Colombo

Understand

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka after the administrative capital was moved to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, a suburb east of the city. "Colombo" could refer to either the city proper, or to Greater Colombo that includes the areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. Due to it being on a strategic route in the Indian Ocean, Colombo hosts one of the busiest ports in South Asia, and was known to traders 2,000 years ago. It was an important port on the Maritime Silk Road. Today, the city is the centre of the country's activities and is home to most of the country's restaurants and entertainment venues.

Climate

Colombo has a tropical monsoon climate, bordering on tropical rainforest climate, so the weather is warm or hot around the year with temperatures usually around 25 °C (77 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F), and wet during much of the year. For the best weather, visit during the north-east monsoon season, including the driest months December to March. There's also a shorter dryer period in July and August.

History The Portuguese gave the city its current name, which is derived from Sinhala: kolon thota - "port on the river Kelani" or kola-amba-thota - "harbour with leafy/green mango trees" or kolamba - "ford or harbour". And thanks to its natural harbour it has been a trading point for thousands of years, visited by traders from as far as China and the Roman Empire. From the 8th century Arab traders settled in the area and eventually came to control the trade through Colombo. They were followed by the Portuguese, who in 1505 made a treaty with the Kingdom of Kotte where they were allowed to establish a trading post in Colombo and trade in cinnamon in exchange for protection from outer invaders. The Portuguese eventually set up a fort, expelled the Arabs from Colombo and proceeded to take over the whole island, formerly ruled by many kingdoms, over the course of the 16th century. The surroundings where the fort stood are now known as the Fort district, though the Dutch tore it down replacing it with their own fort, which the British replaced with military barracks and other buildings, and the barracks were demolished in the 1970s to make room for the Colombo World Trade Center. The Portuguese presence in Sri Lanka was marked by a long war, the Sinhalese-Portuguese war from 1527 to 1658. The Dutch, Portugal's main rival during the age of colonization became involved in the war and took over Colombo in 1656. The city became a centre for the Dutch East India Company's operations on the island, and by that they also c

Getting there

By plane Air service to Colombo is provided by the national airline Sri Lankan Airlines and foreign airlines, mostly from India and Asia. Direct flights are available from major centres in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast and East Asia and Australia, as well as from many cities throughout the subcontinent.

Airports 1 Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA), Canada Friendship Rd (at Katunayake, close to Negombo), ☏ +94 11 2 252861. Sri Lanka's primary international airport, on the coast north of Colombo. It has ATMs, mobile network providers and travel agencies in the welcome hall (after customs), so you'll be able to get cash and a SIM card, and are able to book transportation to your hotel. (updated Aug 2024) 2 Ratmalana Airport (RML IATA). Has flights from domestic locations such as Hambantota-Mattala, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. It has limited international flights that tend to be corporate jet operations and charters. This airport is on south side of Colombo, so leave plenty of time if you have a connecting flight between the two airport. (updated Jan 2024)

Ground transportation serving Bandaranaike International Airport The international airport is closer to Negombo than to Colombo, so if you're arriving late or departing early, it might be a better option to stay the night in Negombo. Confirm the cost of any mode of transport before using it.

By taxi The journey from Colombo Fort will take about 45 minutes by taxi, if taking the toll expressway (Highway E03), and is the fastest option available. Toll between Colombo and the airport costs Rs 450 each way. At the airport, immediately after leaving customs, there's a taxi counter on your right. Tell them your destination and they will print you a voucher with the price. An A/C van from the airport to Colombo 1 (Fort) costs Rs 7,500 (2024). Other popular taxi services: Ceylon Taxi Kangaroo Taxi and Taxi Yala airport taxi service Airport Taxi booking. Most 4- or 5-star hotels have their own counter just outside the arrivals hall. You can also take a tri-shaw aka tuk-tuk from the bus depot (get there by free airport shuttle bus), it takes a bit more than an hour and is Rs 2,500 (2024) from airport to Galle Road. Another option is to use the PickMe ride-hailing app.

By bus This is the cheapest way to get into Colombo, but will take some effort and time. Check out the official transportation information at the National Transport Commission website. There are types of two buses.

