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Colombo - Sri Lanka
Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka, and is located in the Western Province, along the coast. The temperature on average is 27C and can go up to 31C in April-May-June.

Colombo’s Area 1,2,3,4 and 10 are home to many of the banks and headquarters of most businesses in Sri Lanka. The Fort area retains the vestiges of the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras, boasting a fine collection of buildings from these periods. Pettah is a criss-cross of tiny shops and stalls along narrow cobbled streets, selling a myriad of items, all at unbeatable prices. Colombo 7 is a more...Read More

Places To Visit

Hotels In Colombo

This guest house offers a warm, homely feeling, with friendly staff and comfortable rooms equipped...
The Cinnamon Grand in Colombo is a classy, stylish hotel, with a range of rooms, restaurants and...
Steeped in history, this colonial hotel has rooms overlooking the Galle Face Green on one side and...
Situated in the leafy suburbs of Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), and away from the hustle and bustle...
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Transportation/Getting Around

Car for hire
You can hire a private vehicle – ...		 Driving Tips
The roads in Colombo are quite ...
Tri-Shaw
To go about town, i.e. short ...		 From the airport
Intercity Bus operates from the ...
Taxi
Taxis are expensive, yet most ...		 Train
You can use the train to get to a ...

Colombo - Sri Lanka

Colombo History
Originally known as "Kolon Thota" (port on the river Kelani), it is said that Colombo also got its name via "Kola Amba Thota" which means 'harbor with leafy mango trees' in Sinhala.
Colombo at one point was a seaport used by Arab, Moor, Chinese and Persian ships due to its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes and is believed to have been used by traders even 2000 years ago.
The conquest of Colombo by the Portuguese was achieved in 1505, but it ended in 1656 when the Dutch invaded and captured the city.  With the British exploring and extending its... read more

Tintagel
Situated in the leafy suburbs of Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), and away from the hustle and bustle...		 The Havelock Place Bungalow 
The tranquillity and serenity of The Havelock Place Bungalow, is hard to beat. Once an old colonial...
Hotel Galadari
In addition to being a luxury hotel, Galadari also enjoys the privileged position of being in the...		 Taj Samudra
The Taj Samudra offers the best of the city and the sea. Located in the central hub of Colombo,...
Ceylon Continental
One thing guests can truly enjoy at the Continental are stunning views of the Indian Ocean! All...		 Cinnamon Grand Colombo
The Cinnamon Grand in Colombo is a classy, stylish hotel, with a range of rooms, restaurants and...
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Crescat Boulevard
This up-market shopping mall is one of the classiest in Colombo. The few shops located inside offer...		 Adidas – Exclusive
Everyone’s favourite sports brand is now in Sri Lanka providing quality sportswear and products...
Barefoot handicraft store
This traditionally laid out store sells some of the finest Sri Lankan souvenirs and handmade items....		 Eco Gallery
Environmentalists need not despair when coming to Sri Lanka. They now have a solution to their...
Leather Collection
Ever loved the feel of soft leather brushing against your skin? Well this store will make sure you...		 Odel Unlimited
Rub shoulders with the glamorous at Odel! This classy place offers branded clothing, jewellery,...
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National Day (Independence)
Independence day in Sri Lanka is celebrated with parades, dances and national games. 		Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid is the Islamic festival which celebrates the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a...
Vesak
Vesak commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. Colourful lanterns are made and...		 Deepavali/Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Hindus light up lamps to signify victory of good over evil. ...
Christmas
Celebrating the birth of Christ. Many events around the city are held on this occasion. 		Milad-un-Nabi
Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
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Chesa Swiss
Swiss food at its best - fondue, spatzli, raclette and more. One of the most exciting gastronomic...		 Curry Leaf
Situated at the Hilton, this restaurant offers traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine (Buffet), where...
Emperor's Wok
Szechuan cuisine anyone? Located at the Hilton, the Emperor’s Wok allow guests to dig into...		 Ginza Hohsen
Overlooking the Hilton’s landscaped gardens, this restaurant does not fail where food is...
Il Ponte
Located at the Hilton and overlooking the pool, this restaurant is as Italian as it can get. Enjoy...		 Nihonbashi
Another one of Colombo’s Japanese gastronomic addresses, Nihonbashi offers guests great food and...
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Fast Facts
-Location: South Asia
-Dialling code: +94 -Emergency numbers:
Police: 01124333333
Fire: 01124222222
Ambulance: 0112691111
Tourist Information Helpdesk: 0112421052
Airport Enquiry: 0112252861
   
-Population: 20,238,000
-Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
-Time zone: GMT +5:30
-Average January temperatures: 26.5 ˚C
-Average July temperatures: 27 ˚C
-Annual rainfall: 2540mm to 5080mm in the South West, less than 1250mm in the North West and South East.
 
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When To Go

When to go
Considering rainfall and temperature, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April. ...

Kids In Tow

What to do with Children in Tow
Travelling with kids is no easy task. You need to keep them occupied yet safe. Here are the best ...

Health & Safety

What to do when you get there?
Water used for drinking or brushing teeth should be boiled first or sterilized. Drink bottled water or mineral water, usually available at ...
What you need?
* Pack medications in clearly labeled containers. Double dose of regular medicine, each kept in separate bags in case one bag is lost.

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