I want to stay in Colombo for a few nights as I'm organising a motorbike for my month trip in Sri Lanka. It seems really big! Is there a "backpacker" area that people stay in? - like Bangkok has Khao Sarn rd and Delhi has Par Ganj etc - where you'll usually find other travellers to chat to and a fairly central location to what you need. Otherwise how do you know from the LP Guidebook which area to stay in? Does anyone have any recommendations of a good place to stay in Colombo?
Thanks
Tasha
There isn't, really. The main area is in Negombo, about an hour north of Colombo and close to the airport. Many backpackers start and finish there and there are a number of guest house and small hotels along Lewis Place, a road running north from the town centre. It also has a number of bigger hotels plus shops bars and restaurants. This serves as Colombo's nearest real gathering place. There are places in Colombo but no specific area and not a lot of choice. You could arrange a motor bike in Negombo, it is a fair sized town.
My personal favourite is the Silver Sands Hotel on Lewis Place - you can Google to find the web site or info on other places to stay.
In that case if there is no real backpackers area in Colombo- do you know where a good area to stay is? I was thinking about Galle Face Road and that area.
tasha
Hi tasha
Yes I can recc. an excellent place in the perfect location. Its called The New Colonial Hotel [Tel. No. 0112323074 ] which is immediately opp. Fort Railway Station, and near the bus station.[ Dont be alarmed, its very quiet! ] Room rates Rs.400 per single Rs.700 dbl. with common bathroom which are very clean as are the rooms. Managers name is Sumith. Everything is available in the vicinity. Particularly good for local buses, dont bother with autos, too expensive. Its only about 10 mins walk into the city center. Best way to get from airport to town is by bus. Walk out of airport turn left and walk 50 metres and an AC bus will be there. Doubt you will be hire a motor bike in Colombo because of the problems.
Miles of Smiles
Haemish
Thanks I'll check that place out then. Have already organised a road bike through my mechanic from Delhi when I did another bike trip round India so fingers crossed it's all true and goes smoothly. Apparently you can't get Enfield bikes in SL because you can't ride anything over 250 cc which is a shame cos there is truly nothing as fun as being on an Endy on an adventure. I'll let you all know if it works out - the freedom of travelling like that is pretty addictive!
And any other hhotel advice for Colombo please keep me updated!
Cheers
Tash
Enjoy your bike ride around the island, I did it a couple of years ago. The journey from Trincomalee to Kandy was great, BUT the journey from Kandy to Colombo was a nightmare.
Go for it 'Easy Rider'
Haemish
I would never ride a bike on the Kandy - Colombo road myself. It is crazy - no rules apply except the bigger vehicle gets past at any cost. With a bit of care you could work out a better route using smaller roads. Colombo to Kandy is uphill all the way as well.