Public bus #187 operates between the 3 airport bus depot (about 1 km drive southeast of the airport) and t

Getting around

By tri-shaw Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. Some three-wheelers have built in meters or the drive uses a phone app that does the same. Drivers hanging out in tourist areas often will not have or not allow meters as an option. Ask if there is a meter and if there is not a meter to use, always negotiate and agree on a price before you take a trip. But it's best to hail a meter taxi (identified by the words "Meter Taxi" on its windshield) that is traveling in the direction that you need to go instead of hiring one from the parking area or the tuk-tuk stand. The meter taxi costs Rs 100 for the first kilometre and increases in increments of Rs 10 based on distance and waiting time. It is best to have an offline map, as drivers relying on meters will agree to take you without an understanding where they need to go, whereas drivers negotiating a price will not agree to a price unless they understand how to get to the destination. The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority also operates its own fleet of 'tuk-tuks' around Colombo which are tourist friendly and metered to ensure that travellers are aware of the price being paid. Tourist board tuk tuks are distinguishable by their unique paintings. These three-wheelers can be booked 24 hours a day by calling 0712 500 800 or 0772 299 299.

By bus Colombo has an extensive network of buses going around the city/region. Bus stops have no timetable or route map as such. Fares depend on the type of bus and distance. Fares are per trip: no free connections. Prices start at Rs 30 (as of 2024), buy from onboard conductor. The Ceylonlanka.info and Routemaster websites have partial, incomplete information on routes. Google Maps navigation via public transport works well.

By taxi Taxis are safer and much more comfortable than tuk-tuks. There are 'Tata Nano' cars in service nowadays and the charges start from Rs 40 per kilometre with air-conditioning. The tuk-tuks also offer their service for a fee of Rs 30 per km but only those with the "Metered Taxi" name board in front. Others may not have the meters running. Uber is available in Colombo with options for smaller cars (Go and Zip), as well as UberX, but XL is not available. A local ride-sharing app called Pick Me allows to order everything from a tuk tuk to a van, although there have been reports about the app not working for all users.

By ride hailing PickMe, ☏ +94 117433433. A ride hailing service based out of and operating in Sri Lanka. Serves more of Sri Lanka than other ride hailing options. There are different price

See

Holy places

1 Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Lankamatha Road, Ragama suburb of Colombo (from Ragama Railway Station 2 km NE or bus to stop 'National Basilika Ave'). A Roman Catholic church with basilica status. The church is home to the venerated statue of Our Lady of Lanka. 2 St Luke's Anglican Church, Borella district of Colombo-8. The church plays an important role within the history of the Church Missionary Society on the island. 3 St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Polwatte (159, St Michael’s Road, Colombo 3) (Cameron Pl corner; 100 m east of Kollupitiya Jumma Mosque). It was dedicated on 29 September 1887 and is a landmark in Kollupitiya, a suburb of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A magnificent building of stone, mortar and wood. 4 St Andrew's Scots Kirk church, No. 73, Galle Road, Colombo 3 (close to the High Commission of India). It was founded in the late 19th century, and prospered during the colonial and post-colonial periods, it was a centre for the Scots element in Colombo, the capital city of what was then Ceylon. 5 St Lucia's Cathedral, St Benedict's Street and St Lucia Street, Kotahena (in the northeast of Colombo; 200 m north of Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium). The seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka. 6 St Paul's Church (1853), Galle Rd, Milagiriya district (Dr Lester James Peries Mawatha Street corner; take bus to stop 'Milagiriya'). It is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese as a Roman Catholic church, and was known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres 7 Buddha Jayanthi Chaithya stupa, Colombo Harbour. A Buddhist shrine, built with reinforced concrete. 8 Gangaramaya Temple, 61, Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 2 (Hunupitiya Lake Rd corner), ☏ +94 11 2 435169. One of the most important temples in Colombo. The temple's architecture is an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles. And adjoining it just to the west is the Seema Malaka, another Buddhist temple complex that sits upon Beira Lake, along with Gangamaraya Park. Some urban and eccentric views of the surrounding skyline can be had from here, including looking back on the Altair Sri Lanka apartment tower that looks like one building falling on another. 9 Sri Bala Selva Vinayagar. Hindu temple in Colombo 10. Devoted to Shiva and Ganesh. 10 Kalani Raja Maha Viharaya.. Located about 9 km away from Colombo, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple had been built more than 2,000 years ago and contains images of re

