Results for Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling financial hub, is a city that blends history, culture, and nature. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you explore the best of Colombo in 2 days.

Experience an immersive one-day tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka, starting with a stroll from Pettah to Colombo Fort. Immerse yourself in the charm of colonial architecture and the lively atmosphere of Pettah Market. Kick off your day with a visit to the historic Jami-Ul-Alfar (Red Mosque), a marvel dating back to 1909. Delight your taste buds with an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast at renowned spots like Café Kumbuk or indulge in a lavish buffet at prestigious five-star hotels. Continue your cultural exploration with visits to gems like Gangaramaya Temple and the serene Seemamalakaya on Beira Lake. Enjoy panoramic views from the Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest in South Asia. Recharge at the historic Dutch Hospital, now a culinary hub, and delve into history at Independence Memorial Hall. Conclude your day at Galle Face Green, relishing the West Coast's best sunset, followed by evening entertainment at Sunset Blu by Hilton. Explore Colombo's wonders in a day!

5 budgets, all areas... so you have options for all the places you want to visit. I often like to do several nights in budget stays, then choose a couple of places I'd like to splash out on towards the end of a trip, when I want to relax more than dash around seeing sites! Sri Lanka is spoilt for choice when it comes to sites, activities and accommodation and you can easily become over whelmed by the options which is why I encourage you to make full use of this guide and save yourself valuable time and energy.

Travelling is about exploring new places and gaining new experiences. Trying out street food is a way to take your travel plans to the next level. Hunting for street food spots and choosing what to try can be overwhelming in an unknown country. So here’s a FREE GUIDE put together to walk you through the in and outs of Colombo street food. I hope this adds value to your time here in our little Island. Happy Travelling! ☀️🌴

Colombo might seem like just another chaotic city, but trust me, it's got way more to offer than just traffic jams and busy streets. For the backpacker or solo traveler, Colombo is a treasure hunt with some seriously cool finds. First off, ditch the idea that the streets are busy. They’re alive! And let me tell you that weekends aren't busy at all!! Wandering around, you’ll stumble upon colorful markets, like Pettah, where you can get lost in a maze of spices, trinkets, and random bargains. It's chaotic, but in the best way possible, perfect for snapping some gritty, authentic travel photos. If you’re into history, Colombo's got you covered. Check out the colonial vibes at Independence Square or the old Dutch Hospital, now buzzing with cafes and shops. And don’t miss Gangaramaya Temple, it's a mashup of all things Buddhist with a side of quirkiness. When you need to catch your breath, hit up Galle Face Green. Grab some street food (isso wade is a must-try), find a spot on the grass, and watch the sunset over the ocean. It’s one of those moments that makes all the hustle worth it. Oh maybe hope on a train to watch the sunset while moving. The best part? Colombo’s a city where you can easily blend in, do your own thing, and still find surprises around every corner. So yeah, it’s worth a stop but it could also be your least favorite city!!? Anyhoo, add these spots to your Google Map, and you’re set for an awesome urban exploration!

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Ella is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and valleys. It’s a hub for a wide range of activities in Sri Lanka and because of it’s higher elevation it remains warm but comfortable year round and offers some respite from the rest of the country which can get stiflingly hot in season, or see a lot of rain out of season. Almost every person I met travelling in Sri Lanka remarked Ella was their favourite place they visited during their trip and I have to say it was also mine. The temperate weather makes Ella a great place to do lots of activities each day -you can go hiking, enjoy one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, view Nine Arch Bridge, swim in waterfalls, go caving and swim in underground cave pools, take yoga classes, cooking classes, visit temples, and venture a little further for safaris. It’s an ideal spring board between Colombo and the South/East Coast and Yala National Park. The best way to arrive in Ella is by train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, but as one of the most beautiful train journey's in the world, you will need to book your train tickets in advance... my advice is to go for 2nd class- find out why, and how to book them in the "What To Do" section of this guide. Read on for all my recommendations on where to stay, what to do and where to eat for a FABULOUS time in Ella!

If Sri Lanka is on your bucket list, here is some useful information for safety, eating out, where to stay, what to do, and traveling around the country as a Female Solo Traveler!

