Colombo (Sri Lanka) is the largest city in the country, but not the capital.

The island and the state of the same name Sri Lanka today is one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. The country offers a calm and quiet beach holiday with many beautiful beaches and hotels. The largest city is Colombo, which is also popular among tourists and travelers, and many people come to admire it every year. Buddhist temples, pagodas, Muslim mosques, you can find attractions for every taste.

Almost all visitors to the country arrive at the airport in Colombo Bandaranaike. However, most arriving tourists immediately leave for various resort towns on the coast, thereby skipping Colombo, which has something to see.

Colombo on the map of Sri Lanka

Colombo city in Sri Lanka is located on the west coast of the island, on the coast indian ocean. It is the largest city in the country and is located in the Western Province. The population of the city is more than 600 thousand people, but in the complete agglomeration, including the adjacent cities, there are 5.6 million inhabitants.

The official languages of Sri Lanka and Colombo are Tamil and Sinhala. Also, English language enshrined as inter-ethnic in the Constitution of the country.

Additional Information! There are several versions of the origin of the name of the settlement, but the most reliable version is that the name sounds in Sinhalese as "Kola-amba-tota". Translated, it means "a harbor with mangrove deciduous trees." Another version is "Column of Thoth - Harbor on the Kelani River".

Colombo Sri Lanka, view of the embankment of Galle Face.

The harbor has always been a popular port place, which was visited by Arab, Roman and Chinese traders more than 2 thousand years ago. In the 9th century, the city was inhabited by Arab residents who oversaw all trade operations. In the 16th century locality was settled by the Portuguese, who changed the name in honor of the traveler and discoverer Christopher Columbus. Then it was captured by the Dutch, and in 1802, after the colonization of the island by the British, it became the center of a colony called Ceylon. After gaining independence, Colombo was the capital until 1982, when the rights were transferred to the city, which is part of the agglomeration - Sri Jayawardenepuru Kotte.

Today Colombo is the cultural and business center of Sri Lanka. The city has a business center called the Fort. There are the largest banks, representative offices of foreign companies and state institutions. The port of the city is one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

Climate and weather in Colombo

Colombo has a pronounced subequatorial climate with a stable average temperature at about 27 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from May to early November, during this time there are short-term rains every day. It has high humidity at the level of 70 percent, and in the rainy season the mark reaches more than 90 percent.

Colombo on the map of Sri Lanka

Average temperature and rainfall in Colombo by months:

January - 26.6 °C, 58 mm - precipitation;
February - 26.9 °C, 73 mm;
March - 27.6 °C, 130 mm;
April - 28.3 °C, 245 mm;
May - 28.4 °C, 393 mm;
June - 28 °C, 185 mm;
July - 27.5 °C, 122 mm;
August - 27.5 °C, 120 mm;
September - 27 °C, 245 mm;
October - 27 °C, 365 mm;
November - 26.7 ° C, 314 mm;
December - 26.5 °C, 175 mm.

The best time to visit Colombo is mid-summer and from January to early May, when there is practically no rain and you can safely see any sight. To view the current weather on the island, any official site with forecasts is suitable.

Attractions

The richest in antiquities and architectural monuments is the historical district of Fort. There is the famous lighthouse or "Clock Tower". This building is not located on the coast, like ordinary lighthouses, but directly in the center of the area. The fort is notable for the fact that the old architecture is next to modern skyscrapers and office centers;
Many Muslim, Buddhist and Catholic buildings located in Colombo are recommended for visiting. For example, a very popular attraction is the Buddhist Temple, which is called Gangramaya, or the Church of St. Anthony. It is advisable to visit the church in the evening, when the backlight is on. It is recommended to visit the Muslim mosque Jami Ul Alfar. It was designed by architect Saibo Lebbe and built in 1909. hallmark there are white stripes along the entire mosque, due to which it resembles a layer cake;
The Sambodhi Chaitya Stupa, which is located next to the new lighthouse, is also a famous landmark. Its height is about 20 meters, you can climb there for free and admire the surroundings;

The Maritime Museum of the city will be of interest to everyone without exception. There are many exhibits related to marine life Colombo and the entire Indian Ocean;
The National Museum of Colombo is a very modern and huge museum dedicated to the history of the city and the whole country.
For lovers of nature and hiking, it is recommended to visit the old Vihramavedi Park, which is planted with many different tropical plants and trees. The trees are very old and tall, so in the park you can escape from the heat, admire the fountains and plants, and visit a small zoo that will be of interest to children and adults.

beaches

Crowned Colombo is not a popular beach destination due to the presence of a port and rather dirty water along the city coast. However, there are several good beach spots not far from the city that any tourist can visit.

Mount Lavinia. This is a beach located near the city center and can be reached in a 30-minute drive. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, but you can use them only when ordering food from the cafe to which they belong. The sand is quite clean, the water is clear. There are lifeguards on the beach. Popular with surfers and couples;
Negombo. Located north of Colombo, the beach resort is popular with backpackers and travelers due to its proximity to the airport. The beaches have paid umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as many marine activities and rental equipment for surfing and diving.
Beruwala. It is located 40 minutes drive from the center. Many coconut palms grow here, thanks to which almost all 13 kilometers of the coastline are in cool shade. Waves are practically absent, popular for visiting with children.

Beruwala beach

How to get to Colombo

Almost all tourists arrive at an airport located near the city, so getting to Colombo is usually not a problem. However, due to the poor development of public transport, it is recommended to use a taxi or take a transfer, which is provided by almost all hotels.

