Colombo - Tourist Information

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Tourist Information

Colombo

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Asia Sri Lanka Colombo Tourist Information

Overview

Tourist Information The guide was updated: 2024-05-08

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Bandaranaike International Airport lies 32km from Colombo's city centre. The simplest and quickest way to get into town is to take a taxi, which is readily available at the airport. The journey typically spans 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) operates buses, specifically Route 187, from the airport to the city centre. Although buses offer an economical choice, they may take longer due to multiple stops en route. You can also opt for ridesharing services like Uber and PickMe, for a convenient ride to your accommodation. However, regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, make sure to confirm the fare before commencing your journey.

Best Time To Visit

Best Time To Visit

With sunny and enjoyable weather pretty much all year round, there isn't really a bad time to explore Colombo. However, if you want to avoid the monsoon season, then don't plan your trip from June to September. Having said that, the best time to visit Colombo is usually from January to March, when days are more pleasant and when festivals such as the Duruthu Perahera and the Poya Festivals take place. If you want to get great prices on accommodation and flights, then May is the best month, when the city is also less crowded. Watch out for the beginning of the monsoon season! November and December are usually hot and humid, but that's when you can catch the Deepavali celebrations, the Hindu festival of lights, which lasts for five days.

Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are exempt from requesting a visa. All other travellers need to apply online in order to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting Sri Lanka. The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of your arrival, however, it may be extended for up to six months. It is always a good idea to check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate or visit the official Sri Lankan government website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements

Public Transport

Public Transport

Buses run from 5am to 10pm and are generally crowded, slow, and a bit confusing. When in doubt about routes, bus numbers, and stops, ask a local. The best way to get around is to walk or flag down a trishaw. Always agree to a price before accepting a ride in a trishaw and pay the exact fare.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

There are several pharmacies in Colombo, and some of them are located within a grocery store. The supermarket chain LAUGFS features pharmacies that are open 24 hours. Rajya Osu Sala is another drugstore chain you will find in Colombo.

Telephone

Telephone

Country code: +94 Area Code: 011

Taxi

Taxi

Taxi is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around the city. Most of the cars do not have a taxi meter so always decide on a price before the journey starts. In addition, ride-hailing apps such as Uber are also available in Colombo, providing an alternative option for transportation.

Post

Post

Post offices in Colombo typically operate from around 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and may have reduced hours on Saturdays. Letterboxes in Sri Lanka are red.

Electricity

Electricity

In Sri Lanka, there are two plug types: D and G. D has three round pins in a triangular pattern while G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern (same used in the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

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