Full Day Tours in Colombo

Although it can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Colombo is in the dry season, lasting from January to March. The temperature recorded during these first three months of the year is 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploration. Additionally, during these months, various festivals are celebrated in Colombo, such as Duruthu Poya, Thai Pongal, and even Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The only exception to this otherwise perfect weather is during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. April is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, and December is comparatively the coldest month of the year with an average of 25 degrees Celsius. May has been recorded as the wettest month of the year as it rains for most of the month with almost no dry day at all. Hence, it is usually not advised to travel to Colombo during its wet season.

Although it can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Colombo is in the dry season, lasting from January to March. The temperature recorded during these first three months of the year is 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploration. Additionally, during these months, various festivals are celebrated in Colombo, such as Duruthu Poya, Thai Pongal, and even Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The only exception to this otherwise perfect weather is during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. April is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, and December is comparatively the coldest month of the year with an average of 25 degrees Celsius. May has been recorded as the wettest month of the year as it rains for most of the month with almost no dry day at all. Hence, it is usually not advised to travel to Colombo during its wet season.

By Flight: Colombo doesn't have an international airport of its own. The main international airport of Sri Lanka is Katunayake, which is just more than an hour north of Colombo. Flights from all over the globe land here, from Europe, US, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. The prime carrier is the national airline, Sri Lankan Airlines. Other international airlines such as Qatar, Malaysian, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific also operate the routes.

By road: Sri Lanka currently has 3 expressways, with two more expected to be opened by 2017. Of these, 2 run to Colombo, one from the airport, and the other is 128km long and connects Colombo with a few towns.

By train: Sri Lanka's railway line hasn't really developed all that much yet. Colombo's railway station is the at Fort, and trains run along the coastline to and from the city, with a few routes also going into the mainland.

By bus: Buses are the most popular mode of transport in Sri Lanka. They are by far the most used form of transportation in the country. Lots of buses run to Colombo from nearby villages and cities.

Nightlife in Colombo will actually surprise you. Nightclubs and casinos are aplenty for you to have a good night out. Bally's is a famous casino in Colombo, and a favourite among the locals. The Loft Lounge Bar is a great place as well. Other places include Bellagio Casino, ZAZA Bar, and Rhythm and Bles Nightclub among many others.

The place Colombo has a tinge of history that is attached to it and the heritage of this place is reflected in the colonial buildings along with the high-rise shopping malls.Bottom of Form

City Tour of Colombo

Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and a city tour of Colombo is entirely warranted. There are endless sights to see in Colombo. There are incredible spas, beautiful natural parks and canals, romantic beaches, exotic restaurants, and brilliant shopping destinations.

Enjoy Seafood on Mt. Lavinia Beach

The very best seafood that Colombo has to offer is seafood on Mt. Lavinia Beach. Mount Lavinia Beach is located in the outskirts of Colombo city and this beautiful strip of sandy beach has a lot to offer.

Enjoy Tuk Tuk Ride in Colombo

Tuk-Tuks are a local form of transport in Colombo – a three-wheeled automobile that runs fast and weaves in and out of traffic easily. The best bit about these unique rides is that the Tuk-Tuk itself is a convertible. A Tuk-Tuk ride in Colombo is among the top things to do in Sri Lanka.

Visit the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo

For the sheer historical value of it all, visit Independence Memorial Hall – a famous place to behold in Colombo. As is expected of any free country, any buildings and statues built in commemoration of their freedom struggle is a sight to behold.

Have Fun at Leisure World Water Park in Colombo

Everyone loves some good old fashioned water theme park rides and the fun at Leisure World Water Park never stops. With daring rides and top of the line safety protocols, Leisure World’s Water Park never ceases to amaze.

Enjoy Shopping in Colombo

While shopping in Colombo, Sri Lanka one should visit the Paradise Road, Good Market, and Majestic City are popular places to buy souvenirs. Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and no tour of any capital city anywhere is complete without shopping in Pettah Market. Tourists can buy fresh produce, electronics, textiles.

Spa Massages in Colombo

With ancient Buddhist cities, elephant safaris, and unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches, Sri Lanka is a hot tourist destination. And thus, pampering your body and soul with a massage therapy in a spa in Colombo can be quite rejuvenating. After the sightseeing fatigue sets in, head to one of the best spas in Colombo for some instant.

Visit St. Wolvendaal Church in Colombo

One of the best Protestant Churches in Colombo is Wolvendaal Church. The best thing about this Church is its ambiance. Unlike other churches that exude a religious sparkle, St. Wolvendaal is actually eerie. With a surprisingly somber atmosphere and a sense of history, it absolutely makes sense to visit St. Wolvendaal Church.

Colombo is extensively connected by its vast public bus service. These are run by both private contractors and government bodies. The city is not very well connected by rail, with only a few train stations. The trains and buses however, are very crowded, especially during the peak hours. A lot of auto rickshaws run throughout the city as well.