Do

1 Galle Face Green Promenade, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Visit at sundown for a spectacular view. The ½-km-long promenade stretches 13 acres (5.3 hectares) between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean; it tends to attract children, teenagers, vendors, lovers, kite flyers, merrymakers, and families. Usually on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the land is filled with day-trippers, food vendors, and people picnicking which make it very crowded. It is also the largest open space in the city. Free. 2 Colombo Zoological Gardens (Dehiwala Zoological Garden), Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala (by bus: from Colombo port, No. 101 stops at Dehiwala junction, and get the Bus No. 176 or 118. - By Train: get to Dehiwala station which near station to Colombo zoo and get Bus No. 176 or 118), ☏ +94 112 712 751, [email protected]. Daily 8:30AM-4PM. Colombo's zoo has a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world. See lion show, every day 4-4:15PM; elephant show, every day 4:30-4:55PM. For overseas visitors: adult Rs 2000, child Rs 1000, video cameras Rs 500. Other fees: elephant ride, adult Rs 200, child Rs 100; pony ride for children under 12 Rs 25.

3 Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park), Cinnamon Gardens. It is the largest, oldest and most colourful park situated in the heart of Colombo, just opposite the colonial style Town Hall building. 4 Attidiya Bird Sanctuary (9km towards the south west of the city). A beautiful marshland, rich with natural biodiversity and a resting place for many types of birds. The vegetation is dominated by sedge and grasses including Rhyuchospora rubra and Panicum repens. Around 43 species of waterfowl live in the area. Most common among them are Indian Shag (Phalaerocorox fuscicollis), and the Blue breasted Banded Rail (Rallus striatus). If you are an enthusiastic bird watcher or an eco friend, then it is worthwhile to spend sometimes in the Attidiya bird sanctuary. 5 Sri Lanka Planetarium, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. Established in 1965. English shows on the last Saturday of the month at 2PM. 6 Gordon Gardens. About 16,000 m². The gardens have an amazing variety of trees. 7 Colombo Racecourse, Cinnamon Gardens, Philip Gunewardena Mawatha, Colombo 07. In 2012 it was redeveloped as the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex to become the first International rugby union ground in Sri Lanka to host all the national rugby union side's home matches. 8 Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club Grounds, Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 07. 9 Royal College Sports Complex, 10, Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha, Off Independence Avenue, Co

Buy

Places to shop include:

1 Barefoot, 706 Galle Road (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya), ☏ +94 11 2589305. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. This handicraft shop has a wide range of good quality souvenirs and handmade items: clothes, bags and children toys, from some of the most beautifully-coloured fabric you've ever seen. While the biggest outlet is at Galle Road, there are smaller outlets at the Dutch Hospital and 41 Pedlar Street. (updated Oct 2016) 2 Crescat Boulevard, 89 Galle Rd (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya). An up-market shopping mall. Though it is fairly small, it contains a food court on the basement floor. 3 Lakmedura, 113 Dharmapala Rd (Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens). Gift shop. 4 Lakpahana, 14 Reid Ave (Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens), ☏ +94 112 698 211. A non-profit organization run by the craftsman association of Sri Lanka with assistance from the government. Offers all handicrafts and gemstone jewellery. Unique metalware, wood carvings, silver jewellery, batik, textile products and other crafts. 5 Liberty Plaza, RA de Mel Mawatha (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya). Similar to Majestic City but smaller. You can find various items such as clothing, CDs and DVDs. 6 Majestic City. In Kollupitiya on Galle Road has a wide variety of clothing outlets, including a sub-branch of Odel, at very good prices, as well as various electrical goods and toy shops. It's pleasantly air-conditioned and includes a food court on the ground floor. 7 Odel, No 5, Alexandra Place (Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens). A stylish department store, with its very own Delifrance outlet, clothing, houseware, sporting goods, books and movies, as well as Delight – for sweet indulgences from chocolates to exotic nuts. 8 Paradise Road, 213, Dharmapala Mawatha (Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens), ☏ +94 11 268 6043. 9AM-7PM. A shop with a small café in a British colonial style building where antiques, home décor items and art can be viewed or purchased. 9 The Pettah Market. Fruits to clothes to electronics at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you. Even if you don't buy anything, Pettah, or Colombo 11 is an experience in itself being a very typical, loud and crowded oriental market place full of all sorts of odds, ends and junk. Each street in the market has its own speciality, for example, in 1st Cross Street you can find electrical items, 2nd Cross Street has jewellery and so on. In the Pettah Market area, some street vendors actively ask passers-by, foreigners and locals to view products they are selling though polite refusal is general

Eat

Sri Lankan food can be very spicy, so ask questions and order accordingly. That said, Colombo has a wide range of eateries, and there should be something for almost any combination of food preference and budget.

