10 BEST ONE DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO AND 10 EASY DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Looking to get out of Colombo during your short stay in Sri Lanka? Here are eight killer ideas to organize your day trips from Colombo. These 8-day tours from Colombo introduce you to the 8 best one-day trip places from Colombo by considering many factors such as connectivity from Colombo, distance to cover on the trip, and importance as a tourist attraction. Most importantly, these eight trip destinations can be easily reached from any beach resort on the west coast of Sri Lanka. These eight one-day trip places feature wildlife reserves, seaside towns, cultural and historical places, and adventure sites in the beautiful countryside of Sri Lanka.  

Table of Contents

ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO

Are you tired of Colombo? This is the perfect moment to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Colombo and head to a perfect spot, where you can enjoy peace and serenity, of course, with a few activities. From time to time, everyone needs a change of scene but definitely without too much faffing.

So, it is immaterial whether you are in the mood for a forest frolic or embracing the sea breeze. Here are 8 sweet spots for unforgettable one-day trips from Colombo, complete with plenty of activities, restaurants, and pubs, that are close to Colombo to get there and back in a day.   

WHY TAKE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO?

Before we jump into our list, let’s talk about why day trips from Colombo are such a great idea:

  1. Diverse Experiences: Sri Lanka packs a punch when it comes to variety. In just a day, you can go from city to beach to mountains!
  2. Time-Efficient: Perfect for those short on time but big on adventure.
  3. Cost-Effective: Day trips allow you to see more without the expense of changing hotels every night.
  4. Flexibility: You can customize your itinerary based on your interests and energy levels.
  5. Beat the Crowds: Many of these spots are less touristy than the usual hotspots.
Sri Lanka one day tour Udawalawe national park, Sri Lanka day tour to Sinharaja rainforest, One day Sri Lanka trip to Sigiriya
Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programs from Sri Lanka.

CLICK HERE TO SEE 15 ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO, PRICES STARTING FROM US$ 55 P.P.

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST PLACES FOR ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO?

If you are looking for interesting places for one-day trips from Colombo and are exploring some interesting places, I highly recommend the below-mentioned 8 trip places. Most of these places can be reached within 3 hours of driving from Colombo, except Yala and Kandy. All these places are not only reachable within a short period of time, but there are also many other places to see on your way there, such as forts, beaches, temples, stupas, museums, shopping and many other things.

1. KITULGALA

Kitulgala is located in the western province of Sri Lanka and is just a 2-hour drive from Colombo

2. YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala National Park offers top-notch wildlife holidays and is included in Sri Lanka’s south coast itinerary. A four-hour drive from Colombo.

3. MIRISSA SOUTH COAST BEACH

Mirissa is a popular beach holiday destination on the South Coast. This south coast beach holiday destination offers opportunities for whale and dolphin watching

4. KANDY

Kandy is located in the central province and offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from temples to botanical gardens, tea plantations and many more

5. GALLE

Galle is a popular tourist attraction in the south, with pristine beaches and an old fort

6. HIKKADUWA

Hikkaduwa is located on the south coast and offers the opportunity for watersports, diving, snorkelling, boating and many other activities

7. RATHNAPURA

Rathnapura is located near Colombo and can be reached within two-hour drive from Colombo, offers rain forests, waterfalls, rivers and many ancient sites

8. SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST

Sinharaja rain forest is popular for its rain forest and it is very popular among nature lovers

9. SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

Sigiriya is tucked away in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and well over 170 km from Colombo.

10. BENTOTA BEACH

better known as a golden mile in Sri Lanka, Bentota is the most popular beach holiday destination in Sri Lanka, with gold-colored sandy beaches, swaying palms and torque of the Indian Ocean.

  • Kandy one day tour from Colombo with Pinnawala
  • One day trip to Sigiriy and dambulla
  • Galle one day tour
  • Bentota beach and river safari from Colombo
  • Udawalawe safari from Colombo
  • Colombo city tour with gangarama
  • One day whale-watching tour with Galle Fort
  • White water-rafting in Kitulgala with jungle trekking
  • Sinharaja rain forest tour from Colombo
  • One day trip to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo

15 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANING DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO

When planning one-day tours from Colombo, consider the following factors:

DISTANCE AND TRAVEL TIME:

  • Choose destinations within 3-4 hours drive from Colombo
  • Account for traffic, especially when leaving and returning to Colombo

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:

  • Private car with driver (most convenient)
  • Public transportation (buses or trains, may limit your flexibility)
  • Organized tour packages

START TIME:

  • Plan for an early start to maximize your day
  • Consider sunrise tours for popular sites like Sigiriya

