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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 stone that measured the British road network, and a Civil War veteran who changed Ceylon forever. 

Fair warning: Pettah is loud, crowded and gloriously chaotic - not for the faint of heart. Comfortable shoes and a sense of humour essential. Press play at each stop to hear the full story. Start looking up. 
⚡ Instant🛡 Money-back⏱ 1–2 hrs🧩 11 puzzles
🌐 Play in 🇬🇧 English

Places you will visit

11

It will take you

66-96 mins

You will walk

2630 steps

Total distance

2 km

Highlights

  • Discover stories at a candy-striped mosque, a bell that outlived three empires and a stone that was mile zero of the British road network. 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. Press play at every stop.

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

While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.

Ratings and Reviews

4.86

21 ratings

5 Stars
95%
4 Stars
0%
3 Stars
0%
2 Stars
5%
1 Star
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Reviews
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Randika

03:10
story: The mosque, the fire station museum. the smells... spices, soap

Sandiya Lawrence

03:09
story: A fun, engaging, and educational way to explore Pettah’s hidden history

Peace

03:08
story

Thayalan Thillainathan

09 Jul 2026

Thayalan Thillainathan

09 Jul 2026

Beat the best: Top Colombo explorers

Ahila ThillainathanRookie
3300 XP
Sandiya LawrenceRookie
3266 XP
Selva KumarRookie
3260 XP
Created by
Ahila Thillainathan

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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