Colombo

Understand

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka after the administrative capital was moved to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, a suburb east of the city. "Colombo" could refer to either the city proper, or to Greater Colombo that includes the areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. Due to it being on a strategic route in the Indian Ocean, Colombo hosts one of the busiest ports in South Asia, and was known to traders 2,000 years ago. It was an important port on the Maritime Silk Road. Today, the city is the centre of the country's activities and is home to most of the country's restaurants and entertainment venues.

Climate

Colombo has a tropical monsoon climate, bordering on tropical rainforest climate, so the weather is warm or hot around the year with temperatures usually around 25 °C (77 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F), and wet during much of the year. For the best weather, visit during the north-east monsoon season, including the driest months December to March. There's also a shorter dryer period in July and August.

History

The Portuguese gave the city its current name, which is derived from Sinhala: kolon thota - "port on the river Kelani" or kola-amba-thota - "harbour with leafy/green mango trees" or kolamba - "ford or harbour". And thanks to its natural harbour it has been a trading point for thousands of years, visited by traders from as far as China and the Roman Empire. From the 8th century Arab traders settled in the area and eventually came to control the trade through Colombo. They were followed by the Portuguese, who in 1505 made a treaty with the Kingdom of Kotte where they were allowed to establish a trading post in Colombo and trade in cinnamon in exchange for protection from outer invaders. The Portuguese eventually set up a fort, expelled the Arabs from Colombo and proceeded to take over the whole island, formerly ruled by many kingdoms, over the course of the 16th century. The surroundings where the fort stood are now known as the Fort district, though the Dutch tore it down replacing it with their own fort, which the British replaced with military barracks and other buildings, and the barracks were demolished in the 1970s to make room for the Colombo World Trade Center. The Portuguese presence in Sri Lanka was marked by a long war, the Sinhalese-Portuguese war from 1527 to 1658. The Dutch, Portugal's main rival during the age of colonization became involved in the war and took over Colombo in 1656. The city became a centre for the Dutch East India Company's operations on the island, and by that they also came to control the rich cinnamon lands in the region. In 1796, during the Napoleonic Wars, Colombo was captured by the British, first serving as a military base and from 1815 on as the capital of British Ceylon. During British rule, Colombo grew and started developing into the city it is today and many of its notable landmarks were built during this period. The first representative government on Sri Lanka, the Legislative Council of Ceylon, was established in 1833. After World War II, in 1948, Ceylon became a British dominion, and in 1972 an independent republic. After that the capital was moved out of Colombo, to the suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The new parliament opened in 1982 and officially it is the national capital, but the relocation of governmental offices is reportedly still in progress. Even so, Colombo, the biggest city by far, remains the commercial capital and the centre of much of what's going on in Sri Lanka.

Getting there

By plane

Air service to Colombo is provided by the national airline Sri Lankan Airlines and foreign airlines, mostly from India and Asia. Direct flights are available from major centres in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast and East Asia and Australia, as well as from many cities throughout the subcontinent.

Airports

1 Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA), Canada Friendship Rd (at Katunayake, close to Negombo), ☏ +94 11 2 252861. Sri Lanka's primary international airport, on the coast north of Colombo. It has ATMs, mobile network providers and travel agencies in the welcome hall (after customs), so you'll be able to get cash and a SIM card, and are able to book transportation to your hotel. (updated Aug 2024) 2 Ratmalana Airport (RML IATA). Has scheduled light aircraft services from Hambantota-Mattala, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. It can also handle international charter flights. This airport is on south side of Colombo, so leave plenty of time if you have a connecting flight between the two airports. (updated Jan 2024)

Ground transportation serving Bandaranaike International Airport

The international airport is closer to Negombo than to Colombo, so if you're arriving late or departing early, it might be a better option to stay the night in Negombo. Confirm the cost of any mode of transport before using it.