WEATHER AND SEASON

  • Check weather forecasts
  • Be aware of monsoon seasons affecting different parts of the island

ATTRACTION OPENING HOURS

  • Verify operating hours of sites you plan to visit
  • Some attractions may close earlier than expected

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENTS

  • Dress appropriately for religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes

FOOD

  • Plan for lunch stops or pack food if visiting remote areas
  • Carry water to stay hydrated

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITY COST

  • Check if advance booking is required for popular attractions
  • Carry sufficient cash for entrance fees and small purchases

LOCAL CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE

  • Research basic cultural norms and respectful behavior

RETURN TIME

  • Plan your return to avoid late-night driving
  • Consider Colombo’s evening traffic
  1. Flexibility:
    • Allow some buffer time for unexpected delays or spontaneous stops
  2. Group size:
    • Tailor the itinerary to suit your group’s interests and physical capabilities
  3. Combination of activities:
    • Balance sightseeing with relaxation to avoid exhaustion
  4. Local guide:
    • Consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide for enhanced experience
  5. Emergency contacts:
    • Keep important phone numbers and your hotel information handy

By considering these factors, you can plan a more enjoyable and stress-free day trip from Colombo.

6 EASY ONE-DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO OPENED UP DUE TO THE CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY

The infrastructure is been improved rapidly in Sri Lanka, especially the road network. With the improved road network, especially with newly built highways, it has become easier to reach far-flung places from Colombo. Yala and many other tourist places, such as Kataragama, were not viable day trips from Colombo in the past, due to the long drive, however, Yala and all other tourist attractions in the southern province are now just a 2-hour drive away from Colombo, due to the newly opened southern expressway.

A large number of important historical and natural tourist attractions in the north-central province have become convenient one-day trip places from Colombo with the opening of a part of the central expressway (Mirigama to Kurunegala, 40km) in January 2021. Using Mirigama to Kurunegala on the central expressway, travellers can save as much as 1 hour on their trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and the cultural triangle. Iconic tourist attractions Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple, Pidurangala, and Minneriya national park are some of the important places that have become easy one-day trips from Colombo due to the central expressway. Earlier, it took around 5 hours to travel from Colombo to Sigiriya. With the new expressway, travelers can now reach Sigiriya within 4 hours from Colombo. However, if you start the trip early in the morning from Colombo at around 05.00 (Am), you are able to reach Sigiriya, Dambulla, within 3 hours.

6 PLACES IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE FOR ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO

  1. Sigiriya rock fortress
  2. Dambulla golden temple
  3. Pidurangala temple
  4. Minneriya national park
  5. Ibbankatuwa ancient site
  6. Pinnawala elephant orphanage

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ONE-DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS FROM COLOMBO?

The above-mentioned 8 one-day trip places in Sri Lanka are located in the western province, the southern province and the central hill country of Sri Lanka. These regions are coming under the wet zone, which is under the influence of the southwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from April to November over most parts of Sri Lanka, including the west zone. Therefore, travelling to the above-mentioned places from April to November may affect your holiday activities, specifically, it may obstruct outdoor activities with sudden heavy rain.

A large part of the wet zone sees bright and sunny weather during the north-east monsoon (from November to April), therefore, 6 months from April to November is the best time of the year to visit these 8 places from Colombo, which is also the peak holiday season on the island. Most beach resorts in Sri Lanka attract a large number of travellers from November to April and therefore the cost of holidays in Sri Lanka is also considerably heightened during this period due to the increasing demand for accommodation, transport and other facilities.

The unprecedented impact incurred on the tourism industry due to COVID-19 has been able to reduce holiday costs in Sri Lanka by more than 50% for a short period of time. However, by the time this article is published, the cost of travel in Sri Lanka is back to its usual level and in some areas, it has been pushed upward due to the high demand.

one-day trips from Colombo
Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programmes from Sri Lanka.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I START MY DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?

Goooooood question, because it is very important to save time for the interesting activities that you plan on the trip. Reducing the time spent on travel is one of the best ways to save time for activities. Having private transport (a private vehicle with a local driver) is strongly recommended to save time on travel. Never resort to public transport; it really sucks your time. Public buses and trains are behind schedule most of the time.

Even with your private vehicle, it is recommended to start the day trip from Colombo as early as possible. If you can start the trip at around 04.00 or 05.00 AM, it is better because you can avoid traffic along the way and reach the destination early.

It is highly important to start the trip early from Colombo if you are visiting faraway tourist attractions like Kandy, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. Usually, it takes a few hours to reach the most leading tourist attractions in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and southern Sri Lanka, as well as the cultural triangle.

