Welcome to Colombo
Colombo moves fast, with colonial-era architecture sitting alongside modern rooftop bars and street food lanes packed with kottu roti and fresh seafood. The waterfront Galle Face Green draws locals and visitors at dusk, and the city's markets rewards those who explore on foot. Resorts in Colombo tend to cluster along the coast and around the business districts, giving you a calm base in an otherwise energetic city.
How to find the best resort deal in Colombo
Love how effortless it is to compare flights with us? The same smart search engine can track down deals on resorts and rooms too. Use these tips to find fantastic rates fast.
Book in advance
Book as early as you can to boost your chances of finding the right resort at a price that fits your budget. This is even more important during peak travel periods like school holidays and festive seasons.
...Or bag a last-minute Colombo resort deal
Prices tend to rise in the lead-up to your stay. But in low season, last-minute offers can still be found when resorts have empty rooms to fill.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap resorts in Colombo can be easier to find if you're not tied to specific dates. Experiment with different months or seasons, or go during the week instead of weekends to save on your trip.
Go all-inclusive
All-inclusive resorts in Colombo make things simple by bundling activities, meals and drinks into the room rate. They're perfect if you plan to stay mostly in one place and want predictable daily costs. Check availability for this type of stay when planning your trip.
Show discounted resorts only
To skip the full-price options, make use of the 'Only show hotels with discounts' filter. It finds properties with reduced prices or deals.
When to visit Colombo
High and low season in Colombo
The dry season from December through to around March is the best window for visiting Colombo. Skies are clearer, rainfall is lower, and you can comfortably explore the streets, markets, and waterfront areas. This is also peak season for Sri Lanka broadly, so booking accommodation in advance is wise, especially around the holiday period in late December.
The monsoon season, which typically affects Colombo from May through to September, brings heavier rain and humidity. Visitor numbers drop during this period, and you'll generally find more availability and lower rates on accommodation. Outdoor sightseeing can be interrupted by downpours, but the rain is often short-lived, and the city keeps moving.
Colombo hosts a range of cultural and religious celebrations through the year, including Vesak in May, when the city is lit up with lanterns and displays marking the Buddhist holiday. The Sri Lanka Tourism website is a good starting point for current events and festivals before your trip.
Events in Colombo
Vesak Festival: Colombo transforms during this major Buddhist celebration, with lanterns, illuminated floats, and dansalas offering free food across the city. It's a deeply communal event, and you'll find the streets genuinely welcoming to visitors curious about local traditions.
Colombo Art Biennale: This contemporary arts event brings local and international artists together across venues throughout Colombo. Expect installations, exhibitions, and performances that reflect both Sri Lankan culture and global creative conversations. It's a strong window into the city's arts scene.
Navam Perahera: This traditional Buddhist procession takes place at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, drawing large crowds each year. Decorated elephants, drummers, and dancers participate in a carefully choreographed procession that carries real cultural significance for the city.
Check local tourism boards before your trip for the latest event details.
Best family-friendly Colombo resorts
Make it a family getaway to remember at Maniumpathy Hotel. This 5-star resort makes travelling with kids a little easier thanks to features such as ironing services and Wi-Fi.
Best spa resorts in Colombo
At Maniumpathy Hotel, the most difficult decision is sauna visit or massage treatment first. This spa resort offers a lounge and an outdoor swimming pool and is rated 5 stars.