Getting around

By tri-shaw

Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. Some three-wheelers have built in meters or the drive uses a phone app that does the same. Drivers hanging out in tourist areas often will not have or not allow meters as an option. Ask if there is a meter and if there is not a meter to use, always negotiate and agree on a price before you take a trip. But it's best to hail a meter taxi (identified by the words "Meter Taxi" on its windshield) that is traveling in the direction that you need to go instead of hiring one from the parking area or the tuk-tuk stand. The meter taxi costs Rs 100 for the first kilometre and increases in increments of Rs 10 based on distance and waiting time. It is best to have an offline map, as drivers relying on meters will agree to take you without an understanding where they need to go, whereas drivers negotiating a price will not agree to a price unless they understand how to get to the destination. The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority also operates its own fleet of 'tuk-tuks' around Colombo which are tourist friendly and metered to ensure that travellers are aware of the price being paid. Tourist board tuk tuks are distinguishable by their unique paintings. These three-wheelers can be booked 24 hours a day by calling 0712 500 800 or 0772 299 299.

By bus

Colombo has an extensive network of buses going around the city/region. Bus stops have no timetable or route map as such. Fares depend on the type of bus and distance. Fares are per trip: no free connections. Prices start at Rs 30 (as of 2024), buy from onboard conductor. The Ceylonlanka.info and Routemaster websites have partial, incomplete information on routes. Google Maps navigation via public transport works well.

By taxi

Taxis are safer and much more comfortable than tuk-tuks. There are 'Tata Nano' cars in service nowadays and the charges start from Rs 40 per kilometre with air-conditioning. The tuk-tuks also offer their service for a fee of Rs 30 per km but only those with the "Metered Taxi" name board in front. Others may not have the meters running. Uber is available in Colombo with options for smaller cars (Go and Zip), as well as UberX, but XL is not available. A local ride-sharing app called Pick Me allows to order everything from a tuk tuk to a van, although there have been reports about the app not working for all users.

See

Holy places

1 Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Lankamatha Road, Ragama suburb of Colombo (from Ragama Railway Station 2 km NE or bus to stop 'National Basilika Ave'). A Roman Catholic church with basilica status. The church is home to the venerated statue of Our Lady of Lanka. 2 St Luke's Anglican Church, Borella district of Colombo-8. The church plays an important role within the history of the Church Missionary Society on the island. 3 St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Polwatte (159, St Michael’s Road, Colombo 3) (Cameron Pl corner; 100 m east of Kollupitiya Jumma Mosque). It was dedicated on 29 September 1887 and is a landmark in Kollupitiya, a suburb of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A magnificent building of stone, mortar and wood. 4 St Andrew's Scots Kirk church, No. 73, Galle Road, Colombo 3 (close to the High Commission of India). It was founded in the late 19th century, and prospered during the colonial and post-colonial periods, it was a centre for the Scots element in Colombo, the capital city of what was then Ceylon. 5 St Lucia's Cathedral, St Benedict's Street and St Lucia Street, Kotahena (in the northeast of Colombo; 200 m north of Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium). The seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka. 6 St Paul's Church (1853), Galle Rd, Milagiriya district (Dr Lester James Peries Mawatha Street corner; take bus to stop 'Milagiriya'). It is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese as a Roman Catholic church, and was known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres 7 Buddha Jayanthi Chaithya stupa, Colombo Harbour. A Buddhist shrine, built with reinforced concrete. 8 Gangaramaya Temple, 61, Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 2 (Hunupitiya Lake Rd corner), ☏ +94 11 2 435169. One of the most important temples in Colombo. The temple's architecture is an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles. And adjoining it just to the west is the Seema Malaka, another Buddhist temple complex that sits upon Beira Lake, along with Gangamaraya Park. Some urban and eccentric views of the surrounding skyline can be had from here, including looking back on the Altair Sri Lanka apartment tower that looks like one building falling on another. 9 Sri Bala Selva Vinayagar. Hindu temple in Colombo 10. Devoted to Shiva and Ganesh. 10 Kalani Raja Maha Viharaya.. Located about 9 km away from Colombo, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple had been built more than 2,000 years ago and contains images of reclining and preaching Buddha along with frescoes depicting incidents from his life. 11 Memm Harnafi (Dawatagaha Jumma Masjid), Dr C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha. Mosque founded by C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha. 12 Church of St Anthony. It is beside the sea where Sea Street and St Anthony’s Mawatha meet.