Note! You can use one of the many car rental offices, but you should be careful, because few people follow the rules of the road on the island.

When visiting Colombo, you should follow these tips:

Guests staying at a hotel near the beach are not charged for equipment rental;
In the markets, in the shops of Colombo, it is customary to bargain. Sometimes when bargaining, you can reduce the price by 30-40 percent;
When renting a car or moped, you should be careful on the roads, because few people follow the rules of the road;
You should not be afraid to visit Colombo during the rainy season, as the temperature is not very high, and the rains are short.

Colombo is the cultural and business center of the island of Sri Lanka, which will be interesting to visit for any tourist, both beginner and experienced. The city is rich in attractions and well developed in terms of tourism.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, a city on the west coast of the island with a population of about 600,000 people.

To be quite precise, although Colombo is the actual capital of the country (the government and the president are located here), but the official capital, which houses the parliament and Supreme Court the city of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is considered, which is located a little to the south.

None of our friends who visited Colombo in Sri Lanka recommended that we visit it - an ordinary large city in which there is nothing interesting, but we still decided to stop by for a few days

Colombo in Sri Lanka is practically the only place on the island where couchsurfing is at least somehow developed, so we decided to at least chat with the locals here. We stopped at the native Sri Lankan Chamatha

He is developing applications for mobile devices and is now planning to launch a new startup - study foreign languages via SMS: by subscribing to this service, the user will receive several new words every morning to remember, and by calling a certain number, you can listen to examples of the use of this word - due to cheap mobile traffic in Sri Lanka, the project promises to be successful.

After a month in Sri Lanka, where we did not see a single residential building higher than a two-story building, it was unusual to see many tall buildings. We lived on the 12th floor and the windows overlooked the city

and sea

Although the sea is within easy reach, but like in most large cities it is rather dirty, so no one swims there, but in order to escape the heat, a swimming pool is made on the roofs of many high-rise buildings

The pool is designed for normal people, so when we get up - it's still closed, we have to go for tricks
In general, since the roofs here are mostly flat, it is convenient to play sports on them. We did yoga, and next to us the children played badminton.

As it turned out, there really isn't much to see in Colombo, so we wandered aimlessly around the city center. The city is patrolled by mounted policemen

Sometimes there are unusual monuments, for example - a monument to a telephone

Many Sri Lankans are quite reckless - lottery tickets are very popular here
We met with another couchsurfer with a funny name Chaturanga (in yoga one of the asanas is called like that). He is a sailor, works on a cargo ship - half a year at sea, half a year resting at home, he showed us his passport, in which there was no living place left from visas from different countries

Then he invited me to visit his sister, who studied at the Medical University in St. Petersburg for 6 years. Despite so much time spent in Russia, he hardly speaks Russian - the groups were international and did not communicate much with the locals, although a few Russian friends remained - one even came to Colombo to Sri Lanka, for her wedding

We got to it on an internal train and it was the most brutal trip of our entire trip in Asia. It wasn't even like this

And the thing is that due to the rise in the price of gasoline, bus tickets are growing in price, while train tickets remain unchanged. In addition, many generally buy a ticket for a penny to the first station and go where they need to go.

But if you get to the window on the train, you can enjoy the view of the sea =)

As for transport, bus service is quite widely developed in Colombo. By bus you can get to any point of the city and suburbs, and once we even rode in an air-conditioned bus - a long forgotten feeling =)

After spending 2 days in Colombo, we decided that this is enough and the remaining couple of days can be spent outside the city, so we accepted the offer of another couchsurfer - Wajira

He lives in a suburb of Colombo in a large, comfortable house. Vajira is a photographer and screenwriter, together with his brother, a video operator, they organize various video projects. One of the latest is a documentary about pilgrims walking from the south to the north of Sri Lanka. They sold this documentary to CNN for $40,000.

Now Vajira has written a script for an adventure film about the search for a sunken treasure and is engaged in the selection of actors. There will be a lot of underwater filming in the film, and the most difficult thing is to find a good actress, a native Sri Lankan who can swim underwater.

Our plane from Colombo Sri Lanka to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia took off at 7 am, so in order not to have to take a taxi at night, we decided to spend the last night closer to the airport. We took the train to the village of Katunayaka - most of the hotels in the area are very expensive, so we hardly managed to find a decent and budget place, which we can recommend - the hotel is located on Temple Road.

Moreover, initially we were told the cost of 1500 rupees per night, but we physically had the last 500 - we talked with the manager for a long time, then we talked on the phone with the owner and in the end convinced them that today it is unlikely that anyone will visit them will arrive, so 500 rupees is better than nothing.

I love Colombo for its contrasts - historical neighborhoods intersect with modern fashionable areas, luxury coexists with poverty. Here, on a small stretch of land, the history of European countries and local ancient traditions, the heritage of many cultures, are intertwined.

Like the rest of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a big designer. At first, it was very unusual for me to see a rickety hut next to skyscrapers. Or it was worth taking a step to the side from a wide avenue, as I found myself in the bustle of shopping streets, where the voices of sellers merged into a rumble, as if in a large beehive.

How to get there

From Moscow, St. Petersburg to Colombo can only be reached by plane. For security reasons, maritime passenger transportation, even from neighboring countries, was stopped during the civil war, which ended in Sri Lanka in 2004. But so far this type of transport has not been restored in the country.

