Night Cycling from Colombo

(SKU: LK77001EA8) Cycle through the charming city of Colombo at dusk, as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks and learn its hidden secrets. Learn more about the history of the city and the stories behind it. See Colombo from a different perspective. This is a Private Cycling Tour.

Highlights:

• Fully narrated tour.
• Comprehensive tour of the city.
• Cycle the city streets to absorb the local atmosphere.

Includes:

• One night cycling session.
• Tour escort/host.
• Bottle of Water and other refreshments. (Snacks, Tea/Coffee or drinks)
• Cold Towels
• Helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets, (safety is our number one priority).
• A back up vehicle and spare bicycles (Will be available for two guests and above).
• All taxes & service charges.

Excludes:

• Dinner.
• Gratuities (optional).
• Expenses of personal nature.

Experience:

The tour begins at 1730 hrs at independence square where you will get familiarized with their bikes & listen to the safety briefing. You will also be provided with helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets, to ensure safety & comfort.

The route that you will be taking is as below:

• Independence square: The independence memorial hall is a national monument in independence square. It was opened in 1953. The memorial hall is based on the architecture of the audience hall of the royal palace complex (which now houses the Temple of the tooth relic) in Kandy.
• Lunatic Asylum: The building was constructed in 1889 at a cost of Rs 450,000 to serve as the Jawatta Lunatic Asylum (also called the Cinnamon Gardens Asylum). The building consisted of an entrance block, two patient wings (accommodating 400 patients) connected to the central administration and a boundary wall.
• Race course: Opened in 1893, the race course was used as a temporary air field during world war II. It went on a decline after the war. In 2014, it was converted to Sri Lanka's first international rugby ground with an attached shopping complex.
• Victoria park and the municipal building: Victoria park is the largest and oldest park in Colombo. It was built during the British era and was named after queen Victoria. Today the name has been changed to Viharamahadevi park to commemorate the mother of the famous ancient Sri Lankan king Dutugamunu.
• Gangaramaya temple: Gangaramaya temple is an eclectic mix of modern architecture, due to its redesign by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, and cultural essence. Located in what once a swamp adjoining the beira Lake, this temple is a one of the land marks of the city.
• Slave island: A suburb of Colombo that was once a place of horror where African slaves were held during the Portuguese and Dutch rule of Sri Lanka. Some of the residents still have traces of African ancestry.
• Dutch hospital: It was built in 1681 in the Dutch colonial era. With time it was used for various purposes. Now it has been lavishly restored and is home to some of the best cafes, restaurants and shops in Colombo.
• Grand oriental hotel: A 19th century colonial building converted into a hotel, it has a scenic view of the Colombo harbor and Galle face green.
• Old Colombo light house: The old lighthouse is an important part of the city and has a history that dates back to the 19th century. It now functions as a clock tower.
• The prison of the last king of ceylon: A historical icon of Colombo, the prison cell of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajainghe, is located opposite the Bank of Ceylon headquarters.
• Galle face green and galle face hotel:A long stretch of coastal land cleared by the Dutch to put up the canons of their fort. The original green was a larger area than it is today.

After viewing these places, you will be cycling back to independence square and finish the tour there by approximately 2230 hrs.

Notes: Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.