Budget

Available everywhere are small bakeries selling rotis (either flat or folded into triangles filled with egg, vegetable or fish), hoppers (bowl shaped pancakes made with coconut milk), and other "short eats" (bread-based snacks or fried foods). The price of individual items range from Rs 50-100. Buy a "lunch packet" from street stands practically anywhere in the city. Typically, it will be a filling meal of rice and vegetables for about Rs 180.

1 New Yarl Eat House, Station Road, Wellawatte (just off the Galle Road, on the sea side). It serves traditional Jaffna style rice and curries with excellent value for money crabs. A lunch for one including a full crab costs around Rs 400. (updated Jan 2020)

Mid-range 2 The Cricket Club Cafe, 34 Queens Rd (Kollupitiya). This cafe is a must for any cricket lover. The walls are covered in autographed memorabilia and photos with sports (usually cricket) being screened on all the TVs scattered throughout the rooms. They serve authentic Aussie cuisine and a wide variety of drinks. The bar is named after Donald Bradman. 3 The Gallery Cafe, 2 Alfred House Rd (off Alfred House Gardens, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3). Wonderful atmosphere in beautiful building - designed by famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Large food menu featuring many international dishes, decadent desserts and extensive cocktail menu. 4 The Lagoon, The Cinnamon Grand Hotel, 77 Galle Road (Kollupitiya, Colombo 03), ☏ +94 112 497 371. noon-2:30PM, 7PM-12:30AM. This restaurant focuses primarily on seafood with colourful Sri Lankan flavours. The friendly, professional staff create an enjoyable dining experience. Full meal: Rs 4,000 per person. 5 Mango Tree, 82 Dharmapala Mawatha (Kollupitiya, Colombo 03), ☏ +94 11 537-9790, +94 11 537-9791, [email protected]. Daily noon-3PM, 7PM-11PM. One of the finest restaurants in the city. North Indian Cuisine, full of innovative dishes. Service is occasionally slow. Full meal: Rs 1,000 per person. 6 The Palmyrah Restaurant, 328 Galle Rd (Kollupitiya, Colombo 3). Serves Jaffna style cuisine which is difficult to find outside of Northern Sri Lanka (updated Sep 2025) 7 168 Seafood Palace (just off Galle Road, near Hotel Renuka, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3). Serves excellent Chinese food and seafood dishes. Prices start at Rs 250. but some prices depend on weight (e.g. crabs). The service is very

Drink & nightlife

Non alcoholic Thembili තැබිලි (Orange Coconut juice) is safe, since they cut it open in front of you, so no nasties have a chance to get in your drink Spring water with SLS certification is safe to drink.

Nightlife

Colombo's nightlife is on par with most other Asian destinations and features a number of establishments that offer decent music and drinks, served in a pleasant atmosphere. Expect the music to range from 80s retro to modern chart toppers as elegant partygoers dance the night away sipping the poison of their choice. Most clubs close around 04:00, R&B perhaps a little later.

Mount Lavinia 1 Mount Lavinia is about 20 minutes away from the city and has a good deal of nightlife. The beach and the friendly people draw plenty of visitors. Along the beach are a variety of restaurants that serve alcohol have food to suit every budget. The variety of the beach spots themselves are interesting, from nice little coves for a quiet chat and a drink to well lit, busy places with dance floors, music courtesy of a live DJ and well stocked bars. Try Jo Jo's, a quiet little place where they serve pretty decent food and drink and has a nice homey feel to it. Buba, on the other side of the Mount Lavinia Hotel which divides the public beach is also popular. Mount Lavinia also serves as the gay district of Colombo. Although not home to any gay bars, it is a very gay friendly town and always plays host to Colombo's Gay Pride week in June. Do not be surprised if some bars have the rainbow flag flying on the beach.

