Colombo
Visited in May 2011
At a glance
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Region
- Colombo District
- Population
- 647,557
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Bandaranaike International (CMB)
- Coordinates
- 6.92°N, 79.86°E
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Overview
Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, a sprawling port on the west coast where colonial buildings, Buddhist temples and new towers share the skyline. The official legislative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, lies on its eastern edge.
Many travellers rush through, but a day or two here is well spent. Explore the markets of Pettah, eat street food by the sea and get a taste of the island's mix of cultures.
Things to see
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Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gangaramaya Temple
A busy, eclectic Buddhist temple packed with statues, relics and gifts from devotees.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0 Seema Malaka
Geoffrey Bawa's serene meditation pavilion floating on Beira Lake, opposite Gangaramaya.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Pettah
Colombo's old bazaar district, with streets devoted to spices, fabrics and electronics.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
A striking red-and-white candy-striped mosque in the middle of Pettah.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Colombo National Museum
The country's main museum, in a colonial building with royal regalia and ancient sculpture.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Mayakaru at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 Sunset at Galle Face Green
Join families flying kites on the seafront lawn, then eat crab-topped isso vadai from the stalls.
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Photo: Dan arndt, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat kottu
Listen for the clatter of blades chopping roti, vegetables and egg on a hot griddle in a street-side café.
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Photo: AtulaSiriwardane at English Wikipedia, Public domain Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
An important Buddhist temple with fine murals, a short drive north-east of the city.
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Photo: Rehman Abubakr, CC BY-SA 4.0 Train down the coast
Ride the coastal line south past beaches and fishing villages to Galle.
Where to stay
Kollupitiya (Colombo 3)
Central and well connected, with hotels near the seafront and Galle Road.
Hotels in Kollupitiya (Colombo 3)Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7)
Leafy, upmarket and close to the museum and Viharamahadevi Park.
Hotels in Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7)Fort
Near the station and the restored colonial district, good for onward travel.
Hotels in FortMount Lavinia
A beach suburb to the south, for a more relaxed stay.
Hotels in Mount Lavinia
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are everywhere; use a ride-hailing app or agree the fare. Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time.
The airport is about 35 kilometres north of the city; the expressway gets you into Colombo in about 45 minutes by taxi.
When to go
The west coast is driest from December to March. The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain from May to September, and it is hot and humid all year.
Plan your trip to Colombo
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.