FAQ and how booking works
Everything you might want to know before you book. If your question isn't here, just ask Janaka on WhatsApp; there's a button at the bottom of the page.
How booking works
No forms, no accounts and no payment up front. It's just a conversation.
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Send a WhatsApp.
Every button on this site opens WhatsApp with a message already written. Add your date, how many of you there are and where you're staying, and press send.
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Agree the plan.
Janaka replies with a suggested route, a pickup time and the price. Ask anything and change anything.
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Get a reminder.
Janaka confirms with you on WhatsApp the day before your tour.
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Enjoy Colombo, then pay.
Pay in cash at the end of the tour.
Hi Janaka! I have a question before I book: [your question]
Booking and paying
Do I pay before the tour?
No. There's no deposit and nothing to pay online. You pay Janaka in cash on the day, after your tour.
How much does a tour cost?
Every tour page shows a "from" price. City Tour from lkr 8,000 (about us$25), Evening & Sunset Tour from lkr 9,000 (about us$28), Street Food Tour from lkr 9,000 (about us$28), Full-Day Charter from lkr 18,000 (about us$56). Janaka confirms the exact price on WhatsApp before you book, so there are no surprises.
On the day
What language is the tour in?
English. Janaka also speaks Sinhala. If someone in your group is more comfortable in another language, a translation app works fine for the odd tricky question.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code for temples?
Light, comfortable clothes and shoes you can slip on and off easily. At temples, shoulders and knees need to be covered, and you take off your shoes and hat before going in. A light scarf or sarong in your bag solves most of it, and some temples will lend you a white cloth to wrap round if you need one. Please don't pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue; it's considered disrespectful.
What should I bring?
Water, a hat, sun cream, some small cash for snacks or souvenirs, and your phone or camera. On the food tour, hand wipes are handy.
Choosing your tour
We only have a few hours, or we're off a cruise ship. Can we still do a tour?
Yes. There's a 3-hour version of the city tour that covers Galle Face, the Fort and Pettah. Tell Janaka the time you need to be back and he'll plan backwards from that. If you're on a cruise, send him your all-aboard time and he'll tell you honestly whether it works.
Which tour is best for a first visit?
The Colombo City Tour gives you the big picture: the seafront, the old Fort, the markets and a temple. If you're in town for an evening, the Evening & Sunset Tour shows you the city at its liveliest.
We're on honeymoon. Is there something for couples?
Yes. The Evening & Sunset Tour is private, so it's just the two of you, and Janaka will shape the evening around what you're celebrating.
I'm vegetarian or have allergies. Can I do the food tour?
Vegetarians will eat very well; lots of Sri Lankan street food is vegetarian already. If you have a serious allergy, tell Janaka before you book so he can tell you honestly what's safe. See the Street Food Tour.
Can we change the route or make our own?
Yes, every tour is private and can be adjusted. If you'd like a full day with your own list of places, have a look at the Full-Day Private Charter.
Still have a question?
Send it to Janaka on WhatsApp. He'll get back to you.
WhatsApp +94 77 914 3582