As per my experience, the early start of the trip from Colombo is always rewarded, It allows you to save a lot of time because you can curtail the travel time as you drive on roads with less traffic congestion. For example, if you start the 1-day Sigiriya trip from Colombo at around 04.00 a.m, it takes only 3 hours to reach Sigiriya. But if you start the journey after 6 a.m., it takes around 5 hours to reach Sigiriya.

1-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> KITULGALA

Kitulgala lies at the foothills of the central mountain range, towards the western slope of the hill country. It lies on the Colombo-Nuwara Eliya main road and you come across Kitulgala as you travel to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo via Hatton or vice versa. Kitulgala is laid back city with a calm and quiet neighbourhood, Kitulgala is ranked among the best places for a peaceful holiday with a twist of adventure.

The most striking natural attraction of Kitulgala is undoubtedly the Kelaniya River, which is the main reason for its popularity among travelers. The river keeps the adjoining forest alive and maintains the healthy green cover by supplying plenty of water. the rugged terrain of Kitulagla supports many adrenaline-pumping activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing and jungle trekking. Kiutlgala is also popular for rainforest exploration due to the Makandawa rainforest. Kitulgala is home to a number of waterfalls, some of which support waterfalls abseiling and many travellers venture into this exciting activity every day.

Kitulgala one day tour, two day trip places in Sri Lanka, 2 day trip in Sri Lanka
This one-day tour includes Whitewater rafting Off Kitulgala, jungle trekking of the Kitulgala rainforest, village walk, and bird watching. This private tour can be booked from Colombo as well as any other beach resort on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The tour includes entire ground transportation, all entrance, and activity cost as well as taxes.

PLACES TO VISIT ON THE KITULGALA DAY TOUR FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Kelaniya River (Kitulgal water rafting)
  2. Rain forest
  3. Beli Lena

Transportation: The travel time between Colombo and Kitulgala would be around 2 hours if you had your own transport. If you travel to Kitulgala from the west coast, southern, coast or Kandy, it might take around 3 hours. You can reach Kitulgala only by road, and the road that leads to Kitulgala is in very good condition and there is not much traffic on the road as well.

Things to do in Kitulgala: most things that you can do in Kitulgala are adventure activities such as Whitewater rafting, Kayaking, mountain climbing, trekking, rainforest exploration, etc. Therefore, if you are a traveller fond of beaches, city life, cultural sites, etc., there is no point in going there. On the other hand, if you like to experience some adrenaline-pumping activities and live in a place, where you are fondled in the lap of mother nature, there is no better place than Kitulgala.

How much does cost this trip: Approx. US$ 250 per couple

Interesting Tips:  The cost of this largely varies depending on the activities you do. Usually, the accommodation in Kitulgala is not that costly but the activities are. Usually, most activities cost between 10 and 40 dollars per person.

one-day trips from Colombo

Sri Lanka 3-day tour with Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya

2-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> NUWARA ELIYA

Nuwara Eliya is the hill-country capital of Sri Lanka, which sits 1800 meters above sea level. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful cities on the island and is surrounded by tea plantations and green-capped mountains. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most visited cities on the island and it attracts many thousands of travellers every day. Nuwara Eliya offers many interesting places to visit, such as historical sites, rainforests, trekking sites and temples.

Nuwara Eliya is a historical city closely connected to Ramayana. Nuwara Eliya is only 175 km from Colombo and usually, travellers need only 4 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya from Colombo. A one-day trip to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is well worth money and time as it allows travellers to visit many interesting places.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE NUWARA ELIYA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Temples
  2. Spice garden
  3. Tooth relic temple
  4. Tea plantations
  5. Waterfalls
  6. Lakes, rivers
  7. Botanical gardens

Transportation: The travel time between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya will be around 4 hours with private transport. The duration of the journey from Colombo to Kandy can last between 5 and 6 hours if you opt for public transport such as trains and buses. If you travel to Nuwara Eliya from the west coast or southern, coast, it might take around 5 hours.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya: There are many dozens of interesting things to do and see in Nuwara Eliya. Visiting temples, and historical monuments, visiting botanical gardens, exploring wildlife, visiting waterfalls, trekking in the rain forest, and hiking and trekking through the tea plantations are some of the main activities.

Mountains surround Nuwara Eliya, making it an intriguing playground for adventure seekers. Some of the popular adventure activities in Nuwara Eliya are mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

How much does cost this trip: Approx. USD 250 per couple

Interesting Tips:  The cost of the Nuwara Eliya one-day trip from Colombo largely varied depending on the activities included in the trip. However, Nuwara Eliya one day trip includes only a few important activities due to time constraints. If you wish to have a more lengthy trip and visit other interesting places that are not included in the one-day trip, it is recommended to take the 2-day Nuwara Eliya trip or the 3-day Nuwara Eliya trip.

