Sri Lanka

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Colombo

Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital by the sea

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Colombo Plan a trip around Sri Lanka

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec
Currency: LKR
Time zone: UTC+5:30
Country: Sri Lanka

Photo: Rehman Abubakr, CC BY-SA 4.0

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, a busy Indian Ocean port blending colonial architecture with modern high-rises. Visitors come for its seafront promenades, temples, markets, and as the main gateway to the island.

Largest cities

Colombo
Kandy
Galle
Jaffna
Negombo

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Sri Lanka
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
City population: 647,557
Population of Sri Lanka: 21.4M
Country area: 65,610 km²
Official language: Sinhala and Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) · 1 USD ≈ 331 LKR
Time zone: UTC+5:30
Calling code: +94
Drives on the: Left
Elevation: 13 m
Plugs: D / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 119 · 110 · 1990
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	30°	31°	31°	31°	30°	29°	29°	29°	29°	29°	29°	30°
Low	22°	23°	23°	24°	25°	25°	25°	25°	25°	24°	23°	23°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$28
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$75
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$200

Plan a trip to Colombo

Top things to do

Free
Galle Face Green
Stroll this oceanfront promenade for street food and sunset views; it is busiest in the evening.
- Half day
- Galle Face and Kollupitiya
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $2
Gangaramaya Temple
See the eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture and the temple museum; dress modestly.
- Half day
- Cinnamon Gardens
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Viharamahadevi Park
Walk or relax in Colombo's oldest and largest park, home to a large Buddha statue; go early to avoid midday heat.
- Half day
- Cinnamon Gardens
- Good for kids
≈ $5
National Museum of Colombo
Explore Sri Lanka's largest museum next to Viharamahadevi Park; closed on Fridays, so plan around it.
- Half day
- Cinnamon Gardens
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Friday
Free
Pettah Market
Wander the bustling bazaar for spices, textiles, and the Khan Clock Tower; keep an eye on your belongings.
- Half day
- Fort and Pettah
- Good for kids
Free
Old Dutch Hospital
This restored colonial building now holds shops and restaurants; a good spot for a meal or evening drink.
- Half day
- Fort and Pettah
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Independence Memorial Hall Square
Visit the memorial hall and surrounding park, a relaxed green space in the city; combine with a walk in nearby Cinnamon Gardens.
- Half day
- Cinnamon Gardens
- Good for kids
Free
Mount Lavinia Beach
Spend a day at this suburban beach south of Colombo for swimming and seafood; take a train or tuk-tuk from the city.
- Full day
- Mount Lavinia
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival; it is free of charge for nationals of 40 countries including the UK, USA, India, Spain, and most Gulf states, and valid for 30 days with double entry. Nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore have reciprocal arrangements, while other nationalities follow the general ETA rules and fees. Check the official ETA portal for your nationality before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake, about 35 km north of the city, is the main gateway. A taxi or ride-hailing car via the expressway takes about 45 minutes to Colombo Fort, while the #187 bus takes 40–90 minutes depending on the service.

Getting around

Tuk-tuks, metered taxis, and ride-hailing apps like PickMe are the easiest ways to get around, with buses and commuter trains covering longer routes.

Local tips

Dress modestly when visiting temples — cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
Carry small rupee notes for tuk-tuks, markets, and tips; agree on the fare before you ride.
The driest months are December to March, with a shorter dry spell in July and August.
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night and keep valuables out of sight in crowded markets.