4.9
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The arrival city and commercial capital
Colombo is Sri Lanka's commercial capital and, for most visitors, the arrival and departure point. Bandaranaike International Airport is about an hour north of the city.
It rewards a half-day rather than a long stay: a colonial-era core, busy markets, a seafront promenade and some of the best food in the country.
Things to do in Colombo
Galle Face Green
A seafront strip that fills with families and street food carts in the late afternoon.
Pettah market and the Red Mosque
The densest, busiest part of the city; go in the morning.
Gangaramaya Temple
An eclectic working temple beside Beira Lake.
Independence Square and the National Museum
A quieter, greener part of the city for a slower afternoon.
Best time to visit
Colombo is warm and humid year-round at around 27-31°C. December to March is driest; May-June and October-November bring the heaviest rain, usually in short afternoon bursts.
How long to stay
Half a day, or one night on arrival or before an early flight.
How to get to Colombo
- From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): about 1 hour by private car on the expressway.
- From Kandy: about 3-3.5 hours.
- From Galle: about 2 hours on the Southern Expressway.
Lotus Tours experiences in Colombo
Colombo FAQs
- Do you offer airport transfers?
- Yes. We run private airport transfers between Bandaranaike International Airport and Colombo hotels, and to any onward destination on the island.
- Is Colombo worth a night?
- One night is useful around flight times. If your schedule is tight, most travellers head straight to the hills or the coast.
Nearby destinations
Planning your Sri Lanka trip?
Tell us what you'd like to see and we'll build a private itinerary around it, with your own driver for the whole journey.