Jazmin Li
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, commonly known as Colombo International Airport, is Sri Lanka's only functional commercial airport. It is located about 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Colombo city centre, which can be reached in 30 minutes by car in normal traffic, or an hour in heavy traffic. The airport has a limited range of food and beverage outlets, with high prices. There are also duty-free stores, although these are more expensive than other airports in Asia. If you have a long layover in Colombo, you can store your luggage and head to the city centre or to one of the nearby beaches. Colombo has many restaurants, such as Nana's, Cloud Cafe, and Ministry of Crab, as well as hotels with pools, such as the Airport Garden Hotel.
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What You'll Learn
Explore the city centre
If you're looking to explore Colombo's city centre, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Fort area is the historic district of Colombo, with many buildings constructed by the English in the 17th century. It's also the central business district of Sri Lanka, home to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the Bank of Ceylon, and several government buildings. Take a walk through the area to admire the beautiful and historic architecture, including the Grand Oriental Hotel, the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka.
Nearby, you'll find the Old Dutch Hospital, which has been converted into a restaurant precinct offering a variety of dining options. You can also visit Geoffrey Bawa's house, located in a fancy residential neighbourhood. Bawa was a renowned Sri Lankan architect, and his former residence is said to be a masterpiece. Not far from his house is the Gallery Cafe, one of Colombo's upscale dining establishments, which was once Bawa's office.
For a taste of local culture and history, head to the Pettah Market area, known for its bustling markets and chaotic streets. Here, you'll find the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the Red and White Mosque, with its unique candy-striped edifice and pomegranate-shaped domes. Nearby is the Old City Hall, where you can take a brief tour of the halls for a small tip.
Beira Lake is another must-see attraction in the city centre. This serene lake offers a tranquil escape from the urban environment, with lush greenery and a small island that hosts the Gangarama Sima Malaka temple. The area around the lake is known for its upscale hotels and restaurants, making it perfect for evening walks. While in the area, you can also visit the main Gangaramaya Temple, a serene lakeside temple complex showcasing a blend of architectural styles and historical artifacts.
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Visit a nearby beach
If you're looking for a beach close to Colombo Airport, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that the airport is located in Katunayake, about an hour away from the city centre of Colombo. This means that some of the famous beaches in Colombo, such as Bentota Beach and Hikkaduwa Beach, are about 100 kilometres away from the airport. These beaches are known for their vibrant resorts, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Therefore, if you're looking for a quick visit during a layover or a short transit time, these beaches might be too far.
One option closer to the airport is Negombo Beach, which is located in the same region as the airport, approximately 20 minutes away. However, some travellers have noted that it is not one of the nicest beaches in Sri Lanka. If you're looking for a more relaxing and scenic beach experience, there is a beach in Colombo that offers palm trees and golden sands, providing a tranquil atmosphere. This beach is also known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, and it is admired by locals for its beauty. Unfortunately, I could not find the name of this beach or its exact distance from the airport.
If you're looking for a quick break during a layover, you might consider visiting a nearby 4-star hotel, such as the Airport Garden Hotel, which is about a 15-minute drive from the airport. These hotels often offer pool access for a fee, providing a relaxing alternative to visiting a beach. Remember that you will need a visa if you decide to leave the airport, and it is recommended to do some research before venturing out, especially if you are short on time.
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Try local food
Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka, is a bustling metropolis with a great mix of the past and the present. The city's food scene reflects this, with a variety of local and international cuisine on offer. If you're looking to try local food near Colombo Airport, here are some suggestions:
Airport Dining: Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport has a limited range of food and beverage outlets, with relatively high prices. Relaks Inn is a good option for quick, budget-friendly bites. They serve rotis, sandwiches, cakes, muffins, and coffee. If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can find curry and rice at the Palm Strip Restaurant and Bar, although it is quite expensive. Keep in mind that food options are very limited in the domestic terminal, but complimentary drinks are provided.
Nearby Restaurants: Colombo has some truly authentic culinary treats to offer. Here are some recommendations:
- New Banana Leaf: A local favourite for rice and curry. They offer a variety of vegetarian options, including four different types of curry, cuttlefish, shrimp, and egg. They also have crab curry and a dedicated section for biryani, served Sri Lankan style with hoppers.
