Colombo for Tourists: A Complete Travel Guide

Colombo is often the first entry point for tourists when arriving in Sri Lanka. The truth is that most visitors treat it just as a landing place. Many of them prefer to visit other, more famous tourist cities, such as Kandy and Tangalle. Many people do not realise that this place offers a special travelling experience. It can offer a mix of culture, history, and modern life within a single town.

That is why skipping this city is a huge mistake for tourists. However, many visitors are still unsure of how to have the best time in this area. This article exists to solve such a problem. All the information below will help you have a thrilling holiday experience. Let’s discuss further in the first part below.

Where is Colombo?

Colombo is located on the western coast of Sri Lanka. Looking at the map, you can see that it faces the wide waters of the Indian Ocean. The area’s proximity to the sea has been a major factor in shaping its climate and the lives of locals for centuries. This situation is why the region is known as a key stop for ships sailing across Asia and the Middle East.

In ancient times, people viewed this city as a huge trading hub. It became a meeting point for traders from Arabia, India, and China. An interesting fact is that they not only exchange goods, but also customs and beliefs. This social interaction is the factor that shapes local tradition today.

Many tourists do not realise that the colonial period had a significant impact on the entire area. In the past, European countries controlled Colombo. Their reign left visible marks that are still evident today. For example, the Dutch created canals and orderly streets that reflect their planning style. When the British took control, they created government offices with their own style. Many of these colonial-era structures still stand in older districts, giving the area a distinct European look.

Top places to visit

The great benefit of travelling in this city is its wide range of attractions. What makes it better is that you can reach all of them quickly. The proximity makes sightseeing easier for tourists. This benefit is especially important if visitors only have a limited time. It is why many people decide to visit several places in one day without feeling rushed.

Tourists can see that each place has its own way of highlighting Colombo. Some sites focus more on history, while others offer a glimpse into locals’ seaside life. Your travelling experience becomes unique every day. If you want to know the best places to visit, read the information below carefully.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

If you’re looking to visit a religious site, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the go-to places. Many locals called it the Red Mosque. It happens because the building has an eye-catching red-and-white striped exterior. This unique design makes the site one of the most photographed buildings in the entire town. One thing to note is that Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to enter as long as they dress modestly.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is one of the easiest places to recognise in Colombo. This large open space is famous for its size, strategic location, and long history. Galle Face Green is a unique open space that separates the busy city roads from the Indian Ocean. The oceanfront setting allows visitors to stand close to the water. Tourists often see families walking together simply to enjoy the view.

Pettah Market

Pettah Market stands out as the main commercial district across the whole town. The place is known for its tightly packed grid of streets. Furthermore, each of these streets consists of stores specialising in a particular product type. For instance, some roads focus on selling textiles, while others sell fresh produce. Visiting this market enables tourists to feel the energetic vibe of Colombo.

Old Parliament Building

Travellers interested in political history often find the Old Parliament Building fascinating to visit. Upon visiting the site, it is clear that it has a strong British neoclassical influence. For example, it has tall stone columns at the front and a symmetrical building layout. This location becomes even more stunning as it faces the ocean, offering an open view.

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach is well-known for its long and curved shoreline. It is quite different from the smaller beaches that often exist in cities. That’s because it extends for several kilometres. It creates an open coastline that offers a clear view of the Indian Ocean. Another interesting feature is that there’s a coastal railway line that runs very close to the shore. This feature enables passengers to see the ocean views from the windows.

Getting around Colombo

Getting around Colombo is not difficult because the city is well-connected. However, you should take note that the traffic can become very heavy. This condition often happens during peak hours, such as in the morning when locals go to work. It becomes the reason visitors need to plan their trips at the right time. Proper planning enables you to save time and energy.

