Searching for an unforgettable journey whereas visiting Colombo? You’re in luck! Sri Lanka’s capital is greater than only a industrial hub—it’s the right launchpad for unimaginable day journeys.
From golden seashores to misty mountains and historic temples, Colombo’s environment are stuffed with surprises. And the very best half? All these superb spots are just some hours away.
Able to discover? Whether or not you crave nature, tradition, or just a little of each, we’ve rounded up the very best day excursions from Colombo to make your journey really unforgettable.
Right here’s an outline:
In a rush? Guide these day excursions from Colombo
Colombo metropolis tour: Discover the very best of Colombo with a day metropolis tour to the very best sights. BOOK NOW!
Galle day tour: Go to a well-known jewel metropolis in Sri Lanka and discover the colonial previous metropolis and Dutch fortress. BOOK NOW!
Bentota day tour: Go to the coastal city of Bentota and spend the day exploring the seashores and watersports. BOOK NOW!
Sigiriya and Hiriwadunna day tour: See one of many best-preserved and most opulent examples of city planning in historic Sri Lanka at Sigiriya Lion Rock. BOOK NOW!
Udawalawe Nationwide Park day tour: Expertise a 4×4 Jeep safari to see the elephants at Udawalawe Nationwide Park. BOOK NOW!
Colombo Metropolis Tour from Colombo
Colombo, recognized for its expansive harbor and advantageous place, has served as a seaport for over two millennia. In 1815, when Sri Lanka was handed over to the British Empire, Colombo was designated because the capital. Regardless of the switch of administrative capabilities to Kotte in 1978, Colombo has continued to keep up its standing because the industrial capital of Sri Lanka. Following the nation’s independence in 1948, it retained its place because the capital.
Upon reserving a day tour of Colombo, you’ll have the chance to witness the magnificent sights town has to supply.
Included:
- Transport in a snug A/C car
- English-speaking information
- All taxes and expenses
You’ll be picked up out of your lodge within the morning, instances will likely be confirmed after reserving however block out a full day and night.
Not included:
Guide this Colombo metropolis tour straight with the operator
Listed below are a number of the spots to go to on a Colombo metropolis day tour.
Lotus Tower
The Colombo Lotus Tower, referred to as “Nelum Kuluna” in Sinhala, is the tallest skyscraper in Sri Lanka. Located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this magnificent tower has grow to be a famend vacationer vacation spot. Rising to a top of 356 meters, it proudly holds the title of the very best tower in South Asia.
Moreover, it ranks because the eleventh tallest tower in Asia and the nineteenth tallest on the earth. Undoubtedly, the Colombo Lotus Tower is a must-visit attraction for vacationers in Sri Lanka.
The Lotus Tower entices quite a few guests each day. It stays accessible to vacationers each hour of the day all through the whole 12 months. The tower’s internal areas are adorned to commemorate varied festive events, together with Pongal, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. In the event you intend to discover Colombo, this tower is an important sight to behold.
Nationwide Museum of Colombo
The most important museum in Sri Lanka is the Nationwide Museum of Colombo, established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The Division of the Nationwide Museum of the Central Authorities is at the moment answerable for its upkeep. The museum showcases varied important collections inside its premises, such because the crown and throne of the Kandyan rulers.
The museum occupies a two-story construction, surrounded by a spacious, meticulously maintained, verdant garden shaded by majestic banyan timber. Upon coming into the museum, guests will encounter a fourth-century Buddha within the foyer, setting the tone for the astonishing collections that await discovery.
Galle Face Inexperienced
Galle Face Inexperienced stays a beloved vacation spot for {couples}, households, and people in search of a leisurely picnic. Regardless of the scorching solar and occasional bothersome crows, one can discover solace on the sandy shores, bask in scrumptious meals, and bask within the picturesque surroundings. Whether or not strolling, lounging, or participating in kite-flying, the colourful kites hovering above Galle Face Inexperienced through the kite season carry delight to people of all generations. Those that experience observing others will take pleasure in Galle Face Inexperienced, because it attracts individuals from various cultures, ethnicities, and age teams.
Quite a few stalls lining the seaside can supply meals, drinks, and souvenirs. One of many highlights is the wadey, a beloved fried snack containing prawns bought at inexpensive costs.
The achcharu (pickle) is a pleasant mixture of sweetness and spiciness. It’s advisable to discover the assorted choices on the kiosks earlier than making a purchase order. In case of any hygiene worries concerning the stalls, there are close by eating places the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a satisfying meal.
