Day Trips From Colombo – Quick Getaways You Can’t Miss.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Colombo numerous times over the last 10 years. I love the buzz of the city and the variety of things to do in Colombo, however, I often find myself craving a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. So, if you are looking for amazing day trips from Colombo, this is the blog for you.
Whether it’s to immerse yourself in nature, dive into the islands rich history, or simply soak up the sun, there are so many incredible day trips from Colombo just a short drive away. If you only have a short time in Sri Lanka and are based in Colombo, but still want to experience the diverse beauty of the country, this blog will give you some inspiration. Below you will find some of my favorite day trips from Colombo that are totally worth the early morning starts.
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Day Trips From Colombo – Galle Fort & It’s Colonial Charm
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Another, suggestion for day trips from Colombo is Galle Fort. For a bit of colonial charm, Galle Fort is my number one go-to destination. Only a 1.5hr drive or 2.30hrs by train (Colombo Fort Railway – Galle Fort). This UNESCO World Heritage city feels like stepping into another era.
Top Tip – If taking the train from Colombo to Galle Fort I would recommend catching it from Colombo Fort Railway rather than Mount Lavinia Train Station. This train can be very busy and you are more likely to get a seat.
I absolutely love walking through Galle Fort, where you can explore the quaint streets lined with old Dutch buildings and boutique one of a kind shops. If you visit on the weekend you will also find the local market, selling local gift wares, antiques and art work.
What Is There To Do In Galle Fort?
Inside the Fort itself there is enough to keep you busy for a day trip from Colombo. Historical buildings, museums, coffee shops, spa treatments, small beaches and the Lighthouse to name a few. There are also numerous boutique shops, selling luxury handmade clothing and bags, local artwork, antiques and probably most famously gems.
Top Tip – This is the place to go for good quality, one of a kind jewellery pieces and Sapphires of all colors and sizes.
For food, there are plenty of little bistro’s and eateries serving local cuisine, fresh seafood and international options. When visiting Galle you have to try the hot butter cuttlefish and the ice cream – simply divine.
For cricket fans, just outside the Fort you can find Galle International Cricket Stadium
The cool sea breeze and stunning ocean views from the Fort walls always leave me feeling relaxed. I usually end my day by watching the sun setting before heading back to Colombo and planning my next trips here.
Day Trips From Colombo -The Majestic Sigiriya Rock
This is one of those places I always recommend friends and family visiting Sri Lanka to experience. It is a long drive from Colombo (4hrs), but if your stay in Sri Lanka is only in Colombo, the journey is totally worth it. This is a day trip from Colombo that should not be missed.
Climbing the Sigiriya Rock is an adventure in itself and the views from the top, over the surrounding jungle and ancient gardens, are simply unforgettable. The Lion’s Gate and the frescoes along the way make it feel like you’re stepping into a real life story book. Its one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka and everything I go, it feels just as amazing as the first.
Top Tips:
Opening hours – 05:00 to 18:30hrs everyday. Entry Fee – $35 for foreign tourists
Dambulla Cave Temple
If you love your history, culture and spirituality and have enough energy after climbing Sigiriya Rock, then why not head over to Dambulla Cave Temple. Just 30 minutes from Sigiriya Rock you will find Buddhist murals and statues housed within five natural caves carved into a massive rock face. You do need to climb 360 steps to enter the temple, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry Fee – LKR 1500 (£4.50)
Day Trips From Colombo – Lazy Beach Day In Negombo
For a quick beach getaway, Negombo is a great day trip from Colombo option. Not too far from Colombo, only 1 hours drive you can be walking along the sandy shores in no time. If you make it there early enough you can wander around the fish market, where locals sell the fresh catche of the day. The atmosphere can be lively and authentic.
From here you can visit the Angurukaramulla Temple, which is home to one of the islands largest Buddha statues and a short distance from the beach. The temple is renowned for its striking murals, intricate carvings and an impressive statue of a seated Buddha that stands at 6 meters tall.
That leaves the rest of the afternoon to perch at a beachside cafe and watch the waves roll in, or weather dependent take a dip in the sea.
Day Trips From Colombo- Bentota Beach Vibes & Garden Oasis
Continuing on the beach vibes, Bentota is another good option if you’re looking for a quick adventure and day trips from Colombo. Just 1.5 hours drive South from Colombo, it’s a great spot for beach lovers. There are plenty of water sport activities available to try out here so you won’t get bored. To end the day I often head to one of the beachfront restaurants for a sunset mocktail. Pure bliss.
For the more green fingered of you reading, Brief Garden could be another option. Just a short 15 minute drive from the beach, the garden is beautifully landscaped and perfect and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Created by Sri Lankan artist Bevis Bawa, the Brief Garden is a blend of meticulously designed landscapes and striking sculptures.
Entry tickets to Brief Gardens – approx £8 for an adult.