Sri Lanka whale watching tour, How To Plan Your Memorable Sri Lanka Road Trip, Sigiriya rock fortress, sri lanka road trip, road trip sri lanka, roadtrip sri lanka, best road trip in sri lanka, sri lanka road trip itinerary
This whale-watching day tour starts from Colombo and other major beach resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. This one-day tour includes an all-inclusive whale-watching tour off Mirissa and a guided walking tour of Galle fort. You will be also visiting the spice garden, mask museum, and sea turtle conservation centre on this one-day tour. The private tour includes entire ground transportation in a luxury vehicle, breakfast, a live guide, and all taxes.

3-ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> MIRISSA

Watching blue whales is the talk of the town, watching whales has become a novel experience for travellers who spend holidays in Sri Lanka. The whale-watching day tour is a very easy, short trip for travelers who stay on the west coast and southern coast. Therefore, this one-day trip from Colombo is mostly booked by beach holiday lovers, who stay in beach areas such as Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Galle.

WHALE-WATCHING IN MIRISSA

Sri Lanka is the best whale-watching spot in the region and allows you to see blue whales off the southern coast at any time of the year. Unlike most other whale-watching destinations, where you can see whales only during a few months of the year (during the season), in Sri Lanka, you can spot whales throughout the year. It is due to the resident whales, which live permanently in the Sri Lankan water. So, you have the opportunity to be close to the largest sea creature in the ocean, which can be as big as a multi-day fishing craft.

BEACH HOPPING IN MIRISSA

Mirissa is also one of the best beach holiday destinations on the island, with the water temperature averaging 27 Celsius all year long, allowing you to stick your toes in the sea on Mirissa’s powdery sandy beaches. In Mirissa, you can take advantage of the sun, sea, and sand while unwinding at a secluded, less crowded beach or swimming in the pristine, turquoise-blue waters with magnificent, swaying palms lining the shore.

If you like swimming with sea turtles around a multitude of tropical fish, it’s turtle beach, which is only a few kilometres from Mirissa you need to reach. But it is not only the seafront activities that you can perform.

The beachfront locality around Mirissa is home to one of the biggest fishing harbours on the island and the locality around Mirissa produces the raw material for the most popular alcoholic drink on the island, which is known as toddy, extracted from the coconut bud. Make sure you tingle your taste buds with a plate of fresh seafood and a glass of arrack.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE MIRISSA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Mirissa Beach
  2. Turtle Beach
  3. Sea turtle conservation project
  4. Galle
  5. Hikkaduwa
  6. Unawatuna
  7. Madu estuary

Transportation: The beaches of Mirissa can be easily reached from most cities on the island as it is located close to the city of Matara. You can use public buses, trains or a private transport mode such as a taxi to reach Mirissa. Mirissa is one of the most popular beach resorts on the island and here you get plenty of accommodation facilities. However, Matara is popular as a destination for budget travellers, where you get a large number of guest houses, rest houses, and dormitories, as well as a few middle-class-star hotels.

Things to do in Mirissa: Most importantly, Mirissa is a beach holiday destination, therefore, most travellers are glued to the beaches of Mirissa. Whale watching, visiting a natural fountain known as the blowhole, the Matara star fort (built by the Dutch in the 18th century), and the Weherahena Buddhist temple are noteworthy activities for tourists here.

How much does cost this trip: Approx. US$ 200 per couple

Interesting Tips:  The period from October to May is considered the best time to travel to Matara and Mirissa. During this period, you get very good weather for outdoor activities with only casual rain, The sea is also calm and safe for a sea bath.

So pack yourself and join the ride and take in some of the most incredible sights, from adventurous whitewater rafting to religious rituals. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on any of the above-mentioned tours and activities.

4. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> KANDY

Kandy is one of the best cities for travellers in Sri Lanka, surrounded by lofty peaks, tea plantations and patches of forests; Kandy offers some of the most scenic landscapes on the island. Kandy is a beautiful city with many leading tourist attractions, such as a tooth relic temple, the Royal Botanical Garden, and the Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala.

ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO, PLACES TO VISIT IN KANDY?

  1. Pinnawala elephant orphanage
  2. Spice garden
  3. Tooth relic temple
  4. Tea plantations
  5. Royal botanical garden
  6. Udawattekele sanctuary

Transportation: Land transportation, air travel and land travel are viable options for every traveler who wishes to travel to Kandy. The city lies 115km from Colombo and it takes around 5 hours to reach Kandy by public bus or trail. Having private transportation, such as taxis, can cut travel time by about an hour.

