columbus tours sri lanka

Booking Sri Lanka , powered by Columbus Tours , an IATA approved Destination Management Company established in 1991. Based in Colombo, Columbus Tours and has a team of experienced travel consultants led by an experience board of directors. Since we began in 1991, we’ve created unforgettable travel experiences. Our team have extensive and firsthand knowledge of the island, and are passionate about what they do. Our team go above and beyond to ensure that quality and service are met at every step of your journey; from first contact, through the duration of your stay, and until you are safely home again, your travel consultant is with you. Our packages can be tailored or built completely from scratch to suit your needs. You can also select from a range of our most popular travel itineraries, complete with insightful and authentic Sri Lankan experiences and a designated chauffeur driver and comfortable vehicle throughout your trip through Sri Lanka. Our travel consultants will help you plan a completely bespoke trip, whether it’s an incentive trip, special interest group tours, or if you are an individual traveler, family or couple looking for a vacation in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been voted as the second best country to travel to in 2020 by the readers of the up-market travel publication Conde Nast Traveler. (Scored: 93.96). The Reader’s Choice Awards of the Conde Nast Traveler published in October showed that Sri Lanka has scored 93.96 points, slightly behind Italy with a score of 94.05. Conde Nast has highlighted the variety of attractions Sri Lanka has to offer, from culture and tea plantations to its beaches. Portugal, Japan, Greece, Thailand and South Africa made up the rest of the top 10 countries in the world for 2020. Sri Lanka is currently closed for visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic but authorities have been talking about setting up travel bubbles.

Recognising the safety protocols introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka along with the standards mandated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to ensure the safety of domestic and international travellers, destination Sri Lanka was recently endowed with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp.Whilst establishing confidence among tourists looking at the island paradise as a preferred destination to travel amidst the pandemic, the Safe Travels stamp will also allow them to recognise the properties and businesses that diligently follow the globally streamed health and hygiene protocols, aligned with the WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.

Sri Lanka has just discovered two new species of snakes in the Knuckles Mountain Range in the country's central highlands

Maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them. 

Maintain and strengthen the quality of life in local communities, including social structures and access to resources, amenities and life support systems, avoiding any form of social degradation or exploitation….

Award Winning Best Viral Film

So Sri Lanka won the ‘Best Viral Film’ in the Brand Film Awards in London recently. Hosted by PR Week and Campaign, the Brand Film Awards is a prestigious award that celebrates the use of branded content within marketing. Not only did the Sri Lanka Tourism “Wild Guides” pick up the Viral Film Award, it was also recognized as a finalist in the consumer goods category.

FEATURED TOURS

Classic Ceylon (9 Nights / 10 Days)

Explore Sri Lanka has a unique package designed to suit your holiday requirement just perfectly! Enjoy the ultimate Sri Lanka tour experience. Be it nature, adventure...

Mist & Mountains (7 Nights / 8 Days)

Sri Lanka’s variety of mini climates, not only gives it a wealth of fauna and flora but also rugged terrain, high peaks, deep chasms, mountain gaps, high water falls and snaking rivers all ideal for eco...

Bawa & Beyond (Geoffrey Bawa) – 6 Nights / 7 Days

Famous Architecture Lived in Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Geoffrey Manning Bawa, FRIBA (23 July 1919 – 27 May 2003) was a Sri Lankan architect. He was....

Ceylon Experiences

Swimming elephants at galoya.

Gal Oya National Park is a 25,900-hectare park inhabited by 32 species of mammals including Common Langur, endemic Toque macaque, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo and three species of deer. For birding enthusiasts, approximately 150 of Sri Lanka’s 430 species of birds have been observed in this very park. 

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Tea & Experience Factory - Mandaram Nuwara

Located in the Central Province in the Hanguranketha divisional secretariat, ‘Tea and Experience Factory’ is located in Mandaramnuwara, Kabaragalla at the foothills of ‘Piduruthalagala’, the highest Mountain in Sri Lanka. Apart from tea, the predominant crops of the area are terraced paddy and vegetable cultivations which are farmed using traditional techniques.