By plane

Sri Lanka's only international airport is located 35 kilometers from Colombo. Airplanes from all over the world fly here, so many people and different nationalities you will not see often - these are tourists, and pilgrims, and local residents returning from earnings from rich Arab countries.

Direct flights from Russia are rare. If they happen, then charters from Moscow are part of the tour packages of Russian operators. Mostly tourists from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly regular flights of one of the Arab airlines (Emirates or its subsidiaries FlyDubai, Etihad, Qatar Airways) with one transfer (in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, respectively). From other major Russian cities, you can also get on FlyDubai without transit through Moscow.

The cost of tickets varies from 20,000 RUB to 35,000 RUB, depending on the city, season and promotions offered by airlines. Ticket options can be viewed. The average travel time from Russia to Sri Lanka is about 12-14 hours.

I can note that Bandaranaike airport services work smoothly. For all the numerous arrivals and departures, everything was smooth and fast - from passport control to baggage claim.

And also, as practice has shown, in the arrival hall of the airport the most favorable exchange rate for local Sri Lankan rupees.

How to get from the airport to Colombo, I will tell below.

By bus

The cheapest (only 1 USD (150 LKR)), but relatively time-consuming way to get to Colombo is the shuttle bus number 187. It runs around the clock between Colombo Central Bus Station (Central Bus Stand) and the airport.

Driving on it on toll roads, you can get to the capital in 45 minutes, sometimes due to traffic jams in 1 hour. In the air-conditioned cabin with views of the Colombo countryside, time flies by.

You can find the bus at the exit from the airport - move along the arrival platform to the left.

There are also private buses to the city, but they will cost about 3.2 USD (500 LKR), most likely, barkers will send you to them. Focus on the map and the fare.

By car

An alternative way would be to get to Colombo by car. Compared to the bus, it is much more expensive, but more comfortable and often faster.

Taxi. The cost of an official taxi from the airport to Colombo depends on the area in which you need to arrive. For example, you can drive to the Fort area (Colombo 01) for 16 USD (2400 LKR) without air conditioning or for 17 USD (2650 LKR) in a car with air conditioning. The taxi stand is located in the arrivals hall. You can find the exact location on the airport map.
Knock Knock. This is a possible, but highly questionable option. Firstly, it takes a long time, secondly, it is less comfortable than a taxi, and thirdly, it is very expensive - 13 USD (2000 LKR)! And some tuk-tukers scam and for this big money they take a tourist to the city of Negombo, next to the airport, instead of the capital of Colombo.
Rent a car. Only the most courageous and skillful drivers will dare to drive themselves in a car in Sri Lanka. Usually, if they rent, then for traveling long distances. For Colombo, this is not the most convenient option. The city is quite close, and there are serious traffic jams during peak hours. A lot of tuk-tuks, mopeds, buses - all this creates a very stressful environment.

Clue:

Colombo - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 2:30

Kazan - 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Yekaterinburg - 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season. When is the best time to go

You can come to Colombo at any time of the year, but keep in mind that during the rainy season - from April to October - it will be hot and humid. Still, the tropical climate makes itself felt. When we walk around the city all day, we feel it ourselves. The sea breeze from the ocean is no longer here. On the other hand, if you travel by taxi or tuk-tuk, then the time of year does not matter.

Between November and March, Colombo has relatively dry weather. The air temperature is about +28-30 °С, and the ocean temperature fluctuates during the year from +27 to +30 °С.

Colombo in summer

The period is characterized by an increase in humidity, as well as frequent, but short-term showers. It's all because of the rainy season, in which summer falls. All months are influenced by the monsoons.

The daytime temperature rises to +32 °С, and the night temperature fluctuates around +26 °С. In summer, what I dislike most is the hanging haze, which makes the atmosphere in the city a bit gloomy.

Colombo in autumn

In September it often rains - dense and strong, however, short-lived. During the autumn months, showers can still occur during the day. Gradually, by November, the weather improves, and the climate becomes drier and warmer.

The air temperature during the day is +30 °C, at night - +26 °C. But any vagaries of the weather are not a hindrance, because in autumn the main festivals and national holidays are held, which make the atmosphere even hotter.

Colombo in spring

At the beginning of spring - in March - the weather is still wonderful, there is practically no rain, but with the onset of April, everything changes. Come monsoon rains, peaking in May in spring. The hottest month of the year is April. The daytime temperature at this time is +34 °C, and the night temperature is +26 °C.

I think this is the best time to travel to Colombo as the weather is good and there are not as many tourists as in winter.

Colombo in winter

January is the coolest month in Colombo - + 29-30 ° C during the day and + 23 ° C at night.

Generally winter months from December to February are the high season in Sri Lanka, it is the most comfortable for the human body, which is why many tourists come to Colombo at this time. At this time, long walks around the city are the easiest.

Colombo - monthly weather

Clue:

Colombo - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

I want to note 2 zones in Colombo that are interesting from the point of view of living. In other areas there are houses of local residents. Although there are hotels, getting from there to the main attractions is very troublesome.

1 - areas of Fort, Galle Free Face, Cinnamon Gardens, Lake Beira. There are mainly expensive luxury hotels, 3-5 * hotels. The price per room is from 65 USD (10,000 LKR) and much higher.
2 - the farther from the city center, the lower the prices. For budget accommodation, tourists prefer this area, since prices are not high, and the center can be reached by train. Payment per room - from 13 USD (2000 LKR) and above.