Places to visit: Kandy is on the bucket list of every traveller in Sri Lanka, due to the large concentration of tourist attractions in the city. A trip to Kandy allows you to explore many must-visit places for tourists on the island. Important places include the tooth relic temple, the Royal botanical garden, the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Kandyan cultural show, tea plantations, Embekke, Gadaladeniya, and Udawattakele Sanctuary.

Travel Calculation: Approx. US$ 230 per couple

Interesting Tips: Stroll across the Kandy market to experience the typical Sri Lanka shopping culture and buy some of the exquisite Sri Lankan handicrafts, gems and jewellery, batik, spices and textiles.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Stroll around Kandy Lake
  • Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
  • Catch a traditional Kandyan dance performance
Galle one day tour banner, one-day trips from Colombo

5. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> GALLE

By far, Galle City is the most popular destination for tourists on the island, who are heading to the southern coast. If you wish to experience a bit of the colonial heritage of Sri Lanka, there is no better place than Galle Fort. The Dutch built Galle Fort, a colonial city, in the 16th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a heaven for tourists. The setting within the Galle Fort is very suitable for holiday lovers, which features restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, galleries, museums, hotels, dormitories and great beaches. Venturing on a Galle city tour is the best way to start the exploration of the Galle.

5 PLACES TO VISIT ON GALLE CITY TOUR

  1. Galle Fort
  2. Spice/herbal garden
  3. Koggala wetland
  4. Turtle conservation project
  5. Unawatuna beach

WHAT TO SEE AND DO?

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort
  • Walk along the ramparts for stunning ocean views
  • Visit the Dutch Reformed Church
  • Shop for handmade lace and gems

10 PLACES TO ON ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> GALLE

Here are the 10 best places to visit on a one day trip to Galle from Colombo. However, it may not be possible to visit all these 10 places on a one day trip to Galle from Colombo due to a lack of time. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize the places to visit if you undertake a one day trip to Galle from Colombo. Thereby, you visit the most important places and leave the least important places.

  1. Gangatilaka temple Kalutara
  2. Kande Vihara temple Aluthgama
  3. Spice garden Bentota
  4. Madu River estuary
  5. Sea turtle conservation centre
  6. Bentota beach
  7. Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
  8. Mask Museum
  9. Moonstone mines
  10. Galle Fort

Transportation: Galle Fort lies 100 km south of Colombo, near the Galle harbour. The travel time from Colombo to Galle would be between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the transport. If you travel by private vehicle, it will take around 2 hours to reach Galle, with the train, it will be around 4 hours; and if you travel by public bus, it will take around 5 hours.

Things to do: visiting the Martin Vikramsinghe Museum, visiting the maritime museum, taking a boat tour in the Koggala lagoon and watching stilt fishermen can be recommended to visitors of the Galle Fort. All of these places are in the immediate surrounding area of the fort and it does not take much time to reach any of them.

Travel Calculation: Approx. US$ 300 per couple

bentota sri lanka one day tour, one-day trips from Colombo

6. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> HIKKADUWA BEACH

Hikkaduwa Beach is topping the chart due to its pristine beaches, water sports centres, luxurious hotels, pubs, bars, seafood restaurants and many many more. There is no other beach on the island so popular among beach holiday lovers. Most importantly, Hikkaduwa is a beach resort for any type of budget, with a wide range of accommodation facilities; here you find accommodation facilities from cheap dormitories to luxurious boutique hotels. Therefore, Hikkaduwa is not only a popular beach resort but it is also one of the most affordable beach resorts in Sri Lanka and fits within the budget of all.

Transport: the cost of the up-and-down journey differs based on the way you travel. Even though it is a bit expensive, a taxi might be the best option to travel to Hikkaduwa. Train and Public buses are the next viable option for you to reach Hikkaduwa. The journey from Colombo to Hikkaduwa takes around 2-3 hours and it would cost around US$ 1 on Public transport the up-and-down journey will cost around US$ 80 by Taxi.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE HIKKADUWA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Mask Museum
  2. Spice garden
  3. Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
  4. Turtle conservation project
  5. Hikkaduwa beach

Hikkaduwa is very popular as a destination for seafood. So, there are a large number of restaurants selling seafood dishes at an affordable rate. A good budget seafood meal would cost here around $5.