Adisham Bungalow

A four km drive from Haputale will lead you to Adisham, a monastery run by Benedictine Monks. Wrapped in the tranquility of the misty hills, Adisham Bungalow attracts every eye that falls on it. The pages of history reveal that the creator of this enthralling place is Sir Thomas Lister Villiers.

Nalanda Gedige

Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple near Matale, Sri Lanka and its original site was considered as the center of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed in between 8th and 10th centuries with dravidian architecture in( Pallava style )and is believed to have been used by Buddhists. 

Monkey Tour

We start the morning field session of the Monkey tour at 6am with a team briefing that will introduce you to the world of the primates in Polonnaruwa. First species you would encounter would be the majestic Hanuman or the Grey langur and a small troop of very active and gregarious Toque macaques.

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Nine Arches Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated. 

Floating just off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is a country of diverse beauty, nicknamed the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Discover hundreds of cultural sights (including eight World Heritage sites), an abundance of wildlife, colonial architecture, cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, misty mountain tops, enchanting valleys, lush tea plantations, tropical rain forests and charming hospitality from the locals. 

Recent Travelers

During a whole week we have been travelling in Sri Lanka. What a marvelous experience!! The country has so many beautiful places to discover and being guided by a local tour guide is a “must” We have been very lucky that Mr Roshan has been the one that showed us his country in a very professional way. Sri Lanka is known as the “smiling nation” and Mr Roshan showed it that every single day and eager to make us feel comfortable. Thanks Sri Lanka for giving wonderful memories and Mr Roshan for his dedication. What an unforgettable experience!!

The most amazing honeymoon in the most amazing country!         TripAdvisor recommends Columbus Tours Sri Lanka.

We had an amazing trip in Sri Lanka, our itinerary was great and we took in a whole range of activities from ancient cities, trekking, safaris to days at the beach. The diversity of Sri Lanka means that there is something for everyone.

We never had any issues wherever we travelled in Sri Lanka, everyone was so welcoming and friendly and can say that we always felt safe.

We really enjoyed having our own car and guide and our trip was made even more memorable by our guide Chanaka. He was a very safe driver and the car was extremely comfortable and always clean.

We can honestly say that we don’t think we would have enjoyed our honeymoon half as much without him.

His knowledge and passion for Sri Lanka are an absolute credit and he is an amazing person and tour guide who is so knowledge about the country.

He always made sure we were happy, and made the most of each day and seemed to know all the best spots to take us, away from the tourists.

He seemed to know everything and everyone in Sri Lanka including the best local spots to eat and experience real Sri Lankan cuisine.

He really was a great chauffeur, guide and photographer.

We will definitely be recommend Columbus Tours and Chanaka to friends and family for anyone who is thinking of taking a trip to Sri Lanka.

Joe and Rachel (Mr and Mrs Lee)

Holiday of a lifetime         TripAdvisor recommends Columbus Tours Sri Lanka.

Our guide was Chanaka and he was very welcoming from the moment we arrived in Colombo Airport, nothing was too much trouble and he seemed to know everything and everyone in Sri Lanka – he was a fantastic guide nothing was too much trouble and his number 1 priority was ensuring we were happy and safe!

As for Sri Lanka, our tour consisted of 10 days sight seeing and travelling ending in 4 days resting on the East Coast – What a wonderful country, there’s no hiding away from the fact it’s been affected by the Easter attacks with tourism quiet at the moment but the people in Sri Lanka are extremely welcoming and warming and very keen to change this perception from tourists.

The sites/safaris/food/culture/tea plantations of Sri Lanka are incredible, Chanaka took us to some hidden gems and was always making sure we had the VIP treatment.

For me the service that was provided by Colombous Tours for our trip to Sri Lanka was faultless and the itinerary put together by them and Travel Counsellors was exactly what we wanted from our honeymoon, incredible from start to finish and I wouldn’t hesitate to reccomend the company or Sri Lanka as a travel destination.

Amazing tour of Sri Lanka         TripAdvisor recommends Columbus Tours Sri Lanka.

I would like to thank our guide Priyal for making our trip to Sri Lanka so brilliant. He was friendly, funny and always happy, even after a whole week with me and my family! We visited so many amazing places and Priyal was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited. Our holiday was organized well. We visited so many amazing places and Priyal knew the best times to visit them. We ate at some restaurants that we would never have found on our own. The car we had for our trip was comfortable. I have no negative things to say about our time in Sri Lanka or Columbus Tours, everything was spot on. Our trip was made so much better because we had Priyal with us, he made the whole thing worth every penny. Thankyou for a great experience!

