotel in the East, and the first in Ceylon to install an electrically operated lift.

Through time the Hotel gained a reputation worldwide with its plush service offerings at a central location on the Indian sea route, becoming the choice of many illustrious patrons. Dr Jose Mercado Rizal Y Alonzo, a national hero of the Philippines visited the Grand Oriental Hotel four times and famous Russian author Anton Chekov aboded at the Hotel where he commenced writing his novel “Gusev.” In the early 1950s, during the stay of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Kent, at the Queen’s House in Colombo, it was the Grand Oriental Hotel that was chosen to provide catering.

 

The cargills Building

Construction of the beautiful and ornate Cargills building in Colombo commenced in 1902 and was completed in 1906. The building resembles Renaissance style architecture. In the past the building served as Colombo's premiere department store consisting of everything from clothing to groceries. Today the building still serves as a department store and is one of the city’s most familiar landmarks.

 

The Lotus Pond Theater

The Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond)  Theatre is a fully equipped state of the art performance center, meant for large scale theatrical productions. The theatre consists of two venues for performances, which includes the Main Auditorium and an Open Air Theatre.

Situated in the heart of Colombo city, this modern architectural masterpiece facilitates easy access for both local and foreign producers. The Theatre is also surrounded by several five Star Hotels and other commercial establishments.