Colombo

Where to stay

Most budget travelers land in Kollupitiya (Col 3) along Galle Road, which puts you close to buses, decent cafes, and the Slave Island train stop. Pettah, right next to Fort Railway Station, is louder and more chaotic but cuts your transport costs significantly if you plan to move around the country by rail.

Getting around

• The Coastal Line commuter train from Fort Station to Mount Lavinia costs next to nothing and takes about 25 minutes. It beats any tuk-tuk for getting to the beach.
• Manning Market in Pettah is the cheapest place to eat in the city. Rice and curry from a street stall there runs a handful of rupees at most.
• Poya days (full moon holidays) bring heavy domestic travel. Hostels near the bus and train terminals fill up fast, so book at least a few days ahead if your dates overlap with one.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest from May through August when the southwest monsoon rolls in. December through March is when prices spike, especially in the budget spots near Fort, as visitors use Colombo as a staging point before heading south to Galle or up to the Cultural Triangle.