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CMB · 6.94° N · 79.85° E · Sri Lanka

Colombo

Sri Lanka's seaside capital and the start of most island tours, with nonstop flights from London.

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About Colombo

In short

  • Galle Face Green at sunset
  • Gangaramaya Temple
  • Pettah markets
  • Beira Lake
  • Day trips to Galle Fort

At a glance

Country
Sri Lanka
Region
South Asia
Local time
GMT+5:30
Time difference
4.5 hours ahead of London5.5 hours ahead in January
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Languages
Sinhala and English
Main airport
  • CMBBandaranaike International Colombo Airport
Flight time
About 11 hoursDirect from London
Best time to visit
December to March
Deals
4 deals

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and where most visits begin. Walk the seafront at Galle Face Green, explore the markets of Pettah and visit the Gangaramaya Temple by Beira Lake.

From Colombo the island opens up: the old Dutch fort at Galle and the beaches of the south coast, the hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and the ancient cities of the north.

Before you go

Entry and visas

Entry rules depend on your passport and the reason for your trip, and they change. Check Sri Lanka's entry requirements before you book, and apply for any visa or travel authorisation only through official government websites.

Health

See TravelHealthPro's Sri Lanka page and book a travel health appointment well before your trip. Colombo is hot all year, so drink plenty of water and use sun protection. Drink bottled water rather than tap water, take care with food, and use insect repellent against mosquito bites.

Money

The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Keep some smaller notes for markets, three wheelers and small shops, tell your bank before you travel and check your card's fees for use abroad.

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When to go

  1. JanuaryBest
  2. FebruaryBest
  3. MarchBest
  4. April
  5. MayNot ideal
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September
  10. OctoberNot ideal
  11. NovemberNot ideal
  12. DecemberBest

Colombo is warm all year, with highs of about 30 to 32°C. January to March is the driest time. The heaviest rain falls in the monsoon seasons, from April to June and from September to November, with October the wettest month.

  • HolidayATOL protected

    Colombo: seven nights at Galle Face Hotel

    From London Heathrow Airport · A week at the Galle Face Hotel on Colombo's seafront, with nonstop SriLankan Airlines flights from Heathrow.

    Live prices

    Price checked when you search

  • Hotel

    Galle Face Hotel

    Open since 1864 on the seafront at Galle Face Green, with a seafront pool, a spa and six restaurants and bars.

    Live prices

    Price checked when you search

  • Flight · Return

    Colombo with Qatar Airways via Doha

    Search live prices from

  • Flight · Return

    Colombo with SriLankan Airlines

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Questions about Colombo

See all questions
How do people get around Colombo?

Three wheelers, also known as trishaws, are a mainstay of transport in Colombo and across Sri Lanka, and are handy for short trips around the city.

How should I dress and behave at temples in Colombo?

Dress modestly at temples and other religious sites. Never pose for a photo beside or in front of a statue or mural, and turn off your flash, because it can harm old paintings.

Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?

It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check Sri Lanka's entry requirements before you book. Apply for any visa or travel authorisation only through official government websites.

Checked on 14 October 2026

Which airport serves Colombo?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) serves Colombo. It is at Katunayake, about 32 kilometres north of the city.

When is the best time to visit Colombo?

January to March is usually the best time to visit Colombo, as it is the driest part of the year. The city is warm all year, but the monsoon seasons bring heavy rain from April to June and from September to November.