Colombo, Sri Lanka: where it is, when to go and what to see

The bustling capital of Sri Lanka seems out of proportion to the rest of the island. Not only because of its size, but also because it is the only real metropolis in a country that is still totally agricultural. The economic, political and cultural centre of the country, its physiognomy is reminiscent of Singapore.

It doesnot present any particular attra ction from a tourist point of view, generally limited to a quick tour of the main attractions. However, it has a very special atmosphere that combines Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern elegance.
Soaring skyscrapers stand alongside cafes and cluttered shops, while silent Buddhist temples stand alongside imposing colonial churches and colourful Hindu temples.

Here's a guide to Colombo: where it is, when to go and what to see!

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: 752,993

• Language: Sinhalese, English

• Local currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) / Exchange rate: €1.00 = 202.71 LKR

• Climate: Constant humid heat, 30/32°C and 2 rainy periods, April-May and October-November

• Time zone: +4.5 h compared to Italy, +3.5 h when Italy is in daylight saving time

• Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of at least six months, return aeroplane ticket, entry visa (ETA) free of charge and obtainable before departure via internet

• Nearest airport: Bandaranaike Intl (CMB) 35 km from the city

Location

The city of Colombo is located in the western part of the island of Sri Lanka. The stretch of coastline where the city now stands was largely marshy and covered by dense jungle. It was the British rulers who initiated a major land reclamation around the middle of the 19th century. To this day, Lake Beira, which is the remnant of this swampy area, extends into the centre of Colombo.

How to get there

• From Milan or Rome: there are no direct flights to Bandaranaike airport, so you have to make a stopover in European or Asian cities (e.g. Doha or Dubai and then from there it takes about five hours to get to Colombo. From Vienna or Zurich, on the other hand, it is about 10 hours). The journey takes approximately more than 14 hours - compare flights from €293.00
  To reach the city from the airport (35 km away) you can use the shuttle provided by the hotel, by bus taking about 30 minutes, by taxi €15.00 or by private transfer

• From major European capitals: the main airlines connecting major European capitals to Colombo are Swiss, Austrian and Turkish

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: it is located in the wettest part of the country, in the south-west. The temperature is hot and humid all year round, average 30 °C and there are 2 rain peaks: in April-May and October-November

• Best period: January and February; relatively cool climate and little rain

• Periodto avoid: April-May and October-November periods of heavy rain

• Recommendations: light natural fibre clothes, mackintosh or umbrella, comfortable shoes, sweatshirt for the evening. If you want to go to the beach, snorkelling equipment. For temples take off your shoes and maintain respectful behaviour

10 things to see in and around Colombo

1. Fort: a district in the centre of old Colombo that occupies the site of Portuguese fortifications that have now disappeared. The British embellished it with neoclassical buildings, a clock tower and a statue of Queen Victoria.

2. Jami Ul-Afar Mosque: the city's most conspicuous mosque (not accessible to non-Muslims). A red and white building from 1909 that stands out conspicuously on Main Street, among the shops of the Pettah bazaar

3. Independence Square: a large area where the Independence Commemoration Hall stands, a stone replica of Kandy's wooden audience hall; on the opposite side, the Independence Arcade, a white colonial complex housing upscale shops and restaurants

4. Lotus Tower: one of the city's quirkiest structures overlooking the Colombo sky-line. The tallest tower in South Asia (350 metres) whose swollen top resembles a lotus flower bud. There is a revolving restaurant at the top

5. St. Lucia Cathedral: the most imposing church in the whole of Sri Lanka whose façade was designed on the model of St. Peter. It can seat up to 6,000 people and adjacent to it is a Benedictine monastery and convent

6. Galle Face Green: the city's waterfront where, in the late afternoons and at weekends, the whole town seems to gather here to exchange gossip, fly kites and eat at fish stalls

7. Pettah: chaotic bazaar district with crowded alleys and goods piled up in small shops or on the pavements. The shops are arranged according to the ancient Middle Eastern custom in which each street corresponds to a type of merchandise

8. Seema Malake Temple: a modern temple structured on three interconnected platforms emerging from a lake. The central pavilion, made of intricately trussed wood, is surrounded by a row of Thai Buddhas and covered with blue tile roofs

9. Gangaramaya: the most important temple, hub of the important Navam Perahera festival. Strange and eclectic, it brings together a wide variety of objects not only from Sri Lanka, but also from China, India and Thailand

10. National Museum: an elegant neoclassical building boasting an extensive collection of artefacts dating from prehistoric to colonial times. Needs at least a couple of hours to visit

What to do in Colombo: excursions and tours

How much does it cost to visit Colombo? Prices, offers and advice

Being a capital city, a stay in Colombo is not the cheapest. However, precisely because it is a very large metropolis, there are various types of accommodation and services with consequent price differences.
First of all, in July, which is not the best season but also not the rainiest, you can find flight + hotel packages for an average of €500.00.
To get around, the best option is by taxi, they are fast and also cheap; from the airport to the city centre, 35km, costs €15.00.

To eat, the best restaurants with western cuisine are inside the big hotels, which charge as much as in Italy. Those who are not afraid to set their taste buds aflame with the spicy local curry will instead have the satisfaction of spending very little in traditional establishments.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €25.00 per room - see offers

• Low cost flights: from €293.00 - look at the offers

• Flight+ hotel: A/R flight + 7 days/6 nights from €380.00 per person - look at the offers