Visit historic Kotte Ancient Ruins
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
UnderratedColombo, Sri Lanka
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it the driest month of the year, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it the driest month of the year, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Uneven terrain and stairs; not wheelchair accessible.
Uneven terrain and stairs; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
High
Free entry makes it an affordable and enriching experience.
Free entry makes it an affordable and enriching experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Hidden Gem
Couples loved the historical sites, perfect for a romantic, insightful day out.
Historical Journey
Travelers found the ruins fascinating, a great way to explore Sri Lanka's past together.
Peaceful Stroll
Couples enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere and the chance to explore at their own pace.
Poor Signage
Travelers felt the trail could use better signage for easier navigation of the sites.
Uneven Terrain
Visitors noted the uneven terrain made some areas challenging to navigate together.
Limited Amenities
Couples found a lack of seating and amenities, making it tiring in the heat.
Hours of operation
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Travelers explore Kotte Ancient Ruins on a cycling tour.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
24-31°C
February continues with warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
February continues with warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Open
Due to high demand, early reservations are advisable to secure accommodations and tours.
Due to high demand, early reservations are advisable to secure accommodations and tours.
Recommended
Visiting the Kotte Ancient Ruins in February is ideal weather-wise, though expect increased tourist activity and costs.
Visiting the Kotte Ancient Ruins in February is ideal weather-wise, though expect increased tourist activity and costs.
March
MEDIUM
24-32°C
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a moderate increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for tourism.
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a moderate increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for tourism.
Open
While availability improves, booking in advance is still recommended to ensure preferred options.
While availability improves, booking in advance is still recommended to ensure preferred options.
Recommended
March offers a balance between favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, making it a good time to visit the Kotte Ancient Ruins.
March offers a balance between favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, making it a good time to visit the Kotte Ancient Ruins.
April
HIGH
26-32°C
April is one of the warmest months, with increased rainfall marking the onset of the inter-monsoon season.
April is one of the warmest months, with increased rainfall marking the onset of the inter-monsoon season.
Open
High domestic travel may limit availability; early planning is essential.
High domestic travel may limit availability; early planning is essential.
Recommended
April's warm weather and cultural festivities offer a unique experience at the Kotte Ancient Ruins, though expect larger crowds and potential rain.
April's warm weather and cultural festivities offer a unique experience at the Kotte Ancient Ruins, though expect larger crowds and potential rain.
May
LOW
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25-30°C
May in Colombo is characterized by very high temperatures and heavy rainfall, averaging around 294 mm for the month. ([weather-and-climate.com](https://weather-and-climate.com/Colombo-May-averages?utm_source=openai))
May in Colombo is characterized by very high temperatures and heavy rainfall, averaging around 294 mm for the month. ([weather-and-climate.com](https://weather-and-climate.com/Colombo-May-averages?utm_source=openai))
Open
Some outdoor activities may be limited due to heavy rainfall.
Some outdoor activities may be limited due to heavy rainfall.
Not recommended
May marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon in Colombo, bringing heavy rains and high humidity. While the Kotte Ancient Ruins remain accessible, visitors should be prepared for wet conditions and potential disruptions to outdoor plans.
May marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon in Colombo, bringing heavy rains and high humidity. While the Kotte Ancient Ruins remain accessible, visitors should be prepared for wet conditions and potential disruptions to outdoor plans.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Take bus number 176 or 177 from Colombo Fort Bus Station towards Kotte, or other routes like 163, 168, and 153 to Pita Kotte Junction.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-sharing services like PickMe and Kangaroo Cabs are readily available throughout Colombo to reach the Pita Kotte Junction.
Walking
Recommended
Walk to the ruins if you are staying in the immediate vicinity of Pita Kotte, as part of the 'Kingdom of Kotte Cultural Trail'.
Bike
Cycle to the Kotte Ancient Ruins from Colombo's city center. Guided cycling tours are also available.
Boat
Boat service is available along the western rampart as part of guided tours.
Car
Drive to the Kotte Ancient Ruins via Kotte Road. On-street parking may be available in the vicinity.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
