Book cheap flights to Colombo

Colombo is a year-round destination, with two monsoon seasons, so careful planning is essential. The best time to visit is during the beach season, which spans January to April. The city basks in sunshine and is relatively dry throughout. The temperatures are warm and lovely, although just a touch cooler up in the hills. From May through to June, the south-west monsoon blows throughout the city. It is also the gentler of the two monsoons that Sri-Lanka experiences, with mainly short and sharp showers that tend to pass quickly. From November through December is also a good time to visit as the rains have helped create lush, green landscapes; and fresh foliage can be seen everywhere, making it an exceptionally beautiful time of the year to explore Colombo.

A visa for Sri Lanka is issued upon arrival for South African citizens.

• Ensure that your passport has a validity period of at least 6 months.

• Ensure your passport has 2 blank pages available for entry stamps.

The South African high commission to Sri Lanka is located in the capital Colombo. The address is 114 Rosemead Place, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Phone 94-11-246-3000.

See our comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Sri Lankan visa.

All travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations, as vaccinations are required. There are no real health risks associated with travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

• Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A & B and typhoid.

• There is no chance of contracting malaria, but precautions should still be taken against mosquito bites, as there are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya.

• Bring adequate supplies of medication with, in their original containers and clearly marked, if you are sick or have to take chronic medication.

• Bring plenty of sunblock of a high SPF factor and avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight.

• Always be vigilant and watch your personal belongings.

• Make copies of bank and credit cards, and other important documentation in case they are lost or stolen.

• Secure valuable, personal belongings within the hotel safe.

• Avoid public or local demonstrations.

• Remain alert when walking around at night, and abide by the local government laws

This charming guest house has seven rooms in different sizes, spread across two houses. Authentic modern day luxury and ancient antiques add to the exquisite ambiance of this place. Offering an outdoor pool and restaurant, this little cosy-cone is the best place to be after an adventurous day. Relax in your air-conditioned room, with a lovely private bathroom and shower, whilst someone does your laundry for you – another exclusive service this amazing hotel has to offer.

Set inside an old villa, this convenient lodge is less than a kilometres’ drive from the city centre. This exquisite little charmer boasts elegant outlines and sophisticated artwork. Featuring boutique-style rooms, picture yourself lounging on your bed after a long day or taking a splash in your own private pool. Just a 5-minute walk away from the Odel Shopping Mall, you’re seconds away from entering a shopping odyssey.

• Bus: Local buses go to most places, including villages outside the main towns.

• Taxis: There are only some metered taxis in Colombo. The price range of others can easily be compared to the three-wheelers, and these provide much comfort and security.

• Three-wheeler: These are literally waiting around every corner and are commonly referred to as tuks-tuks. Be sure to negotiate a price before boarding one of these, but rest assured, the metered three-wheeler is also being instituted in some parts of Colombo.