Colombo, the capital and main economic and commercial center of Sri Lanka, has a rich historical significance due to its strategic location as one of the main maritime routes between Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Today, it is characterized by its colonial history as well as its natural beauty, beaches, and vibrant street food scene.
If you are seeking accommodation to enjoy your vacation, NH Hotels offers an ideal option in Colombo with NH Collection Colombo.
Why stay with NH Hotels in Colombo?
Looking for a hotel in Colombo that combines an ideal location, modern amenities, and distinctive style? Welcome to NH Collection Colombo! Nestled in the bustling commercial and shopping district of Colombo, just off Galle Road, our hotel places you at the centre of the city's vibrant life.
Our location on Galle Road, the city's main artery, means you are just a short walk or a quick ride away from a variety of attractions. Explore nearby shopping malls, cinemas, the picturesque Galle Face Green and beach, Port City Beach with its water activities, and a host of restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks like Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Viharamahadevi Park, all within a 5-kilometre radius or a quick 10-minute car/tuktuk ride.
NH Collection Colombo stands out with its very modern and unique façade, distinguishing itself in Colombo's skyline. Centrally located in Colombo's Central Business District, it caters to both business and leisure travellers. We provide spacious rooms with stunning city or sea views and well-equipped meeting facilities. Leisure travellers can enjoy our large, stylish rooms offering breathtaking views and comprehensive wellness facilities, including a gym, spa, yoga room, salon, nail bar, and a rooftop swimming pool on the 24th floor.
One of the most striking features of NH Collection Colombo is our expansive rooftop, offering panoramic sunrise views over the city and sunset views over the sea. The Rooftop Bar is a perfect spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the spectacular scenery. NH Collection Colombo ensures a seamless and memorable stay, combining modern comforts with a prime location, whether you're visiting for business or leisure.
How’s the weather in Colombo?
In Colombo, you can enjoy a tropical climate for most of the year. Between February and March, the average maximum temperatures reach 31°C, coinciding with the dry season. The only significant climatic variation in Colombo occurs during the monsoon season, which lasts from May to August and, to a lesser extent, from October to January. During these periods, heavy rains occur in short periods of time.
If you are looking for long daylight hours for sightseeing and exploring the city with the warmest weather, the months between December and April are the best to explore the southwest of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that the island has two climatic zones that differ in their rainy seasons, so the northeast of the island has a different climate.
What to see in Colombo?
In Colombo, you can enjoy a large city full of contrasts, where you'll find everything from skyscrapers to shopping centers, but also old and historic colonial-era buildings, local markets, and some notable temples worth visiting. Here is a list of must-visit places in Colombo.
Viharamahadevi Park or Colombo City Park
Enjoy this beautiful park located in the center of Colombo, known as the city's lung, where you'll find a 4.5-meter tall Buddha, the largest cast bronze statue in Sri Lanka. This park, the largest and oldest in the city, is ideal for taking a break and resting from the bustling urban life of Asia.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Also known as the Pink Mosque and located in the Pettah neighborhood, it is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. It is one of the city's most iconic buildings thanks to its famous facade of red and white stone, and its pomegranate-shaped domes, which stand out and contrast with the surroundings.
Galle Face Green Promenade
Just a few meters from the hotel, you can enjoy a stroll along Galle Face Green, the city's waterfront promenade where you'll find a spot to savour local cuisine with ocean views. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and explore the weekend market they organize.
Gangaramaya Temple
Located next to Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo's most famous Buddhist temples, is known for its blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens with statues and pagodas, creating a unique atmosphere that conveys tranquility.
Pettah Market
One of the most historic and ancient markets in the city of Colombo is located near Lotus Tower, in the Pettah neighborhood, where you'll find hundreds of street vendors and stalls. Here, you can clearly see the commercial heritage of Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders, who used this location to navigate from Asia to the West.
Lotus Tower, the Colombo Tower
The Lotus Tower is located next to Beira Lake, in the heart of the city. It is the tallest tower in South Asia, standing at 350 meters tall, from which you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and the ocean.
Fort Colombo
If among your ideas you want to include some of the most emblematic and modern buildings in the city, you can't miss the opportunity to visit the city's commercial and financial district, where you'll find the Colombo Stock Exchange and the World Trade Center.
Colombo National Museum
The Colombo National Museum is one of the essential stops in the city if you want to understand the history and culture of the civilizations that have inhabited Sri Lanka. It is located in the Cinnamon Gardens and is ideal for learning about the country's historical and cultural heritage.
Bally's Casino Colombo
This is the largest and most luxurious casino in Sri Lanka. It offers a wide range of games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots. Bally's also hosts live dance and music shows, providing a complete entertainment experience.
What to eat in Colombo?
Colombo offers a rich variety of typical dishes that reflect many years of culinary and cultural heritage. Make sure to enjoy these dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls for an authentic experience in Colombo.
You can't leave Colombo without trying Kottu Roti, a type of flatbread with vegetables and meat that you'll find at street stalls. This popular dish is very flavorful and is usually served with a curry for dipping. Additionally, lamprais is an ideal option: cooked rice with meat broth and spices, accompanied by various meats (often chicken, lamb, or pork) and vegetables, all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
Egg hoppers are bowl-shaped crepes made with rice flour and coconut milk, cooked with an egg inside. If you're looking for typical sweets to eat in Colombo, you should try kokis, a kind of fried cookie in the shape of a flower. They are perfect for sharing during celebrations.
As you may have noticed, coconut milk is a beverage you can't avoid trying during your trip. It's more common to drink it on the coast, where street vendors offer it at all hours. Of course, Ceylon tea is the most consumed beverage in the country, so you should try it in the capital.
How to arrive to your hotel in Colombo?
If you're planning a trip to Colombo, we can advise you on which of the two airports to choose and the best options for getting to the city from the airport, whether by public transportation or by road. The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located in Katunayake, about 35 kilometers north of Colombo, is the country's main international airport and handles most international flights.
One of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your hotel in Colombo is by taking a taxi. We recommend agreeing on the fare with the driver before starting the journey, which usually takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic. The hotel offers pick-up service and private transportation in a Minivan or Sedan car, so you don't have to worry about anything.
You also have the option to take a public bus or one of the private bus services operating from the airport. Finally, the train is also available, although it is the least recommended option due to trains often experiencing delays and overcrowding.
How to get around in Colombo?
Who wouldn't be excited to hop on a tuk-tuk to get around the city? They're affordable, fast, and ideal for navigating easily through traffic. However, remember that you should negotiate the price before starting the journey. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can always use services like Uber or Pickme, which offer tuk-tuk services with predetermined fares.
Remember to always carry small bills with you, which you can use to pay in cash without any issues for these kinds of services.
With all this information, all that's left is for you to enjoy one of the most iconic cities in Sri Lanka! Book your hotel in Colombo with NH and discover the history and culture of the city.