13 Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, Second Cross Street in Pettah. This historic mosque is a popular tourist site. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque was built in 1909 by the Pettah Muslim community to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays. It is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. 14 Victoria Masonic Temple, Galle Face, Colombo 03. It is the meeting place for the Masonic Lodges. It was built in 1901 during British rule and designed by E. Skinner, an associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and built by the Colombo Commercial Company. The building was built in neo-Georgian style mixed with elements of Eastern architecture. 15 Wolvendaal church, 363, Galle Road, Colombo 06. One of the oldest churches built during the Dutch era in 1749. The interior is decorated with Dutch furniture with the wooden carved pews, chairs, pulpit and lecterns.

Museums

16 The National Museum of Colombo, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, ☏ +94 11 2 695366, ranjith.s.hewage@yahoo.com. Sa-Th 9AM-5PM. Department of National Museums. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th-century Kandyan kings. Child Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (2013). 17 The Natural History Museum, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, ☏ +94 11 269-1399. Sa-Th 9AM-5PM. Closed all public holidays. This museum features Sri Lanka's floral and fauna in dioramas. Child Rs 150, adult Rs 300. 18 The Dutch Period Museum, 95 Prince Street, Colombo 01, ☏ +94 11 244-8466. Sa-Th 9AM-5PM. Nice but very small museum documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts. Child Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (2013).

Do

1 Galle Face Green Promenade, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Visit at sundown for a spectacular view. The ½-km-long promenade stretches 13 acres (5.3 hectares) between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean; it tends to attract children, teenagers, vendors, lovers, kite flyers, merrymakers, and families. Usually on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the land is filled with day-trippers, food vendors, and people picnicking which make it very crowded. It is also the largest open space in the city. Free. 2 Colombo Zoological Gardens (Dehiwala Zoological Garden), Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala (by bus: from Colombo port, No. 101 stops at Dehiwala junction, and get the Bus No. 176 or 118. - By Train: get to Dehiwala station which near station to Colombo zoo and get Bus No. 176 or 118), ☏ +94 112 712 751, zoosl@slt.lk. Daily 8:30AM-4PM. Colombo's zoo has a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world. See lion show, every day 4-4:15PM; elephant show, every day 4:30-4:55PM. For overseas visitors: adult Rs 2000, child Rs 1000, video cameras Rs 500. Other fees: elephant ride, adult Rs 200, child Rs 100; pony ride for children under 12 Rs 25.

3 Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park), Cinnamon Gardens. It is the largest, oldest and most colourful park situated in the heart of Colombo, just opposite the colonial style Town Hall building. 4 Attidiya Bird Sanctuary (9km towards the south west of the city). A beautiful marshland, rich with natural biodiversity and a resting place for many types of birds. The vegetation is dominated by sedge and grasses including Rhyuchospora rubra and Panicum repens. Around 43 species of waterfowl live in the area. Most common among them are Indian Shag (Phalaerocorox fuscicollis), and the Blue breasted Banded Rail (Rallus striatus). If you are an enthusiastic bird watcher or an eco friend, then it is worthwhile to spend sometimes in the Attidiya bird sanctuary. 5 Sri Lanka Planetarium, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. Established in 1965. English shows on the last Saturday of the month at 2PM. 6 Gordon Gardens. About 16,000 m². The gardens have an amazing variety of trees. 7 Colombo Racecourse, Cinnamon Gardens, Philip Gunewardena Mawatha, Colombo 07. In 2012 it was redeveloped as the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex to become the first International rugby union ground in Sri Lanka to host all the national rugby union side's home matches. 8 Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club Grounds, Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 07. 9 Royal College Sports Complex, 10, Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha, Off Independence Avenue, Colombo 07. 10 Royal Colombo Golf Club, 223, Model Farm Road, Colombo 08. 11 Sugathadasa Stadium, Arthur de Silva Mawatha or Prince of Wales Ave, Colombo 14. 12 Colombo Cricket Club Ground (CCCG), Maitland Crescent. (updated Aug 2025) 13 Nelum Pokuna Theatre, ☏ +94 11 2 669024. Performing arts theatre.

