Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Colombo

Colombo - Hot, Vibrant and Spicy

Colombo is an extremely lively city that offers you something to do at any time. Take some time to discover its vibrant everyday life, enjoy its delicious culinary treats, learn about its rich historical heritage and seize the opportunity to hop to one of the near-by beaches. 

When to visit Colombo

Colombo is a good travel destination all year round. If you want to enjoy lower temperatures with less rain, travel in the months between January and March. The rainy seasons are from October till January and between May and July.

If you want to enjoy Colombo in its festive mood, visit it in July or August for the Esala Perahera, when full moon is celebrated in the temple "Sri Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy. There is also the festival in the "Temple of the Tooth", which is where the relic of Buddha's tooth is kept. Every year, the tooth is carried around Kandy as part of the procession.

What you should know before travelling to Colombo

British passport holders need a visa for Sri Lanka and passports have to be valid at least 6 months from arrival. Before travelling to Colombo, it is recommended you get vaccines for hepatitis A, typhus, tetanus, rabies and diphtheria.

When in Colombo, be sensitive and respect local traditions, especially around temples and statues of Buddha. Never turn your back to Buddha statues, not even when taking photographs.

Prices are much lower in Sri Lanka than in Britain. You can get street food snacks from about 100 LKR, lunch from around 300 LKR, evening meal in a restaurant from around 750 LKR, and a beer will cost you about 200 LKR.

Local information you need for your trip to Colombo

When arriving to Colombo airport, you can take the intercity bus number 187 to the main station; the journey takes around 40 - 60 minutes and the ticket price is approximately 110 LKR. From the main station, you can catch connections to other destinations, such as Kandy. Make sure to book train tickets to other cities in Sri Lanka well in advance.
In general, buses are cheaper than tuk-tuks or taxis, but tuk-tuks are the most practical way to get around. Metered tuk-tuks are the best choice; starting price is about LKR50, and then 4-5 km costs around 200 LKR and 6 km around 250 LKR. 

Hostel accommodation costs from about 1000 LKR per person in shared dormitories during the low season, and more luxurious rooms cost from around LKR 5000.