"Dusty dusty Colombo" Colombo by akikonomu

Colombo Travel Guide: 348 reviews and 614 photos

Getting There

Caught a bus from Badulla (Cultural traingle) down South to Colombo, where we'll do our last minute shoppings and feasting and use up the loose rupees.

As it turned out, the shopping and feasting was so tempting we had to chrage most of it to our credit cards...

The road trip takes about 4 1/2 hours hurtling through towns and dusty roads. By the time we got to Colombo, we had a cake of dust all over us and my white T-shirt seemed strangely grey (not exaggerating!!).

Rail Strike

Learnt about the rail strike going on because the rail workers union could not reach an agreement with the government (i think).

We were lucky that the strike took place the day after we trained up to the hills in Nuwara Eliya and didn't have to take the train anymore after that.

The strike gave birth to many disgruntled commuters who stormed the rail office in protest. This is bad, considering that we were reading about the rioting in nearby Maldives just before we flew into Sri Lanka.

Still, there were no obvious signs of chaos at Galle Face where we were based most of the 2 days we stayed in Colombo.

City Living

As in many of the developing countries around the world, the capital city which promises jobs, riches and fame will contrast starkly with the rest of the country.

Personally, I've never really liked big cities except for the convenience of getting around, shopping and eating. Sadly, most unpleasant experiences I've come across also occur in the major cities.

A common problem is that with tuk tuk drivers (see warnings), which I really have to point out. Other small issues, I can live with.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Shop, Eat, Spend
  • Cons:Beware of Tourist Traps
  • Last visit to Colombo: Oct 2003
  • Intro Written Oct 11, 2003
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Reviews (8)

Safe for Female Travellers - Colombo Safe for Female Travellers Hotels (1)

Try to book ahead as it's popular. The rooms are makeshift classrooms with cement flooring and walls that do not go all... more travel advice

Indian Ocean at Galle Face Green - Colombo Indian Ocean at Galle Face Green Things to Do (2)

Absolutely wonderful to get sea spray in your face and hear the crashing waves. Experience the simple pleasures of kite... more travel advice

Handloom Products II Shopping (3)

Other handloom product shops which we didn't visit because we had no time or it was closed. See products at Barefoot more travel advice

Handloom Products Shopping (3)

A shop specialising in handloomed products. Colourful and creative items for souvenirs and personal enjoyment. Handmade... more travel advice

Comments (3)

  • Reply
    May 12, 2006 at 12:48 PM

    Galle face Hotel is heaven, I agree with everything you say about it, and now that the renovations are finished it is even better, if that is possible!! Regards from Scotland.

  • Reply
    kyoub's Profile Photo
    Oct 3, 2004 at 3:01 AM

    Good points for the single girl. Nice page.

  • Reply
    Martin_S.'s Profile Photo
    Aug 3, 2004 at 12:11 AM

    You speak of "watching out for tourist traps", but give not a hint of what those tourist traps are...are you going to let us find out for ourselves ?? ^O^

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