Shopping

Places to shop include:

1 Barefoot, 706 Galle Road (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya), ☏ +94 11 2589305. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. This handicraft shop has a wide range of good quality souvenirs and handmade items: clothes, bags and children toys, from some of the most beautifully-coloured fabric you've ever seen. While the biggest outlet is at Galle Road, there are smaller outlets at the Dutch Hospital and 41 Pedlar Street. (updated Oct 2016) 2 Crescat Boulevard, 89 Galle Rd (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya). An up-market shopping mall. Though it is fairly small, it contains a food court on the basement floor. 3 Lakmedura, 113 Dharmapala Rd (Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens). Gift shop. 4 Lakpahana, 14 Reid Ave (Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens), ☏ +94 112 698 211. A non-profit organization run by the craftsman association of Sri Lanka with assistance from the government. Offers all handicrafts and gemstone jewellery. Unique metalware, wood carvings, silver jewellery, batik, textile products and other crafts. 5 Liberty Plaza, RA de Mel Mawatha (Colombo 3, Kollupitiya). Similar to Majestic City but smaller. You can find various items such as clothing, CDs and DVDs. 6 Majestic City. In Kollupitiya on Galle Road has a wide variety of clothing outlets, including a sub-branch of Odel, at very good prices, as well as various electrical goods and toy shops. It's pleasantly air-conditioned and includes a food court on the ground floor. 7 Odel, No 5, Alexandra Place (Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens). A stylish department store, with its very own Delifrance outlet, clothing, houseware, sporting goods, books and movies, as well as Delight – for sweet indulgences from chocolates to exotic nuts. 8 Paradise Road, 213, Dharmapala Mawatha (Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens), ☏ +94 11 268 6043. 9AM-7PM. A shop with a small café in a British colonial style building where antiques, home décor items and art can be viewed or purchased. 9 The Pettah Market. Fruits to clothes to electronics at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you. Even if you don't buy anything, Pettah, or Colombo 11 is an experience in itself being a very typical, loud and crowded oriental market place full of all sorts of odds, ends and junk. Each street in the market has its own speciality, for example, in 1st Cross Street you can find electrical items, 2nd Cross Street has jewellery and so on. In the Pettah Market area, some street vendors actively ask passers-by, foreigners and locals to view products they are selling though polite refusal is generally accepted. 10 Caveman Redux, 08, Stratford Avenue (Colombo 6), ☏ +94 070 329 7696, sales@cavemanredux.com. 9AM-8PM. A tranquil boutique dedicated to natural health, beauty, and wellness. Caveman Redux offers an extensive selection of essential oils, base oils, floral waters, plant extracts, dietary supplements, and raw natural ingredients for homemade skincare and wellness rituals. (updated May 2025)

Gems and jewellery

Sri Lankan mines produce some fine gemstones, especially sapphires and moonstones, and Colombo is one of the main places where they are marketed. Cut but unmounted stones and finished jewellery are sold in many places. The beach town of Beruwela, about 55 km to the south, also has a large gem market. Ratnapura, 100 km south, is in the centre of the main gem mining area and also has large markets. See our article on gemstones for more information.