Welcome to Columbus Tours (Pvt) Ltd

Travel agency, about columbus tours (pvt) ltd.

Columbus Tours is a Destination Management Company based in Colombo in Sri Lanka. We specialize in itineraries which are custom-tailored. These custom tailored itineraries are for individuals, couples, small groups with incentive holidays. In addition to a wide variety of standard and luxury tours, we also offer our clients the best of all facility of assembling a travel tour from a range of available options which ranges from customizing their itinerary according to their wishes. Whichever option suits best to our traveller they resort to it. Then it is the task of our travel professionals to take on the job further and they are always handy in offering travel advice, to guide and assist the travellers .

Backpacking

Eco-friendly, family holidays, yoga & meditation, 1 rating & 1 review.

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Columbus Tours Sri Lanka – Blog

Holiday Down to Earth Prices

Sri Lanka opens for fully vaccinated Indian travellers

Sri Lanka Tourism Highlighted Once Again by CNN Travel

Maldives records over 550,000 tourist arrivals in January-June

Keep the Sri Lankan Holiday Dream Alive

“Sri Lanka Tourism geared to meet post-Covid needs”

Waters Edge unveils Sri Lanka’s first eco-friendly, smart and sustainable boutique resort

Sri Lanka allows foreign tourists to travel under the biosecurity bubble system

Panduwasnuwara The fortress city where Unmada Chitra met Deega Gamini

New Tourism Bill to be prepared after obtaining views of all stakeholders

Booking signals vaccine-led travel rebound in US, UK as Asia lags

Experiences Reshaping Tourism

CNN Shines Global Spotlight on Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts a Virtual Media Conference with German and Swiss Media

Sri Lanka India Travel Bubble: First Flight by End of this Month

‘Sri Lanka is safe, and still a fun country to visit’: Foriegn Travel Bloggers & Journalists to Promote Sri Lanka

Colombo Heritage Square in the Making

Sri Lanka Anticipates 1M Tourist Arrivals in 2021

Eco Team Post-COVID-Certified Sustainable Wildlife Accommodation, a Boost to Tourism Industry

“Resilience Building through Empowering Youth Centric Sri Lanka Tourism” An Awareness Programme and Tree Planting Champaign at Anawilundawa

14 Hotels to Accommodate 30,000 Repatriated Migrant Workers for Free

Sri Lankan Tourisms’ Bio Bubble Recognized at ITB Berlin

Vietnam New Ambassador to Sri Lanka Targets Investment, Tourism and Trade

SLTPB Appoints Internal Team for Dubai Expo 2020

Talks to Formulate a New National Tourism Policy

SLTDA approves Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort Katana

Health Ministry Announces New Quarantine Regulations for Travelers Arriving from Overseas

27 flights Come on Board with Sri Lanka

Quarantine for Vaccinated Travellers Under Review

About 17,000 Tourism Workers to be Vaccinated

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Cross 4,000 Mark Within 3 Weeks

3,820 Tourists Arrive in Sri Lanka Since Reopening

Jetwing Yala Welcomes First Sea Turtles for 2021

Sri Lanka is Now Open to Travelers — No Quarantine, But No Mingling with Locals too

Sri Lanka gets 1,000 air passengers a day as scheduled carrier and charters return

Emirates boosts services to Colombo, offering customers 6 weekly flights

‘Hello Again’ virtual tourism awareness session for US-based tour operators, Media

German travellers visiting Sri Lanka with the opening of the Airport for international Tourists

Ayurvie Weligama welcomes top Ayurveda Tour Operators & Journalists for the first FAM tour of the tourism restart

Columbus Tours Sri Lanka has received the “Safe & Secure” Tourism Certification of Compliance

All Set for Re-opening of Airports on Jan 21

SRI LANKA TOURISM GEARS UP TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Seven Airlines Announce Plans to Operate Scheduled Flights When Airport Reopens

