Colombo City : Sri Lanka

By plane

There is air service to and from Colombo, provided by the national airline Sri Lankan Airlines. Flights are available from origins throughout Europe, United States, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan. Other airlines, include Qatar Airlines and Emirates. If you were to Fly Emirates, you can stop over in Colombo on your way to Singapore (e.g. Dubai - Colombo - Singapore)

Sri Lanka's only international airport, Bandaranaike International, is at Katunayake, close to Negombo, on the coast north of Colombo. The journey to Colombo will take about an hour by taxi.

Air Asia has now begun to fly to Colombo from Kuala Lumpur with very cheap airfares. Flights start 15 August 2009
By train

You can take a train from Ja-Ela to Colombo. Ja-Ela is located approximately 7 kilometers south of the airport. Train services from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo are tentatively expected to commence in September, 2009.
By bus

The Sri Lanka Transport Board is the nationalized bus service. Buses are the principal mode of transport in the county. If you cannot speak or understand Sinhalese, however, traveling by bus is not advised.
By boat

Indian Ocean Cruises  operates a cruise liner to Colombo as part of its itinerary along the West Coast of India and to the uninhabited Lakshwadeep Islands.

Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. These three-wheelers do not have any Meters fitted with them and so you have to always negotiate and agree on a price before you take a trip. Shorter trips can cost you anywhere from Rs. 50 (for around 2 - 3 kms) to Rs. 250 (for 8 kms). Do not settle for first rikshaw you get, they will fleece you that way. Look for at least 3 or 4 three-wheelers before you settle down). Its very difficult to negotiate with the tuk-tuk parked in a tuk-tuk parking area. Best way to do is stop a one traveling to the direction you need to go and negotiate with them.

* The National Museum of Colombo - Department of National Museums, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7. Tel: 11 269-4767. Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 9AM-5PM. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th century Kandyan Kings.
* The Natural History Museum- Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7. Tel: 11 269-1399. Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 9AM-5PM. This museum features Sri Lanka's floral and fauna in dioramas.
* The Dutch Period Museum- 95 Prince Street, Pettah, Colombo 11. Tel: 11 244-8466. Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 9AM-5PM. Historical museum documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts.

Hotels Accommodation in Colombo

Budget Hotels

* Kamvelta Holiday Resort, Kindelpitiya, Welmilla Junction, Bandaragama.,  +94 38 2293306 (utspl@sltnet.lk), . General Location: Located in South of Colombo, Bandaragama ,Sri lanka. 5 km from Bandaragama. 6 km from Panadura. 8 km from Piliyandala. 15 km from Mount Lavinia. 18 km from Horana, 25 km from Colombo. 56 km from Katunayaka International Air port. http://kamveltaholidayresort.com/ http://kamvelta.com

* Hotel Ranmuthu, 112, Galle Road,  +94 11 243-3986. Hotel Ranmuthu is comprised of 54 rooms, which are available in single, doubles, or suites. The hotel is located 45 minutes away from the airport. Rooms are air-conditioned, and there is 24-hour security on the premises. The hotel also offers currency exchanges and room service.

* Hotel Janaki, 443, Fife Rd, Havelock Town, Colombo 5. This 3-star hotel offers its guests rooms with air-conditioning, cable/satellite tv, and a room safe. There is a restaurant and bar on site, with 24-hour room service.

* Sapphire Hotel, 371, Galle Rd, Wellawatte, Colombo 6,  +94 11 258-3306, . Located 5 minutes away from the ocean, Sapphire Hotel is a luxurious accommodation that offers its guests an on-site restaurant and bar. Each room includes air-conditioning, 24-hour room service, and satellite television. The hotel also has two reception halls for those wishing to host a convention or wedding reception. Reservations are required.

* Hotel Sansu, 651/31, Sir Oliver Gunathilake Gardens, Havelock Town, Colombo 05 (off of Elvitigala Mawatha),  +94 11 236-8450 (hotel@sansu.lk, fax: +94 11 535-4348), . Hotel Sansu offers luxury that will not break your budget. The hotel is comprised of 26 rooms and self-service apartments, each of which includes cable television. It offers its guests 24-hour front desk services, as well as wake-up calls and an on-site juice bar.

 Mid range Hotels

* Berjaya Mount Royal Beach Hotel, 36 College, Mount Lavinia,  +94 11 273-9610 (berjaya@slt.lk, fax: +94 11 273-3030), [8]. Experience the exotic charm of Sri Lanka at Berjaya Mount Royal Beach Hotel, famed for its mystical ancient cities, natural beauty, cultural diversity and historical heritage that spans over 2000 years old.

