Gangarama Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo

Busy side streets overflow with fantastic colours and aromas, markets buzz with life and it’s full of historical and architecturally beautiful forts and gardens.

Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo exudes culture and history; the atmosphere is exotic and exciting. A couple of nights in Colombo is a great start or finish to any holiday in Sri Lanka.

Sunset, Galle Face Beachfront, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Galle Front Beachfront, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan food
Independence Square, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tuk Tuk, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Colombo with Mark Forbes, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Konda Keum Sweet, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

A Little More About Colombo

Colombo can be a refreshing change after visiting the laid back rural regions of the country. The best way to maximise your time in Colombo is in the company of a specialist guide. Locals know Colombo inside out – how to avoid traffic, gain entry into member-only bars, and authentic dining experiences, such as Culinary Ceylon. Take a tuk-tuk or walking tour, and head down narrow streets to some of the most popular areas of the city.

Experiences

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.

Sri Lankan food

Culinary Ceylon

At Culinary Ceylon, enjoy home cooking using family recipes passed down from proprietor’s ancestors. Immerse yourself in the local culture with this fully guided, theatrical and memorable curated experience boldly different from an ordinary restaurant visit.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Outdoor Market, Sri Lanka

Colombo Markets

Sample delicious street food, choose exotic spices and meander through market stalls.

Suggested Holiday Idea

National Museum Colombo, Sri Lanka

National Museum

Spend some time wandering through the rooms of the National Museum, learning about Sri Lanka’s varied history.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Colombo with Mark Forbes, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour and visit the Fort and Pettah Market to experience the colonial architecture.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset, Galle Face Beachfront, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Galle Face Green

Spend time at Galle Face Green – the ideal spot to fly kites, walk the promenade and enjoy the sea views.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Maniumpathy £££££

  • Sri Lanka
  • City

Maniumpathy is located on the edge of Colombo’s most affluent neighbourhood, elegantly restored from a heritage home dating back to 1906. Named after family matriarchs, each of the eight rooms tell its own story through one-of-a-kind artefacts, sepia family photographs and aged Ceylonese prints. Four-poster beds, slipper bathtubs and strong showers all proffer 20th-century luxuries though the character of this grand abode which remains pleasingly unchanged.

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The Wallawwa £££££

  • Sri Lanka
  • Boutique

The Wallawwa is a small, boutique hotel 15-20 minutes drive from Colombo international, in the peaceful Sri Lankan countryside. A charming former old manor house, the Wallawwa is set in elegant gardens and built with columns, courtyards and verandas. The rooms look out on to a central courtyard with a pond, there is a super restaurant serving Asian food, a spa and a large swimming pool. The Wallawwa is a perfect start and/or end to a Sri Lankan itinerary.

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Casa Heliconia £££££

  • Sri Lanka
  • Boutique

Casa Heliconia is a luxury small hideaway hotel, under an hour away from Colombo airport, offering only two bedrooms The accommodation consists of two separate pavilions, situated in different parts of the grounds. Both bedrooms have air-conditioning and a king-sized bed and also have access to the pool pavilion, where there is an infinity pool that overlooks the surrounding countryside. The bathrooms are set within the gardens, with copper fittings and ornamental design, creating a traditional feel to the hotel. A perfect location for the beginning or end of your Sri Lankan journey, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Kate Hitchen

My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.

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Kate Hitchen's help in organising this trip was excellent. She was very knowledgable and tailor-made our trip to suit our three teenage children.

Sri Lanka

It was all very last minute from us so Kate did a great job in responding to a change in dates and negotiating a good deal.

Sri Lanka

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