Travel Guide of Colombo in Sri Lanka by Influencers and Travelers

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. According to the Brookings Institution, Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Colombo

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Mount Lavinia

   10 km away

Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, population 245,974 is the largest suburb of the City of Colombo, and covers an extent of 2109 hectares.

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2 - Kollupitiya

Kollupitiya, also known as Colpetty is a major neighbourhood of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The name Kollupitiya comes from the name of a chief from Kandy who had unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone the last king of Kandy.

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3 - River rafting | Colombo

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. Enjoy a private transfer from Colombo and a comprehensive safety briefing before you start your adventure.

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4 - Galle Face

One Galle Face is a mixed-use complex of buildings currently being built near the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is also Sri Lanka's first internationally and developed and managed mixed use project and was officially opened on 8 November 2019.

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5 - Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.

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6 - Birdwatching | Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka's wildlife on this 2-day trip from Colombo. Visit the Udawalawe National Park on a safari, trek through the jungle, and ride the iconic blue train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya.

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7 - Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka. It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo.

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8 - Pettah

The Pettah Market also called Manning Market is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The entrance to the Pettah Market is marked formally by a tall monument in the centre of a roundabout, known as the Khan Clock Tower which was built by the family of Framjee Bhickajee Khan, an eminent Parsi family from Bombay who used to have substantial business interests in the country and who also owned the Colombo Oil Mills.

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9 - Sightseeing | Colombo

5 hours comprehensive colombo city tour, ideally a shore excursion to experience the beauty of Colombo Sri Lanka. Feel the warmth hospitality in the capital of south asian pearl island.

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10 - Red Masjid

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11 - World Trade Center

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12 - Galle

   22 km away

Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.

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13 - Henarathgoda

   24 km away

Gampaha Botanical Garden, also known as Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is situated in the suburb of Gampaha. It was established in 1876 by the British to conduct experiments on exotic economic plants such as Rubber, and explore plant wealth and development of economy in the colony.

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14 - Padukka

   28 km away

Padukka is a town in the district of Colombo in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It has a population of roughly 8,000. Elevation 44feet.

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15 - Pinnawala

   29 km away

Pinnawala is a village in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka and is around 90 km from the capital, Colombo. It is well known for its elephant orphanage.

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16 - Negombo

   30 km away

Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province, 38 km from Colombo via Colombo - Katunayake Expressway.

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17 - Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens

   35 km away
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18 - Seethawaka

   39 km away
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19 - Kalutara

   40 km away

Kalutara or Kalutota is a major city in Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is also the administrative capital of Kalutara District.

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Pictures and Stories of Colombo from Influencers

14 pictures of Colombo from Brian Kyed, Jalitha Hewage, Alex Azabache and other travelers

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Why should you visit Colombo ?

Travel to Colombo if you like:

  🏘️ Town     🏖️ Beach     🗼 Landmark     🏞️ Waterway     🌆 Skyline     🏰 Hindu temple  

How to visit Colombo ?

Traveling to Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of old and new, with colonial-era buildings standing alongside modern skyscrapers. This vibrant city offers a rich cultural experience, delicious cuisine, and numerous sightseeing opportunities.

To get to Colombo, you can fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is located about 32 kilometers north of the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or arrange for a hotel pick-up. If you're arriving from another city within Sri Lanka, you can reach Colombo via train, bus, or taxi.

It's essential to book certain attractions in advance to ensure a smooth visit. For example, if you plan to visit the National Museum, purchasing tickets online will save you time and help avoid long queues. Additionally, if you're planning a day trip to nearby attractions such as Galle or Sigiriya, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended.

The costs in Colombo are relatively affordable for tourists. You can expect to pay around LKR 1,000-2,000 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, while entrance fees for most attractions range between LKR 500-2,000. Public transportation is also inexpensive, with train and bus tickets costing just a few hundred LKR.

Some of the best things to do in Colombo include visiting the Gangaramaya Temple, exploring the National Museum, strolling through Galle Face Green, and shopping at the Pettah Market. If you're interested in history and architecture, don't miss the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and the Independence Memorial Hall.

When it comes to dining, Colombo offers a wide range of options. For an authentic Sri Lankan meal, try Upali's by Nawaloka, which serves delicious local dishes. If you're in the mood for seafood, Ministry of Crab is a must-visit. For a unique fusion experience, head to Nuga Gama, which offers traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with a contemporary twist.

In terms of accommodation, there are several options to suit various budgets. For luxury, consider staying at Shangri-La Hotel, which offers world-class amenities and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. If you prefer a boutique experience, check out Residence by Uga Escapes, a charming property set in a restored colonial mansion. For budget travelers, CityRest Fort is a highly-rated hostel in the heart of the city.

Off the beaten path:

For a unique travel experience, venture out to the Piliyandala Floating Market, located about 20 kilometers from Colombo. This lesser-known market offers a serene atmosphere away from the city's hustle and bustle. Here, you can shop for fresh produce, local handicrafts, and even enjoy a meal at one of the floating restaurants. The market is accessible via tuk-tuk or taxi, and visiting during the early morning or late afternoon offers the most pleasant experience. This offbeat adventure will provide you with an immersive and authentic glimpse into the local way of life.

Learn More about Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the capital of this beautiful Asian island. Although it has not always held this distinction, it has traditionally been regarded as the financial and economic centre of the country, due to its status as a port. Today, it is full of huge, modern buildings, including its own World Trade Center. Strolling through its narrow streets, one can discover traces of its colonial past. One of the city's main attractions is the Negombo Fortress, built by the Dutch in 1644. Here you can see the original gateway, the clock tower, which used to welcome visitors, the ramparts and the cellars which used to be used as weapons shops. Do not leave without seeing the sacred Anuraghapura tree, which was planted by King Valagamba. The Queen's House is another of the wonders of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. This complex of colonial buildings houses the official residence of the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka. You can imagine when the island was under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The Pettah Bazaar is also one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the city. Here you will find shops and stalls where you can make all kinds of purchases. From local delicacies to gems and silver. Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll along Galle Face Green, the waterfront promenade of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where you can relax and watch the sea and sky converge on the horizon. Finally, if you want to delve deeper into the country's history, head to the National Museum, which offers a large collection of artefacts from different eras that will give you an insight into the past of this beautiful island.

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