Who's been to Colombo?
Dec 5, 17, 6:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
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Who's been to Colombo?
I'll be there for 6 days in mid-Jan '18. How are the taxis and tuk tuks? Any and all advice appreciated (my first time in South Asia).
Dec 5, 17, 6:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2004
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The tuktuks theoretically should all have meters now. I don't think I have seen more than one or two "taxis" in all my trips though I would expect all the larger hotels (and the airport) to have cars/drivers available.
Tuktuks are mostly usable with little "pain"
Happy wandering
Fred
Tuktuks are mostly usable with little "pain"
Happy wandering
Fred
Dec 5, 17, 11:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: Can't be bothered anymore...
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Originally Posted by Daawgon
I'll be there for 6 days in mid-Jan '18. How are the taxis and tuk tuks? Any and all advice appreciated (my first time in South Asia).
Dec 8, 17, 12:19 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
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traffic was horrendous when I was there last year. I was only there for about a day and half before moving on to more scenic parts of the country. I presume you will be there for some reason other than sightseeing since 6 days is a long time.
Dec 8, 17, 3:25 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NW Ohio & Sri Lanka
Posts: 340
Been traveling and living part time in Sri Lanka. every since 1975 when I was a young american marine at the embassy in Colombo. I have fallen in love with this country for all these years. There is so many taxis and tun tug's that if you happen to get in one with out a meter, just get back out and find one with a meter..No problem. Meters vary also pending on time and distance also...We ourselves arrive back in Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka in just about 2 weeks and will stay until mid April this year..Just love that place and enjoy your stay..
Last edited by bulbmogul; Dec 8, 17 at 3:35 pm
Dec 9, 17, 4:22 am
#7
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I'm older, 74, and love crazy cities (I now live in Hanoi). Spending 6 days in Colombo in 2 Airbnb places: a small guesthouse in a fancy hood and another in Kotahena. I love Indian food, and I just want to experience Sri Lanka without running around from tourist site to tourist site. So far this year I've been to Myanmar, Singapore and just came back from Taiwan. I really like the less developed places - people are friendlier.
Dec 10, 17, 8:28 am
#9
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
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Metered tuk-tuks...how amusing. At least when you negotiate the rip-off beforehand, you can only blame yourself.
To sum up my two stays in Colombo; bustling is an understatement. Rather enjoyed the seafood fritters by Galle Face. Try set meals with pumpkin and beets, too.
To sum up my two stays in Colombo; bustling is an understatement. Rather enjoyed the seafood fritters by Galle Face. Try set meals with pumpkin and beets, too.
Dec 13, 17, 6:45 pm
#11
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
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Originally Posted by Daawgon
Changed my itinerary now: 3 days suburban Colombo + 3 days in Galle
Dec 14, 17, 12:28 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
Galle is definitely worth checking out, the old fort is quite nice to walk around with some interesting shops and restaurants. Exiting Colombo CMB was quite hectic, beware of men carrying your luggage onto the taxi or car without your consent and the hustling you for tips!
Dec 14, 17, 10:44 pm
#14
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Originally Posted by jackson112233
Galle is definitely worth checking out, the old fort is quite nice to walk around with some interesting shops and restaurants. Exiting Colombo CMB was quite hectic, beware of men carrying your luggage onto the taxi or car without your consent and the hustling you for tips!
Dec 15, 17, 6:23 pm
#15
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
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Originally Posted by bulbmogul
I believe he is referring to the city of GALLE in the southern province..
Anyway, can't see three days in Colombo and three in Galle to be too uplifting.
