Pettah: The Stories Between The Shops
Pettah is loud, crowded and gloriously chaotic. Listen at each stop. Washrooms and vegetarian meals are available at Sri Suryas on Sea Street (10-minute walk or short tuk tuk ride from the final stop).
How many are playing?
Unlock · €14.99Live in Colombo? The Annual Pass is how locals play · €79.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
56-86 mins
You will walk
2630 steps
Total distance
2 km
A note from Ahila Thillainathan
“I began discovering Colombo's stories during walks with my mother in her last years. I discovered hidden gems 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.”
What you'll actually do
Download the Questo app and unlock the quest. Walk to Khan Clock Tower whenever you like · no guide, no group, no time slot.
Solve 11 puzzles hidden in the streets around you. Each one you crack unlocks the next location.
Finish at The Beans Coffee Factory and see where you land on the Colombo leaderboard.
Highlights
Discover stories at a candy-striped mosque, dodge Nattami carts, explore a 200-year-old temple and a council chamber frozen in 1906. End at a coffee factory on an ancient street. Listen to the audio stories at every stop.Washrooms and vegetarian meals are available at Sri Suryas on Sea Street (10-min walk or short tuk tuk ride away).
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone · race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace · live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
What to expect from Pettah: The Stories Between The Shops
Colombo's most chaotic neighbourhood has been hiding its stories for 12 centuries beneath the shouts of merchants and rumble of hand-pulled carts. Find a bell that outlived three empires, a forgotten British milestone and a Civil War veteran who changed Ceylon forever. Pettah is loud, crowded and gloriously chaotic. Listen at each stop. Washrooms and vegetarian meals are available at Sri Suryas on Sea Street (10-minute walk or short tuk tuk ride from the final stop).
Discover stories at a candy-striped mosque, dodge Nattami carts, explore a 200-year-old temple and a council chamber frozen in 1906. End at a coffee factory on an ancient street. Listen to the audio stories at every stop. Washrooms and vegetarian meals are available at Sri Suryas on Sea Street (10-min walk or short tuk tuk ride away).
Start: Khan Clock Tower. Finish: The Beans Coffee Factory. 11 challenges included.
Good to know before you play
- Hidden History
- Difficulty level: Easy 🟢😊
- Audio Stories
- The last part of the game might not be available after 4PM.
- Best in the morning to avoid the heat and see lively market, local shrines and temples.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank
- Not suitable for young children or elderly people, due to the heat
- 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
47 ratings
Crystal
Nirosha Francis
Rehana Cuttilan
Rehana Cuttilan
Amalka
Beat the best: Top Colombo explorers
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Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
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