Stopover in Colombo

[Mattg]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at taking advantage of one of those cheap J airfares to Europe with Sri Lankan Airlines. But, since I've never been to Colombo before I was wondering if it would be worth stopping there for a few days along the way.

Is there much worth seeing in Colombo? Is it a safe place to visit?

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

It's safe but you wont need more than a day or 2 in Colombo. Consider exploring more of the country or perhaps consider Negombo, beach town nearer to airport, for transits.

 

[dajop]

I've done 3 days/3.5 nights (I arrived at some ungodly hour hence the 0.5 night) in Sri Lanka (a long weekend from Singapore) and in that time I had time near Galle at beach resort, visited a national park (Yala I think the name was) and saw some leopards (amongst other animals) and came back to Colombo via highlands and tea plantations. Was packed but worthwhile.

But you could have leisurely 2 days on one of the beach areas south of Colombo, but probably would need 3 nights at least to get the two days unless arriving early morning and leaving late evening.

I'd give Colombo itself a miss though.

 

[Mattg]

Thanks for the responses so far. I have another question - would I need a visa as an Aussie?

 

[Pushka]

We spent three weeks in Sri Lanka in 1985 - in the midst of the Civil War but personal circumstances required it.

We wanted to visit Kandy and Nuwara Eliya but it was off limits due to the war. But MrP travelled there a few years and it was stunning.

Hikkaduwa we did get to and popular with surfers. Galle we returned to after the Tsunami and the devastation was immense.

It is a fascinating place and excellent for purchasing of jewels if you have a reputable seller.

 

[Cossie]

I had one night at Negombo on the way back from Spain at the end of Oct last year, I had to check my bag through to Singapore from Heathrow, the weather was lousy, rain and very humid. The beach in front of the hotel was dirty and the water uninviting, although I will admit it was 'out of season'.

I felt very safe walking around, a simple 'no thanks' directed to the tuk tuk and cab drivers was all that was needed, a nice change not to be harassed!

I would do it again, but I'd stay for longer and see more of the country, in particular some of the national parks. However I'd try to go in the dry season. The hotel was fine, but no shampoo was provided and I wouldn't bother paying extra for an ocean view room again. Lot's of building work going on next door as well.

Food was excellent and cheap and the beer very drinkable.

Last time I was there was in the early eighties and the area we stayed then has only recently been reopened following the end of the war, so I'd like to go back there at some stage.

 

[dajop]

Thanks for the responses so far. I have another question - would I need a visa as an Aussie?

From memory yes - but you get it on arrival so no need to pre organise. But always pays to check official website for Sri Lankan High Commission.

 

[MrBean]

I almost went last December, but ended up taking the family to India instead. What is your final destination Matt ? I may be able to help you.

 

[N860CR]

They do an ESTA thing now. You organize it online prior to arriving and they stick it in your passport when you arrive.

 

[Austman]

I've been there a few times. During and after the war.

Stayed in Colombo and Negombo but have toured further.

The airport is a bit chaotic. It's not a great experience arriving or departing.

By Australian standards all the beaches around Colombo and Negombo are rubbish.

The people are fantastic. The experiences are great. The food is sensational. The traffic is horrible.

 

[RB]

As others have posted, I wouldn't bother if you only had time to stick around Colombo. If you end up organising to have a bit more time you might find something relevant in a trip report that I posted on here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....an-ocean-37549.html?highlight=sri+lanka+jewel

 

[Mattg]

I almost went last December, but ended up taking the family to India instead. What is your final destination Matt ? I may be able to help you.

The routing would be either SIN-CMB-FRA or SIN-CMB-LHR.

 

[Austman]

The routing would be either SIN-CMB-FRA or SIN-CMB-LHR.

If on a UL ticket, if you have an 8-24 hour transit, you'll get a hotel near the airport included. Transport, room, and meals. And all in or just near Negombo.

http://www.srilankan.com/en-US/flying-with-us/night-stop

Long Layover? These Airlines Will Hook You Up With Free Hotel

 

[Mattg]

If on a UL ticket, if you have an 8-24 hour transit, you'll get a hotel near the airport included. Transport, room, and meals. And all in or just near Negombo.

Long Layover? These Airlines Will Hook You Up With Free Hotel

I had thought about this. But I don't think I would be eligible as there are flights with short connection times available?

 

[Austman]

I had thought about this. But I don't think I would be eligible as there are flights with short connection times available?

It seems it depends on what you book. Other PAX have confirmed it to me just days ago (where shorter connecting flights were available). If your booked itinerary on a single ticket is 8-24 hours, you'll get the hotel.

 

[Mattg]

It seems it depends on what you book. Other PAX have confirmed it to me just days ago (where shorter connecting flights were available). If your booked itinerary on a single ticket is 8-24 hours, you'll get the hotel.

Interesting. I could quite easily fly into CMB the night before, then fly onto London the next afternoon. Would be quite happy for UL to give me a hotel room.

I've been doing a bit of research, and while I can find plenty of information on the STPC/stopover paid by carrier arrangement with UL, I can't find anything that specifically says I would be entitled to it even if a short connection was available. Are you 100% sure about this?

 

[bobe]

They do an ESTA thing now. You organize it online prior to arriving and they stick it in your passport when you arrive.

We are having 4days there end of July after our trip to the UK, you need a tourist visa if staying over 24 hours, you can do it online and cost 30 USD, if you do it on arrival like we did 2 yrs ago it is a shambles we were in a queue for nearly 2hrs, DO IT ONLINE WITH NO HASSLES

 

[Austman]

I've been doing a bit of research, and while I can find plenty of information on the STPC/stopover paid by carrier arrangement with UL, I can't find anything that specifically says I would be entitled to it even if a short connection was available. Are you 100% sure about this?

No. But the PAX sitting next to me the other day said he chose the flights (from SIN) in order to get the hotel. It was a better deal (for him) than the shorter connection (on the later flight from SIN) that was also available from the UL website as a single transit ticket. The transit desk in CMB does all the hotel coupon issuing.

I gave the links. Why not call UL?

 

[Mattg]

No. But the PAX sitting next to me the other day said he chose the flights (from SIN) in order to get the hotel. It was a better deal (for him) than the shorter connection (on the later flight from SIN) that was also available from the UL website as a single transit ticket. The transit desk in CMB does all the hotel coupon issuing.

I gave the links. Why not call UL?

I might get in touch with them during the week.

 

[bobe]

we had a 12 hour stopover 2yrs yrs ago and were given a hotel , bed , and meals , NO Alcholic drinks , had to but them , but it was Ramadam so none anyway