I will immediately indicate that in every district of Colombo you can find housing for any budget. Even in elite areas like Fort or Galle Face Green, there are affordable guest houses or hostels, but of course, there are very few of them.

What are the prices for holidays

On average, you need 25 USD (4000 LKR) per day in Colombo. It all depends on where you will eat - in a hotel, in a cafe or cook on your own. Shopping and entertainment also affect costs.

Here are some tips on how you can save money:

Main attractions. What to watch

Spending time in Colombo has nothing to do with beach holiday and resort trips. Traveling around the city implies the whole range of interesting things that can be in the capital - museums, temples, monuments, beautiful buildings colonial period and beyond.

You can walk around Colombo for more than one day, exploring the main attractions. It is quite possible to do it on your own, without a guide. It is better to move around the city on foot, although you can also take a tuk-tuk or bus.

By the way, a double-decker tourist bus runs to points with the main attractions of Colombo, which departs from the Kingsbury Hotel.

Top 5

Be sure to visit the 5 pearls of Colombo:

Beaches. Which is better

Colombo itself is a huge port city. Although it is located on the ocean, it is not particularly suitable for swimming. Local residents, and tourists, prefer to go to the beach suburbs of the metropolis - "Mount Lavinia" (15 km), "Negombo" (30 km).

Mount Lavinia Beach

Getting from Colombo to Mount Lavinia is very easy.

All buses and trains that run south along the coast pass here. Stop - Mount Lavinia.

The huge sandy beach "Mount Lavinia" is at your disposal. There is practically no infrastructure, only rare cafes, guest houses on the shore. But the city with restaurants and shops within walking distance - you can always buy something you need.

Sri Lanka declares that all beaches are public, but there is a private one at the Grand Hotel, which I recommend using. Sun loungers by the pool and on the beach, cleanliness and order, polite staff and a "bohemian" atmosphere for only 6.5 USD (1000 LKR). Drinks, food in the restaurant and on the terrace for an additional fee.

Negombo beach

There is no longer the bustle of the city, more peace and tranquility than in Mount Lavinia. True, "Negombo" is a resort town with surprises. For swimming, it is better to choose a part of the beach in the Lewis Place area, it is somehow cleaned by local hoteliers. Renting a sun lounger costs about 3-4 USD (500-600 LKR).

To the north and south of this area there is a lot of garbage and dirt, so you will have to look for a place to rest.

Along the coast you can find small clubs for active time pastimes - windsurfing, sea fishing, diving.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In multi-confessional Colombo, I met temples of almost all religions of the world. In addition to Buddhism and Hinduism, traditionally practiced by the inhabitants of Sri Lanka, there are Muslim mosques and Catholic temples that have remained in Ceylon since colonial times.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

One of the largest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and, in my opinion, the most beautiful and romantic. We give it a special charm due to its location - right on the shore of the picturesque Lake Beira. It is not for nothing that newlyweds often arrange photo shoots here, and for all tourists Gangaramaya is a must-have in Colombo.

The temple consists of several parts - including, you can visit the museum, which contains special offerings: an armchair made of elephant tusks, coins, porcelain, rare Buddha figurines made of various minerals and precious stones, ancient manuscripts, books and much more.

The temple is open from 6:00 to 18:00. Admission is free, but donations of 0.7 USD (100 LKR) are customary.

Be sure to take off your shoes before entering the temple. Here, paid storage of training in cells is organized - 0.7 USD (100 LKR).

Mosque Jamul-Alfar (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque)

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Jamul Alfar is the country's main mosque. Fairy building! Facing tiles in red and white make it look like a chess palace or some delicious outlandish cake.

The temple is active, open around the clock. If there is a prayer, then the entry of tourists is prohibited. Must cover knees and shoulders. Admission is free and only for men. Shoes are left at the door.

St. Lucia's Cathedral

This is the main catholic church Sri Lanka. Despite the fact that only 6 percent of the island's population are Catholics, it gets crowded, mainly due to tourists from different European countries. Inside are statues of saints, including the patroness of the temple. The church is open from 6:00 to 18:30. The entrance is free.

Temples Ganeshan (Ganeshan Temple) and Katiresan (Kathiresan Kovil)

Unusual to our eye Hindu temples - with many figurines of gods - can also be found in Colombo. Sea Street is especially replete with such objects. In particular, these are the Temples of Ganeshan (Ganeshan Temple), Old (Old Kathiresan Kovil) and New (New Kathiresan Kovil) Katiresan.

They were built according to the strict canons of Hinduism. I advise you to look at the temples from the outside, tourists do not go inside.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Like any other capital, Colombo keeps a lot of artifacts that tell about the history of the island, its colonial period, as well as the present since the country's independence. In addition, paintings by Sri Lankan artists will also be interesting, sometimes completely unexpected, and sometimes reflecting an understandable plot, but recreated in a new way.

Museum opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00 (from Saturday to Thursday, except holidays).

Most are located quite compactly in the central area (see map).

parks

Sri Lankans are mostly Buddhists, which means it is very important for them to live in harmony with nature. Despite the fact that civilization in such a large metropolis as Colombo is gradually advancing, the city has many green areas, alleys, parks and other natural areas.

Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park, located in the very center of the city, will help to hide from the bustle and the scorching sun. It is impossible to miss it, because. many attractions, museums, monuments are located in this area.

