Colombo is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is the largest city on the Island. It is a city that is alive and has a rich colonial history, which can still be seen in the architecture of the older parts of the city. There are hidden gems to see which include beautiful temples, large parks, markets and monuments. With many shopping arcades and boutique stores that are filled with international and local brands, Colombo is the perfect place to do your last-minute shopping.

Colombo - Image via Flickr

Getting around Colombo is quite easy. There is public transport, which are the busses and trains. Taxis and Tuk-Tuks which are available and easy to get a hold of and private tours that will take you around with an itinerary planned for you. Busses are the cheapest mode of transport, but are generally quite crowded, during office and school hours. The best way to find out which bus to take is to just ask people at the nearest stop and then look out for the sign on the front of the bus with the destination. Taxis and tuk-tuks can be found everywhere around the city and most taxis do operate on a meter, so if you are not sure of a fair price always ask for the meter to be turned on. You can also use ride-hailing apps to book your transportation. Tour rides come in different varieties such as food tours, sightseeing tours and shopping tours.

There are many options to choose from to stay when you are visiting Colombo. From luxury hotel stays to Colombo resort stays, there are accommodation varieties to fit all budgets and travellers. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers luxury living within the heart of Colombo with its properties that will entice you to stay and relax in luxury. All their properties and rooms have modern amenities that will ensure your stay will be a comfortable and relaxing one. Enjoy delicious culinary delights during your stay and taste some of the most delicious dishes you will come across during your time in Sri Lanka.

Start off your morning by heading out early to see the sights by a tuk-tuk as they are able to quickly weave around the traffic and congestion on the roads. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Colombo Fort district and the Galle Face Green in the morning. Stop by some of the state-run handicraft stores like Laksala to do some souvenir shopping.

After you have had your fill of sightseeing, head deeper into the older parts of Colombo and visit the Pettah Market. You will find it to be quite noisy and busy with many people going about selling their wares and trading goods. A particularly fun experience is to join a tour of the Colombo Market and a cooking experience where after you visit the market with a guided tour you will learn how to prepare classic local Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry and utilise the spices and ingredients bought from the market.

When the sun sets you should head over to tour the street foods and snacks that are available. Go on a tuk-tuk food tour that will take you to all the best eateries and street food joints so that you can sample the different varieties of cuisine on offer. From Hoppers to Kotthu Rotti there are many varieties of dishes to try out that will leave you wanting more. End your night walking along the Galle Face Green to try some "Isso Wade" and parathas with your choice of curry before you head back to our hotel to end your night.