What are the best areas to live in Colombo, Sri Lanka?

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, has a lot to offer, but which area in the city is the best one to live in?

Congratulations! Colombo is a great choice for your new home. Sri Lanka is becoming more and more popular with both Sri Lankans who have been living as expats returning to their home country (now that is more prosperous), and with international expats. We’re here to help you find out which area would be best for your new adventure in Sri Lanka’s capital.

Colombo 3, Kollupitiya

With its diverse population and its many restaurants and entertainment options, there is always something fun to do in Kollupitiya. It’s an excellent choice if it’s within budget. As one of Colombo’s most popular areas, it is sought-after both for commercial property and residential property.

Many financial and government institutions are based here, so if you’re living and working in Colombo, there’s a good chance you’d be close to the office, which is great if you want to avoid a commute.

There are many lovely hotels in the area, including the Cinnamon Grand, Hotel Renuka and the Indra Regent. You’ll also find some great bars, clubs, and food outlets in this district. There are three up-market shopping malls including the Liberty Plaza and the adjoining Liberty Arcade, as well as the Crescat Boulevard. Our listings contain a number of delightful properties in Kollupitiya.

There are a number of 3-bedroom rental apartments listed for LKR 175, 000 per month, but more luxurious rental properties can go up to around 350, 000 or more per month, depending on the size and the location. If you are keen to purchase property, this three-bedroom apartment is selling for LKR 160 million, for example. Apartments for sale range from LKR 16 million to 40 million. Take a look at our listings, and we’re sure there will be something that will suit you.

Colombo 4, Bambalapitiya

This suburb is vibrant, bustling, and a popular location for visitors to the city. Again, prices are quite high, but the area is safe and close to all amenities. The area’s main shopping mall, Majestic City, is a great pull for tourists and locals alike. Within this shopping mall, there are a number of diverse retail outlets and several cinemas.

There are lots of eateries in this district, as well as casinos and other entertainment venues catering for every taste. The western side of the suburb is right next to the Indian Ocean. The area is steeped in history and is famous for its public and private sector educational institutions, including the leading girls’ school Visakha Vidyalaya, the Holy Family Convent girls’ school, Muslim Ladies College, Sr. Peters College and the highly reputable Colombo Hindu College.

Thanks to the districts close proximity to these institutions, it is very suitable for families. A large family home in Bambalapitiya, like this five-bedroom home near the main shopping mall, is on the market for LKR 175 million. Apartments for sale in Colombo 4 are much more common in our listings, however, and prices range from 20 to 40 million LKR. 

Lands and houses in roads such as Elibank, Layards, and Skelton command prime prices and is regarded as affluent residential areas in Colombo

Colombo 5, Havelock Town , Narahenpita 

Colombo 5, which comprises of Narahenpita, Kirulapone, Thimbirigasyaya and Havelock Town is a very residential area and is regarded as the most up and coming area in the city with most searches for Colombo being for Colombo 5 area.

The areas around Havelock Town, Kirimandala Mawatha, Jawatte and Thimbirigasyaya areas are prime residential areas in par with Colombo 7. High value residential roads include Jawatte road, Park road, Fife road, Kassapa road, Keppetipola road, De Fonseka road, Sulaiman Terrace and Kirimandala mawatha.

Colombo 5 comprises many of the leading hospitals in the city, such as Lanka Hospital, Asiri Medical & Surgical, Ninewells, Kings hospital, Park hospital and Joseph Frazier Hospital.

It also comprises many leading schools in the country, such as Isipathana College, Lumbini College, Asian International School, Ilma International and Elizabeth Moir Junior School.

Colombo 5 has many of the luxury apartment complexes, such as Havelock City, Park Heights, Edmonton Heights, Trillium Havelock and 121 Residencies .

The Havelock City Mall and Grade A offices spaces in Havelock are also expected to elevate the area as a commercial hub.

Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens 

Cinnamon Gardens is a high-class neighbourhood, and it is located about 3km from the city centre. Property in Cinnamon Gardens tends to be more luxurious, and therefore prices tend to be higher on average than in Colombo 3 and Colombo 4. In terms of houses to rent, this stunning 5-bedroom property has recently been listed for rent and would be an ideal location in Cinnamon Gardens, at a good price.

Apartments for sale in Colombo 7 range from LKR 140 million for a luxury home, to 20 million for a more modest flat. To purchase a large house in this area, you would generally need to have a considerable amount of wealth. This amazing mansion, for example, on the market for LKR 335 million will take your breath away.

Many government buildings, including the Town Hall, are located in this area, and the district is also the location of Sri Lanka’s National Museum, the largest in the country. The area is multi-religious, with Sinhalese and Tamil people living side by side. There are many mansions in the neighbourhood, and the streets are beautiful and tree-lined. Centuries ago, cinnamon was grown in this part of Sri Lanka. These days, it is home to the beautiful University of Colombo and many high net worth individuals.

Colombo doesn’t have to be expensive, with areas such as Wattala and Battaramulla being more affordable. You’ll love living in the capital of this spectacular country, and even if you’re just purchasing a holiday home in this city, you’ll make so many memories that will last forever.

To learn how to buy land in these cities and any part of Sri Lanka read up on our property buying guide teaching you the entire process, the dos and don’ts or our article on ‘How to Buy Land in Sri Lanka‘.