Colombo Fort
The Fort district in Colombo is famend for its vigorous harbor, the inventory market, and the spectacular World Commerce Centre, the tallest constructing within the nation. This locality additionally boasts a big political and cultural legacy.
Though sure elements of this vibrant space had been affected by the disruptions brought on by the civil conflict, it continues to thrive and supply a variety of experiences, together with culinary delights, historic heritage, vibrant nightlife, and even the thrill of casinos.
Gangarama Temple
Gangaramaya, an historic Buddhist temple in Colombo, was based by the erudite monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera within the latter a part of the nineteenth century.
His principal disciple, Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, overseen the temple and laid the groundwork for elevating it right into a globally acknowledged establishment.
Pettah Floating Market
The Pettah Floating Market stands as a outstanding image of Colombo. In 2014, it was unveiled on the Bastian Mawtha, located on the Beira Lake. As you method from the west facet, you’ll come throughout a chic wood entrance adorned with the phrases ‘The Floating Market’.
The floating market consists of pavilions on the distant edge, nestled between the Pettah railway station and the bus station. Roughly 90 commerce stalls, outlets, and distributors adorn the waters, providing quite a lot of fruits, greens, and flowers from their wood boats gently drifting within the lake.
Purple Mosque
The Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, generally known as the Colombo Purple Mosque, is a exceptional architectural masterpiece that captivates the world. Its distinctive coloration schemes, breathtaking design, and vibrant hues are really awe-inspiring. Located within the Pettah district, this historic mosque stands tall with its majestic minarets, overlooking the streets and constructions of the encircling space.
Prior to now, it served as a outstanding landmark for sailors en path to the Colombo port. Whereas each women and men are welcome to go to this mosque, they need to adhere to the suitable gown code and guarantee modesty. This mosque’s extraordinary magnificence is attributed to its distinctive purple hue, which provides to its attract.
Viharamahadevi Park
The beautiful Viharamahadevi park will be present in Colombo, a bustling and densely populated metropolis. Located close to the Nationwide Museum, this picturesque park stands as one in every of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest parks. Guests can take pleasure in breathtaking dawn or sundown views for a very memorable expertise.
A small zoo and a playground for kids are additionally supplied. Parks are extensively favored by households. {Couples} can unwind and have a picnic within the adjoining park, having fun with a peaceable time collectively.
Moreover, there’s an open stadium that may accommodate various occasions, reminiscent of live shows. Adjoining to the stadium, quite a few meals stalls will be discovered, providing delectable snacks and different pleasant treats.
Colombo Dutch Museum
The Colombo Dutch Museum, an beautiful two-story construction devoted to showcasing the historical past and architectural legacy of Dutch colonialism in Sri Lanka, is a exceptional testomony to the previous. Initially the residence of Thomas Van Rhee, the Dutch governor, this museum holds important historic significance because it was the place a pivotal treaty with the Dutch was signed.
The museum accommodates greater than 3000 artifacts reminiscent of furnishings, cash, and ceramics, showcasing varied sides of Dutch tradition. The Colombo Dutch Museum, which has endured for hundreds of years, is open for guests to discover.
Galle Day Tour From Colombo
Discovered on the southwestern extremity of Sri Lanka, Galle lies 119 km (74 mi) distant from Colombo. Galle, appearing because the capital of Galle District and the provincial capital, ranks as the most important metropolis in Sri Lanka and probably the most intensive in Southern Province.
Galle boasts a pure harbor, the Nationwide Maritime Museum, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, established by Jesuit monks, as notable landmarks. One other important web site is Amangalla, a famend historic luxurious lodge.
Be part of this Galle day tour from Colombo:
Included:
- Transport in a snug A/C car
- English-speaking information
- All taxes and expenses
You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your lodge.
Excluded:
Right here’s what you’ll be able to count on to see on at the present time tour to Galle.
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort is among the many 5 notable historic landmarks value exploring in Sri Lanka. Located on the nation’s southern coast, this fort was initially constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently altered by the Dutch.
At this time, the Galle Fort stands as a exceptional amalgamation of archaeology, structure, and historical past, set amidst a tropical backdrop. Notably, it has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Residents and guests respect Galle Fort’s historic appeal. The colourful atmosphere inside, that includes cafes, shops, museums, residences, and way of life boutiques, enhances the general Galle Fort expertise. Exploring these points of interest is well finished by leisurely strolling via the charming buildings.
This exercise is complimentary and accessible to everybody. For these with extra time, ascending the partitions surrounding the fort can also be an possibility, with varied staircases resulting in the highest.