Muthurajawala bird watching Tour – A Hidden Gem For Nature Enthsiasts
Another, more laid back day trip from Colombo option is a spot of bird watching. Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s diverse eco systems, Mathurajawala an excellent bird watching experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Just 1.5hrs from Colombo. Situated near the coastal town of Kalutara, this area is rich in both flora and fauna.
The area is home to a variety of bird species, especially migratory birds that flock to this wetland region. Some of the most commonly spotted species include herons, egrets, kingfishers & cormorants. Day trips start from around £40.
Day Trips From Colombo – Kandy A Vibrant Blend of Cultural & Nature
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Initially not one of my top places to visit, I have slowly grown to love this city part over time. Just a 3.5 hour drive or 3 hour train ride from Colombo you can be transported to some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer. Personally, for this day trip from Colombo I would take the train just for the experience.
Kandy city is nestled in a dip in the hills and because of this can sometimes feel uncomfortably hot with poor air quality. As long as you are prepared for this, you’ll be good to explore what the the city has to offer.
Firstly, I would head to the Temple of The Tooth Relic. Here the atmosphere is serene and tranquil. The Temple itself is beautiful, but walking around the lake afterwards and getting lost in the surrounding gardens is something truly special.
Top Tip – You will need to dress conservatively if visiting the Temple of The Tooth. This includes covering shoulders and knees.
For me the beauty of Kandy is in the surrounding hills. It’s like stepping into a magical world, often high above the clouds. The colors, sounds of the birds, and stunning views just take you to your own little oasis the higher you go. However, due to the winding one track roads, journey times can take longer. So I would not recommend going too far into Sri Lanka’s central provinces. Unless you are touring for a couple of days.
Kandy City itself and the immediate area around is perfect for day trips from Colombo and you can combine this with a scenic train ride.
Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya, Kandy
If you enjoy wandering around beautiful gardens and have time, I would highly recommend a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. The best thing is its just a short 20 minute drive from Kandy. This really is one of the most beautiful and expansive gardens in the country. Spaning over 60 hectares, there is plenty to see.
One of the highlights is the stunning collection of Orchids and royal palm trees.
Top Tip: The park is open 7 days a week between 7:30am and 5:30pm. Entry fee is LKR 3540 (Approx £9)
Concluding Thoughts – Escape The City For Day Trips To Remember
Sri Lanka’s beauty is best explored outside of the city, and each of these day trips has its own special charm. Of course, if you have the time I would highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in each location to delve further into its history and beauty.
I never tire of exploring new places and every time I visit one of these destinations, it feels like I am discovering something new.
Each destination offers a unique experience that captures the diverse beauty of the island. So grab your camera and explore the hidden treasures waiting just beyond the city of Colombo.
Top Tips for your day trips from Colombo:
Start Early – To make the most of your day try to leave Colombo early. This allows you avoid traffic and gives you ample time to explore your destination.
Travel Light – For comfort bring light snacks and water, sunscreen and a camera. If your heading to Temples or gardens, comfortable shoes and modest clothing are a good idea.
Method of Transport – Consider if you want to travel Independently with private transport or package excursion. If you are tight for time and it’s your first time in Sri Lanka, I would probably suggest the package excursion. That way everything will have been planned out for you. All you need to worry about is being on time for the hotel pick up.
For the more adventurous, public transport can be a fun, but might not always be the most reliable option. This can eat into the few hours you have to explore your chosen destination.
FAQ
🔷 Why should I visit Galle Fort?
You should definitely visit Galle Fort for its rich history, stunning colonial architecture and breathtaking sea views. The charming cobbles streets, boutique shops and cafes create a unique atmosphere.
🔷 How much is the Train from Colombo to Galle?
The tickets will cost between £1 – £5 depending on which class of travel is booked. Great budget option, but can get busy and hot.
🔷 How much is the AC Coach from Colombo to Galle?
Tickets cost between £3-£4. I personally, find the AC Coach more comfortable to travel than the train. It’s a direct journey, cooler than the train and they tend to run more often.
🔷 How often does the AC Highway Coach travel to Galle?
While I can never seem to find a timetable the bus seems to run every 30 mins or when full.
🔷 Where is the best place to get the AC Bus/Coach from Colombo to Galle?
Take the bus from Makumbura Multimodal Center. Departures from 5.20am – 9pm daily.
🔷 How much does an Uber/taxi cost from Colombo to Galle Fort?
This can vary depending on company but average costs are between £25 – £35 each way.
🔷 When is the best time to visit these day trip destinations?
The majority of the day trip destinations suggested in this blog are either along the south coast or Central Provinces of the Island. Meaning the best time to visit will be between the months of November & March. Avoiding the monsoons which can make travel more difficult, particularly to the central provinces.
🔷 Are there any guided tours available for day trips from Colombo?
Yes, there are a number of companies that offer day trips.
https://www.getyourguide.com/colombo-l112/day-trips-tc172/
https://www.viator.com/en-GB/Colombo-tours/Day-Trips-and-Excursions/d4619-g5