What to do in Colombo; A Business Traveller’s Guide

The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is a city that hustles and bustles throughout the year, which makes it a prime location for many businessmen from around the world to invest in many ventures. But many potential investors and businessmen visiting Colombo on business often have the trouble of finding the right combination of work and leisure, due to the many attractions and activities that take place in the commercial capital. Here is a list of things to consider when you do plan out your business trip, so you will not only have successful business ventures, but also a good time in the tropical island.

One of the first elements to consider when planning a business trip to Colombo is your accommodation. There are many options to choose from which offer some great services, but only few have the privilege of calling themselves the best business hotels in Colombo as well.

Jetwing Colombo Seven, located in the heart of Colombo allows you to access the central business district with ease. Couple that with the luxurious hospitality we offer, your business trip is guaranteed to be a successful one. Being a guest in our hotel allows you to use our state-of-the-art facilities, such as our conference hall and meeting room so you do not have to worry about the logistics of your business meetings. Moreover, if you are a frequent business traveller to the island, we also offer the best serviced apartments in Colombo that make for a more practical solution for your investments.

One of the many benefits that you would gain as a business traveller staying with us, is the fact that there are several places to indulge in a little bit of retail therapy just before you leave. Jetwing Colombo Seven is located at the centre of the city, which makes accessing the best places for shopping easier.

If you are looking for typical retail therapy, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and the Colombo City Centre are nearby retail hotspots are just what you need. However, If you do have the time and are looking for a bargain, the best place to visit is the Pettah Markets, as it has anything and everything you want. From souvenirs to other little trinkets, there are so many useful things you could purchase for a low price.

During your downtime, you would definitely want to go out and just explore the city and its surroundings, maybe even go for a little jog. The Cinnamon Gardens, the Independence Square, and the Viharamahadevi Park have a great atmosphere, as it is flocked by many families, recreational runners, and fitness enthusiasts. An early morning jog around these areas provide a very different perspective on the commercial capital’s typical hustle and bustle, as it is often quiet and serene in a way. But if you are cut for time, Jetwing Colombo Seven is equipped with state-of-the-art gym and pool facilities to make sure that you can make the most of your down time.

Come the weekend, and any business traveller would want to experience a bit of entertainment. While there are many places for entertainment such as the several bars and cinemas dotted across the city, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is considered to be the epicentre of entertainment in Colombo. Many live bands, cultural performances, and other events take place, which is perfect for you and your colleagues (if you are travelling with them) to sit back and enjoy the fun atmosphere of the commercial capital.

Understanding the heritage of Colombo and how it became the commercial capital should also be in the top of your list when travelling to Colombo. This is because its history is unique and goes back all the way to the days of the ancient kingdoms.

Buildings such as the Cargills Millers building, the Presidential Secretariat, the first branch building of HSBC, and even the Pettah Markets are just some of the many places in which you could observe and understand the rich heritage of the coastal city.

While there are many other things that you could consider in your business itinerary, these should be the first elements that must be sorted out first to make sure that the trip is successful and enjoyable at the same time.