Tourism Pilot Project will Open Doors for Business as Usual

Govt. Allocates 12 Hotspots for Visiting Tourists Despite COVID

England is Here…

Int’l Airports to open for tourists from late January – Minister Prasanna

Sri Lanka to increase daily PCR tests to facilitate repatriation of Sri Lankans and tourist arrivals

Second Group of Ukrainian Tourists Arrived

SLAITO welcomes tourism resumption

More than 200 tourists from Ukraine to land at Mattala tomorrow

Health Guidelines for Incoming Tourists to be Announced Today

Germany, India Seek to send Tourists to SL once Airport is Open: Official

Russian Tour Operators want Guarantee from Govt. on Reopening Lankan Borders

Fresh Industry Input Sought to Develop Tourist Zones

Trend setting pilot tourism project to muster US$ 10 mn

The second BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators meeting concludes with new initiatives for developing regional tourism

• Uncategorized

Aviation Sectors to Target BIA Reopening for Tourism by mid-January

PATA Provides Global Expert Mentoring for Sri Lanka Tourism to Redesign Revival Strategy Post Covid-19

Sri Lanka Army plants 100,000 saplings in the East in a single day

Tourism Minister Updates Cabinet on Progress to Reopen Borders

SriLankan Airlines named ‘World’s Leading Airline to Indian Ocean’ at WTA

Airport will be opened in accordance with COVID guidelines as soon as health authorities approve – Tourism Minister

Travel Counsellors took more new bookings in the last seven days than throughout the month of April.

New Guidelines in the offing to Welcome Tourists from 1st of January, 2021.

Hotels in Sri Lanka want closure on opening up

First DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Opens in Weerawila, Sri Lanka

The World Travel Market – UK (WTM) Virtual Event held 9th – 11th November 2020/ Sri Lanka Tourism aims at upsurge in UK Traveller flow to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism’s Wildlife Streaming event “Couch Safari’ – A resounding success

The Burghers of Ceylon/Sri Lanka- Reminiscences and Anecdotes

W15 Hanthana Estate discovers and records the first sighting of Lutino (Leucistic) Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot

Sri Lanka Leads New Quarantine Free Destinations

Seven Amazing Coral Reefs Made from Sunken Vehicles

Fresh support from 2021 budget for worst-hit tourism sector.

SRI LANKA TOURISM ENGAGES AUSTRALIA’S KEY STAKEHOLDERS on Destination Readiness and Innovation in a New Era

Couch Safari – Sri Lanka Tourism’s virtual adventure gains popularity among international travellers

SLTDA to issue ‘Safe and Secure’ compliance certification for over 40 hotels

Georgia Wins Junior MasterChef Australia, Filo And Carter Are Runners-Up

Whales Rescue Mission: a Plus to Restart Sri Lanka Tourism – SLAITO

Sri Lanka rescues 120 whales after mass stranding

All Tourist Spots in Nuwara Eliya District Closed

Couch Safari – Taking Sri Lanka wild life to the world

SLCB releases new MICE promotional video

Tourism visa to be extended : SLTDA requests six-month validity

‘Go on a couch safari’ concept to be promoted by Sri Lanka Tourism

ENGAGING KEY SOURCE COUNTRY TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS VIA WEBINARS SLTPB teams up foreign missions to upsurge Post COVID Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism to keep alive “Sri Lankan Holiday” dream

Sri Lanka Tourism attends Virtual ‘ANTOR Meets the Media’

Sri Lanka Tourism collaborates with International Travel Influencers to keep alive ‘Sri Lankan Holiday’ dream

Sri Lanka shows it’s potential at the “Flavours of Sri Lanka” Destination Promotion Event

Thilak Weerasinghe Elected New SLAITO President

Sri Lanka Tourism, Australia’s MDF Develop Five-Year Plan

Sri Lanka Tourism reaches out to Sri Lankan Missions Overseas;H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, newly appointed Ambassador to China, assures his fullest support in Tourism Promotion

Adapting to new normal, Sri Lanka Tourism goes virtual to promote ‘Wildlife’

Sri Lanka Tourism teams up with VTA to conduct Tourist Drivers’ Training Programme

