Colombo

Getting around Colombo

Flights to Colombo depart from Milan Malpensa and land at Bandaranaike International Airport, which is not far from Colombo. There are two main ways to get to the city: there is a bus line - number 187 - that connects the airport to the main railway station in town. It runs every half hour. Of course, you can also take a taxi to your destination at any time. There are also many buses in the city, divided into public and express lines. Another popular means of transportation also used by the locals is the tuk tuk, a small vehicle used as a collective taxi.

What to visit in Colombo

As the country's commercial capital, one of its richest areas and one of its most popular, Colombo is the perfect destination to discover not only a part of Sri Lanka's history, but also its more modern and youthful side. As it is also home to the country's leading university, it is also very popular with students. There are several things to do in Colombo to make the most of it. Take a walk around the city and discover one of the many markets that make it unique. The city's markets are full of local handicrafts and traditional fabrics, decorated with the Batik technique, but also spices grown locally. Curry and cinnamon are ingredients that are also widely used in traditional dishes. The Pettah market is one of the most popular among travellers. The Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, one of the most important Hindu temples in the capital, is also located nearby. Communities belonging to different religions coexist in the area, and it is not uncommon to see churches springing up a short distance from mosques and Hindu or Buddhist temples. Among the city's religious buildings, the Buddhist temple of Gangaramaya is one of the most popular and a must-see. Due to the large number of votive objects, it is almost considered a 'temple/museum'. In other words, there is no shortage of places to visit!

Where to eat

Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is very tasty: curry, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, milk or coconut oil are just some of the ingredients most often used, along with the inevitable rice. For a taste of the authentic flavors of the area, look out for some traditional restaurants or turn to the street food stalls, which are very popular in the downtown area. Curry rice and lentil soup are not to be missed, as are lentil frittes or kottu, a typical take-away dish. Be careful, though: they can be very spicy!