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Holidays to Colombo

Colombo attracts many travellers with its charm and character; being located on the east coast of Sri Lanka it has a very enviable position. In more recent years the tourists have tended to divert away from the capital, perhaps using it as a stopover after their long flight. But if you look a little deeper, Colombo has quite a bit to offer of its own…

 

This hot and bustling capital has everything from smart shops and persistent market vendors to local street-food stands and gourmet restaurants. The best and most authentic way to explore the city is by trishaw or tuk-tuk…if you dare! Winding their way seamlessly through the traffic, these three-wheelers are inexpensive, easy to hail and offer a great way to see parts of the city that you may have otherwise missed.  

 

Experience this amazing city for yourself when on Sri Lanka holidays and you will not be disappointed.

A Guide to Colombo Holidays

Evening Cocktails

Evening Cocktails


Although Colombo is on the coast, the nearest desirable beach is slightly south of the city at Mount Lavinia.

Many locals stop here for a spot of sunbathing, swimming or a quick drink after their working day.

But one of the best ways to experience everything from a great vantage point whilst sipping a cocktail, is at the old and famous Mount Lavinia Hotel – the swimming pool and terrace here offers wonderful views of the city in the distance and if you’re able to experience this at sunset, you won’t be disappointed!

Foodie Heaven

Foodie Heaven


If you love food, Colombo is the place for you!

Kothu Roti, also known as Kottu, is a traditional Sri Lankan snack, consisting of sliced up roti bread, onions, tomatoes, chillies and eggs; and served with your choice of chicken or beef.

This is the number one street food in Sri Lanka and if you’re able to watch it being prepared in front of you, this is definitely a spectacle worth waiting for as each chef has a different way of chopping away and preparing the dish!

National Museum

National Museum


The National Museum is a must-see if you enjoy learning about the history of the city you are visiting.

Built in the late 1800s and containing regalia from the last Sinhalese king and other treasures, a visit to the National Museum is a great way to experience a bit of history and culture without venturing far out of the city or experiencing endless temples in the searing heat.

As well as traditional Sri Lankan and Kandyan art there is also a great collection of Dance Masks, each representing 18 ailments, ranging from blindness to speech impediment.

Old Dutch Hospital

Old Dutch Hospital


Considered to be one of the oldest buildings in the Fort area of Colombo, the Old Dutch Hospital dates back to Dutch colonial era in the early 1600s.

It has now been beautifully restored and houses a great selection of restaurants and cafes – try the special of the day, often served with a free drink or dessert!

There are also many small, bespoke shops for you to wander around which are filled with quality clothes and souvenirs.

Getting Around Colombo

Getting Around

Many tourists use hotel shuttles and transfers provided to get between the airport and hotels and to the different sites of interest. Whilst public transport, mainly in the form of local buses, is plentiful in Colombo, they can be overcrowded, slow and very hot! We would recommend that you use metered air-conditioned taxis where possible as these are readable available, safer to use and relatively cheap. If you’re after something more authentic, hail a trishaw or tuk-tuk and travel like the locals!

 

Driving is not recommended in Colombo as the roads are quite hard to navigate and the traffic can be rather chaotic.

Passports and Visas

British citizens require a tourist visa to visit Sri Lanka and it is recommended to obtain these before travel. You will also need to have 6 months validity on your passport. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements

Health and Safety

We highly recommend you have full travel and medical insurance for your holiday to Sri Lanka. For the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/health Sri Lanka is generally a very safe country, but as with all major cities, in Colombo do keep your wits about you, particularly after dark.

Vaccinations

Travellers to Sri Lanka should contact their local GP or Travel Clinic to obtain full advice on which vaccinations they will need (some may need Typhoid and/or Hepatitis B). All tourists should also make sure their routine jabs are up to date.

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