We’ve just landed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after a short hop from Singapore. What struck me straight away was how close Colombo actually is – only three and a half hours in the air. I’ve always imagined Sri Lanka as being much further away, but in reality, it’s just an hour beyond Bali from Singapore, making it surprisingly accessible from most major Asian cities.
And here’s the thing: Sri Lanka is every bit as beautiful, far less crowded, and infinitely better value. Which naturally begs the question:
“Why isn’t everyone coming here to relax and hit the reset button?”
Flight & Travel Hack #1
The journey itself was made all the more comfortable with SriLankan Airlines. Here’s our first Sri Lanka travel hack: book an economy ticket, then wait patiently. About three days before your flight, you’ll likely receive an email inviting you to bid on an upgrade. Place the minimum bid and, more often than not, you’ll be sitting in business class for a fraction of the price. We’ve done this a few times and arrived in style every time!
Stepping off the plane, we were pleasantly surprised at how smooth the arrival process was at Bandaranaike International Airport. The arrivals hall was easy to navigate, we moved quickly through immigration, our luggage was on time… overall our airport experience was completely hassle-free.
SUPLIZE!
Travel hack number two: whenever we arrive in Colombo, we make a strategic stop at Park Street Gourmet on the way into the city to pick up supplies. This boutique grocer is a lifesaver for travellers who can’t do without their imported comforts — think European cheeses, quality cereals, snacks for the kids and a surprisingly strong selection of wines.
The real gem? The wine prices are better than duty free at the airport – and that matters because the further you travel from Colombo, the more limited the options become. Stocking up early is a simple move that makes all the difference for the rest of your trip.
Exploring Colombo in a Day
Colombo is an easy city to cover in a single day — low stress, low impact, but full of atmosphere and history. The best way to explore is with a tuk tuk driver who knows the city and its rhythms. Everything is close by, so you’re never more than a few minutes between stops.
MORNING | ICONIC SIGHTS
You can tick off the city’s “must-dos” in just a couple of hours. Hop in your rickshaw and stop for short walks and photo opportunities at each spot:
- Colombo Fort: (10 minutes) Walk out the old city gates, read up on colonial history contrasting the modern skyline.
- Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Temple: (5 minutes) A quick wander through busy streets to capture the vibe.
- Pettah Market: (5 minutes) Unless you’re shopping for fruit and vegetables, this is more about soaking up the energy.
- Colombo National Museum: (30–60 minutes) Dive into the island’s story at your own pace.
- Colombo Lotus Tower: (15–20 minutes) One of South Asia’s tallest structures offering panoramic views across Colombo.
- Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple: (20 minutes) Also admire the eclectic museum of artifacts next to the temple – fascinating.
LUNCH | BEST OF THE BEST
There are two districts that really stand out to us:
- Park Street Mews: A funky foodie enclave where stylish locals hang out, with plenty of dining options. Close to Gangaramaya, it’s a natural end-point for a morning rickshaw run.
- Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct: Chic boutiques and excellent restaurants, including the legendary Ministry of Crab (obviously a favourite of ours at Ministry of Villas ;) which is close to Colombo Fort, so ideal if you do the rickshaw run in reverse.
AFTERNOON | GALLE FACE SUNSET
Even if you’re not staying at Galle Face Hotel, you MUST finish your day here. Claim a seat on the colonial terrace, sip a gin and tonic, and watch the sun dip through the palms. The travel hack is you don’t need to stay at Galle Face Hotel to enjoy the verandah, although we’ve stayed here before and can vouch for the hotel – it’s lovely!
Afterwards, take a stroll along Galle Face Green, mingling with families flying kites and snacking from street stalls. Be careful not to coat-hanger yourself on kite strings :)
Villas in Colombo
If you’d like to balance the bustle of Colombo with pure serenity, there’s one villa that stands out above the rest:
Ishq Colombo is the villa in the capital — a tranquil oasis tucked amidst the city’s vibrant energy. The property blends opulent colonial décor with sleek five-star luxury, offering a private sanctuary that feels a world away from the busy streets outside. Spacious suites, refined interiors, and impeccable service make it ideal for travellers who want the best of both worlds: urban convenience and exclusive escape.
Why Colombo Works
Colombo isn’t about checking off endless monuments — it’s about catching a vibe. A rickshaw run, a delicious lunch and sunset drinks by the sea are all you need to feel the rhythm of the city. It’s the perfect overnighter and a fitting introduction before heading deeper into Sri Lanka.
Stay tuned as we venture to Kandy tomorrow, visiting new villas along the way! If you can’t wait that long and want to plan your Sri Lankan holiday right away, please reach our to our team and we’ll schedule a call to give you the insight you’re looking for.
