AustrAliAn triAthlete | 37Destination: colombo, sri lanka
connect you to Colombo. While this might
be a cheaper option, it may be a logistical
nightmare if you’re trying to juggle multiple
bags and a bike bag. So, it might be better
to opt for a taxi instead.
GeTTInG ARoUnd CoLoMBo
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, to
get around the city or to get to and from
the race venue, you have some options.
One of the most popular and convenient
ways to get around Colombo is in a
tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled vehicle). NB: it’s
recommended that tourists opt for
metered tuk-tuks rather than trying to
negotiate a rate with a driver as you may
be over charged. “Tuk guys are always
lying when they say their meter isn’t
working,” warns Samarasuriya. A hot tip
from Samarasuriya: “Start calling
everyone ‘Machang’ [meaning buddy] and
befriend your tuk guy – they will get you
places fastest; they will be the best local
guides, and they have an infinite supply of
tuk-tuk quote wisdom.” Judging from that,
it would be well worth the experience riding
in a tuk-tuk, before and after the race.
Outside of tuk-tuks, other modes of
transport include taxis (again, probably
most suitable when getting to and from
the race venue), buses and a train system.
WheRe To sTAy
Colombo offers lots of accommodation
options to suit all tastes and budgets.
From plush hotels, Airbnb’s to hostels -
there is something for everyone. When
booking your place to stay, one thing I’d
recommend is staying somewhere close
to the race. And remember, while five
kilometres out from the race might not
seem far, when you’re in taper and meant
to be staying off your legs days out from
Food And dRInk
“Colombo is probably the food capital of
Sri Lanka. From wherever you stay a short
walk should get you enough food to last
you the whole stay. All partner hotels have
been informed of the carb load dinner,”
informs Samarasuriya.
Sri Lanka, also known as the spice
island, is famous for its diverse, rich,
colourful and vibrant cuisines. Read a little
bit about its history and it soon appears
that almost every nationality has visited or
traded in Sri Lanka over the years, and has
left its mark. This is very much reflected inthe race, the last thing you want to be
doing is walking the extra kilometres to and
from the race venue. It also makes things a
lot easier, logistically, on race morning if you
stay as close to the start as possible.
With that in mind, accommodation
options located within one to two
kilometres of Galle Face Green include
the following:• Hilton Colombo
• Colombo Courtyard
• Cinnamon Grand Colombo
• Taj Samudra Colombo
• Shangri-La Colombo (the race host hotel)
• Galle Face Hotel
• Crescat Apartments
• City Beds The Regent
• Grand Oriental
• Hostel at Galle FaceFor most accommodation options you
will be looking to spend around $100-200
per night unless you choose cheaper
options like staying at a hostel. Check out
the following websites for all your options- http://www.trivago.com, http://www.tripadvisor.com.
au and http://www.booking.com.
It would also be worth looking at http://www.
airbnb.com.au for cheaper, short-term
holiday rentals. © Miha Travnik / Shutterstock.com
© Saman527 / Shutterstock.comLoCATIon: Aerial view of Colombo and Galle
Face Green, sri Lanka.