Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
For the first time in over nine years we have finally made it back to Asia, we cannot believe it has been so long! Having explored much of the far east and stunning destinations from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam to the Philippines it was wonderful to book those flights again and make our way to a continent we adore. Having finished up our last trip to Asia back in 2016 in India, we always wished to visit its near neighbour to the south, Sri Lanka. 2025 is finally the time to make our way to the teardrop shaped island in the Indian Ocean. Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories.
Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
With work commitments, and the overall hustle and bustle of daily life, we understand, like many, how important rest and relaxation is. We are fortunate to work for ourselves, but having quality time off is difficult, especially when you run your own business, and switching off is almost impossible in a modern 24/7 world. When it was time to plan a getaway peace and tranquility were necessary requirements. We also wanted to explore, take in nature and engage in activities but still switch off. Where better than Sri Lanka, long been a honeymoon destination of choice for many around the world and for wildlife lovers a chance to see Elephants in their natural habitat and some of the best preserved temples around. We couldn’t wait to reach the island with first stop the entry point at Colombo Airport.
After a layover in Qatar we made the four hour flight from Doha and landed into Colombo early on a Wednesday morning. First up we bought a SIM card for our phone to contact the outside world and have some internet while travelling in remote areas. For 10 Dollars we bought a plan so onto the next counter to buy our visitor visa. Here is where things got a little frustrating. There was no real instructions or guidance about the visa, online it said you need a visa on arrival or apply for an evisa, we assumed, from research, that it would be around 20 dollars or so to gain entry to the country. Many other passengers from our flight made their way straight to immigration bypassing the visa counter, but we assumed they bought the e-visa online beforehand.
After some confusion at the desks, ourselves and fellow travellers purchased the visas, we were shocked to find they were 60 US dollars each! Quite a hefty sum for a visa on arrival. The counter staff explained that south asian countries enter for 20 dollars, all others 60. After some difficulties paying with the card machine we were given a slip of paper and sent on our way. The immigration desk didn’t even bother to check the paper and proceeded to stamp us into the country regardless. Perhaps on the way back we will need to produce it but for now we believed we had been scammed before even leaving the airport!
Speaking of scams, upon entering arrivals we were approached by an official taxi driver, as he pointed to a laminated badge, who immediately asked, where we were going and what our plans were? Now we have no problem with people earning a living, but we have travelled enough to know when we may be pestered and primed for shaking us down for cash. Sure enough the driver followed us to the ATM while we took out some cash and he waited until we withdrew it. Again, he asked to drive us, but we were one step ahead having downloaded the Uber app and finding a driver with the price up front. Within minutes our driver collected us outside and we made our way into Colombo city.
Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
First impressions were good, glorious sunshine and green, lots of green. Trees, bushes and plants everywhere, just what we needed. After forty minutes or so we reached the bustling streets of downtown Colombo, car horns, tuk-tuks, exhaust fumes, traffic jams, oh how we missed Asia so. Yes, we ultimately are seeking the peace and tranquility, but it’s only in times of chaos can you appreciate the calm and we knew we would be in the midst of pure nature in a couple of days time. For now, it was time to explore a vibrant capital city and get our first taste of Sri Lanka.
After a long couple of days flying and an early morning arrival, we had some rest before hitting the streets around 6pm, it was already dark but a warm 26 degrees or so. We made our way down the Galle Road with a view out to the Indian Ocean and train after train passing chucking out streams of smoke, tuk-tuks passed us beckoning us to use their services but a polite no seemed to do the trick. There were a few inquisitive stares from the locals but completely normal and didn’t faze us.
After a quick loop we made our way back towards our hotel for food when we were approached by a local man. Here we go we thought, how much money do you want or what service do you provide? He proceeded to explain that he didn’t want money and that he was very embarrassed and ashamed but he needed us to buy him some food, not much just some powdered milk and instant noodles. He told us that his wife and kids were in another town, he was a trained lawyer but was let down with work and not paid. He was polite and spoke well and didn’t know the area well according to him. Any shop we could pass with noodles he would be most grateful if we could help.
Being cynical, and having fallen for some scams over the years, particularly in Asia, we were cautious. We found a popular, named supermarket and he explained how he would take the cheapest items on sale instead of the more expensive options. A six pack of noodles and box of powdered milk, that is all he sought and he did not want money. If it was a scam it was a bit strange, but we thought for the sake of 7 dollars, if it helps him then we are happy. He took the shopping, thanked us, and was on his way. We have heard subsequently stories about how gangs are run to get tourists to buy food then the gangs sell them on, either way it wasn’t the most we have been relieved of money and we have been scammed out of more back home in Spain!