World Tourism Day 2020: WHO rep at SL Tourism Leaders’ Summit

CNBC to promote Sri Lanka Tourism in Goodwill gesture

Roads leading to tourist hotspots get facelift

Chamber of Tourism & Industry initiates reviving Tourism in Arugambay

Too Early to Re-Open Airports: Minister

The Safest Places to Travel Once Travel Bans Are Lifted

Sri Lanka’s Global Tourism Campaign Put on Hold

Washoku Lunch at Hilton Colombo

Update from Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services on reopening of BIA Airport

30 Countries that are Safe to Visit, as per the World Travel and Tourism Council

Advisors See Now As An Opportunity To Reimagine Industry, Virtuoso Says

Sri Lanka receives Safe Travels stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council

So Sri Lanka PR film “Wild Guides” wins ‘Best Viral Film’ in the Brand Film Awards

Guiding Star Holidays Fully Refunds Reservations Cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic

THASL Begins Awareness Campaign on SLTDA Guidelines for Hotels

Tourism Ministry Backs SLTDA Chairperson Amidst Controversies

Central Bank Extends Debt Moratorium on Tourism Vehicles by Further 6 Months

Anantaya Resort & Spa, Chilaw Becomes 1st Resort Certified by SLSI for COVID-19 Safety

SLTDA Creates Provisional Licensing to Assist SMEs

Tourist Arrivals and Foreign Remittances Struck by Covid-19 in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism to Establish Branches Island-Wide

Sri Lanka Tourism to support SME’s and product development with EU funding

Ceylon Wilderness Digest by Eco Team

Sri Lanka Not Included in UK Travel List on Self- Quarantine! Full List of 59 Countries

SLTDA to Finalise Audit Firm to issue COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification for Hotels

BBC collaborates with Sri Lanka Tourism to Revive the Tourism Sector

Tourism Ministry and SLTDA Step in to Provide Relief to the Tourism Industry Stakeholders

Sri Lanka Tourism is all set to host UNWTO’s 32nd Asia and the Pacific Virtual Joint Commission Meeting Tomorrow.

Welcoming tourists could be delayed?

Sri Lanka Tourism Post COVID-19 – Way Forward

Sri Lanka’s First Underwater Museum Opens

Tourism Sector Should Attract More youth Tourists – Namal Rajapakse & “SLAITO Youth” Event

Sri Lanka Proposes New 5-year Low Interest Loan for Hotels, Travel Firms

Maldives to Reopen for Tourists From 1st of July

Which Countries are Reopening to International Tourists?

Government Looks to Create Travel Corridor to Uplift Tourism

Sharp Decline In Tourism Expected In Sri Lanka-WB

Lanka’s Tourism Industry in Focus for Virtual Conference Event Today

Safety Guidelines and Precautionary Measures 2020

• Newsletters

Sri Lanka Tourism ready to welcome tourists from 1st Aug 2020

Sri Lanka to reopen some tourism in June with restrictions – Report

EU to provide EUR 3.5 million to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism sector

Columbus Tours Newsletter May 2020

Message from Italy to My Loving Sri Lanka by Diana Bancale

Sri Lanka tourist hotels ready to open in July, health rules drive costs up

Sri Lanka tourism earnings fall in February due to COVID-19

Prasanna to consult tourism industry on post-COVID-19 way forward tomorrow

Sri Lanka extends visas of tourists, foreigners till June 11 over Covid-19

Why Visit Sri Lanka for your First Trip : Top 6 Reasons

Sri Lanka, the best Country to travel After Covid-19

11,389 tourists in Sri Lanka currently and Sri Lanka Tourism requests them to register with the recently launched “Tourist & Expatriate Support Center” website.

Relief Measures for Tourist Guides During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Arrangements are in Place for International Tourists to get to their home countries – Sri Lanka to Allow Charter Flights to Fly Out Remaining Tourists on Request!

Why I won’t Give up on Sri Lanka and You Shouldn’t Either…

BIA will not be Shut Down, Says AASL Chief

Sri Lanka Tourism Could be Facing Worst Crisis in History from Coronavirus: Hotels Chief

Sri Lanka Expands Travel Ban to Eight More Countries

Sri Lanka to Launch Global Tourism Campaign in September Targeting 6 Million Arrivals!

Sri Lanka’s Most Intriguing Lesser Known Cultural Sites!

