48 HOURS IN COLOMBO
-Capital City of Island-
From secret street food spots to historic city walks, discover the best of Colombo with this two-day city guide
For years Colombo has been something of a Sri Lankan conundrum. A dynamic, historic, ocean-side capital city on the island’s ever-popular west coast it certainly has plenty on paper to lure the traveler. However, many visitors still arrive on the island with the impression that it is little more than a hectic gateway, a sprawling financial and commercial metropolis that is best used as a stepping stone on the way to the ‘real’ Sri Lanka of serene, golden beaches, lush mountains and jaw-dropping cultural hotspots. But it’s high time to think again. Dive below the bustling surface and you find a bewildering and irrepressible city with an extraordinary wealth of things to explore and enjoy. It may not be apparent as you first hit its suburbs on the way from Bandaranaike International Airport, but Colombo has a pulse freshly energised by developments like the restoration of its city museum and the opening of the time capsule that is the Colombo Fort and its surrounding area, largely locked-down during the civil war.
Activities and points of interest in Colombo
Enjoy a Colombo walking tour of the city’s historic Fort and Pettah districtsVisit historical sites such as the Dutch Period Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church
Recap your walk over iced cold beers at the Dutch Hospital Complex
Ride in a tuk-tuk, off the beaten track in a three-wheeled chariot
Explore the holy Gangaramaya Temple
Explore attractions including Galle Face Green and the historical National Museum
48 HOURS IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE
-8th World Wonder-
The ultimate two-day tour, taking in Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temples
In just 48 hours you can take in some of the country’s most unforgettable experiences.
Yet few people arrive prepared for Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’, the ancient rock fortress and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most arresting sight. Standing at the edge of water gardens, which form the formal entrance to its foothills, its vertical sides soar up, filling my vision. From here I can see little of what lies on its summit, but the water gardens provide tantalising clues.
Serene and landscaped they also hide some of this rock’s secrets and engineering wonders in plain sight. As we walk past some old fountains, these were fed by underground pipework that ran from the very top of the rock to where we are standing, hundreds of meters in total. Even more impressive is that, in rainy season, they still work. This perfect union of form and function, of art and science, sums up much of what makes this place both so beguiling. Small wonder it is an official UNESCO World Heritage site and, albeit less officially, known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. Come and explore the mystery of this ancient rock was built up before 50 centuries ago.
Feel your Pounding Heartbeat
Weather you want to take a journey through our rugged terrain or become Tarzan; swinging off vines in our tropical jungles, we have a variety of stimulating experiences guaranteed to excite you! Learn the fine art of balance on our local white water rapids or rolling waves. Watch in awe at the languid stroll of the leopard in its natural habitat - we have plenty of invigorating adventures for any adrenaline junkie!
Fly Cinnamon Air
Fly across the Island and witness her true majesty from above while you sink in to the true form of luxury travel we have to offer. Fly Cinnamon Air With ArTravele.
Reconnect with Nature
Escape the concrete jungle and breathe in the aroma of the lush foliage that surrounds you. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and discover the magic that lies beneath. Instead of heading to Main Street, try a trek through the forest, leading you to a gushing waterfall. Feel the cool breeze rolling over tea bushes whilst you sip on a cuppa’ of perfectly brewed Ceylon tea. Hear the trumpet of the majestic Elephant soaring against the golden orb of the setting sun
