Holidays in Colombo

An introduction to Colombo

Holidays in Colombo combine the heady exoticism of the Far East with heaps of history. A major trading port for over two millennia, Colombo wasn't actually made the capital of Sri Lanka until the British took over the island in 1815. Today it's a fascinating mix of old and new, the futuristic World Trade Center towers soaring into the sky next to historic Ceylonese structures like the Old Parliament Building, now home to the Bank of Ceylon.

Travel to Colombo and you'll immediately be caught up in its electrifying atmosphere. Hooting tuk-tuks buzz around the alleyways, market traders peddle their wares on street corners, and the whole city seems to be a marvellous melee of sights, sounds and scents. What's more, if you're into souvenir shopping, cheap deals and bargains are there for the taking. Why not slip on a sari for size? It may not be the height of fashion, but it will be a great souvenir of your trip!

Nightlife is extremely limited with most residents opting for early nights. However, holidays in Colombo do offer plenty of opportunity for eating out in the evening. The myriad choice of restaurants around the city includes Indian, Chinese and European establishments. But there's nothing to beat an authentic spicy Sri Lankan curry, particularly if it's accompanied by a glass of coconut palm toddy from the southern lowlands.

Find the cheapest late deals to Colombo leaving in the next six weeks.