The park is decorated in a traditional English style. Initially, it was named after Queen Victoria, and only 10 years after Ceylon gained independence, it was named after the Sinhalese queen mother - Viharamahadevi. Quiet, calm place where you can take a walk, sit on a bench or right on the grass. Suitable for families with children. There is a children's playground with attractions.

At the entrance to the park, an alley with fountains begins, which ends at the feet of a huge Buddha statue. There are benches, gazebos, an open library. Viharamahadevi Park even houses a small botanical garden, where tropical trees, shrubs, orchids, etc. grow. There is a lake in the center of the park that can be swam around on a boat.

The entrance is free.

Tourist areas

I advise you to take a walk around Colombo to plunge into the originality of its districts, to feel that “Colombo is a city of contrasts!”

Fort

Once the port area of Colombo, from where the ships of the British, Dutch, Portuguese, exported spices, precious stones, wood, etc.

There are offices of large companies (1), various financial institutions, stock exchange and banks. In addition, the most expensive hotels are located in the Fort area, which amaze with their gloss and scope. I advise you to go to the Kingsbury Hotel (2) to have a cocktail in the bar with a beautiful view of the city.

But the main thing is that in the Fort area you can find the best examples of colonial architecture, because the governors and other henchmen of Great Britain settled here in the 19th century. Now these buildings are used as administrative or commercial premises. For example, Cargills (3) and Millers stores, the Dutch Hospital (Dutch Hospital), the residence of the President of Sri Lanka (4), as well as the former lighthouse Сlock Tower (Clock Tower) (5).

It was a revelation for me that Anton Pavlovich Chekhov lived in the building of the Grand Oriental Hotel (6) in 1890. This is stated on the corresponding memorial plaque. For a small fee, you can visit the museum room, where furniture, some historical documents and photographs have been preserved.

Pettah

The name of the district is translated as “outside the Fort”. This area is already more colorful with national notes (more Muslim), noisy streets and markets - a real shopping center of the city.

In addition to sightseeing, some shopping can be done in the area. But you should not idealize Pettah - there are still a lot of Chinese goods here, so you need to choose carefully and bargain well.

What must be done is to buy exotic fruits at the fruit market (1). In the late afternoon, I like to walk around the Floating Market (2) - a colorful place.

Be sure to visit the Jamul-Alfar Mosque (3) and the Dutch Museum (4).

Need to move to another city? The main railway station (5) and bus stations (6) are located in the Pettah area.

Cinnamon Gardens and Slave Island

South of Pettah, along Lake Beira, there are elite areas. Here it is already more calm, spacious, there are many squares.

The “Island of Slaves” (1) is a small area along the lake where the slaves lived, brought by the Portuguese to work on the cinnamon plantations. Perfect place for a walk on the way to the fantastic temple of Sima Malaka (2). Both during the day and in the evening it is beautiful, surprisingly contrasting against the backdrop of the business district of Colombo with the towers of the World Trade Center. Not far from the temple is Vihara Mahadevi Park (3), which I wrote about above.

Check out Colombo's main museums - the National Museum (4), the National Art Gallery (5), as well as more modern sights: the Colombo City Hall (New Town Hall) (6) and the Independence Memorial Hall ( 7). The area is saturated with the theme of independence - in architecture and names of people. On Independence Square (8) traditionally hold festive events.

The romantic name "Cinnamon Gardens" (9), unfortunately, is only formal. Yes, there used to be a lot of such trees here, but gradually they were cut down.

Galle Face

It is rather not a district, but a huge promenade. During the day they play football here, couples sit under umbrellas, admiring the ocean, and in the evening Sri Lankan families get out here for a walk.

Along the promenade there are expensive hotels with a long history, for example, Taj Samudra 5 * (1) and Galle Face Hotel (2), where you can drop in for a cup of tea, or just look at the interiors.

What to see in 1 day

I propose the following plan to see Colombo in a day:

What to see in the surroundings

Dehiwala Zoological Garden

In the Dehiwala Zoo (10 km from Colombo) you can see tigers, lions, jaguars, reptiles, as well as an elephant show, a butterfly garden, an aquarium and much more. The map of the zoo can be viewed at.

The oldest park in Southeast Asia strives not only to show animals, but also to instill respect for nature, presenting its fauna in all its glory.

Zoo opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 18:00. Ticket price: 16 USD (2500 LKR) - adult, 8 USD (1250 LKR) - children.

You can get here by taxi Uber 4.5 USD (700 LKR), by tuk-tuk 3.2 USD (500 LKR), or by public transport. By bus number 176 you need to get to the Dehiwala stop. To choose where it is more convenient to board it in Colombo, see the route map.

Food. What to try

Sri Lankan cuisine intersects with Indian, Arabic, New Zealand. The basis of the dish is spices, rice, flour, coconut. Curry is very popular in this country. Meat, side dishes, poultry, and fish are served with it.

I will list what I love national dishes:

Kottu - a mixture of chopped dough, vegetables, cheese, meat of your choice
String hoppers - thin nest-shaped rice noodles
Hoppes (Hoppers) - do not confuse with String hoppes! These are local pancakes made with coconut milk and rice flour.

More information about local dishes can be read.

In Colombo, for no particular reason, I am in no hurry to run to an expensive restaurant. I prefer street food. It is there that the dishes are the freshest, as they are prepared in front of your eyes. At the same time, food will cost between 1-2 USD (155-310 LKR). In restaurants, the price tag is much higher.