Slave Island and surroundings Popular watering holes include:

2 Whitehorse (Nawam Mawatha). (updated Jan 2020) 3 In... on the Green (Galle Face Hotel). (updated Jan 2020) 4 7 Degrees North (Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel). (updated Jan 2020) 5 Cheers (Cinnamon Grand Hotel). (updated Jan 2020) Nightclubs commonly charge admission and smart casual dress with trousers and shoes is a must. After a night out, some people will end with a late night snack, try e.g., Hotel de Pilawoos along the Galle Road in Kollupitiya to enjoy a chicken roti and an iced Milo (sweet chocolate and malt flavoured drink)

Sleep

Colombo's cheap accommodations in the centre of town apart from the famous YMCA (containing a gay bathhouse) are mostly concentrated along the road opposite the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Many rooms are available but with shared bathrooms. These, however, tend to be dirty and dingy affairs that even seasoned travellers are unlikely to tolerate. Moving south along Galle Rd, one can find a lot of more reasonable accommodation. Around Kollupitiya (the next suburb south of Galle Face), you will still be dealing with overpriced, soulless air-conditioned concrete boxes. Further down south, prices and people will get more reasonable. There are quite a few small hotels in the side streets off Galle Rd. in Wellawatte area. If you continue south and get as far as Mount Lavinia, there will be hundreds of small guesthouses, some of them very affordable, in a quiet old-fashioned area with a lot of greenery and right by the sea (the only problem being that it's far from the city centre). As of May 2014, typical costs were Rs 1,000-2,000, depending on the room quality. Buses 100, 101 and others go down Galle Rd. from Colombo Fort station (Rs 20 to get to Wellawatte).

Budget 1 Parisare Homestay, 97/1 Rosemead Place (near Embassy of France, Cinnamon Gardens (col 7)), ☏ +94 11 2694749. This is a lovely home with a wonderful hostess, but they have only 3 rooms so prior reservation essential. In affluent Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood which is 5km from Fort Station (20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus) Rs 1000/1200. (updated Apr 2025) 2 Miracle City Inn Hostel, 177 R. A. De Mel Mawatha (Corner of Muhandiram's Rd), ☏ +94718998999. Cheery hostel with white exterior and a rooftop terrace that will give you a full view of Colombo. Has a library, games, shared kitchen, comfy beds, and clean bathrooms. Rs 1110. (updated Apr 2025) 3 C1 Colombo Fort, 37 Mudalige Mawatha, ☏ +94 112 389 695. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel that is mostly up on the 4th floor of a building (with good viewsǃ). Strong wifi. Breakfast buffet is approx. Rs 370 additional. Rs 4624. (updated Dec 2020) 4 Sapphire Hotel, 371 Galle Rd, ☏ +94 11 258 3306. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 5 minutes away from the ocean. Has an on-site restaurant and bar. Each room includes air-conditioning, 24-hour room service, and satellite television. Has two reception halls for those wishing to host a convention or wedding reception. Reservations are required. Rs 4439. (updated Apr 2025)

Mid-range

5 Hotel Clarion, 103, Kandy Road, Kiribathgoda, ☏ +94 11 2911579, fax: +94 11 4821068. All rooms are equipp

Go next

Delhousie— town at the foot of Adam's Peak which is considered a place of worship and pilgrimage by many religions. The 2,224-m peak, also known as Sri Pada, is home to a foot imprint on a rock at its summit. Depending on the faith, the footprint has been considered that of Buddha, the god Shiva, St Thomas, and even Adam, after he was expelled from the garden of Eden. The stairway to the top is believed to be one of the longest in the world. After reaching the top, climbers can ring the bell to mark the journey they just made. The panoramic view makes the journey well worth the effort. Reaching Delhousie from Colombo can be an adventure in itself, unless you are lucky enough to find a direct bus. The route is Colombo-Hatton-Maskeliya-Delhousie. The distance is quite short on the map but can take 6–8 hours. Kandy, 120 km (less than 4 hours away) outside of Colombo. Kandy is a small, tranquil town that holds the sacred tooth of Buddha, a sacred relic of the Buddhist faith. According to the legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha on his funeral pyre and was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess in the 4th century. The Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, is a main attraction for pilgrimages. Each July and August, the tooth is carried in a procession. Although one cannot see the tooth, the festivities are a sight to see. Sigiriya, 160 km northeast of Colombo, is a very important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. The remains of the ancient fortress and city date back to 477 AD. Legend has it, King Kasyapa built it in order to protect against attacks from his brother, whom he had stolen the throne from. The only way into the city is through the giant lion's jaws. The site is also famous for its 5th-century frescos. Sigiriya is approximately 2–3 hours away from Colombo, and can be reached via train, bus, or car. It is open daily from 8:30AM to 6PM. For foreign nationals the entrance fee is Rs 2,000. Negombo, beach town just north of the airport, also famous for its canals and fish market. It used to be a backpacker haven, though it's more and more becoming a resort with new expensive hotels being built. 1-1½ hr by bus from Colombo.