Eat

Sri Lankan food can be very spicy, so ask questions and order accordingly. That said, Colombo has a wide range of eateries, and there should be something for almost any combination of food preference and budget.

Budget

Available everywhere are small bakeries selling rotis (either flat or folded into triangles filled with egg, vegetable or fish), hoppers (bowl shaped pancakes made with coconut milk), and other "short eats" (bread-based snacks or fried foods). The price of individual items range from Rs 50-100. Buy a "lunch packet" from street stands practically anywhere in the city. Typically, it will be a filling meal of rice and vegetables for about Rs 180.

1 New Yarl Eat House, Station Road, Wellawatte (just off the Galle Road, on the sea side). It serves traditional Jaffna style rice and curries with excellent value for money crabs. A lunch for one including a full crab costs around Rs 400. (updated Jan 2020)

Drink

Non alcoholic

Thembili තැබිලි (Orange Coconut juice) is safe, since they cut it open in front of you, so no nasties have a chance to get in your drink Spring water with SLS certification is safe to drink.

Nightlife

Colombo's nightlife is on par with most other Asian destinations and features a number of establishments that offer decent music and drinks, served in a pleasant atmosphere. Expect the music to range from 80s retro to modern chart toppers as elegant partygoers dance the night away sipping the poison of their choice. Most clubs close around 04:00, R&B perhaps a little later.

Mount Lavinia

1 Mount Lavinia is about 20 minutes away from the city and has a good deal of nightlife. The beach and the friendly people draw plenty of visitors. Along the beach are a variety of restaurants that serve alcohol have food to suit every budget. The variety of the beach spots themselves are interesting, from nice little coves for a quiet chat and a drink to well lit, busy places with dance floors, music courtesy of a live DJ and well stocked bars. Try Jo Jo's, a quiet little place where they serve pretty decent food and drink and has a nice homey feel to it. Buba, on the other side of the Mount Lavinia Hotel which divides the public beach is also popular. Mount Lavinia also serves as the gay district of Colombo. Although not home to any gay bars, it is a very gay friendly town and always plays host to Colombo's Gay Pride week in June. Do not be surprised if some bars have the rainbow flag flying on the beach.

Sleep

Colombo's cheap accommodations in the centre of town apart from the famous YMCA (containing a gay bathhouse) are mostly concentrated along the road opposite the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Many rooms are available but with shared bathrooms. These, however, tend to be dirty and dingy affairs that even seasoned travellers are unlikely to tolerate. Moving south along Galle Rd, one can find a lot of more reasonable accommodation. Around Kollupitiya (the next suburb south of Galle Face), you will still be dealing with overpriced, soulless air-conditioned concrete boxes. Further down south, prices and people will get more reasonable. There are quite a few small hotels in the side streets off Galle Rd. in Wellawatte area. If you continue south and get as far as Mount Lavinia, there will be hundreds of small guesthouses, some of them very affordable, in a quiet old-fashioned area with a lot of greenery and right by the sea (the only problem being that it's far from the city centre). As of May 2014, typical costs were Rs 1,000-2,000, depending on the room quality. Buses 100, 101 and others go down Galle Rd. from Colombo Fort station (Rs 20 to get to Wellawatte).

Budget

1 Parisare Homestay, 97/1 Rosemead Place (near Embassy of France, Cinnamon Gardens (col 7)), ☏ +94 11 2694749. This is a lovely home with a wonderful hostess, but they have only 3 rooms so prior reservation essential. In affluent Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood which is 5km from Fort Station (20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus) Rs 1000/1200. (updated Apr 2025) 2 Miracle City Inn Hostel, 177 R. A. De Mel Mawatha (Corner of Muhandiram's Rd), ☏ +94718998999. Cheery hostel with white exterior and a rooftop terrace that will give you a full view of Colombo. Has a library, games, shared kitchen, comfy beds, and clean bathrooms. Rs 1110. (updated Apr 2025) 3 C1 Colombo Fort, 37 Mudalige Mawatha, ☏ +94 112 389 695. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel that is mostly up on the 4th floor of a building (with good viewsǃ). Strong wifi. Breakfast buffet is approx. Rs 370 additional. Rs 4624. (updated Dec 2020) 4 Sapphire Hotel, 371 Galle Rd, ☏ +94 11 258 3306. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 5 minutes away from the ocean. Has an on-site restaurant and bar. Each room includes air-conditioning, 24-hour room service, and satellite television. Has two reception halls for those wishing to host a convention or wedding reception. Reservations are required. Rs 4439. (updated Apr 2025)

