Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest city and main gateway, with sunsets over the sea at Galle Face Green and a mix of colonial buildings, bustling markets and Buddhist temples.

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and economic hub, on the southwest coast about 35 km south of Bandaranaike International Airport. The city stretches along the coast. In the north, the Fort district is the colonial old town and financial center, and Pettah to its east is the noisy old market quarter. Heading south you come to Beira Lake, the Cinnamon Gardens area (National Museum, Independence Square), residential areas such as Colpetty and Bambalapitiya, and then Mount Lavinia Beach. It is hot all year: Dec–Apr is the dry season on the southwest coast, while May–Sep brings heavy rain under the southwest monsoon. Most visitors use Colombo as their gateway into and out of Sri Lanka, and 1–2 days is a good stay. Spend one day on the Fort, Pettah and Gangaramaya Temple, then watch the sunset at Galle Face Green or from the Lotus Tower in the evening. Use the other day for the museums, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or a trip to Negombo. Within the city, the easiest way to get around is to call a tuk-tuk or car on PickMe or Uber; the coastal train runs to Mount Lavinia and on toward Galle. Remove your shoes and wear clothing that covers the knees at temples, watch your belongings in crowded places such as Pettah, and be wary of strangers who eagerly offer to guide you or recommend a gem shop.

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