CMB · 6.94° N · 79.85° E · Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's seaside capital, where all our Sri Lanka holidays spend time: Galle Face Green, the Pettah markets, Gangaramaya Temple and the road to Kandy and the hills.
Every one of our Sri Lanka holidays includes Colombo, the island's commercial capital. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is at Katunayake, about 32 kilometres north of the city.
Walk the seafront at Galle Face Green at sunset, explore the markets of Pettah and visit Gangaramaya Temple beside Beira Lake. Three wheelers, also called trishaws, are handy for short trips.
The island opens up from here: the beaches of Negombo and Bentota, the hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the old Dutch fort at Galle and the ancient cities of the north.
Dress modestly. Never pose for a photo beside or in front of a statue or mural, and turn off your flash, as it can harm old paintings.
Entry rules for Sri Lanka depend on your passport and can change. Check the official ETA and visa site below before you book, and apply only through official government websites.
Colombo is hot all year: drink plenty of bottled water and use sun protection. Take care with food, and use insect repellent against mosquito bites.
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Keep smaller notes for markets, three wheelers and small shops, and ask your bank what your card costs to 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
Colombo is warm all year, with highs of about 30 to 32°C. January to March is the driest time. The monsoons bring heavy rain from April to June and from September to November, and October is usually the wettest month.
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.
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.
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
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) serves Colombo. It is at Katunayake, about 32 kilometres north of the city.
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.