Dutch Market
Galle gives many choices past its famend historic fort and vacationer spots. The Outdated Dutch Market in Galle, additionally known as the Inexperienced Market, is a favourite amongst each residents and guests.
Located in Unawatuna, this 300-year-old European-style constructing boasts grand white pillars. Positioned on the western facet of the city, this exceptional T-shaped construction includes a steeply sloped roof, three cone-shaped towers, and an entrance at its apex. Its open-sided format is supported by sturdy wood beams and columns.
Dutch Hospital Buying Complicated
The Galle Dutch hospital, located inside Galle Fort, is a big architectural marvel constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently expanded by the Dutch. This historic web site has been reworked right into a fascinating buying middle harking back to the one discovered at Colombo Fort.
The spectacular buying middle boasts eight shops on the bottom ground and ten on the primary ground. It gives various outlets specializing in gems, jewellery, tea, spices, and antiques.
Moreover, upscale eating places are serving scrumptious meals and drinks. It is a perfect vacation spot to unwind, store for souvenirs, and immerse oneself within the wealthy Sri Lankan tradition.
Galle Fort Mild Home
The Galle Fort Lighthouse, located throughout the Galle Fort, is among the many most historic lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Its building dates again to 1848, making it a historic landmark. Because of its picturesque setting, it has grow to be a famend vacationer spot throughout the Galle Fort.
Nevertheless, guests will not be allowed to ascend to the highest of the lighthouse for security causes.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda, located a brief distance from Galle, is an distinctive sanctuary that ensures tranquility and serenity for each customer. Constructed in 2005 by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order, this pagoda stands as a strong image of peace on the island.
Ascending Rumassala Hill is a short journey that results in the awe-inspiring pagoda. When you attain the summit, have the benefit of the breathtaking vistas of the shoreline and the colourful city of Galle.
Bentota Day Tour from Colombo
Bentota is located 64 kilometers south of Colombo, on the Southern Western coast of Sri Lanka. Famend for its beautiful seashores within the Southern-Western and Southern-coastal areas of Sri Lanka, Bentota boasts two foremost seashores: Benota and Beruwala.
Beruwala seaside will be discovered earlier than reaching Aluthgama, whereas Bentota Seaside is seen from the Bentota Bridge. Surrounded by a number of the hottest resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota Seaside is dwelling to a spread of luxurious inns providing wonderful facilities and hospitality to worldwide guests.
Not like different seashores, Bentota is a perfect vacation spot for households in search of a calming trip by the attractive tropical blue waters.
Bentota is a perfect vacation spot for these in search of leisure and buying alternatives. The realm boasts quite a few outlets and shops close to Bentota Seaside, providing varied merchandise reminiscent of batiks, conventional masks, and ornaments. Along with buying, vacationers are drawn to Bentota for its fashionable turtle-watching actions.
Guests can witness turtles gracefully swimming within the serene waters simply 8km away at Induruwa Seaside. What units Bentota aside is its distinctive distinction as a habitat for five out of the 7 species of marine turtles present in Sri Lanka, together with the Inexperienced Turtle, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead.
What do you see on the Bentota Day Tour?
Watersports in Bentota
Bentota, a preferred vacation spot in Sri Lanka, is legendary for its stunning seashores and various marine life. It additionally gives mountaintop adventures and quite a lot of water sports activities. The water sports activities in Bentota are famend for catering to all preferences and ability ranges.
Quite a few aquatic actions can be found, reminiscent of water snowboarding, windsurfing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing.
Madu River Boat Safari
Madu Ganga, located in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, is the second-largest wetland space within the nation. Spanning throughout 150 acres, this river is famend for its considerable biodiversity. Inside its waters, you could find 14 various kinds of mangroves, that are a part of the 24 mangrove species present in Sri Lanka. Madu Ganga is without doubt one of the area’s few remaining mangrove forests. It gives a novel alternative to witness conventional fishing strategies and prawn farming practices.
Furthermore, this exceptional ecosystem is dwelling to round 300 plant species and roughly 250 wildlife species. Consequently, it serves as a perfect vacation spot for ecologists and botanists to discover and examine.
Guests can guide boat rides and bird-watching journeys. The Madu River Safari, positioned on the mouth of the Madu River in Balapitiya, is led by native fishermen and skilled guides. The safari usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and permits guests to discover huge sections of the wetland.