Mid-range

5 Hotel Clarion, 103, Kandy Road, Kiribathgoda, ☏ +94 11 2911579, fax: +94 11 4821068. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a TV with cable channels and are wheelchair accessible. Also in the hotel is the 180 restaurant, a fitness centre with steam room and a business centre. The Clarion is a bit far from the central city: it will generally take at least 45 minutes to travel to the centre, with possible 30-minute delays from heavy traffic. Rs 6103. 6 Hotel Galadari, 64 Lotus Road, Fort, ☏ +94 11 254-4544, fax: +94 11 244-9875, info@galadarihotel.lk. Has 446 rooms, including 23 suites. There are special executive level and handicap rooms. There are a variety of dining facilities in the hotel to suit different palates. Als has spa and fitness facilities. Rs 6103. (updated Apr 2025) 7 Hotel Janaki, 443, Fife Rd Havelock Town, Colombo 5 (8km south of Fort). This 3-star hotel offers its guests rooms with air-conditioning, cable/satellite TV, and a room safe. There is a restaurant and bar on site, with 24-hour room service. Rs 6843. (updated Apr 2025) 8 Garden Guest House (chitru@sltnet.lk), 7 Karlsruhe Gardens, Borella, Colombo 8 (5km southeast of Fort), ☏ +94 11 269-7919. This three-room guest house offers its visitors attached bathrooms, free internet services and laundry facilities. The staff at the guest house can also arrange island tours and airport pick-up. (updated Apr 2025) 9 Palm Village Hotel, 262, Old Colombo Road (14km north of Fort), ☏ +94 11 479-5114, fax: +94 11 293-0766, pvhl1@sltnet.lk. Located between the city and the airport, has 50 air-conditioned rooms with either a balcony or a terrace. Has a restaurant and bar, as well as a jewellery and souvenir shop. (updated Apr 2025) 10 Hotel Renuka & Renuka City Hotel, 328 Galle Road (Kollupitiya Colombo 3), ☏ +94 11 257-3598, renukaht@renukahotel.com. These sister hotels offer their guests comfortable rooms and friendly service. Each room is equipped with flat screen television with local and cable channels, 24-hour room service, in-room safes and internet connection. The hotels have one of the most famous restaurants in Sri Lanka, the Palmyrah, which serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. A popular dish is Iso Thel Dala, spicy prawns sautéed with onions and tomato. Two onsite bars. Rs 7768. 11 Mount Lavinia Hotel, No 100, Hotel Rd, Mount Lavinia, ☏ +94 11 271-1711, reservation@mountlaviniahotel.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. This is a colonial heritage hotel dating back to early 1800s. It consists of 210 rooms inclusive of colonial, ocean view, and suites. The ocean view rooms are a bit dated. There are 6 restaurants and bars as well as facilities to host business events and weddings. The dinner and breakfast buffets are spectacular. Rs 10727. (updated Mar 2025)

Local customs

Seemingly innocuous public displays of affection between lovers such as kissing and/or hugging are not culturally acceptable in Sri Lanka as it is considered to be secluded behaviour (this does not apply to private functions or establishments designated for adults such as nightclubs, casinos and beach parties). Much lenience is given to foreigners and holding hands and public affection between parents and their children is not frowned upon. In most buses, it is local etiquette to provide or give up the very front passenger seats to members of the clergy, such as monks or priests if they are present. Do not turn your back to (or be alongside) a Buddha statue when within a reasonable distance (observe what others are doing). This includes posing for photos. It's OK to photograph a statue, but all persons should be facing it. Public nudity is illegal in Sri Lanka. Nude/topless sunbathing and skinny dipping should be avoided at beaches, except in the few private beach resorts which allow it.

