Colombo holidays

Holidays to Colombo give you a taste of Sri Lankan life – you can visit street markets, catch tuk-tuks and stroll along palm-dotted beaches.

Market mazes

Colombo’s the capital city of Sri Lanka, and it sits on the island’s west coast. Beneath a canopy of trees and skyscrapers, you’ll find hundreds of market stalls selling everything from jewellery and textiles to street food and handmade souvenirs. If the mention of food piques your interest, head for Pettah Market and get yourself a kottu roti – it’s a dish that goes down a treat with the locals, made from roti flatbread chopped on a sizzling griddle and topped with veggies, meat and cheese. Hoppers are another delicacy to look out for – they're bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk, and you can get sweet or savoury versions.

Sand by the city

If you’re visiting Colombo but still want a taste of the crumbly beaches Sri Lanka’s famous for, you’re in luck – there are a few sandy spots at your fingertips. Two to make note of are Wellawatte Beach and Mount Lavinia Beach. Both are a short train or cab ride from the city centre, and well worth the journey if you want some chillout time by the ocean. Wellawatte Beach has calm waters and a sprinkling of palm trees, and you might spot fisherman at work nearby. Mount Lavinia Beach has a relaxed vibe, and there’s a cluster of bars and restaurants right by it if you get peckish. You get cracking views of Colombo’s skyline here, too.

View from the top

If you’re always on the lookout for a good viewpoint on your city breaks, add the Lotus Tower to the top of your to-do list. This iconic building’s the tallest in Sri Lanka, and as the name suggests, it’s shaped like a giant lotus flower. It stands at a whopping 1,153 feet, making it even taller than the Eiffel Tower. There’s an observation deck at the top where you can look out over the city and the Indian Ocean, and it also has a revolving restaurant, a digital art gallery and a shop to browse. The whole thing’s illuminated at night, adding a pop of green and pink to the bright city lights.