The boat journey navigates via thick mangrove forests, providing sanctuary to numerous aquatic creatures, animals, and crops. Alongside the best way, friends could catch sight of untamed boars, water snakes, tree snakes, and even crocodiles.
Sea Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda
The easy pleasures in life really carry pleasure, don’t you suppose? This philosophy is exemplified on the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, the place the welfare of those tiny creatures is of the utmost significance even earlier than they hatch.
Kosgoda is among the many few hatcheries within the nation the place all 5 species come to put their eggs. These species embrace the Olive Ridleys (Leatherbacks), Inexperienced Turtles, Loggerheads, Hawksbills, and Loggerheads. Ask the employees if releasing just a few of those fragile creatures into the ocean when you are visiting is permissible.
Because the waves crash upon them, they may gracefully flutter their wings in response. Subsequently, they may soar again to their dwellings, and the ocean’s vastness will fill your coronary heart with immense delight.
Kandy Day Tour from Colombo
Kandy, located within the Central Province of Sri Lanka, holds nice historic significance because it was as soon as the capital of the traditional Sri Lankan kings. Nestled amidst the hills of the Kandy plateau, this metropolis gives breathtaking views of huge tea plantations. Serving as the executive and spiritual hub of the Central Province, Kandy is famend for housing the Temple of the Tooth Relic, referred to as Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is taken into account one of many holiest Buddhist websites.
Recognizing its cultural and historic significance, UNESCO designated Kandy as a world heritage web site in 1988. Moreover, the Temple of the Tooth Relic bears testomony to the resilience of native Buddhist rulers who valiantly resisted colonial expansions and occupations by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese.
Kandy is round 150km from Colombo, so doesn’t make a terrific day journey expertise, however you probably have time whereas in Sri Lanka, we extremely suggest visiting Kandy.
Visiting Kandy? Guide at the present time tour to expertise the very best of town.
Right here’s what to anticipate on a day tour within the metropolis:
Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Sri Dalada Maligawa, generally known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Positioned throughout the premises of the previous Kingdom of Kandy’s royal palace advanced, this edifice is dwelling to the revered relic of Buddha’s tooth. All through historical past, this relic has performed a big position in native politics, with the idea that whoever possesses it wields the authority to control the nation. Traditionally, Sinhalese monarchs safeguarded the relic.
The Temple of the Tooth has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site because of the temple and its related relic. Visitors are kindly requested by the temple to take away their hats and sneakers.
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Backyard
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya is located roughly 5.5km to the west of Kandy within the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Positioned near the Mahaweli River, which is Sri Lanka’s longest river, it’s famend for its intensive orchid assortment comprising over 4000 species, together with medicinal and tropical crops. Moreover, it homes the “Nationwide Herbarium of Sri Lanka”.
Encompassing an space of 147 acres (0.59km2) and located at an elevation of 460m above sea stage, the backyard experiences 200 days of annual rainfall. The administration of this backyard falls underneath the Division of Nationwide Botanic Gardens of the Division of Nationwide Botanic Gardens.
Bahirawakande Temple
The Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple, located atop Bahirawakanda hill, is a widely known attraction amongst vacationers. Its outstanding function is the colossal Buddha statue, seen from each nook of Kandy. This statue represents Lord Buddha within the state of Nirvana, symbolizing his preliminary Enlightenment. Erected in 1972, it proudly holds the title of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statue, towering over 25 meters in top.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic lies a mere 2 km from the temple. Guests are kindly requested to take away their hats and sneakers upon coming into the temple premises. As a gesture of devotion, people have the choice to current flowers or oil lamps as choices to the temple. A staircase results in the magnificent Buddha statue, from the place one can ascend additional to witness the breathtaking panoramic view of the encircling panorama. When darkness falls, Kandy is adorned with numerous shimmering lights, resembling a starry evening sky.
Kandy Cultural Present
The cultural extravaganza referred to as the Kandyan tradition present is a fascinating reside efficiency showcasing the wealthy traditions of dance and music. This mesmerizing spectacle takes place nightly within the enchanting metropolis of Kandy, nestled within the coronary heart of Sri Lanka. Famend for its cultural significance, the Kandy cultural present is a outstanding attraction that entices vacationers from far and large. These fascinating performances, deeply rooted within the Kandyan heritage, are held in various venues positioned in shut proximity to the revered Temple of the Tooth.
The efficiency exists as a hazy boundary between delight and anguish. Regardless of the excessive price related to the Kandyan cultural efficiency, it ensures expert artists. These venues are the highest selections for experiencing Kandyan tradition showcases.