Stay safe

Colombo is like most other South Asian capitals. Although it is not as dangerous as one would think, tourists should be very vigilant. Many first time visitors to Colombo find themselves falling victim to scams and touts; however, seasoned visitors to Sri Lanka are rarely scammed and it is very simple to avoid being a victim of scammers as long as you take precautions such as:

Being on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Take any advice from taxi and auto drivers with a grain of salt, especially if they tell you the place you want to go to is closed, dangerous, or non-existent. If you are unsure, check a map. Not engaging in business with people who have to actively approach you for business such as Tuk Tuk drivers, street vendors, etc. If people have to approach or make overtures to you for business without you seeking them on your own volition, then they shouldn't be considered for business dealings. Because, you will likely be overcharged, as you have been denied the option of shopping around for the best price. If you have been told your hotel is closed or full, give them a call. If you are a first time visitor to Sri Lanka, don't admit it as it will make you a target for the scam artists. Once you are past the scammers, Colombo is a far more welcoming destination than other South Asian cities. Certainly single women, although not advised to explore every nook and cranny of the city on their own late at night, will not find the pestering attentions of leering men. Sri Lankan women are also very "western" in their dress sense, so it is very normal to wear skirts, tank tops, etc. You may get a few whistles and hellos from bored school boys, but they are more friendly and not meant to be threatening, so just ignore it and they will leave you alone. The civil war that once raged is now long over, with much development occurring since. The country is now generally free from terrorism, though in April 2019, an Islamist terrorist bomb attack against churches and hotels in Colombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka killed 259 people and wounded more than 500.

Go next

Delhousie— town at the foot of Adam's Peak which is considered a place of worship and pilgrimage by many religions. The 2,224-m peak, also known as Sri Pada, is home to a foot imprint on a rock at its summit. Depending on the faith, the footprint has been considered that of Buddha, the god Shiva, St Thomas, and even Adam, after he was expelled from the garden of Eden. The stairway to the top is believed to be one of the longest in the world. After reaching the top, climbers can ring the bell to mark the journey they just made. The panoramic view makes the journey well worth the effort. Reaching Delhousie from Colombo can be an adventure in itself, unless you are lucky enough to find a direct bus. The route is Colombo-Hatton-Maskeliya-Delhousie. The distance is quite short on the map but can take 6–8 hours. Kandy, 120 km (less than 4 hours away) outside of Colombo. Kandy is a small, tranquil town that holds the sacred tooth of Buddha, a sacred relic of the Buddhist faith. According to the legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha on his funeral pyre and was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess in the 4th century. The Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, is a main attraction for pilgrimages. Each July and August, the tooth is carried in a procession. Although one cannot see the tooth, the festivities are a sight to see. Sigiriya, 160 km northeast of Colombo, is a very important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. The remains of the ancient fortress and city date back to 477 AD. Legend has it, King Kasyapa built it in order to protect against attacks from his brother, whom he had stolen the throne from. The only way into the city is through the giant lion's jaws. The site is also famous for its 5th-century frescos. Sigiriya is approximately 2–3 hours away from Colombo, and can be reached via train, bus, or car. It is open daily from 8:30AM to 6PM. For foreign nationals the entrance fee is Rs 2,000. Negombo, beach town just north of the airport, also famous for its canals and fish market. It used to be a backpacker haven, though it's more and more becoming a resort with new expensive hotels being built. 1-1½ hr by bus from Colombo.

More pictures of Colombo

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.