Discover Colombo
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Colombo.
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Must-see attractions in Colombo
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 11 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
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.
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Colombo
Halal restaurants in Colombo
Colombo’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 29 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
colomboChesa Swiss
Swiss food at its best - fondue, spatzli, raclette and more. One of the most exciting gastronomic addresses in Colombo, Chesa Swiss offers its guests pleasant service, a warm ambience and of course great dishes.
colomboCurry Leaf
Situated at the Hilton, this restaurant offers traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine (Buffet), where guests can choose from a wide selection of seafood. The dining area with its thatched roof is intricately decorated allowing guests to soak in the warm glow of the lamps and lanterns. Alternatively, diners can also tuck into their meal by the lotus pond outside.
colomboEmperor's Wok
Szechuan cuisine anyone? Located at the Hilton, the Emperor’s Wok allow guests to dig into mouth-watering dishes such as the Dim-Sum, Peking duck, and crispy chicken – Hong Kong style. Visited mainly by those in the upper echelons of Sri Lankan society, this restaurant provides the best in Chinese food delights.
colomboGinza Hohsen
Overlooking the Hilton’s landscaped gardens, this restaurant does not fail where food is concerned. Tickle your taste buds with a great range of Japanese cuisine from Sushi and Sashimi to Tempura and Shabu. Guests are also recommended to try the Oden counter and Teppanyaki corner.
colomboIl Ponte
Located at the Hilton and overlooking the pool, this restaurant is as Italian as it can get. Enjoy pizzas baked in wood fired ovens, home-made pasta and grilled delicacies all in a light and informal setting.
colomboNihonbashi
Another one of Colombo’s Japanese gastronomic addresses, Nihonbashi offers guests great food and pleasant service in sleek and comfortable surroundings. From sushi, sashimi to tempura, they have it all!
Colombo masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Colombo
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
colomboTintagel
Situated in the leafy suburbs of Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Tintagel spells sophistication, beauty, and timeless elegance. Formerly a white stately home belonging to three political personalities, Tintagel has now been converted to include 10 impeccably furnished suites, with all the modern amenities, including wireless internet access, spa and even a ‘fashion designer and tailor-on-call’. With Shanth Fernando as the creative brains behind the luxurious décor, Tintagel is truly in a class of its own.
colomboThe Havelock Place Bungalow
The tranquillity and serenity of The Havelock Place Bungalow, is hard to beat. Once an old colonial house, the place has now been restored as a beautiful boutique hotel, with rooms retaining the vestiges of a bygone era. Claimed to be the very first boutique hotel in Colombo, HPB also offers the latest in technology with wireless internet access and other comforts such as a pool and Jacuzzi. The restaurant is another impressive addition – the menu is a la carte, and guests can dine indoors or outside in the beautiful gardens. Havelock Place Bungalow is located in Havelock town, a mostly residential area dotted with few commercial companies.
colomboHotel Galadari
In addition to being a luxury hotel, Galadari also enjoys the privileged position of being in the heart of Colombo’s business district. Its dining facilities are impressive, with its restaurants serving an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine, all of it halal! Overlooking the Indian Ocean, all 450 rooms are delicately styled offering all the modern amenities. Other facilities in the hotel include a health club, pool, tennis court and a launderette. A place where executives meet, and tourists lull by the pool, this hotel meets international standards in service and quality of experience.
colomboTaj Samudra
The Taj Samudra offers the best of the city and the sea. Located in the central hub of Colombo, this luxury hotel offers a range of rooms and restaurants. Standard rooms have views of the sea or the pool while the Presidential suites come with their own dining and dressing rooms. Other facilities in the hotel include a fitness center, a book shop and a swimming pool. Located near Galle Face Green, this swanky hotel offers you elegance, luxury and pure comfort.
colomboCeylon Continental
One thing guests can truly enjoy at the Continental are stunning views of the Indian Ocean! All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, with the hotel also offering facilities such as a gym, spa, excellent restaurants and 24 hour room service. This hotel is also a stone’s throw away from some of the more popular shops and restaurants of Colombo. Elegance, luxury and comfort – Continental offers it all.