After that strange encounter we had a wonderful meal of chicken Hyderabadi and butter chicken with naan bread and off to bed back in the hotel as a thunderstorm passed and soaked us to the skin, despite this we laughed as we ran through the rain. The next morning the sun was shining as we made our way back onto the streets of Colombo to do some exploring. No real set plan just checking out daily life and find what we could on the way. Within minutes we were followed by a gentleman who asked where we were from and where we were going but he moved away when we said we had plans. No persistent pestering so it was very relaxed and not much of an irritant. We made our way passed a beautiful lake and Hindi temples, and towards Pettah Market.
With the sun beating down strongly, we reached the market where Paula needed to buy a baseball cap which she did for about 2 dollars. The markets were busy but people were polite and didn’t bother us. We made our way passed some beautiful buildings and crossed the busy roads almost playing chicken with the cars and tuk-tuks whizzing by. We quickly got used to the frenetic traffic crossings where hesitation will get you into trouble. Next stop was some food, there are many food stalls on the street that by western standards may look a little unhygienic but we have discovered over the years that some of the best food comes from them. Maybe a little early in the trip to experiment so we decided to sit down in a Thai restaurant for some spicy chicken and a cold drink. For less than 9 dollars it was worth it, and with food in our bellies we moved on to the iconic Lotus Tower nearby.
Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
The Lotus Tower, also known as the “Nelum Kuluna” in Sinhala is the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world. The Lotus Tower is a destination like no other, displaying the state-of-the-art innovations, technologies and education. Each storey nestled amid the Lotus petals offers an experience worth a lifetime. Visitors have the unique opportunity of experiencing a bird’s eye view of the Colombo skyline from the highest observation deck. From an elevation of 244 metres we looked out over the city from the observation deck with a 360 degree view pointing out the city’s major landmarks below. We could look out to the Indian Ocean, the busy port, cricket stadium, airport and beyond. It was a very nice experience, but for 20 US dollars per person, quite expensive considering the locals pay about 20 cents!
We understand that foreign tourists have more earning power than the locals, and in many countries in the region this is common practice to charge tourists a different price, but 20 cents to 20 dollars is a considerable difference. Despite this, we bought a couple of items in the adjoining gift shop as a memento of our visit and it was off again wandering the streets of this fascinating capital city. We made our way down the Kelani riverside which was simply stunning, tranquil and peaceful, but very underdeveloped. All along the boardwalk were empty benches, rubbish and some locals drinking beer. It seemed very neglected despite it being a wonderful amenity to possess. We commented on how wonderful it would be to have such a beautiful facility back in our home. The leafy green trees, rowers boating on the water and wildlife was a sight to behold but unfortunately the riverside was a little rundown.
Nevertheless, we made our way back around the Galle Face Road through the business centre, here men and women in suits, fancy coffee shops and major international hotel chains were to be found. It really could have been anywhere in the world. Nonetheless, it was impressive with tall, glass structures of residential and commercial premises facing out onto the Indian Ocean. Here you could see more tourists and locals enjoying their time on the beach with a kite surfing competition being held as we passed. We hadn’t faced any more pestering up to that point and were enjoying our stroll around the city as we approached 20000 steps taken.
We made our way towards our hotel to move on to our next destination as the afternoon was ending. Just before making our way to the hotel we were followed by another gentleman who struck up conversation, nice weather isn’t it, the usual opening line. From there he asked what our plans were and would we like to visit a gem store? We politely declined and he was on his way, not much of a nuisance and no tempers raised. It was time to buy some water for our 4 hour car trip to our next stop Dambulla. We hailed an Uber outside our hotel, collected our rucksacks and left the city just before 5pm, the worst time for traffic so we faced a long journey. Still we were excited and happy to be moving on to a slower pace of life. Colombo was well worth the visit and we may have another day there before we leave for Qatar on the way home. For now it was a pleasure, but time to continue our Sri Lankan adventure further into nature.
As the sun dipped behind the city skyline, we carried with us memories of bustling streets, colourful markets, and the warm spirit of Colombo a day well spent and stories to cherish forever.
Just a day in Colombo Sri Lanka but a world of memories
