Things to Consider While Visiting Colombo for the First Time

Colombo, the busy Sri Lankan capital is the place where colonial charm collides with the tropical color. The city with its seashores, old architecture, and tasty food is a blend of modern and old that makes every traveller fall in love with this city. Nevertheless, to be familiar with the local etiquette, travel necessities, and cultural peculiarities will help the beginner visitor to have the trip easier and much more pleasant. An hour of preparation will give you a long way ahead to see Colombo like a real local and respect its rich cultural heritage.

Colombo may be discovered with the senses, there is the scent of the street food, the buzz of the tuk-tuk, the smiling faces of locals that make it a place that seems exotic and yet familiar at the same time. Nevertheless, you need to travel smart in order to get the best out of your visit.

The following are some of the important things to remember prior to starting your Sri Lankan trip:

1. Visa & Entry Requirements

Make sure that your travel paperwork is in place before you go. The majority of international passengers need to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that is easily obtained on the web before traveling. The passport must also be valid at least half a year before you enter Sri Lanka. Your ETA will be approved and you will be in a position to tour Colombo without any last minute immigration hustles. It is also prudent to have both the digital and printed copy of your visa approval to have potent access at the checkpoints.

2. When is The Time To Visit 

Colombo has a tropical climate, which implies that it is mostly hot and humid all year round. Nevertheless, the most appropriate time to go is during the months of December and March, which are the most pleasant. The weather is sunny and there is little rain so the sightseeing is enjoyable. Should you want to be less crowded and pay less, you should look at the shoulder months that are April to June or September to November when the city is not so active but equally amazing.

3. Carry some cash with you  

Colombo is in the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) local currency. Most of the high-end hotels and restaurants accept cards, but small hotels, tuk-tucks, and local markets usually accept only cash. There is a large availability of ATMs and it is always prudent to carry small amounts so as to save time and bargaining when in the streets as well as in acquiring fast foods. Come to the counter or automatic teller machines and exchange money to avoid a bad conversion rate.

4. Transportation in the City

The fun of Colombo is in getting around though it takes time. Traffic may not be predictable so it is good to have a plan:

Tuk-tuks: Located cheap and fast in a short distance. Uber and the PickMe app guarantee you the fair prices without any bargaining.

Buses: The most affordable one, however usually busy. Recommended when you are in a fancy mood and want to ride over a short distance in the locality.

Trains: Beautiful, but not as frequent in the city, ideal when visiting other towns.

Taxis/Ride-hacking Apps: It is the most comfortable and air-conditioned mode of transport, and it is preferable in the seasons of high heat.

5. Cultural Etiquette and Dress Code

The traditions of Sri Lanka are based on the principles of respect and modesty. When you are within the temples or any other religious places, you should dress up in a manner that shields your shoulders and knees. It is obligatory to take off shoes and hats when entering the sacred places. Increasingly, public show of affection is frowned upon, and therefore always be polite and respectful. Wearing nice and modest clothes is a welcome change even outside the temples, it shows how you value the local culture.

6. Where and What to Eat

The food industry in Colombo is a food heaven. You will find anything ranging between tasty street food to fine dining seashores. Must-try dishes include:

Rice and Curry: the staple of the country, with a variety of spicy, tasty curries.

Kottu Roti: This is a dish commonly found in the street, it is a mixture of chopped flatbread, vegetables, and whatever meat you want- cooked in a hot griddle.

Hoppers (Appa): Pancakes in bowl shape and cooked in the best manner to be served with sambol and a fried egg.

Seafood: Savor the freshest seafood in the best rated restaurants such as the ministry of crab or the lagoon.

Also, do not forget to combine tropical fruits and desserts made of coconuts to be a cool-down to your meal.

7. Keep Local Law and Regulations in Mind

Sri Lanka is a hospitable and harmless state, yet it is essential not to violate the law:

Alcohol Prohibitions: On one hand, alcohol is sold but on the other hand, no one is allowed to drink in public.

Drug Laws: There is no tolerance to drugs in Sri Lanka even the slightest possession can attract harsh punishment.

Guidelines in photography: One should never take photographs of individuals and religious sites or government buildings without seeking their consent.

The beauty of Colombo is not only about its scenes but about people and friendliness and the rich culture. Your initial experience in Colombo will be memorable by being informed and respectful enough, and this one will be full of color, taste, and authenticity. It is a vibrant city with open arms and a myriad of stories to be told whether you are wandering through the crowded Pettah Market, having tea at the ocean, or strolling the colonial streets.