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+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Sri Lanka

Colombo

HIGHLIGHTS
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HOTELS
GOOD TO KNOW
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Why visit Colombo

A lot of people fly into Colombo and head straight out, but it’s really worth spending a night or two here, either at the start or end of your trip.

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s biggest city, full of life and character. You’ll find colonial buildings alongside colourful temples, busy markets, and a growing food and arts scene giving you a real feel for everyday Sri Lankan life.

Take some time to check out cafés and galleries in Cinnamon Gardens, wander the old streets of Pettah, and catch the sunset at Galle Face Green before heading further into the country.

Did you know?

Colombo is home to people of various religious backgrounds, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, creating a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.

Bustling Street Food Culture

From delicious kottu roti and hoppers to mouth watering seafood, Colombo offers a diverse range of street food that is sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings.

Highlights of Colombo

Dutch Hospital Precinct: Wander restored colonial buildings now housing cafes, bars and boutique shops.
Cinnamon Gardens: Explore leafy streets lined with colonial mansions, embassies and hidden cafés perfect for a quiet coffee.
Pettah Market: Lose yourself in a colourful maze of spices, textiles and trinkets, where haggling is part of the experience.
Gangaramaya Temple : Discover a striking mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture, plus a museum of Buddhist artefacts.
Independence Square: Stroll the gardens surrounding the 1948 Independence Memorial Hall, a calm spot to soak in Sri Lanka’s history.
Beira Lake & Seema Malaka: Pause at this serene temple floating on the lake, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, the father of Sri Lankan modern architecture.
Colombo’s Street Food: Sample hopper pancakes, kottu roti and fresh tropical fruits from hawkers, and feel the city’s flavours come alive.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Colombo

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Boutique Hotel

Ishq Colombo, Colombo

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Boutique Hotel

The Wallawwa, Colombo

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Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

The main airport in Colombo is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). From here, it takes between 40 and 60 minutes to drive to the city depending on the traffic.

Direct flights operate regularly from London Heathrow Airport, and the flight time is between 10 and 11 hours. It is also common to have a short stop over in Doha or Dubai.

If you are travelling from other parts of Sri Lanka, domestic flights also frequently operate.

Where to combine with Colombo

There are plenty of great ways to combine Colombo with the rest of Sri Lanka. We usually recommend adding a couple of nights in Colombo either at the start or end of your trip to enjoy the city’s food, history and coastal atmosphere.

After your stay in Colombo, head north to Wilpattu National Park to see some amazing wildlife. It’s one of the best places in Sri Lanka for leopards and a more tranquil safari experience.
Afterwards, you can continue on to the Cultural Triangle, where you can explore Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and the ancient temples and heritage sites that define the region.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling along the south coast, you can spend a few relaxing days by the beach and then head to the historic city of Galle, known for its colonial fort, boutique hotels and charming streets.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Colombo is from December to March. During these months, the weather is warm, sunny, and mostly dry. Humidity is lower, making it comfortable to explore the city. This is a great time to visit cultural sites, local markets, and the seaside at Galle Face Green.

April is also hot and green. The city feels lively, though short rain showers are common. From May to September, the southwest monsoon brings heavier rain and higher humidity to Colombo. This is a quieter time to visit, while other parts of Sri Lanka have better weather.