Activities: There are many things to do and see in Hikkaduwa, but most activities are closely associated with the ocean. Out of all activities, exploring the Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary would be the favourite of all visitors. And you simply can’t miss this ecological habitat, because it is one of the 2 marine sanctuaries on the island and gives you the opportunity to look into a wide range of exotic fish species, endangered sea turtles, coralreefs,s etc. Boating, fishing, visiting Buddhist temples, beach hopping and sampling fresh seafood are some of the other things to do here.

Travel Calculation: Approx. US$ 250per couple

Interesting Tips: Explore the “Marine Sanctuary”, make a boat tour, visit Hikkaduwa fishing harbour during the early hours, and sample fresh seafood.

Hikkaduwa beach holiday package 7 days, Sri Lanka 7 days tour, Sri Lanka Boat Tours, Sri Lanka Boat Trips
This luxury beach holiday package includes 7 days (6 nights) of accommodation in a luxury hotel in southern Sri Lanka. The package also includes arrival-departure transfers, daily 2 meals, and all taxes. The travellers can book optional sightseeing tours with Seerendipity tours through the resident guide.

7. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> RATHNAPURA

This will be one of the cheapest Sri Lanka Budget tour packages from Colombo. Ratnapura is one of the closest trip places for travellers that reside in Colombo. Ratnapura is a beautiful hill station located at the foothills of the central mountain range. Ratnapura is the most popular locality on the island for the gem industry, with hundreds of gem mines to be seen in paddy fields and valleys.

Rathnapura offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from ancient temples to museums, rainforests, waterfalls and magical countryside with opportunities for trekking, hiking, caving, and mountain biking. A large tract of this rain-rich region is bestowed with very high yearly rainfall, therefore, Ratnaoura possesses large tracts of green cover. Recently (Jan 2022), the Warnagala forest was declared a conservation zone by the Ministry of Environment, due to its importance.

Warnagala forest is a lowland evergreen rainforest and has very high ecological importance. The forest is located in Kuruvita. The Warnagala forest harbours a wide range of fauna and flora. It is reported that there are 383 species of plants and animals in this forest reserve, consisting of 219 species of animals and 164 flowering plants. Podochilus warnagalensis, an endemic species in our country, has also been recorded in this reserve. It is reported that there are 383 species of plants and animals in this forest reserve, consisting of 219 species of animals and 164 flowering plants. Podochilus warnagalensis, an endemic species in our country, has also been recorded in this reserve.

Ratnapura is the starting point of the popular Admas peak trek, which is a well-known pilgrimage among Sri Lankan Buddhists. A large number of foreign travellers are also making the pilgrimage, not because of the religious significance but due to the magical views that they can have from the pinnacle of Adam’s Peak on the surrounding hills, valleys and jungle. One of the most visited temples on the island, known as Samana Devala, is also located here. Museums, gem galleries, temples, waterfalls, and rainforests are among other popular places to visit in Ratnapura. Trekking and mountain climbing are activities that can be performed in Ratnapura. There is a distance of 31 km to cover from Ratnapura in order to reach the starting point of the Adam’s Peak trek. Usually, the upward journey starts at around midnight due to 2 reasons.

  1. In order to avoid the heat of the sun.
  2. In order to catch a glimpse of the rising sun

A four- to five-hour trek is on the cards for any person who undertakes this long trek. You will finish your trek at an elevation of 2300 meters above sea level. The temperature is low on top of the mountain, so prepare your journey with the necessary things that you need when it is cold.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE RATHNAPURA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Saman Devala temple
  2. Bopath Ella Waterfalls
  3. Rainforest
  4. Gem Museum
  5. Gem Mines
  6. Warnagala Forest

Transportation: Rathnapura lies 113km eastward from Colombo. The travel time from Colombo to Ratnapura will be around 2–3 hours, depending on the mode of transport. If you travel by private taxi, it will take around 2 hours, and with the public bus, it will be around 3 hours.

Things to do: Exploring the fascinating mountains, patches of forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls are the most popular activities to do in Ratnapura. The rugged terrain with green-capped mountains and rain forests of Ratnapura offers a large number of places that are suitable for trekking, hiking, rainforest exploration, bird watching, mountain climbing, water rafting and many other adrenaline-pumping activities.

sinhara one day 2
Sinharaja rainforest’s day tour starts from Colombo and other major tourist hotels on the West Coast. The travellers will be able to trek through the virgin rainforest of Sinharaja and encounter thousands of tropical trees, plants, veins, and orchids. Sinharaja harbours many hundred bird species too. You will get a guided walking tour of the forest with our nature guide, who explains to you the unique environment of the forest. The trip includes entire ground transportation, all entrance fees, a live guide, and taxes.

8. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

The travellers do not need to go far from Colombo to find a fascinating landscape, decorated with evergreen rainforests and some trekking sites with a green canopy. Sinharaja rain forest fulfils all conditions elaborated in the previous paragraph and Sinharaja rain forest offers many dozens of different trekking conditions. The rain forest resides on the border of Sabaragamuwa and the western province, giving easy access to travellers from all major tourist resorts on the west coast, south coast and Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Sinharaja Rainforest is warm and greener, but it offers great trekking routes in a magical setting where isolated mountains, huge boulders, waterfalls, and streams mix with the evergreen rainforest. The buffer zone of the rain forest is equally beautiful, with considerable forest cover mixed with the fertile valley of rubber, tea, coconut, pepper, and many varieties of spices and remote small hamlets.

The terrain may vary depending on the route chosen; however, if you wish to take a Sinharaja rainforest tour, it is highly recommended to start the trek from the Weddagala entrance, which is also the most popular route. This trekking makes for gentle trekking, but it still offers some challenges and plenty of rewards.

PLACES TO VISIT IN SINHARAJA ON DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO?

  1. Saman Devala temple
  2. Bopath Ella Waterfalls
  3. Sinharaja rain forest
  4. Gem Museum
  5. Gem Mines

Traveling on a one day trip to Sinharaja: Sinharaja Rainforest is tucked about 160 km away from Colombo. It is easy to reach from Colombo and it is just a 2-hour journey in a private vehicle. However, if you stick to public transport like buses, you may have to spend 4-5 hours on the road. Rail transport is not available on this one-day tour from Colombo.

Things to do on the day trip: explore one of the oldest rain forests in the world; at the same time, Sinharaja Rainforest is a biodiversity hot spot on a global level. Sinharaja also offers opportunities for bird lovers and the rainforest harbours hundreds of avian fauna species and dozens of endemic bird species.

9. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

The iconic historical monument Sigiriya rock fortress is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. perhaps Sigiriya is the most popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is tucked away in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, about 170 km from Colombo. Most tour operators like Seerendipity Tours offer one day trip to Sigiriya from Colombo. However, this trip starts early from Colombo (around 05.00). This fascinating one-day trip not only includes Sigiriya rock Fort but also many other interesting places such as Dambulla golden temple, Monneriya Safari and Pidurangala Temple. Unlike most other day trip, this one-day trip to Sigiriya is packed with many interesting places, therefore, it has become a very popular activity among travellers, especially among foreign travellers.

PLACES TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP TO SIGIRIYA FROM COLOMBO

The places to visit on a day trip to Sigiriya from Colombo are endless. However, you may be able to visit only a few of them due to the time restriction. Here is a list of places that you can visit on a day trip to Sigiriya from Colombo.

  • Pinnawala Elephant orphanage
  • Dambulla golden temple
  • Sigiriya rock fortress
  • Dambulla Megalithic tomb
  • Minneriya national park
  • Pidurangala ancient temple
  • Spice/Herbal garden
  • Habarana village

10. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> BENTOTA BEACH

Bentota is a coastal town in the western province of Sri Lanka. A beach holiday is an integral part of every trip to Sri Lanka and rarely does a guest miss the palm-fringed beaches during their Sri Lanka trip. Bentota Beach is the most popular beach in Sri Lanka and the majority of beach holiday lovers choose Bentota Beach as their destination for beach holidays. Bentota is not only ideal for beach stays; it also offers many interesting activities for travelers, such as watersports, boat tours, and visiting national parks and historical monuments.

PLACES TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP TO BENTOTA FROM COLOMBO

  • Sea turtle conservation project
  • Spice/Herbal garden
  • Bentota river
  • Kande vihara ancient Buddhist temple
  • Mask Museum
  • Moonstone mine

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR COLOMBO DAY TRIPS

  1. Start Early: Beat the traffic and make the most of your day.
  2. Transportation: Hire a driver or join a tour for comfort and convenience.
  3. Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and any specific items needed for your chosen destination.
  4. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  5. Stay Flexible: Traffic can be unpredictable, so allow some buffer time.
  6. Learn Basic Phrases: A few words in Sinhala or Tamil can go a long way!

WHEN IS TEH EBST TIME FOR A COLOMBO DAY TRIP?

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, but the best time for day trips depends on your chosen destinations:

  • December to April: Ideal for south and west coast trips (Galle, Bentota, Mirissa)
  • May to September: Better for cultural triangle visits (Sigiriya, Kandy)
  • Year-round: Hill country (Nuwara Eliya) and nearby spots (Negombo, Pinnawala)

Conclusion: Your Sri Lankan Adventure Awaits!