History and today in Colombo
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Visa Information
Citizens of selected countries may obtain visas at the Airport for a 30-day period. Other countries require the visa to be obtained prior to arrival at Colombo.
City Information
Colombo Residents
The people are a mix of all races – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Bergher (Dutch and British descendants), all co-exisitng in peace and harmony. Lifestyles may vary from the rich and the famous to those living in shanties. But one thing that is common amongst all is their welcoming and friendly nature. Ask anyone who’s been to Colombo and they’ll tell you that!
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Annual Temperature
January - Max:: 30 ˚C Min: 23 ˚C; February - Max:: 31 ˚C Min: 24 ˚C; March - Max:: 32 ˚C Min: 25 ˚C
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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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Public Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day.
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When to go
Considering rainfall and temperature, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April.
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Exchange Rates
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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 international boundaries, Colombo fell to British hands in 1796 and was made the capital in 1815. Colombo remained the capital following its independence in 1948. However in 1978, Colombo was declared the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, when the administrative and state functions were transferred to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
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Shopping in Colombo
Explore 21 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
colomboCrescat Boulevard
This up-market shopping mall is one of the classiest in Colombo. The few shops located inside offer a range of high-end clothes, jewellery, footwear, cosmetics and more. The food court which is located in the basement, invites shoppers to a sumptuous meal in a warm and friendly environment.
colomboAdidas – Exclusive
Everyone’s favourite sports brand is now in Sri Lanka providing quality sportswear and products for the discerning sports enthusiast, and those who swear by Adidas. No 78, Havelock Road, Colombo 05
colomboBarefoot handicraft store
This traditionally laid out store sells some of the finest Sri Lankan souvenirs and handmade items. Chief designer Barbara Samsoni’s designs come to life, bringing shades of delight into the lives of those who buy her products. Cushions, bedspreads, table linen and even lamp shades are made from hand-loomed fabrics, which can be found in bright and varying colours.
colomboEco Gallery
Environmentalists need not despair when coming to Sri Lanka. They now have a solution to their shopping means: Eco Gallery. This private company creates a whole line of handbags, bed linen, cushion covers, etc. all from eco-friendly materials. Their hand-woven fabrics are a must see!
colomboLeather Collection
Ever loved the feel of soft leather brushing against your skin? Well this store will make sure you will never lose that feel again. Real leather is crafted into handbags, purses and more delights that you simply cannot say no to. Well worth a visit!
Signature sights in Colombo
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Colombo
Plan around 10 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
colomboDuruthu Perehara
Celebrates a visit by Buddha to Sri Lanka. There is a procession of Elephants and Dancers to mark this celebration.
colomboNational Day (Independence)
Independence day in Sri Lanka is celebrated with parades, dances and national games.
colomboSinhala Hindu New Year
The Hindu New year is celebrated with traditional food, clothing, coconut games and pillow fights.
colomboVesak
Vesak commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. Colourful lanterns are made and hung around town. Parades and other religious activities also take place.
colomboEsala Perahera
This is a Buddhist festival. People dress up in elegant costumes, fire and Kandyan dancers entertain the public and richly decorated elephants make their way down the streets.
Colombo tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
colomboColombo and Kandy 02 Nights Tour
1 person USD 130.00 Duration of 3 days Website: http://www.travel-library.com/tours/asia/sriˍlanka/colombo/colomboˍ&ˍkandyˍ02ˍntsˍtour.html
colomboColombo City Tour 1
Duration: 1 day(s) Pickup info: Colombo Hotel Covers- Cinnamon Gardens and the Pettah, Hindu temple, Dutch Church dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple. 1 person USD 57.00 2 people USD 46.00 3-6 people USD 39.00 Website: http://www.colombo-travel.com/ColomboˍCityˍTourˍ
colomboColombo City Tour 2
Duration: 3 Hours Price: From USD 15 Meeting Point: Will be indicated on voucher Covers: Commercial area of ‘Fort’, Pettah, Jumi Ul Alfar Jummah Masjid, Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Hulfsdorp Law Courts, Cinnamon Gardens, and on to the Independence Square, Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall and National Museum. Website: http://www.city-discovery.com/colombo/tour.php?id=301
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Colombo travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