Budget

Not expensive - from 2 to 4 USD (from 300 to 700 LKR) you can eat to satiety in establishments:

Hotel De Pilawoos
life food
Curry Pot
The Chaat Kade
majestic city

Intermediate level

In these cafes and restaurants, lunch or dinner will cost around 3.5-10 USD (500-1500 LKR):

Curry Leaf
Graze Kitchen
Chutneys At Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Barefoot Garden Cafe
sky lounge

Expensive

Average check in restaurants will be from 6.5 to 20 USD (from 1000 to 3000 LKR):

The Lagoon
Gallery Cafe
Ministry of Crab
The Ocean at Hotel Kingsbury
sea spray

Holidays

Since people of different faiths live in Colombo, religious holidays are held in the city quite often. They are accompanied by colorful fireworks, costumed processions with drummers and dancers - that's what attracts tourists to Colombo. Fairs are open throughout the city.

Made the biggest impression on me Vesak Poya (Buddha's Birthday). On this day, millions of lights lit up around the city: these are original homemade garlands, and huge lamps that are specially prepared for the holiday. The culmination of the evening was the ship, which, in the twinkling of iridescent lights, sailed across Lake Beira, arousing the admiration of tourists and locals alike.

Safety. What to watch out for

To make your holiday stress-free and loss-free, I advise you to observe the following points:

In general, the city is not criminal, but still I do not advise you to walk at night, especially on the beach.
Be vigilant in crowds, especially near markets and train stations. As in other large cities, pickpockets can operate in Colombo.
Buying gems or Jewelry be sure to ask for a certificate. It will be at least some guarantee of the quality of the goods, and most importantly, it will allow you to avoid customs problems on the way back.

In general, read about safety rules in Sri Lanka.

Things to do

In addition to sightseeing, walking around the city, shopping, you can also find other entertainment in Colombo. For example, enjoy a massage at the spa or do yoga.

Spas

In Sri Lanka, as a country that carries Ayurvedic knowledge, wellness and spa centers are especially popular. Given enough time, I recommend visiting at least one of:

Spa Ceylon
ExSerendib Ayurveda Cure & Therapy
Amber Spa
Azmaara Spa

Cleanliness, careful attitude, procedures at a high professional level, specialists with diplomas, and most importantly, the effect is soothing and relaxing, or invigorating and positive, depending on the chosen procedure. Of course, one should not expect a cure for serious illnesses from them, but it is possible to restore strength, calm the mind, and have a good rest.

The cost of procedures starts from 20 USD (3000 LKR).

In addition to a large range of spa services, the centers also have a beautician who offers manicures, pedicures, etc. In addition, there are shops in the salons where you can buy Ayurvedic creams, shampoos, scrubs, etc. I must say right away that they cost more there than in shopping centers (eg Spa Ceylon), but finding them is not always easy. Some brands of spa cosmetics are exclusive and are sold only in the salon.

Yoga

Of course, yoga is common in Sri Lanka, however, classes are more elite and expensive (especially for local residents). Basically, self-knowledge is done in special retreat centers, which are located on the sea along the entire coast of the island. But there are also several yoga centers in Colombo:

The Om Space
Prana Lounge Holistic Health & Yoga Center

The last of these is located closest to the central part of the city. The cost of 1 lesson is 5-7 USD (800-1000 LKR). Opening hours: 8:00-20:00.

Shopping and shops

The concept of “shopping” is a stretch applicable to Sri Lanka, but Colombo is perhaps the only city in the country where there are shopping centers and shops.

List of shops worth visiting:

In stores, you can buy high-quality cotton and leather products, inexpensive jewelry by Russian standards, as well as spa cosmetics, Ayurvedic ointments and creams. But the main thing is spices and Ceylon tea. Oddly enough, it is very difficult to buy good tea in a supermarket, because. locals drink FBOP - small and strong tea. And for our taste, OP is better, in extreme cases - BOP.

Sri Lanka produces clothes of all famous world brands. Products in which there is a small marriage should be destroyed, but by some miracle they can be found in the markets, in private stores, however, the label on them will be cut out, but the quality is excellent, and the flaw can be almost invisible, or it can be easily eliminated. For example, alter the buttons.

Store hours: from 10:00 to 20:00, except weekends and holidays (often on Sundays only open until 15:00). ODEL is aimed at tourists, so it works all days of the week, including holidays.

You can buy groceries at the following supermarkets: Food City and Keells Super. These are 2 competitors, the assortment in stores is approximately the same, including prices.

Bars. Where to go

Colombo is actively developing nightlife with its bars, nightclubs, casinos. In many ways, bars are nightclubs with discotheques. Usually they are open at large luxury hotels. Let's take a look at the best of them.

sky lounge

Located in the elegant Kingsbury Hotel. One of the most notable nightlife spots in the city. In addition to interesting cocktails, as well as high-quality imported alcohol, you can have a full dinner here - try the chef's dishes. The average check per person is from 10 USD (1500 LKR).

Inn on the Green

Such establishments are not often found in Colombo. It can be described as a classic British pub. Located at the Inn on the Green, the bar offers British-era ambience and English cuisine. The wooden interior and tinted lights lead to a comfortable atmosphere, accentuated by music ranging from pop and other genres. On average, 20 USD (3000 LKR) are left here.