* Hotel Renuka & Renuka City Hotel, 328 Galle Road, Kollupitiya Colombo 3,  +94 11 257-3598 (renukaht@renukahotel.com), . One of the more famous hotels in Colombo, these sister hotels offers their guests comfortable rooms and friendly service. Each room is equipped with flat screen televisions with local and cable channels, 24-hour room service, safety deposit lockers, and internet connections. The hotels themselves house one of the most famous restaurants in Sri Lanka, the Palmyrah, which serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. A favorite dish among travelers and locals alike is the Iso Thel Dala, spicy prawns sautéed with onions and tomato. The hotel also offers its guests two bars on site: the Palmyrah Bar and the Water Hole bar.

* Galle Face Hotel, 2 Galle Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3,  +94 11 254-1010 (reservations@gallefacehotel.net), . A famous, old fashioned colonial style grand hotel. Most rooms come with a view of the ocean or the Galle Face Green. The hotel also has a variety of restaurants on site to choose from, including: The 1864 and Verandah. Spa and butler services are also available for guests.

* Garden Guest House (chitru@sltnet.lk), 7 Karlsruhe Gardens, Borella, Colombo 8,  +94 11 269-7919. This three-room guest house offers its visitors attached bathrooms, free internet services and laundry facilities. The staff at the guest house can also arrange island tours and airport pick-up.

* Palm Village Hotel, 262, Old Colombo Road, Uswetakeiyawa (Hendala),  +94 11 479-5114 (pvhl1@sltnet.lk, fax: +94 11 293-0766), . Located close to the airport, this hotel consists of 50 air-conditioned rooms with either a balcony or a terrace. A restaurant and bar are located on the hotel grounds. There is also a jewelry and souvenir shop for guests.

* Hotel Topaz,  +94-114-710063 / +94-114-714630, . Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination which is 115km from Colombo, at an elevation of 465 meters above sea level, famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other attractions.The stunning vista of Kandy's lush mountain ranges is the backdrop of Hotel Topaz's elegant accommodation. Marvel at the scenery from your room's private balcony/ deck, or cool down with a drink from the mini-bar or refrigerator. Your room is also fitted with a toilet and bath with shower. No 284, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka. Rates start at USD $34.

Splurge Hotels

* Park Street Hotel, 20 Park street, Slave Island, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka,  +94 11 2439977, . Park Street Hotel is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It’s near major shopping centres and business establishments. The hotel is also just a 45-minute drive from the airport. Decked with colonial touches, like antique furniture and high ceilings, our rooms bestow ample luxuries .

* Tintagel, 65 Rosmead Place, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka,  (94) 11 4602122 / 060, . Tintagel is situated in Rosmead Place, Colombo’s classy neighbourhood. Once a stately home to the political Bandaranaike family, Tintagel has been transformed into a stylish and sophisticated hotel in this district. The 10 elegant suites are defined by high ceilings, timber floors, and luxurious décor. They open to a private courtyard, balcony, or separate lounge area. Each opulent accommodation also boasts deluxe king-size mattresses with non-allergenic pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets, and a bathroom with a rain shower and tub.

* The Havelock Place Bungalow, 6-8, Havelock Place, Havelock Town, Colombo 5, +94 11 258-5191 (fax: +94 11 258-4655). Colombo’s first boutique hotel, consisting of two restored colonial homes. Tastefully decorated using antique colonial furniture. The hotel provides wireless Internet, pool, jacuzzi, restaurants.

* Hotel Galadari, 4, Lotus Road, Fort, Colombo 1,  +94 11 254-4544 (info@galadarihotel.lk, fax: +94 11 244-9875), . Hotel Galadari is made up of 446 rooms, including 23 suites. There are special executive level and handicap rooms available. There are a variety of dining facilities in the hotel to suit different palettes. The hotel also offers its guests spa and fitness facilities.

* Ceylon Continental, 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Fort, Colombo 1,  +94 11 242-1221 (hotel@ceyloncontinental.com), . Ceylon Continental is equipped with 250 all with magnificent views of the city or Indian Ocean. The hotel has many restaurants and cafes on site to choose from. The guests are also offered 24-hour room service, fitness facilities, and spa services.

* Cinnamon Grand Colombo, 77 Galle Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3,  +94 11 243-7437. The luxurious Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo features nightly turn down services with orchids and chocolates, and spa services!

* Taj Samudra, 25, Galle Face Center Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3,  +94 11 244-6622, . Taj Samudra features a variety of rooms depending on your travel habits; they range from standards with views of the sea and pool to presidential suites with separate dining and dressing areas. The hotel is also equipped with a fitness center, book shop and swimming pool. There are also a variety of restaurants ranging from casual in dress to fine dining.