Tourist Arrivals from Russian Federation Up by 61% in February

Adherence to these Instructions Fulfills The Purpose of Preventing Viruses!

Lake Gregory Nuwara Eliya Gets Face-Lift Ahead of Holiday Season!

Sri Lankan Airlines Unveils It’s Latest Brand Video ‘Ode to Paradise’

GoAir to Begin Colombo from Delhi and Bangalore!

Sri Lanka to host Top UN World Tourism Organization Conference in Colombo!

Sancharaka Udawa’ to Play Pivotal Role in Boosting Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka

Millenium Elephant Foundation Not Available From 12th & 16th April, 2020

SLTDA and BOI Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation Between the two Agencies.

Press Release: Sri Lanka Tourism and Police in Discussion to Enhance the Safety and Security of Tourists

Ancient Ridee Viharaya Sri Lanka (The Silver Shrine)

Visa Free to Sri Lanka till 30th April, 2020

Sri Lanka Tourism Kicked Off Aggressive Travel Blogger & influencer Campaign for 2020

Sri Lanka Reborn: Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka in 2020!

Spanish Travelers Enthralled by Sri Lanka at FITUR International Travel Fair 2020 Madrid, Spain!

Buddhism, Sustainability and Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka Plans to Establish New Model to Strengthen Tourism Sector!

Sri Lanka Shows It’s Colors at FESPO Travel Fair, Zurich, Switzerland!

‘Negative Impact on Tourism Due to Coronavirus Relaxing’

Tourism Task Force to Submit Report to Govt. Soon

Far Flung Mountain Escapes!

Indian Visitors Embrace Sri Lanka’s Tourism Attractions With Enthusiasm at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2020, in Mumbai, India!

Sri Lanka Shows It’s Capability at the Wanderlust Travel Reader Awards 2020

January Volunteers Share Their Experiences at SLWCS

Theme Resorts & Spas Reaches Another Milestone in Ayurveda!

Delft – Island in Style

Galle Port to be Developed as a Yacht Marina

Sri Lanka becomes the Centre of Attraction at the Vakantiebeurs Travel Fair 2020!

E-Ticketing System for Yala National Park Launched

Tourist arrivals fall 7.4% in Jan!

Sri Lanka Celebrates 72 Years of Independence in a Gallant Ceremony!

Chinese Travelers Cancel on Sri Lanka in Droves!

Tourism, Health Sectors Step Up Against Coronavirus

Tourism Industry Made Aware of Coronavirus!

Five reasons to love sri lanka by lauren duran.

Sri Lanka in move to Liberalise Alcohol Licenses to Boost Tourism!

Columbus Tours Initiated a CSR Project of Beach Cleaning at Dehiwala/Wellawatte Area on 25th of Jan, 2020

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Shows it’s Potential at CMT 2020, Germany.

Sri Lanka Specialist Calls on Airlines to Cut Fares to Boost Island’s Recovery!

New Approach to Boost Wildlife Tourism!

A High Profile Delegation From Holland Arrives in Sri Lanka for a Familiarization Visit!

Jetwing Kandy Gallery’s First Client from Columbus Tours!

Sri Lanka Eyes Increase in High Spending Tourists From India!

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau collaborates with ITV UK for destination promotion

US $ 10.96 Million Grant From Korea to Uplift Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry!

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Makes a Successful Contribution at SATTE 2020!

Sri Lanka Targets More Western European Tourist Arrivals at the ILTM, Cannes 2019!

Top Names on SriLankan Airlines’ New Board!

Sri Lanka Recognized in Top 20 Best Destinations on CNN Travel in 2020!

Sri Lanka Named as Asia’s Best destination for Wildlife Tourism at Top Asia Corporate Ball 2019, & Selected for the 20 Best Places to Visit in 2020’’ by CNN Travel

Velana International Airport – Gearing Up for the Future (Maldives)

Govt. to extend gratis visa scheme till 30 April!

10 Top Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Struggling to retain SL Tourism’s Charm!

Sri Lanka Tourism shares the spirit of Christmas with local & foreign tourists!

Sri Lanka appreciated as “The Destination for the Rising Chinese travellers’’ in Chengdu Sichuan!

