Colombo holidays

GMT +6 hours

Sinhalese. Tamil and English are also widely spoken, and newspapers are printed in all three languages.

Sri Lankan rupee

Ethnic disturbances rarely occur in tourist areas. We always follow Foreign Office advice on matters of security for British visitors, but crime against foreign visitors is virtually non-existent.

Fort Colombo
This historical landmark was built by the Portuguese and later seized by the Dutch. The British destroyed the fort on the mid-1800s, and today it’s the financial and commercial hub of the city – even boasting Sri Lanka’s own twin towers.

Museums
The National Art Gallery in Viharamahadevi Park displays portraits and local artists’ work. Also in the park is the National Museum, where you can admire ancient royal regalia, antique furniture, china and demon masks.

Hindu temples
In Colombo, Hindu temples are called ‘kovils’. Sea Street is home to the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan, while on Slave Island you’ll find Shiva Subramania Swami and Sri Muthumariamman.

Viharamahadevi Park
This beautiful green oasis is perfect for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. Admire huge trees, fountains, flowers and an imposing statue of Buddha.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
This famous Buddhist temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites – it’s believed that Lord Buddha himself visited this stunning place of worship.

January
Kala Pola
This open-air art festival takes place at Viharamahadevi Park and showcases the work of Sri Lankan artists and sculptors.

February
Navam Perahera Festival
Held at Gangaramaya Vihara Temple, this lively parade features elephants, dancers and musicians during the full moon.

March
The Great Night of Shiva
You might see Hindus holding sacred rituals at temples during this important Hindu festival, which celebrates the deity Lord Shiva’s birth and wedding anniversary.

April
Sri Lankan New Year
Everyone celebrates this non-religious festival, and the festivities include traditional games such as pillow-fighting and ‘hide the wig’.

May
Vesak Poya
This is the most important full moon for Buddhists, as it marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing. The island flickers with the light of delicate paper lanterns and clay coconut oil lamps.

July
World Spice Food Festival
Hotels and restaurants across the city take part in this celebration of food, featuring chefs from around the world and tents offering delicious delicacies.

September
The Lanka Challenge
This annual tuk-tuk rally’s south-west route passes through Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwarra Eliya and Colombo as hopefuls from all over the world compete to win a cash prize.

Explore Pettah’s narrow streets in search of a bargain and visit the town’s fish market. Colombo’s best shops are situated on Galle Road, and Kollupitiya’s Crescat Boulevard is Sri Lanka’s most impressive shopping centre.

10¾ hours

Food
As well as restaurants and cafés serving traditional Sri Lankan curries, you’ll find familiar fast food outlets like Nandos and Domino’s.

Water
Don’t drink the tap water. Most hotels offer boiled and bottled water, so stick to this instead.

Dialling code
+94 11

Religion
Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.

+94

•   Colombo is Sri Lanka’s nightlife capital. Sip cocktails at one of the bars and let your hair down in the nightclubs to the sound of live bands and DJs.
•   If you fancy a flutter, visit the flashing lights of casinos including The Bellagio, MGM, Stardust and Bally’s. Or catch a movie - the Savoy Cinema on Galle Road shows films in English as well as Sinhala and Hindi.

Typically a 10% service charge is included in the bill, even in markets. If not, tip 10-15%.