The good news is that tourists have a few transportation options available. Each of them has different aspects, including cost, speed, and comfort level. Many travellers make the mistake of choosing one randomly without doing careful research. This part will solve the issue by explaining each transportation option in detail. Let’s discuss them further below.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are small three-wheeled vehicles that you can easily spot in many parts of Colombo. This vehicle is one of the most common options for short-distance travel. The biggest benefit of using tuk-tuks is that they can easily move through traffic or narrow streets. It becomes useful if you want to travel in crowded areas. However, tuk-tuk side doors are not fully enclosed, so passengers may be exposed to heat, dust, and rain.

Ride apps

Ride apps give a modern way to travel around the entire town. It is very useful for travellers who want convenience. Before booking your ride, customers can see the fare, driver’s name, and expected arrival time. This information removes the need to negotiate prices. The main drawback is that the prices may increase during busy hours due to higher demand.

Public buses

Using public buses is the cheapest way for tourists in Colombo. This affordability makes this transportation option very attractive to budget travellers. What makes it better is that they operate on many routes, connecting major areas of the city. However, public buses can be very crowded during rush hour. Another thing to consider is that most vehicles do not have air conditioning.

Trains

Trains are not only practical, but also affordable if you want to travel to nearby towns. Sri Lanka’s railway system connects Colombo with other major cities. This connectivity makes many people use trains for longer journeys. One of the best experiences is going through the scenic coastal route, with ocean views from your window. If you want to experience this popular route, make sure to reserve a seat in advance.

Places to stay

Choosing a place to stay in this city is not difficult. That’s because the whole area provides a wide range of options that suit many types of travellers. This condition makes it easy for you to find a place that matches your needs. Some places focus on offering the highest level of comfort, while others give you more opportunities to interact with locals.

It is important to remember that not everyone has the same priorities when it comes to accommodation. Some visitors prefer to have the highest level of comfort. It makes facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and on-site dining a must-have. Others focus more on saving money and desire only a basic room. Luckily, all of these options exist in Colombo.

Luxury accommodation

Luxury hotels in Colombo are suitable for those who value high-quality service. These places usually do not just offer large beds. They also have spacious rooms, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and other amenities. Some of them even have sea views from the rooms. Of course, none of these facilities comes cheaply. This option may not be suitable if you have a limited budget.

Mid-range hotels

Mid-range hotels are a popular choice if you want comfort without paying very high prices. Most of them are often clean and have basic facilities. It includes air conditioning, bathrooms, and free wifi. These places can offer a relaxing stay by maintaining good service standards. One thing to note is that some mid-range hotels may be located in residential areas. That means it will take a longer time to reach major tourist attractions.

Hostels

If you want to stay in a relatively cheap place while still sleeping comfortably, hostels can be a suitable option. The rooms inside often offer very few features, including a bed, a small table, and storage for your bags. You should remember that although some hostels offer private rooms, most provide shared rooms. It can limit your privacy as you need to share the space with strangers.

Guesthouses and homestays

Travellers who want to feel closer to local life often choose guesthouses and homestays when staying in Colombo. Most of them are run by local families who make a certain part of their homes available for visitors. This option is special because you get to interact directly with your hosts. It may include sharing breakfast at the same table or learning personal stories about the city.

Travel tips for first-time visitors

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should always remain aware of their surroundings. Moreover, if you want your holiday to be stress-free, it is also crucial to prepare properly. This action becomes especially important for first-time visitors. Hence, this article will highlight a few practical travel tips below:

• Carry enough cash for paying at small shops and local markets
• Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious places
• Buy a local SIM card to access the internet
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn

Create a memorable holiday in Colombo with Olanka Travels

After reading this article, you can see that Colombo is not just an entry point to Sri Lanka. It is a city that provides various ways for travellers to enjoy their vacation. Hence, all types of travellers will enjoy the holiday experience in this area, as long as they know how to do it right.

Luckily, Olanka Travels is here to help travellers create a memorable holiday in Colombo. Visitors don’t have to worry about accommodation, transport, or a daily meal plan. All of them are included within the tour package. That means you can focus entirely on enjoying the trip. It becomes better as there are many packages with different prices and destinations. Hence, there’s always the right choice for everyone. Simply visit the site to choose the best trip and book now!