There you have it, folks – 10 incredible day trips from Colombo that showcase the diversity and beauty of Sri Lanka. Whether you’re into history, nature, adventure, or just want to relax on a beautiful beach, there’s something for everyone just a few hours from the capital.

Remember, while these trips are doable in a day, don’t rush! Take time to soak in the experiences, chat with locals, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Sri Lanka’s magic lies not just in its destinations, but in the journey itself.

So, which trip are you going to tackle first? Pack your day bag, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful island nation. The wonders of Sri Lanka are waiting just outside Colombo’s doorstep!

WHY BOOK YOUR ONE-DAY COLOMBO TRIP WITH SEERENDIPITY?

Serendipity Tour is an entirely locally owned travel company with a head office in Colombo. The highly experienced local staff is a key strength of Serendipity Tours, and they can plan your dream holiday to Sri Lanka.

The best price guaranteed for your Sri Lanka trip

When you book a tour with Serendipity Tours, you directly book the tour with the local company, which means there are no middlemen and therefore you can guarantee the best price. Simply get in touch with us and let us know when you travel and what you like to see.

Plan your best Sri Lanka trip with-expert

Our staff makes a personalised program for you, which you can change until you find the best Sri Lanka trip package for you. Visit www.sirilaktours.com to browse our existing tour packages, which you can customise to meet all your expectations. Write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, tel. 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977.

Please support us

We have put a lot of time and effort into compiling this blog post. Please be kind enough to leave your very own comments.

21 thoughts on “10 BEST ONE DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO AND 10 EASY DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO”

  1. It seems a lot of people have enjoyed your article on Sri Lanka one day trip places. So, I thought I should also leave some comments. Very nice article and full of information. Thanks.

    Reply

  2. We undertook a Sri Lanka trip few years back with our kids. We had the opportunity to visit many places that you mentioned in the article about “ONE DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO: EASY DRIVE TO 8 PLACES FROM COLOMBO”. All the places that we visited were very impressive tourist places.

    Reply

  3. We like surfing and diving. Can you recommend us few places for one day tour for diving/snorkeling from our hotel in Colombo? We stay in Colombo for another 5 days

    Reply

  5. Wonderful article. We will be heading to Sri Lanka for 2 weeks tour in the near future. The article gave us a good idea about planning a few Sri Lanka one-day trips from our beach hotel.

    Reply

  6. Wonderful piece of information, great work. We will be traveling to Sri Lanka in October and your article “one day Trips places Sri Lanka”, gave us a good idea of how to plan activities for our upcoming Sri Lanka.

    Reply

  7. Nice article and we are ready to take couple this day trips from Colombo, but how? we are stranded at home due to COVID-19 restrictions.

    Reply

  8. What is better, doing a trip around the island while exploring different parts of the country along the way or stay in Colombo and plan few one day trips from the hotel in Colombo.

    Reply

    1. HI Allan

      Thanks for the comment. My recommendation is to plan a tour, so-called Sri Lanka round tours. It allows you to cover more ground within a short period of time. With day tours from Colombo, you spend a lot of time travelling, a lot more time than you required on a round tour.

      Reply

  10. We booked Sinharaja day trip from Colombo on our 2nd day of Sri Lanka tour. Never been to such a fantastic forest. It was an amazing experience.

    Reply

  11. I travelled to Kandy last month on a day trip from our beach hotel (Bentota). But it was very tiring, I feel Kandy is a bit far for day trip from Colombo. Infact there are many places to visit on the way, therefore it is best make a 2 days trip to Kandy from Colombo.

    Reply

    1. Dear Ms Belinda
      I agree with you. It is better if you can visit Kandy on a 2-day trip rather than on a day trip. However, Kandy day trip is available from Colombo and you should start the trip early morning (05.00) if you start the trip before the traffic build-up, you can save a lot of time travelling.

      Reply

  12. We are still planning our trip to Colombo in the next year. This post is very useful. very nicely done.

    Reply

  13. After reading this article we decided to take the day trip to Mirissa from Colombo. It was a nice excursion with a lot to see. The whale watching trip was the best.

    Reply

  14. The article suggests a couple of good places for a Day trip from Colombo. Nice article for a traveller to arrange few intersting trips in Sri Lanka

    Reply

  16. The article makes the clear picture on Sri Lanka day trip from Colombo. The suggested day trips are very easy to do and we have done some of them already.

    Reply

  17. We did not book any of the day trips from Colombo suggested in this article. but, the article led us to find a fantastic Sri Lanka trip organizer. Thanks.

    Reply

  18. The article makes a clear picture about Sri Lanka day trips from Colombo, it is not only suggesting a few best trips to do in Sri Lanka but also give all essential information that travellers should know about.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *