Although it’s unlikely it will reclaim its 19th-century moniker ‘the garden city of the East’, Colombo has nevertheless emerged as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. No longer just the sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the beaches, it has become a worthy destination in its own right and makes an excellent start – or finish – to your Sri Lankan adventures.
The legacies of colonial Colombo’s garden roots are still very much intact along its often-shady boulevards. Fort is a compelling place thanks to the ongoing restoration of its landmark colonial architecture, while Pettah brims with street markets and rampant commerce. Even traffic-clogged Galle Rd is getting spiffier with glossy new hotel and shopping mall complexes.
Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports ever-more stylish eateries, galleries and shops. Surprises abound: with a little exploration you’ll find great local food, characterful shops and tiny, convivial cafes. Meanwhile, a building boom is transforming the city’s skyline.
Colombo is an all-year destination city. However the best time to visit Colombo is the dry season between January and March.
The best season to visit Colombo if you are planning to explore the west and south coasts and the mountain country is during the calm of the northeast monsoon which is from November to February.
Colombo is a tourist-friendly working town with loads of locals and can be regarded as safe. Just keep your wits about you. Wear comfortable light clothing covering your skin, and shoes as walking is hazardous (broken pavements, puddles).
The nights can get cold although the temperature is unlikely to drop below 10 °C.
All year hotel and pub promotion, parties.
Fridays are known for pub days. Colombo’s got plenty of pubs and bars from cheap to high till late night Casinos to clubs. There’s a great choice of places to enjoy a drink with friends.
Taxi-hailing apps like PickMe work in Colombo. There are plenty of tuk-tuks (thee wheeler taxis) so do a deal to get the fare that you’re happy with. But make sure the driver understands where you want to go before you get in.
Avoid the unmetered tuk-tuk with the sign/ stickers Tourist friendly tuk. They could be usually found in front of popular shopping malls, outside hotels and public places. Always make sure the meter is working before getting in and refuse to go on the journey if it’s not working.
Colombo Fort railway station is the main station with other stations in the city. Direct trains to and from Galle, Kandy, Badulla and Jaffna are available.
No trains are available from Katunayake the International airport or Mattala International airport
Private and state buses are available from all parts of the country to and from Colombo.
The Colombo private bus stand at Bastian Mawatha Colombo (
Directions) is the main bus station. Most Colombo based buses begin are end their journey here.
Touts occasionally hang around popular places promoting guest houses and tour services Avoid all of them. Follow your maps or ask your hotel front desk for advice before going out.
Avoid rides offered by drivers of private transportation. Use PickMe the local taxi-hailing app. There are plenty of tuk-tuk’s cars and vans around to be booked from PickMe
Book hotels through reputable travel agents or popular online websites
At night avoid strangers offering massage, sexual services, transportation and money exchange; it could lead to trouble.
Drug-taking in Sri Lanka is illegal.
Public smoking is illegal.
Local shops selling souvenirs without a marked price might increase the real price for a tourist. Bargain and walk away if you’re not happy.
It’s a must for restaurants and pubs/ bars to display the price of that they sell. If they don’t then that’s a sign to walk away.
If you need help or directions, pop into a shop, guest house or restaurant and ask as there will be someone there who speaks English and the staff aren’t touts.
Avoid drinking tap water. Water bottles are cheap (500ml Rs50 750ml Rs100- 150)
Take good care of your personal belongings.
Begging is illegal in Sri Lanka. Beggars are best ignored even if you feel compassionate; that’s what they rely on.
Bera laka
This houses the National Museum that was built in 1876 and founded by the British governor of Sri Lanka at the time. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. Surrounding this amazing building is a green park.
Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (last entrance at 17:00)
Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948.
The architecture of the Independence Memorial Hall is inspired by the Royal Audience Hall in Kandy. It was in the Royal Audience Hall in Kandy that the Kandyan Convention was signed on 5th of March 1815 ending the Kingdom of Kandy and making Sri Lanka British.
Located in the lap of tranquil natural settings amidst the emerald water of the Beira Lake, Seema Malaka is an ideal retreat for visitors to relax and contemplate into their conscious being. The building of this Buddhist temple which was built in the 19th century sank into the water of the lake and later it was reconstructed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1976 which stands as a specimen of Kandyan architecture.
Don’t forget to take your camera as the place offers a perfect background for capturing its scenic beauty.
Location: Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo
Timings: 24 hours open
Price: No entry fees.
Scuba diving is one of the best activities to do in Colombo you should count on. The city is blessed with numerous coral reefs, rich flora, unique hulks and exotic marine life that make it a sought-after diving destination for adrenaline junkies.
The best diving spots are the Chief Dragon, Pecheur Breton and T. Sierra that are home to anthias, coral reefs, black coral trees and marine life. But, scuba diving in Colombo is best for expert divers as beginners may not find it feasible due to certain structural conditions.
Season: The diving season starts from November-Mid April.
Try your luck at the adrenaline-charged casino games and enjoy live music performance by the Sri Lankan artists and DJs to buck up your energy level.
Once you hit any of these casinos, don’t ever miss out the chance to pamper your taste buds with an array of gourmet seafood they serve. Some of the famous casinos at Colombo are Bally’s Casino, MGM Colombo, The Ritz Club and Stardust Casino.
Location: Across the city
Most of the casinos remain open for 24×7 days.
One of the lavish activities to do in Colombo is golfing at the Royal Colombo Golf Club which stands as a site of colonial heritage in Sri Lanka and a sporting establishment set up by the British for golf enthusiasts.
Established in 1880, the Royal Golf Colombo Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Sri Lanka and a convivial place to unwind your weekend blues and breed new friendship. The open convivial ambience of the golf club allures you to a sumptuous dinner or small gathering.
Location: Model Farm Road, Colombo
Timings: Club House remains open from 6.00-23.00 and the admin office from 8.00-17.00
Built-in the year 1909 the Jami ul Alfar Mosque aka the Red Mosque due to its candy-striped walls on the exterior and interior is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka which caters to the growing religious need of the local Muslim folks. Initially, the massive prayer hall of the mosque held a capacity of 1500 devotees but in 2007 four more wings were built to capacitate 10,000 devotees for prayer.
The unique architectural pattern of Jami ul-Alfar mosque makes it a standout amidst the prominent buildings of Colombo city. If it’s an all-boys’ trip, make sure you add this magnificent show-stopper in your list of things to do in Colombo.
Location: 2nd, Cross Street, Colombo-01100
Timings: 9.00-17.00
Price: No entry fee
Galle Face Green is a sprawling expanse of green settled between the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel and Galle Face Green Hotel which is frequented by tourists and locals for fresh air walking sessions. The velvety green promenade of Galle Face Green was built in 1859 as to safeguard the place from Portuguese invasions.
Standing at the Galle Face Green beach, you can watch the stunning sunset across the vista and call it a day.
Location: 56, Colombo-Galle Main Road, Colombo
Timings: 18.00- 23.00
Price: No entry fee
