Sri Lanka>Colombo>The Secret Records of Pettah
City exploration game

The Secret Records of Pettah

5Player rating
The Secret Records of Pettah image 1
Play at your pace · usually 75 min 0.8 km Colombo App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Pettah is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Colombo and its stories are disappearing. In this family adventure, young explorers become Junior Time Keepers on a secret mission to recover six pieces of hidden evidence before they are lost forever. 

Solve challenges at real locations, unlock stories that most people walk straight past, and earn your title. For curious minds aged 6 to 14.

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Families with children aged 6 to 14 will enjoy this easy, free walk through old Pettah, where kids become Junior Time Keepers hunting six pieces of hidden evidence. In a little over an hour and just 0.8 km, they solve puzzles at the Khan Clock Tower, a temple, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Kayman's Gate. Adults after an in-depth history tour, or families with toddlers, should look elsewhere.

What makes this quest special

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.

From people who played this quest

Good times. In their words.

5.00 / 5

5 player ratings

Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Colombo

A · Start

136 Main St, Colombo, Sri Lanka

B · Finish

WVQ3+GJW, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

Along the way

Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included

The people behind the adventure

Created by Ahila Thillainathan.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Ahila Thillainathan

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

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to do this Pettah walk?
You can start whenever you like, with no time slot to book. The morning is best, before the heat builds up in Pettah's streets. Bring a hat, sunscreen and enough water, and make sure your phone is fully charged or carry a power bank.
Where does the quest start and finish?
It starts at the Khan Clock Tower and finishes at the Old Town Hall Building and Museum, so it does not end where it began. On the way you pass the Sammangodu Sri Kathiravelayutha Swami Temple, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Kayman's Gate Bell Tower, about 0.8 km in total.
What age is it suitable for?
It is designed for children aged 6 to 14 and rated easy. Kids play as Junior Time Keepers, solving puzzles at real locations and listening to audio stories as they collect six pieces of evidence and earn their title. Parents walk along and help as needed.
How long does it take, and can we pause?
Most families take a little over an hour, including walking and puzzles. You can pause at any point, for a snack or a rest from the sun, and continue later from where you stopped.
Is there anything to know before visiting the temple and mosque?
The route includes a Hindu temple and a mosque, so dress respectfully for the whole family to keep visits smooth. The quest is free to play, so everyone in your group can join in on the walk together.

Keep exploring Colombo

More adventures in Colombo

Pettah: The Stories Between The Shops

Pettah: The Stories Between The Shops

1.8 km | Average time: 71 min

★5(45)
€4.99
Faiths of the Shoreline: Kotahena

Faiths of the Shoreline: Kotahena

3.4 km | Average time: 135 min

★5(20)
€4.99
The 1980 List: Fort

The 1980 List: Fort

2 km | Average time: 104 min

★4.7(21)
€4.99
The Vanished Estate: A Historical Mystery

The Vanished Estate: A Historical Mystery

3.2 km | Average time: 110 min

★4.3(3)

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

Download Questo on the App StoreGet Questo on Google Play