Holidays to Colombo

Overview

In the past Colombo has been little more than a stop-off point for visitors passing through on their way to the beaches. However, the Sri Lankan capital is now coming into its own as a city break destination! Colombo boasts beautiful temples, tranquil parks and well-kept colonial buildings, and has the added bonus of being on the coast; a fact that makes it a perfect beach and city combination break.

Things To Do

Galle Road is Colombo’s busiest street, connected to a pleasant seafront promenade with food stalls and local goods on offer. There are also a range of modern shopping malls in the city centre, or you can escape the city noise in the peaceful Viharamahadevi Park. Treat yourself to a luxurious massage at a Sri Lankan spa, or feed your inner child with a visit to Leisure World, a theme and water park.

Culture

Colombo has a colonial past that is still obvious today in the historic buildings around the city, and visitors can learn all about the city’s history at the National Museum. The Museum is housed in a pristine white colonial building surrounded by spacious grounds. Sri Lankan culture is most evident in the beautiful temples – Gangaramaya is the most well-known and is decorated with intricate Buddhist art.

Beaches

You don’t need to go far from the city centre to hit the beach! Mount Lavinia Beach is just 30 minutes down the coast, and easily accessible by train. The beach has a long stretch of golden sand lined with palm trees, and the sea is calm enough for swimming. The beach is backed by restaurants to suit every budget and plenty of bars, so you could end up staying well into the evening.

Good to know

Flight time

10.5h

(from London)

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (Re or Rs)

Language

Sinhala & Tamil

Cost of a beer

Rs300-830

3-course meal

Rs7,750-23,250

Time difference

GMT+5:30

Colombo Holiday Deals

Taj Samudra

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 18 Dec 2026
  • 10 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,367 pp

Hilton Colombo Residences

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 19 Aug 2026
  • 10 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,399 pp

Ramada by Wyndham Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 19 Aug 2026
  • 10 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,359 pp

Hilton Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 14 Mar 2027
  • 14 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,396 pp

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 14 Mar 2027
  • 14 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,304 pp

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 14 Mar 2027
  • 14 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,229 pp

NH Collection Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 20 Feb 2027
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Gatwick

Prices from

£1,223 pp

Marino Beach

Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 17 Apr 2027
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£1,019 pp

Prices and availability may change, confirm with the provider before booking. Prices do not include local tourist taxes.

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