This guide is made for true adventurers, those who live and breathe travel and can’t wait to discover new and different places. Whether you're an explorer at heart or someone seeking a deeper connection with this beautiful island, this journey will show you Sri Lanka in its full glory. Packed with exciting stops and hidden gems, this trip will take at least 6 weeks to complete, giving you ample time to soak in the culture, landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. From bustling cities to serene escapes, this map is all you need to uncover Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets. So, if you're excited to embark on a travel adventure like no other, this guide will be your perfect companion, helping you explore with confidence and excitement every step of the way!

Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! Here’s the best destination guide you can follow for this May-September season. Trust me, this plan is perfect for experiencing Sri Lanka’s top spots without wasting any time or missing out on hidden gems while saving most of your money. Whether you're into stunning landscapes, rich culture, or just want to chill on a pristine beach, this guide has got you covered. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

If Sri Lanka isn't already on your bucket list - please add it immediately. Stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and thrilling adventure, there is just so much to explore. The country boasts an extensive coastline with picturesque beaches such as Hiriketiya, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay, perfect for relaxation, surfing and snorkeling. In terms of wildlife, Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with several national parks and reserves. It has the highest leopard density in the world, so if you're lucky you'll spot one (pun intended)! It's also famous for its large population of Asian elephants, which yes, you can sometimes casually see in places like Arugam Bay and driving through Yala National Park (more on that later!) I fell in love with Sri Lanka and can't wait to share the best that this island has to offer with you! In this guide, you'll find: 🗺️ A short intro to the island and the culture 🐘 Off the beaten path activities 💰 Budget breakdowns 🍽️ A list of local foods to try 🗓️ A complete month long itinerary + modified itineraries for 2 weeks & 10 days 🏠 Restaurants + Accommodations marked on an interactive map & much more! Make sure to SAVE this guide to your Thatch library for when you plan your Sri Lanka adventure!

A comprehensive 2-3 week Itinerary in one of the most best countries I have ever visited. Sri Lanka is a beautiful and versatile country. It is not big and the distances between destinations are short. You can visit Sri Lanka with a fixed itinerary, but this is not necessary. Booking a hotel last minute is easy and transport is often available without a reservation. Due to the many highlights, it can be difficult to make choices: there is so much to do, even in two or three weeks you will not be able to see everything. If you want to add on the Maldives also as it is a short flight from Sri Lanka then check out our 8 day guide. This is the perfect combination of 5 days on a resort and 3 days on a local island for a backpackers budget. The best of both worlds.

This guide offers a comprehensive 18-24 days itinerary for a classic Sri Lanka tour, covering key destinations from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya. Designed for travel between May and October, it highlights the best of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage, ancient cities, pristine beaches, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Colombo, climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock, relaxing on the beaches of Trincomalee and Arugambay, or wandering through lush tea plantations in Ella and Haputale, this guide ensures an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's most iconic locations.

This guide presents destinations where you should visit during November-April season. It covers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Sigiriya to soaking in the cool climates of Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and Ella, surrounded by lush tea plantations. The journey also includes a thrilling safari in Yala, Tissamaharama, beach relaxation in Mirissa, and a historic exploration of Galle. This itinerary captures the essence of Sri Lanka's rich culture, scenic landscapes, and vibrant coastal life, offering an unforgettable adventure.

Discover the half bottom of Sri Lanka with me.

Colombo might seem like just another chaotic city, but trust me, it's got way more to offer than just traffic jams and busy streets. For the backpacker or solo traveler, Colombo is a treasure hunt with some seriously cool finds. First off, ditch the idea that the streets are ugly. They’re alive! Wandering around, you’ll stumble upon colorful markets, like Pettah, where you can get lost in a maze of spices, trinkets, and random bargains. It's chaotic, but in the best way possible, perfect for snapping some gritty, authentic travel photos. If you’re into history, Colombo's got you covered. Check out the colonial vibes at Independence Square or the old Dutch Hospital, now buzzing with cafes and shops. And don’t miss Gangaramaya Temple, it's a mashup of all things Buddhist with a side of quirkiness. When you need to catch your breath, hit up Galle Face Green. Grab some street food (isso wade is a must-try), find a spot on the grass, and watch the sunset over the ocean. It’s one of those moments that makes all the hustle worth it. The best part? Colombo’s a city where you can easily blend in, do your own thing, and still find surprises around every corner. So yeah, it’s worth a stop but it could also be your least favorite city!!? Anyhoo, add these spots to your Google Map, and you’re set for an awesome urban exploration!