Travel Report Colombo
After a long flight we had finally arrived with the impression of a whole country shouting into our direction “Welcome to Sri Lanka, Welcome to Colombo!”. The city has everything you would expect to find in a South Asian capital: it was busy, noisy, bustling and crowded. One could think that we had mistakenly landed in India. But besides, exploring Colombo, its hidden gems, temples, streets and people was just a great kick-off of our adventure!
Colombo Sri Lanka Skyline
Colombo High Street Life
Exploring the City
Even though tuk-tuks are and go everywhere, the city is a perfect spot to explore by walking. A late afternoon-stroll along the Galle Face Green is a unique experience. Traditional Sri Lankan families and couples head to this promenade to admire the city and take delight in another sunset bringing the night into the city. However, it is during the day when in central Colombo, and particularly the streets of Pettah, the heart of the city beats and reveals its unique charm. We experienced everything from street artists, snake charmers with their pungis, floating markets, loud music, smoky tuk-tuks to the smell of fresh tropical fruits and curry. All this can be quite frantic and overwhelming for Asia-newbies. However, at the end of the day, that incomparable and contagious smiles by locals all over the country, surpassed every bustling or madness since we had set foot in Sri Lanka.
Monks Colombo Gangaramaya Temple
Our video impressions from a day in Colombo
Colombo itself is packed with temples and historic monuments worth another. It is specially here, where religion has such a strong meaning and the population happily co-live with their four national religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. During the travel we visited a number of astonishing religious spots and share out experience in another travel report about Sri Lankas temples.
Of course, tourism and occidental life have arrived to Sri Lanka, too. That is the case at Old Dutch Hospital, which has been turned into a trendy and cool location. So this is your place if you starve for fish and chips or an American-style double cheeseburger! Also, it is probably the last place for a long time you can find really good coffee. Unfortunately, nobody had told us before…
Travel Info and Tips
Where is it? Southwest Sri Lanka (Capital City)
How to get there? Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
What is it famous for? Culture, temples, urban vibe, historic sites, politics, business
What is good to know? Easy to commute, be aware of pickpockets
A funny Fact? Sri Lankans are crazy about cricket! And Colombo is one of the main hubs for this sport. When talking about this make sure you know what you talking about, otherwise just admire and appreciate them sharing their knowledge with you.
Red and white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Seema Malaka Temple at Beira Lake
Fresh fruit at Pettah Market
