Start in Colombo: Let Amari Open the Door to Sri Lanka
From Colombo’s flavours and culture to Kandy’s hills, Galle’s historic streets and Sri Lanka’s extraordinary wildlife, Amari Colombo offers a gateway to discovering more of the island
Sri Lanka is a destination made for exploration. In a single journey, travellers can experience the energy of Colombo, travel by train into the green hills of the interior, follow the Indian Ocean coastline south, wander through centuries of history in Galle and head into the wild in search of elephants, exotic birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. At Amari Colombo, that journey begins from the moment guests arrive. Ideally positioned in Sri Lanka’s capital, the upper-upscale hotel brings together the warmth of Amari’s Thai hospitality with the character and culture of its Sri Lankan setting, offering international travellers both an introduction to the destination and a welcoming base from which to discover more.
Begin with Colombo
Before heading across the island, take time to discover the capital itself.
Colombo is a city of contrasts, where temples, colonial architecture and bustling markets meet contemporary restaurants, galleries, cafés and creative spaces, all set against the Indian Ocean.
Explore the waterfront at Galle Face Green, discover the colourful streets and markets of Pettah, visit Gangaramaya Temple or uncover the heritage of Colombo Fort. Then explore the destination through its flavours, from hoppers and kottu roti to fragrant curries, seafood and the many culinary influences that have shaped Sri Lankan cuisine.
This connection to place sits at the heart of the Amari experience. Through Local Flair, Amari brings the character of its destination into the guest experience, while Curated Perspectives encourages travellers to look beyond the obvious and discover the stories, people and experiences that give each destination its individual identity.
And Colombo is only the beginning.
Take the train to Kandy
From the capital, board the train and watch Sri Lanka gradually transform outside the window as the city gives way to increasingly lush landscapes on the journey towards Kandy.
Sri Lanka’s cultural capital offers another perspective on the island, from the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake to the landscapes of the central highlands.
Continue further into the hills and tea country awaits, with plantations, waterfalls, mountain scenery and cooler temperatures revealing yet another side of Sri Lanka.
Follow the coast to Galle – and beyond
Another adventure begins by heading south from Colombo along Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean coastline.
Travel towards Galle, stopping to experience beaches and coastal communities along the way, before exploring the UNESCO-listed fortified old town. Behind its historic ramparts, atmospheric lanes reveal colonial-era architecture alongside boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants.
Continue beyond Galle and the southern coastline invites travellers to slow down, with palm-fringed beaches, fishing villages and laid-back seaside towns providing a contrast to Colombo and the highlands.
Go wild
Then turn inland and discover another of Sri Lanka’s defining experiences: its wildlife.
The island’s national parks offer opportunities to encounter elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and remarkable birdlife in their natural habitats, while some regions are also home to the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Few destinations make it possible to combine such varied experiences within one journey. City culture, spectacular rail journeys, tea country, historic towns, beaches and wildlife can all become part of the same Sri Lankan story.
And then come back to Amari
After days spent exploring, Amari Colombo provides a warm and reassuring return.
Unpack, recharge and reflect on the experiences collected along the way, surrounded once again by contemporary comfort and Amari’s signature heartfelt hospitality.
Through ARI Service, Amari’s approach to thoughtful and anticipatory care, the connection between hotel and destination extends beyond the traditional boundaries of a stay. The aim is not simply to provide somewhere to sleep, but to help guests experience more of the places they visit and create meaningful moments that remain with them long after they return home.
That philosophy makes Amari Colombo a natural bookend to a Sri Lankan adventure: a place to begin discovering the island, and a place to return to once you have.
As part of ONYX Hospitality Group, Amari Colombo also reflects the Group’s wider “More of What You Love” philosophy – creating more opportunities for discovery, more meaningful connections and more memorable experiences throughout the journey.
Start in Colombo. Discover Sri Lanka. Return to Amari.