Molly's Pub

The only Irish pub in Colombo is named after the song "Sweet Molly Malone". All the traditions of a real pub are observed here: friendly owners, live music, a cozy atmosphere and delicious Irish delicacies. The average check is 20 USD (3000 LKR).

curve

Trendy lounge bar with purple and silver decorative theme. The bar offers authentic snacks as well as big choice drinks. On the stage of the institution you can meet performers of neo-jazz or soul music. In addition, the bar has a whiskey area called The Vault, where fans of this drink can choose their variety from a solid collection. One of the main advantages is the sustained balance between the atmosphere nightlife and romantic seclusion. The average check is 30 USD (5000 LKR).

ON14

The bar is located on the 14th floor of the OZO Hotel, located almost on the ocean. A very trendy place where many people aspire to go. The best views of the ocean open from the roof of the hotel, i.е. from this bar. Rather, the style of the institution can be described as Lounge. Directly on the territory of the bar there is a swimming pool (on the 14th floor!). In addition, bartenders offer both classic and completely unique signature cocktails. They usually leave 25 USD (4000 LKR) per person.

Clubs and nightlife

Casino

One of the main elements of Colombo nightlife. And there are many gambling establishments in the capital of Sri Lanka. Please note that they only work for foreigners. Local residents are forbidden to play at the legislative level.

Only Foreign citizens who have reached the age of 18. You will be asked for your passport to check in. The dress code is not strict: beach and sportswear should be avoided. In the evening, tuxedos and dresses are recommended.

The most classic place, which is not inferior to European and American casinos, is Bally's.

Inside you are greeted by a huge room with 30 tables, a free buffet, live European music. They play poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette. All information is duplicated in English and Chinese. Also in the city you can find other casinos with sonorous names: Bellagio, Stardust, MGM.

Night clubs

bright representative Colombo's nightclub is Rhythm and Blues. It's one of the best clubs in the city. Interesting interior, a varied list of drinks and snacks, and most importantly, excellent music make it attractive for both local youth and tourists.

Club working hours: from 20:00 to 8:00, daily, except Sunday; on Sunday - from 20:00 to 00:00. The average check is 20 USD (3000 LKR).

How to move around the city

Tourist areas are best explored on foot. But if time in Colombo is limited, then use transport to get around. In particular, the most common type is a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled rickshaw). Also in the metropolis, online services for ordering a taxi are actively developed. And, of course, the cheapest way to travel will be buses, the network of which is very developed in the city. And there are both public and private. In general, public transport in Sri Lanka is very affordable.

The icing on the cake of transport in Colombo can be called a double-decker tourist bus that runs on three routes (2 day and 1 night). Thanks to the appearance of such a bus in 2010, in 3-4 hours you can get acquainted with all the main attractions of the city. Find out prices and departure times at.

Taxi. What features exist

Online Taxi

In the large metropolis of Colombo, 2 online taxi services are actively developed:

Moreover, in Pickme you can order tuk-tuks, and even minivans. And Uber is different in that you can pay for the trip in cash, and even deviate slightly from the intended route (of course, for an additional fee).

The prices are about the same. For example, with the Pickme service, getting from the Fort area to Independence Square by car will cost 2 USD (315 LKR), by minivan (10 people) - 7 USD (1100 LKR). And with Uber - from 2 to 3 USD (from 300 to 500 LKR) depending on the class of car.

Knock Knock

A convenient alternative to taxis are tuk-tuks, masterfully maneuvering in any traffic jam. You can catch one anywhere in the city. There are both private and public SLTDA (Tourist Friendly Tuk Tuks).

Choose a tuk-tuk with the inscription "taxi-meter", then the payment will go to the meter. If there is no counter, be sure to negotiate the amount in advance, and still bargain. average cost 1 km - 0.3 USD (50 LKR).

Traveling in a tuk-tuk is less comfortable than in a taxi, and the number of people you can take on board is only 2.

Trams

By 2019, Colombo plans to launch trams. While we wait.

Buses

Colombo has a well-developed city bus network. Moreover, both public (SLTB) and private ones run. There are practically no differences in fares, perhaps private ones are newer and more comfortable. You won’t find cheaper transport in Colombo - for 0.15 USD (20 LKR) you can drive the whole city.

To get on the bus, wait for it at the bus stop, or vote on the road. And be ready to fly into it with a bullet. The fare is paid at the entrance to the conductor. Stops are possible on demand, for this, pull the rope with a bell, which is located under the ceiling.

Transport rental

A liter of gasoline in Colombo is 0.6 USD (95 LKR). Compared to European ones, Sri Lankan gas stations look rather miserable, and I didn’t even figure out how to use the dispenser the first time. Fortunately, many gas stations have a refueller who will help to do everything and the money is paid to him.

Having once tried to ride a rented car around the city, I realized that this is a troublesome business - you have to look for parking spaces, and on the streets, except for large avenues, there are practically no pockets. Among the absolute pluses is air conditioning, which is very important in the midday heat.

There are both local and international car rental companies in Colombo. The cost of a simple car, for example, Suzuki Alto for a month is 300 USD (45,000 LKR), for a week - 100 USD (15,000 LKR). Options can be viewed. The price for a car with a driver is 30 USD (4,500 LKR) per day + gasoline.

As an exotic - try to rent a tuk-tuk. It is managed unpretentiously, and the price is less - 18 USD (2700 LKR) per day. You must leave a deposit - 150 USD (23,000 USD).

A mandatory requirement for you is an international driving license of category B.

Colombo - holidays with children

Be sure to visit the Dehiwala Zoological Garden. Playgrounds, slides can be found in any city, but such a variety of fauna, only here.