Colombo is a city that has all kinds of eateries from the very tempting street food to the fine dining restaurants. Some of the best street food can be found at the sea side, like at Galle Face Green. The Old Dutch Hospital is now restored and has a nice café, serving great food. The Arcade Independence Square has some fine eateries and fast food franchises.
Some of the favourite local cuisines include shredded bread with meat and vegetables kottu roti, rice and curry and the milky delight Kiribaath. The orange coconut is a Sri Lankan speciality and drinking its water can refresh you from the hot atmosphere of Colombo.

Luxury Hotels:

• The luxe Cinnamon Grand Colombo is a destination resort with 14 restaurants, two gorgeous swimming pools, a spa, two fitness centers, and tennis courts. It is also located next to one of Colombo's best high-end shopping malls: Crescat Boulevard. The rooms and suites are generous in size and elegantly decorated. There is a pillow menu and 24-hour room service, and if you're traveling with the kids, interconnected rooms are available.
• Taj Samudra Colombo faces the Indian Ocean in the heart of downtown Colombo. The rooms and suites come in a number of configurations, and many have ocean views. Interconnected rooms are available if you're traveling with kids. The property is actually very family friendly, with kids staying free and children's menus in the restaurants. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. There is often live entertainment in one of the restaurants at night.
• Another top 5-star choice in the heart of Colombo is The Kingsbury Hotel. Facing the sea, it has classic rooms and suites with a sea-green and white color scheme and glass window walls. There are interconnected room options for families. Amenities include a number of restaurants serving food from across the globe. There is also pool, fitness center, and a spa on-site.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• ME Colombo is a great mid-range choice. The design hotel in the middle of downtown features just 22 rooms all with elegant decor and fabulous views from giant windows. Amenities include an infinity swimming pool, a hot tub, restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic skyline views.
• Another good-value choice is Marino Beach Colombo. The hotel has nearly 300 rooms and suites that are spacious and comfortable, and many have Indian Ocean views. One of the top amenities is the rooftop infinity pool that runs almost the entire length of the building with fantastic views. It also has a large hot tub. Other amenities feature a free breakfast, a restaurant, and a workout room.
• Cinnamon Red Colombo is a centrally located hotel that is good value for money. It offers a mix of trendy rooms and suites with contemporary and colorful decor. Some have ocean views. All come with blackout curtains and are soundproofed. The infinity swimming pool here has fabulous city and ocean views. There is also a restaurant and workout room on-site.

Budget Hotels:

• City Beds The Regent offers soundproof rooms that are spacious and tidy and even have a little bit of style to them. The budget hotel is located near the Old Dutch Hospital Complex. There is a shared kitchen if you want to cook for yourself. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, parking, and airport transport.
• Another good budget choice is the Sapphire Hotel. It has colorful rooms including family rooms. Amenities include a swimming pool, a restaurant serving a complimentary breakfast, and free parking.

Although it can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Colombo is in the dry season, lasting from January to March. The temperature recorded during these first three months of the year is 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploration. Additionally, during these months, various festivals are celebrated in Colombo, such as Duruthu Poya, Thai Pongal, and even Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The only exception to this otherwise perfect weather is during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. April is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, and December is comparatively the coldest month of the year with an average of 25 degrees Celsius. May has been recorded as the wettest month of the year as it rains for most of the month with almost no dry day at all. Hence, it is usually not advised to travel to Colombo during its wet season.

1. Mount Lavinia Beach: Mount Lavinia Beach is among the most popular beaches in Colombo among tourists. With a broad sandy shore and mesmerizing blue water of the Indian Ocean to dive into, tourists can have a great time sunbathing by the coast.

2. Hikkaduwa Beach: With numerous luxurious hotels, resorts, and bars nearby, Hikkaduwa Beach is a preferred beach location in Colombo among tourists. The beach is popularly known for its 3-day beach festival that features DJ nights and lots more.

3. Negombo Beach: Negombo Beach is generally preferred as a beach for tourists to laze around and relax by the shore. The beach is located away from the city hustle and houses many water sport activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, and more.

4. Unawatuna Beach: Unawatuna Beach is popularly known as one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Colombo. Surrounded by shops to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs, Unawatuna Beach gives a stunning view of the ocean to visitors. People can also observe animals like sea turtles by the shore early in the morning.

The food in Kandy, as it is in all other parts of Sri Lanka, is heavily influenced by its neighbors in South India and South-East of Asia and has also incorporated continental tastes from the colonial times. Along with a delicious variety of sea food and tropical fruits, you will not find it difficult to find food that you love in Kandy. While the staple food of the country, rice and curry is easily available, don't underestimate it for being mundane. Among the more popular street food is hoppers, a sort of fermented bread that is often flavored with sweet or spicy ingredients. The main street of Kandy is lined with food stalls where you can find a variety of such things. Kottu is another popular dish which has shredded bread fried usually with egg or cheese.