- Vits Food: A tiny, undiscovered curry shop near the Kingsbury Hotel. It's said that if it was good enough for Anthony Bourdain, it's good enough for you!
- Ministry of Crab: Colombo's best bet to get a taste of famous Jaffna-style crab curry without heading to the northern part of Sri Lanka. Be sure to book in advance.
- Buffet Options: If you're looking to sample a variety of local flavours, there are several buffets in Colombo that serve traditional Ceylon specialties. Recommended options include Curry Pot, Raja Bojun (a long-established local favourite), Nuga Gama at the Cinnamon (set under a banyan tree), Galle Face Hotel dinner buffet (in the gardens of a colonial property), and Curry Leaf at the Hilton.
Street Food: For a more casual dining experience, take a walk down the promenade connecting the Galle Face Hotel and the Kingsbury. Sample the street food along the way, and don't forget to try the spiced cassava chips and fresh seafood skewers!
When in Colombo, embrace the local culture and don't be afraid to eat with your hands!
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Go sightseeing
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a city with a rich history and diverse cultures reflected in its architecture. The city offers a wide range of attractions, from beaches and parks to heritage buildings and museums.
If you're looking for things to do near Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, a popular nearby attraction is the Viharamahadevi Park. This park, located opposite the colonial Town Hall in Colombo, features lotus ponds, majestic trees, paved walkways, and a fountain. It also has a mini zoo, an aquarium, and golden statues of the Buddha, Queen Victoria, and Queen Viharamahadevi. The park is a great option for families, especially with children, and it's just 2 kilometres from the city centre.
For beachgoers, Negombo Beach is located approximately 20 minutes from the airport. However, some travellers advise against it, suggesting that there are no nice beaches in Negombo within a 20-minute range. Mount Lavinia Beach is another beach in Colombo that might be worth considering.
If you're interested in exploring Colombo's cultural and historical side, the city offers a range of museums and heritage sites. These include the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka, the Colombo Municipal Council, Christ Church, St. Paul's Church, and the Old Town Hall.
Colombo also has a variety of other attractions, such as the Colombo Fort Railway Station, Pettah, One Galle Face, and the Borella Kanatte Cemetery.
Lastly, if you're looking for a relaxing break during a layover, there are nearby hotels like the Airport Garden Hotel, located about 15 minutes from the airport.
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Relax at a hotel
If you're looking to relax at a hotel near Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, there are several options available. The only hotel located within the airport is the Serenediva Colombo Transit Hotel, which is ideal for transit passengers who need rest and relaxation between flights. The hotel consists of 32 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and it is located just a few metres away from all of the airport's boarding gates. For those who don't want a room, Serenediva also offers a comfortable lobby where you can relax on sofas for up to 6 hours for USD 20 per person.
There are also several hotels located within a short distance of the airport. One option is the Vivanta Colombo, Airport Garden, which is a 5-minute drive from the airport and is nestled amidst a 30-38 acre coconut plantation bordering the tranquil Negombo Lagoon. The hotel offers modern, spacious rooms with views of the outdoor swimming pool, landscaped gardens, and the lagoon.
Other nearby hotels include the Airport City Hotel, Airport Transit KINGS HOTEL, and Hello Airport Hotel, all of which are located in Katunayaka and offer amenities such as free WiFi, restaurants, and terraces. These hotels are within 6.6-6.9 miles of St. Anthony's Church and 18-19 miles of R Premadasa Stadium.
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Frequently asked questions
There is very little to do at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, with a limited range of food and beverage outlets and costly items. However, if you are happy to leave the airport, there are plenty of options.
Colombo city centre is within a 30-minute drive from the airport, or an hour in peak traffic. You can take a licensed cab or use the free shuttles provided by SriLankan Airlines. The beaches near the airport, such as Negombo, are around 20 minutes away.
You will need a visa to leave the airport, which you can apply for online. The Sri Lankan Rupee is the local currency, and you can exchange money at the airport or withdraw cash from an ATM.