UNESCO Heritage web site of Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour from Colombo
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is a powerful Rock Fortress that stands as one of many foremost points of interest in Sri Lanka. The important thing options of this extraordinary advanced embrace the Water Gardens, the Frescoes depicting stunning maidens, the Mirror Wall adorned with historic inscriptions, the Lion platform, and the 1.6-hectare Summit, which was as soon as solely coated by constructions throughout Sigiriya’s golden period. Constructed by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a fortress of exceptional magnificence towering 200m above the encircling jungle.
This rock served because the central stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified metropolis, surrounded by a moat, rampart, and expansive gardens. The famend frescoes (initially 500, with solely 19 surviving at this time) are positioned in a sheltered space of the rock, accessible through a spiral staircase, and are painted with earth pigments on plaster. The unique stairway to the summit handed via the mouth of a lion, however now solely the large paws stay, hinting on the grandeur of the construction.
On the high, remnants of the sumptuous royal citadel will be discovered, together with meditation caves, viewers platforms, and bathing areas, all contributing to the distinctiveness of this web site.
Be part of at the present time tour to Sigiriya from Colombo:
Included:
- Transport in a snug A/C car
- English-speaking information
- All taxes and expenses
You’ll be picked up and dropped from out of your lodge.
Excluded:
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, located within the north-central province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that dates again to the first century BC. It’s a exceptional advanced consisting of 5 caves, initially used as a sanctuary by an historic king. After reclaiming his throne, the king commissioned the creation of magnificent carved photographs on the rock partitions.
Subsequently, different kings made additional enhancements to the location. The caves home greater than 150 Buddha photographs, with the most important being a colossal determine spanning 15 meters. Moreover, cave inscriptions from the 2nd century BC and quite a few work on the partitions will be discovered, most of which belong to the Kandy interval within the early nineteenth century.
This temple serves as a perfect location to witness the evolution of historic Sri Lankan artwork and holds nice historic significance because of the amalgamation of supplies from varied eras.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Day Tour from Colombo
As its identify implies, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is famend for its distinctive method to ex-situ animal care. Its achievements and repute haven’t solely unfold throughout the nation however have additionally gained world recognition, to the purpose that Pinnawala has grow to be synonymous with the Sri Lankan Elephant.
This initiative, realized by the late Honorable Minister Kalugalle on February 16, 1975, is at the moment dwelling to 93 elephants. Pinnawala was as soon as a secluded space with flourishing coconut plantations and, notably, a spot the place mahouts had been in abundance. Moreover, the close by “Ma oya” river meets the elephants’ important water necessities.
One of many fascinating points of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the milk-feeding of the Child Elephants. The Child Elephants are fed milk 3 times a day, with the primary feeding going down within the morning at 9:15 a.m., adopted by one other feeding at 1:15 p.m. through the day, and the ultimate feeding at 5:00 p.m. within the night.
Udawalawe Nationwide Park Half Day Safari Day Journey From Colombo
Guide your wildlife safari on the beautiful Udawalawe Nationwide Park, one in every of Sri Lanka’s must-visit locations. Recognized for its unimaginable inhabitants of Asian elephants, Udawalawe gives the very best probability to see these majestic creatures up shut.
It’s the third most well-known nationwide park in Sri Lanka, positioned close to Yala Nationwide Park, and was created as a protected haven for wildlife affected by the development of the Udawalawe Reservoir.
Included:
- Transport in a snug A/C car
- English-speaking information
- 4X4 Safari Jeep
- All tax and expenses
Excluded:
Sinharaja Rain Forest Day Tour
The Sinharaja Rainforest day tour is extremely interesting to nature fanatics. Moreover, it capabilities as a hotspot for biodiversity. It has been acknowledged as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO.
In response to the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature, Sinharaja is considered the ultimate area of the nation’s main rainforest. Greater than 60% of the timber discovered listed below are native, with many being uncommon. Sri Lanka’s native species account for 50% of the butterfly, amphibian, hen, snake, and fish species. It’s the habitat of 95% of the nation’s native hen species.
Wrap Up Your Colombo Journey with These Unforgettable Day Journeys
Colombo is the right start line for locating the varied fantastic thing about Sri Lanka. From lush nationwide parks and serene seashores to historic temples and bustling cities, there’s a day journey for each sort of traveler. Whether or not you’re craving wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, or breathtaking landscapes, these close by locations will depart you with unforgettable reminiscences.
So pack your baggage, hit the street, and expertise the magic that lies simply past Colombo!
