Cosmopolitan Colombo is the economic and political capital of Sri Lanka.
It’s busy and bustling, but with many attractive features. One thing is for sure, all international traveller arrive in Colombo and we recommend heading straight to the calming sanctuary of The Wallawwa, just 20 minutes from the airport. It’s an exceptional boutique hideaway with a swimming pool in its extensive gardens and a fabulous spa.
For a slice of grand colonial elegance in the heart of Colombo (and about 50 minutes from the airport) we would highly recommend Galle Face Hotel. Set on the sea front and brilliantly located for shopping and sightseeing.
The Fort, Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah, one of the older districts, are particular historical highlights, while the Beira Lake, and green parks and canals that interject the city provide a contrasting natural beauty.
If you want to get off the plane and head straight off to the nearest great value beach resort, we would recommend Avani Kalutara or Ayurveda Maha Gedara – which offers an excellent selection of Ayurveda treatments and programmes from its calming beachside location – as does the nearby Lanka Princess. All of these hotels are about 90 minutes south of Colombo airport.
Flying time from London: Just under 11 hours direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo
Sri Lanka Rupees
GMT +5.5 hours
All visitors to Sri Lanka require a visa. You can obtain a short stay visa (up to 30 days) via an online visa process
Best from December to April, but really a year-round destination.
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half, while the dry season here lasts from December to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
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