High school students may be interested in visiting the National Museum, which stores various artifacts of ancient times, as well as items from the era of great discoveries.

If we talk about the beach, then with the children go to Mount Lavinia, where in the vast expanses you can organize a picnic, sunbathe, swim.

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Colombo is the de facto capital of Sri Lanka, although the de jure capital is a city with the unbearable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. In fact, both of these cities and several more form the metropolis of Greater Colombo. The population of this anthill is more than five and a half million people. This is the most Big city and the gateway to the country - the Bandaranaike International Airport is located here. It is also a city of giant traffic jams. It was from this city that we began our journey around the island. after living on the Indian Ocean for 3 weeks. This is our first experience when we went traveling with our 2 year old daughter. In Hikkaduwa we met married couple, whose girl is only half a year older than ours and decided that we would accomplish this feat together :) And so, on the morning of January 2, in a Toyota minibus, our company moved towards Colombo.

We had 2 mothers, 2 fathers, 1 grandmother, 1 companion, 2 little girls, 1 Sri Lankan driver, 3 backpacks, 2 suitcases, a whole lot of sweets of all varieties and colors, as well as toys, a pot, 2 tablets, 3 cameras , 1 video camera. Not that it was a necessary supply for the trip. But if you decide to go traveling for 8 days around the country with small children, it becomes difficult to stop. The only thing I was worried about... playing cards. Nothing in the world is more helpless, irresponsible and vicious than players in the translation fool. I knew that sooner or later, we will switch to this rubbish.

Colombo is a typical Asian city, with atypically clean streets

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by the most fast way you can get from Hikkaduwa to the capital using the local highway

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This route starts a few kilometers from Colombo and ends near the city of Matara. There is another small piece of such a road and there are no more express roads in the country.

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When you get to the capital, your eyes begin to run up from non-standard buildings and non-standard product display :)

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At that time, the country was in full swing election campaign and the whole country was literally glued with posters of presidential candidates

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Bollywood is resting :)

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Complex of government buildings. In fact, we were only passing through the city - extending visas, having pizza at Pizza Hut and taking the children to the zoo.

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The city is really very clean. It would seem - the Sinhalese and Tamils, moved from India many centuries ago, a similar mentality, there should be the same mess on the streets, but no.

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A suitcase with locks lay alone on the street. Maybe the master went somewhere?

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I bought similar clothes in Tunisia - very comfortable by the way :)

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For some reason, traffic controllers wear white sleeves over their clothes.

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There were no beggars at the crossroads, only sellers of coloring books for children

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garbage truck

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The guys liked my beard and for a long time they showed with gestures how much they liked it

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Increased density of red buses

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The country is being actively built, so in places such complexes come across. If I'm not mistaken, this is some kind of concrete plant

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Near the road to the airport stands the coolest monument

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Houses of residents of urban outskirts

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Most of all I liked the name of the bank - People's Bank. Human bank :)

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An umbrella is a necessary accessory for any Sri Lankan.

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And this comes across

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And this is a few viewers at the fur seal show at the Colombo Zoo. I immediately remembered the closing ceremony of the Indo-Pakistan border :)

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Photo models, water and lighting successfully matched

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More than once during the trip we will come across these pelicans

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We will also see deer in wildlife

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But camels can only be seen in the zoo

Sri Lanka has an ancient history of settlement. Even 2000 years ago, on the site of the capital of Colombo, there was the city of Kola-amba-thota, which the Portuguese renamed XVI. It is not surprising that in this place you can spend hours inspecting historical monuments and still not have enough time. Colombo Sri Lanka whose sights belong to different eras, differ significantly from each other.

Top tourist destinations in Colombo

The city is divided into districts that have an ancient division according to professional orientation (the area of artisans, merchants, the poor, etc.). Fort is considered the main area that receives tourists. But not only here are the best attractions of Colombo.

A monument dedicated to the history of the indigenous population and the island of Ceylon - Independence Hall. The history of Sri Lanka has been presented in this building since ancient times. Sinhalese monarchs are replaced by conquerors from Portugal and England, and the monument to Senanayake Don Stephen, who became the first prime minister of the already independent Sri Lanka, makes up the exposition.
The spiritual center of the future monks is the temple of Gangarama. The complex includes a museum, a library, a room for meditation and prayer, as well as classrooms. Entrance to the museum is free, but the amount of donations is about 100 rupees. Of particular interest to tourists are the magnificent painted walls and ceiling, as well as the statue of a seated Buddha.
The main Catholic cathedral of Sri Lanka is the temple of St. Lucy. Inside the building, beautiful stucco and an altar, memorable statues of saints amaze with grandeur.
In the fashionable Cinnamon Gardens area, Viharamahadevi Park is the largest in Colombo. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a statue of a seated Buddha, surrounded by a pool, a flower garden and clipped shrubs. Immediately behind it opens an alley of fountains, framed by palm trees and paths. It is impossible to visit Colombo Sri Lanka attractions and not to bring amazing photos from this park. Lake, small ponds, Railway with a cute train that rides children, a summer stage, amazing flora - this is an incomplete list of the contents of Viharamahadevi.

You can wander around Colombo for several days and always discover something new for yourself. Ancient history is intricately intertwined with modern world, leaving a clear mark in memory.

Where can I find cheap tours?

It is better to look for profitable tours through a service that compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest deals. We do it ourselves and are extremely satisfied 🙂