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How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka

Navi Mumbai, India
4 posts
How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Hi Experts,

I will be at Colombo airport on 28 morning 6 AM and have flight to Male on the same day at 8 PM. I need suggestions on how do I utilise this time to see some beautiful places in/around Colombo.below are few questions if you can answer

1) whom to approach for a day visa to enter Sri Lanka

2) will it be possible and advisable to go to Kandy or elephant orphanage and come back in time. If yes, mode of transport to opt.

3) Is indian rupee exchangeable?

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Level Contributor
4,156 posts
54 reviews
25 helpful votes
1. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Hi,

If you want leave air port & enter the land need ETA visa. That is ETA visa on arrival or on line before hand. But if it's a transit visa for less than 48 hrs it's free & you can go wherever you want.

I think no time to go and come back to Pinnawala. Just Negombo beach is in safe side.

Read this article,

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293961-i8983-k10024047-Top_question_on_ETA_visa-Sri_Lanka.html

BRgds

Edited: 6 years ago
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destination Expert
for Sri Lanka
Level Contributor
81,274 posts
367 reviews
405 helpful votes
2. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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3) INR is not accepted at airport banks but it is at money changers in towns. See another top question, on money.

As Pinawala is 2 x 2.30 hours and Kandy 2 x 3 hours transfer, and need to be back at 4 PM, it's risky to go out that far. Negombo or Colombo sights, see top question on day trips, sound safer.

All the best,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Navi Mumbai, India
4 posts
3. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Thanks for your reply. Instead of INR can we exchange USD at airport?

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destination Expert
for Sri Lanka
Level Contributor
81,274 posts
367 reviews
405 helpful votes
4. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Yes that's okay like any large 'open' currency. INR by policy of Indian government is a 'closed' currency :-(

All the best,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Level Contributor
2,364 posts
432 reviews
184 helpful votes
5. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Negombo and Colombo are the two advisable options for you for a day tour. Both places have some good restaurants and shopping places if that interests you. Colombo Fort, Dutch Hospital Pinnacle, Galle Face, Gangaramaya Temple, independence square, viharamahadevi park, Dutch Museum etc are some of the attractions in Colombo...

Cheers

Treshi

3 posts
6. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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Hi pranav how was experience at Srilanka as I have 20 hours stay on 22 June. How you spent your day there? Any recommendations ?

Thanks

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Level Contributor
40 posts
21 reviews
2 helpful votes
7. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka
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You have already been answered related to Visa. To be on the safe side you can be in Negombo or travel just to Colombo. Anything beyond is risky. If you bring USD you can change it at the Airport itself. If you bring INR you can change it at Ran Lanka gold house in Negombo town or the store next to it. Colombo I have changed INR at Prassanna in wellawatte.

8. Re: How to utilise a day in Colombo Sri Lanka

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