Start in Colombo: Let Amari Open the Door to Sri Lanka

London, September 2026 – Sri Lanka is a destination that rewards curiosity. In a single journey, travellers can experience the energy and character of Colombo, journey by train through the island’s lush central highlands, follow the Indian Ocean coastline towards the historic streets of Galle, and venture into the wild in search of elephants, exotic birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. 

At Amari Colombo, that journey begins in the heart of the capital. Ideally positioned for discovering Colombo and travelling onwards across the island, the upper-upscale hotel combines Amari’s renowned Thai-inspired hospitality with the character, culture and warmth of its Sri Lankan setting. For international travellers, it offers both an introduction to the destination and a comfortable base from which to experience more of what Sri Lanka has to offer. 

Before setting out across the island, Colombo is a destination worth taking time to discover. 

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a city of contrasts, where historic temples, colonial architecture and lively markets sit alongside contemporary restaurants, cafés, galleries and creative spaces. Along the waterfront, Galle Face Green offers a glimpse of everyday Colombo, while the colourful streets of Pettah, the spiritual atmosphere of Gangaramaya Temple and the heritage of Colombo Fort reveal different layers of the city. 

Food is another essential part of the experience. From hoppers and kottu roti to aromatic curries, fresh seafood and a rich blend of culinary influences, Colombo offers an introduction to the flavours that define Sri Lanka. 

This sense of place is central to the Amari experience. Through Local Flair, the brand brings the character of each destination into the guest experience, while Curated Perspectives invites travellers to look beyond the familiar and discover the people, stories, traditions and experiences that make a destination distinctive. And from Colombo, there is much more of Sri Lanka to discover.  

One of the most memorable ways to experience Sri Lanka is to journey beyond Colombo and into the heart of the island. As the landscape gradually changes from the energy of the capital to lush greenery, rolling hills and misty mountains, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. 

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, offers a different perspective on the island, with the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the tranquil waters of Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills providing a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. 

Continue further into the central highlands and the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Tea plantations sweep across rolling hills, waterfalls emerge among forested slopes and cooler mountain air creates a striking contrast to the tropical coast. 

For travellers willing to slow down and savour the journey, the highlands offer an opportunity to experience a quieter, greener side of Sri Lanka, with trails such as the Pekoe Trail revealing the landscapes, villages and tea country that make this region so distinctive. 

 

From Colombo, the road south follows the Indian Ocean, opening the way to some of the island’s most atmospheric coastal destinations. 

The journey towards Galle can be shaped around beaches, coastal villages and local experiences before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Within its historic ramparts, atmospheric lanes reveal centuries of layered history, where colonial-era architecture sits alongside independent boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants. 

Beyond Galle, the southern coast offers another reason to linger. Palm-fringed beaches, fishing communities and relaxed seaside towns provide a slower rhythm, inviting travellers to experience a different side of Sri Lanka. 

No journey through Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing its remarkable wildlife. 

Across the island’s national parks and protected landscapes, travellers can encounter elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and an extraordinary variety of birdlife in their natural habitats. In selected regions, there is also the possibility of spotting one of Sri Lanka’s most elusive inhabitants – the Sri Lankan leopard. 

The diversity of the island is what makes travelling through Sri Lanka so rewarding. Within one journey, travellers can move from bustling city streets to mist-covered mountains, historic fortresses, golden beaches and untamed wilderness. 

After days spent exploring, Amari Colombo offers a welcoming place to return to.  

It is a chance to unpack, recharge and reflect on the experiences gathered along the way, with contemporary comfort complemented by Amari’s signature heartfelt hospitality. 

Through ARI Service, Amari’s approach to thoughtful and anticipatory care, the experience extends beyond the traditional boundaries of a hotel stay. The focus is on understanding what guests need, creating genuine connections and helping them experience more of the destination around them. 

For travellers exploring Sri Lanka, Amari Colombo can be more than a place to stay. It is a starting point for discovering the capital, a gateway to experiences across the island, and a convenient base for adventures further afield, with the railway station just a short distance away offering easy access to the scenic southern coast. Most importantly, it is a familiar and welcoming place to return to between adventures. 

As part of ONYX Hospitality Group, Amari Colombo also reflects the Group’s wider “More of What You Love” philosophy – creating opportunities for travellers to discover more,  connect more meaningfully and take away more memorable experiences from every journey. 

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands - Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence - catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.    

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