The Secret Records of Pettah
Solve challenges at real locations, unlock stories that most people walk straight past, and earn your title. For curious minds aged 6 to 14.
Places you will visit
6
It will take you
60-90 mins
You will walk
1050 steps
Total distance
0.8 km
Highlights
Count clock faces on a 100-year-old tower. Ask a temple priest about the God who rides a peacock. Identify fruit-shaped mosque domes that once guided ships home.
Find a 400-year-old bell. Count a frozen 1906 meeting. Discover a mobile library van that once brought books to every child in Colombo.
The mission: Your story in Colombo
Somewhere in Colombo, hidden in plain sight, is one of the oldest and most extraordinary neighbourhoods in the city. Its name is Pettah. For over 400 years, people have been coming here from across the world - from Persia, from South India, from Arabia, from China, from the Netherlands, from Portugal, from Britain.
They came to trade. They came to pray. They came to build. And every single one of them left a mark.
The Colombo Time Keepers have been protecting these hidden stories for generations. We keep the records of the communities who built this neighbourhood - their temples, their mosques, their bells, their maps, their libraries, their gold. Without these records, their stories will be forgotten.
Good to know before you play
- Hidden History
- Kids' Favorite
- Family favourite
- This quest features interactive puzzles you’ll solve in the real world.
- Difficulty level: Easy 🟢😊
- Audio Stories
- Dress to impress: Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples for a seamless experience
- Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank
- Wear a hat and sunscreen, have enough water
- Best in the morning to avoid the heat
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
2 ratings
Thilini
Ahila Thillainathan
Beat the best: Top Colombo explorers
Colombo's stories found me on walks with my mother in her last years. They were hidden in plain sight - in our own neighbourhood. I've been exploring and uncovering them across different neighbourhoods of this fascinating city ever since. Welcome to Colombo Untold.
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