Here's why to book cheap flights to Colombo!!
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is a busy city with its own distinct identity and culture. There’s rush, there’s traffic and chaos, yet there’s also time to relax and gaze at the sea.
With a past as influential as its present, Colombo is one of those charming cities that have embraced modernization without sacrificing its history. Old European style buildings and cathedrals coexist with high rise glass and steel towers. Roads are wide and pleasant, but often clogged with traffic. Though there is not much to see here when compared to the rest of Sri Lanka, Colombo being the capital and biggest city is the destination for flights from abroad. For this reason, it is easy to get cheap flights to Colombo.
How to reach Colombo
Since Sri Lanka is an island, it’s best to book your flights to Colombo to reach the city. Though boat options are available, flying-in is easier and there are several options for cheap tickets to Colombo from different parts of the world. If you are planning to visit India or nearby countries, you can book your cheap flights from there too since there are many budget carriers that fly to Colombo.
Where to stay
Though it’s easy to get cheap tickets to Colombo, the accommodation here may be slightly higher than other Asian cities like Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, especially if you are looking for quality rooms with all facilities. There are several mid-range hotels that are very good for foreign visitors. Most tourists stay in the Galle Road where they can get good sea views from their hotel rooms. If you want to stay near the airport, which is 15 kms from the city of Colombo, you could book a hotel in Negombo (closer to the airport) and check into your room just minutes after your flights land.
What to do and see
Explore Colombo’s history when you visit the Wolvendaal Church, the Fort, National Museum, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Indepedance Hall and Dutch Period Museum. There are several Hindu and Buddhist temples as well as churches for culture lovers. If you are traveling with children, you can let them run around in the Galle Face Promenade, the Viharamahadevi Park and the beach and take them to the Colombo Zoological Gardens.
Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are interesting hill stations a few hours away from Colombo. The elephant orphanage here is a must-visit as is the botanical gardens for nature lovers. The Lionel Wendt Art Center is a renowned foundation for art lovers to view and buy lovely pieces of art.
Shoppers will fall in love with the prices in Colombo. Apparel and handicrafts can be very cheap; shop at the Pettah market where you can get everything.
When to go
Best time to book your airline tickets would be between November and April, the driest season on Colombo. It’s recommended to make your hotel booking when you book your flights to Colombo and provide your flight details to your hotel in order for them to arrange for free or paid transfer from the airport.