Stopover in Colombo

[bsb]

We have used UL for several trips to Europe and cheap they are. I'm actually on one from SIN to DEL having arrived in Delhi today.

Colombo itself is not worth it, but the airport is North near Negambo which is good for a couple of days. Jetwing Blue on the beach is pretty special. You can have some r&r and get Ayurvedic massage, they're everywhere on the street (and are fine and very cheap) or you can do the posh one in the hotel...and anything in between. You can do a 3 hr treatment if you like that sort of thing.

You can hire a car, guide and driver very easily and get anywhere, Galle is just a few hours down the freeway. Colombo city for a half day is worth it.

sri Lanka is the greenest place I've ever seen, so I'd say drop in and check it out. It's calmer than India and very accessible. Enjoy the cheap UL fare.

 

[AviatorPJ]

DO IT ONLINE WITH NO HASSLES

+1. It is easy and it works well for AUS passports. Speed through Immigration- even speedier if you are off the plane from the front. Only front air bridges, as I recall

 

[Mattg]

I sent a message to Sri Lankan asking them if they would provide a hotel if I stopped overnight. The response is as follows:

Kindly note that if below requirements are met we will be providing complimentary hotel accommodation service.

Requirements for transit hotel accommodation

· The transit time should be over 8 hours and less than 24 hours.
· The net fare paid should be over USD 180 for one-way journeys and over USD 360 for return tickets.
· The connecting flight must be on the first available connection.
· No hotel accommodation will be provided for flights originating from selected points in India.
· Hotel accommodation will only be provided in Colombo.

As I would not be taking the shortest connection available, I believe this rules out accommodation? (I do notice that I could fly BKK-CMB-LHR and be eligible, however this would cost significantly more.)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Highly recommend... if it's still running... the train from Colombo to Kandy. There's a First class seating saloon/observation car attached to the rear of the train. Stunning views.

 

[albatross710]

Mrs Albatross & I are doing a one night stopover and taking up the Nightstop offer. We arrive about 9:25pm one night, departing 6:30pm the following night. Excited to see that we'll get the transfers and food included. We've been briefed to look out for the NightStop desk.

Question regarding the hotel, which has been described as Catamaran Beach. Does the normal hotel check out of 10am or midday apply or do we get to stay in the room unit 4pm-ish?

Alby