34 Reasons Sri Lanka Should Be Your Next Travel Destination!

Sri Lanka kicks off Tourism Promotional Evening and Cultural night in Dubai parallel to the Dubai Rugby sevens!

Newsletter – December (2019)

WTM London unveils Sri Lanka as premier partner for 2019!

Sri Lanka participates in the fourth travel Expo Exhibition in Ankara, Turkey!

Sri Lanka highlights its Tourism Potential at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) 2019, Shanghai, China!

Sri Lanka showcases it’s potential at the China International Travel Mart (CITM 2019), Shanghai, China!

Spotted 4 Leopards together crossing the road in Yala National Park!

Mark Mobius says Sri Lanka has foreign investors appeal for tourism, fin-tech and real estate!

Tomorrow is the Final Poya in the Year “Unduvap Poya”!

Sri Lanka ranked as top destination for winter travel by USA Today! (Sigiriya clinches top slot as winter getaway)

Japanese Tour Operators/ Agents participate in a FAM Tour to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination!

Tourism, the Northern Province Game Changer!

Newsletter – November (2019)

Vistara , India’s finest full service carrier inaugurates Mumbai – Colombo service!

Sri Lanka Promoted As A Travel Destination In Belgium

Digital Billboard Campaign to promote SL Tourism in Netherlands for the first time!

Intrepid Jaffna: Off the Beaten Path at Kandarodai!

Sri Lanka Tourism holds ‘’Taste of Abu Dhabi ‘’ in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in the U.A.E!!!

Sri Lanka Participates at Travel News Market 2019- Stockholm

International Travel Media & Blogger Promotional Program geared-up by STPB to eliminate the inbound tourism downturn due to Easter attack 2019!

Adam’s Peak Season Starting!!!

Sri Lanka increases overflying charges after 38 years, revenue to go up by 57-pct!

Colombo’s First Prestigious Shopping Mall Opens! (One Galle Face)

England tour dates for Sri Lanka 2020 announced!

Sri Lanka Tourism gains momentum at IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair 2019 in Paris, France

Fully vaccinated travellers from India will now be able to travel to Sri Lanka. As per the reports, anyone travelling from India, who have completed both the doses of either Covaxin or Covishield vaccine, will be allowed entry into the island nation. Reportedly, those who are partially vaccinated or are non-vaccinated will […]

Arugam Bay to be promoted as a global windsurfing destination

The World Travel Market (WTM) virtual event was held from 9th November 2020 to 11th November 2020, from 7am to 10 pm GMT. Sri Lanka Tourism together with the Travel and Tourism industry participants took part in the WTM Virtual UK Travel Market which also included the Online Travel Conference […]

There’s more to the cultural triangle than meets the eye. Once you’ve covered Sigiriya and the main sites of commercial attraction, this ancient land has much more for the culture buff in you to discover. The following sites are worth a visit, and a few extra days in the Land […]

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Follow our news, recent searches, sri lanka approves free tourist visas for 35 countries to boost tourism, advertisement.

Tourists visit Gangaramaya Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Apr 25, 2024. (File Photo: REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries including China, India and Russia, a top official said on Thursday (Aug 22), in an effort to boost tourism and help revive its crisis-hit economy .

Tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme that will start from Oct 1, said Cabinet spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

"The aim of the government is to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing tourism industry," Gunawardana told reporters at a weekly Cabinet briefing.

The extensive list includes India, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and France.

The country of 22 million people, famed for its beaches, ancient temples and aromatic tea, saw its tourism industry pummelled first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by a severe financial crisis in 2022 that saw mass scale protests and shortages of essentials such as fuel.

But the tourism industry is reaping the benefits of a turnaround that began last year with Sri Lanka clocking nearly 2 million arrivals by mid-August, for the first time since 2019.

The island is expecting to close the year at 2.3 million arrivals.

India is the largest source of tourists with 246,922 arrivals, followed by the UK with 123,992, latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority showed.

Sri Lanka earned US$1.5 billion from tourism in the first six months of 2023, up from US$875 million dollars during the same period last year, according to the central bank.

