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Colombo Cruises

The largest city in Sri Lanka, Colombo offers a heady blend of action-packed street markets and laid-back beaches. Once known as the ‘garden city of the East’, Colombo is in the process of transitioning into a fully modern destination for travellers, with modern shopping malls popping up to transform its crumbling colonial past. Wander down its leafy boulevards, visit surprising art galleries, and learn more about the city’s past and future at the Colombo National Museum. Or, if you prefer, just get away from it all with a beach day under Sri Lanka’s abundant sunshine!

What You Need To Know About Colombo

What are the can’t-miss sights in Colombo?

Colombo’s main attractions depend on whether you’re more interested in its colonial heritage or modern present-day sights and shopping centres. Take a traditional tuk-tuk or three-wheeled trishaw ride around town to explore its various landscapes, visit the Royal Colombo Golf Club to play a round or two, or dine on scrumptious seafood at Mt Lavinia Beach! The Colombo National Museum is a true must-see, with ancient artworks dating back to the 4th century BC. Be sure to visit one of Colombo’s beautiful temples like the Gangarama Vihara with its elaborate stone carvings, or see exotic wildlife at the Dehiwala Zoological Garden.

How can you reach Colombo from the cruise terminal?

The Port of Colombo features two main cruise docks for visitors to the city. Both are within easy walking distance from the city centre, with the port’s exit about 700 metres away from the ship’s berth. As you walk off of the pier, turn left wherever available to start strolling towards attractions like Fort Colombo and its associated historical district, just 1 kilometre away. To reach attractions like the Cinnamon Gardens and Slave Island, you can hire a rickshaw for touring around but be prepared to bargain before you get in! Official taxis are also available right at the cruise terminal, which you can hire for the day.

When is the best time to visit Colombo?

With its warm, balmy weather, there’s never really a bad time to visit this year-round destination. One thing to keep in mind is the monsoon season, which runs between June and September. You may experience a downpour or two during these months to break up the days of constant sunshine! The months between January to March is a very popular time to visit, with the Duruthu Perahera Festival taking place in January. November is a beautiful time of year in Colombo, before the high heat and humidity set in for the summer.

COLOMBO - DID YOU KNOW?

Shopping is a prime pastime in bustling Colombo, offering a blend of modern air-conditioned shopping malls and tiny artisan stalls. The area around Galle Fort is stocked with antique shops where you’re sure to find something unusual, or you could pick up a colourful sari to bring back home with you. Jewellery is another top item here, due to the country’s abundance of gemstones like Blue Sapphire and Topaz. Just look for shops that are licenced by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

Are you a tea enthusiast? Sri Lanka is where Ceylon Tea originates from, so you’re guaranteed a good strong brew and tea in all its various forms. Visit the Tea Breeze to try their tea milkshakes!

During your time in Colombo, it’s highly recommended to explore its old quarters around the Fort and Pettah areas. You’ll see sights like the Old Dutch Hospital, featuring shops and cafes housed in a building dating back to the 1600s, as well as a historic Clock Tower and Old General Post Office.

Don’t be afraid to dive into Colombo’s street food scene – Sri Lankan food is divine! Try the hoppers, which are pancakes shaped like a bowl and dished up with spicy seeni sambal chilli sauce. Samosas, curries and amazing seafood are all on offer.