Sri Lanka cuts rates to stimulate economic recovery

Sri Lanka presidential candidates submit election nominations

Sri Lanka's contentious Rajapaksa scion enters presidential race

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OT Travel Itinerary: A 3-Day Guide To Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, is a city that beautifully marries the old with the new, offering visitors a blend of historical charm and modern zing. From its colonial architecture and ancient temples to its bustling markets and beaches, Colombo is a city of contrasts that caters to all kinds of travellers. Whether you're drawn to its rich cultural heritage, eager to explore its culinary delights, or simply looking to relax by the Indian Ocean, Colombo has something to offer everyone.

Day 1: Exploring The Heart Of Colombo

Start your Colombo adventure with a deep dive into the city’s rich history and culture. Begin your day at the National Museum of Colombo, where you can explore an impressive collection of artefacts, including ancient relics from Sri Lanka’s past, stone carvings, and historical manuscripts. The museum, housed in a colonial-era building, offers insights into the island's diverse heritage.

After your museum visit, take a stroll or a tuk-tuk ride to Viharamahadevi Park, the largest and oldest park in Colombo. It’s an ideal place to relax amid tall trees and blooming flowers. From there, head to the nearby Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most iconic temples in the city. This Buddhist temple is a place of worship and a museum with a vast collection of religious artefacts, statues, and artwork from around the world.

For lunch, go to Pettah, Colombo’s market district. Explore the narrow, chaotic streets of shops selling everything from textiles to electronics. Don’t miss trying local street food—try hoppers (a type of pancake), kottu roti, or a refreshing king coconut drink. In the afternoon, stroll through the Old Dutch Hospital, a beautifully restored colonial building now home to trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee break or some souvenir shopping.

In the evening, go to Galle Face Green, a popular promenade along the coast. Join locals as they gather to enjoy snacks from the food vendors, or simply watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Finish your day with dinner at one of Colombo’s renowned seafood restaurants along the coast, such as Ministry of Crab, which offers some of the best crab dishes in the city.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion And Coastal Delights

Begin your second day with a visit to Independence Square, a historical site commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The impressive Independence Memorial Hall and the surrounding gardens are ideal for a peaceful morning walk. Afterwards, explore the nearby Arcade Independence Square, a colonial-era building turned into a shopping and dining complex, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or some light shopping.

Next, head to Colombo Fort, the city’s financial and commercial hub with a rich history. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s colonial past, including the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, the Central Bank, and the iconic Clock Tower. Walking through the streets, you’ll see colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, reflecting Colombo’s diverse identity.

For lunch, treat yourself to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at a local eatery in Fort or head to Park Street Mews, a trendy area with various dining options, from international cuisine to Sri Lankan fusion. After lunch, go to the coastal suburb of Mount Lavinia, known for its beautiful beach and colonial history. Visit the Mount Lavinia Hotel, once the governor’s mansion, and enjoy a refreshing drink at the terrace bar while enjoying the ocean views.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on Mount Lavinia Beach. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying water sports. You can also explore the local area and find small shops and cafes. Stay in Mount Lavinia in the evening to experience the lively beachside dining scene.

Day 3: Day Trip To Negombo

On your final day, you can choose between exploring more of Colombo’s modern attractions or taking a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Negombo. If you opt for the latter, start early and drive to Negombo, which is just a short drive from Colombo. Known for its fishing industry, Negombo offers a glimpse into local life with its fish markets, a beautiful lagoon, and Dutch-influenced architecture. Visit the Negombo Fish Market in the morning to see the day’s catch and explore the Dutch Fort and the picturesque St. Mary’s Church. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Negombo Beach before heading back to Colombo.

If you prefer to stay in Colombo, start your day with a visit to the Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest structure in South Asia. From the observation deck, you’ll get panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Next, head to Crescat Boulevard or One Galle Face Mall for some shopping, where you’ll find a mix of international brands and local boutiques. For lunch, explore the modern dining scene in these malls or try out one of the food courts offering a variety of cuisines.

In the afternoon, visit Beira Lake, a calm spot in the heart of Colombo. You can rent a swan boat for a leisurely paddle on the lake or simply relax by the water. Nearby, explore the Seema Malaka Temple, a floating temple designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

End your trip with a sunset visit to the Colombo Lighthouse or a scenic drive along Marine Drive.

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