What Are the Things to See and Do on a Layover in Colombo Airport and Mattala, Sri Lanka?

Why spend your transit in Colombo airport stuck in the duty-free area or food court when you have the opportunity to explore Colombo’s top attractions? Choose your best package from Colombo Airport, depending on the duration of your transit. Walk through the Sri Lankan historical monuments, take a wildlife tour to see wild elephants and leopards, relax on the palm-fringed pristine beaches, taste a platter of seafood, and rejuvenate body and mind with an Ayurveda massage. Your hassle-free tour from Colombo Airport includes everything from arrival to departure. You can even make a custom Colombo itinerary based on the things that interest you. Visit the Gangarama temple in Colombo, eat traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, stroll through wide sandy beaches, and more. Regardless of your decision, your private guide is with you every step of the way to ensure an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Table of Contents

• Why do you love these layover tours from Colombo airport?
• Before You Leave the Airport
• What are the things to see and do on a layover at Colombo airport, Sri Lanka?
  • 1. Colombo city tour: duration: 4-6 hours
  • 2. Negombo city tour and beach tour: duration: 4 hours
  • 3. Daycation: 5 hours
  • 4. Ayurveda treatment: 3 hours
  • 5. Bentota tour: Duration: 8 hours
  • 6. Southern Sri Lanka tour: Duration: 8 hours
  • 7. Day trip to Kitulgala: Duration: 10 hours
• What are the popular cities with tourist attractions near Colombo airport?
  • Negombo
  • Colombo
  • Bentota
  • Mt.Lavinia
• What are the popular activities that can be done from Colombo airport?
• Layover In Colombo, Sri Lanka, And Mattala, Sri Lanka
• I have a layover of 8, 10, 12, or 15 hours. What can I do?
• Useful reading
• Cultural and Historical Sites in Colombo
• Colombo Shopping and Local Markets
• Culinary Delights
• Green Spaces
• How much time do I have for my activities in Colombo?

Why do you love these layover tours from Colombo airport?

• Pre-planned private tours for a personalised experience of many interesting places in Colombo and other cities.
• properly crafted itineraries for travelers with limited time.
• Airport pickup and drop-off are included.
• Meeting at the arrival lounge will save you the hassle of finding a meeting point.
• We will drop you off at the Colombo airport 3 hours before the connecting flight.
• There is no waiting time at the airport, regardless of the arrival and departure times.
• Benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide.
• Flexible starting times can be adjusted to your arrival time.

Why spend your Colombo layover stuck in the airport duty-free area or food court when you have the opportunity to explore Colombo’s top attractions? Choose your best package depending on your availability. Walk through the Sri Lankan historical monuments in the cultural triangle, take a wildlife tour to see wild elephants and leopards, relax on the palm-fringed pristine beaches, taste a platter of seafood, and rejuvenate your body and mind with an Ayurveda massage. Your hassle-free tour includes everything from arrival to departure. You can even make a custom itinerary based on the things that interest you. Regardless of your decision, your private guide is with you every step of the way to ensure an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Before You Leave the Airport

First things first, let’s talk logistics. Bandaranaike International Airport, the main gateway to Sri Lanka, is located about 35 kilometers north of Colombo. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Visa Requirements: Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply online before your trip through the official ETA website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
2. Luggage Storage: The airport offers luggage storage facilities, so you don’t have to lug your bags around the city. It’s located on the ground floor of the arrival terminal.
3. Transportation: You have several options to get to the city:
   • Airport Taxi: The most convenient but priciest option
   • Airport Bus: Cheaper but takes longer
   • Train: The most budget-friendly option, but schedules can be unreliable

Pro Tip: Consider hiring a driver for the day. It’s more expensive, but it’ll save you time and stress, especially if you’re not familiar with the city.

What are the things to see and do on a layover at Colombo airport, Sri Lanka?

1. Colombo city tour: duration: 4-6 hours

2. Negombo city tour and beach tour: duration: 4 hours

3. Daycation: 5 hours

4. Ayurveda treatment: 3 hours

5. Bentota tour: Duration: 8 hours

6. Southern Sri Lanka tour: Duration: 8 hours

7. Day trip to Kitulgala: Duration: 10 hours

What are the popular cities with tourist attractions near Colombo airport?

The cities that provide east access to tourists who land at the airport in Colombo are:

Negombo

Colombo

Bentota

Mt.Lavinia

What are the popular activities that can be done from Colombo airport?

• Colombo city tour
• Negombo city tour
• Ayurveda spa
• Visiting west coast and south coast beach
• Sampling delicious Sri Lankan food
• Visiting ancient monuments and temples

Layover In Colombo, Sri Lanka, And Mattala, Sri Lanka

Bandaranayake international airport, Mattala international airport, and Colombo international harbour are the three main gateways to Sri Lanka. We get emails from our readers very often with questions like “What are the things to do at Colombo airport?”, “What are the things to do on an 8-hour layover in Colombo, Sri Lanka?” and “What are the places to visit at Colombo airport?”. Due to the increasing inquiries for things to do at Colombo airport, I thought of crafting this blog post and hope it will serve a large number of travellers in the future. Sri Lanka is a popular transit hub in southern Asia, and a large number of travellers visit Sri Lanka on their transit.

The layover in Colombo and Mattala offers you many affordable cultural experiences that act as escape routes from the overpriced tedium of standard airport and port venues. Colombo International Airport is the main airport on the island, and it handles more than 90 percent of inbound and outbound flights.

After a long, tedious flight, the descent into a new city can awaken the senses. The gradually magnifying aerial view dissolves into bright lights, signifying vibrant life that can be felt even from your vantage point in the sky. If Colombo, Sri Lanka, is not the wondrous new place you are heading to, thoughts of exploring this fascinating destination are likely to be stunted because you will not feel like being in Sri Lanka since you are still on a layover. Like in any other airport or port in the world, the chain stores are bored with unnecessary offerings, the costly restaurants with daily menus you encounter everywhere, and the intolerable waiting areas make it impossible to settle into even a few minutes of napping.

How to find an escape route from the overpriced tedium of Sri Lankan airports and the harbour is definitely a worthy mission, though, and there are many places to explore on your layover in Colombo or Mattala. A layover on Colombo’s west coast or Mattala on the southern coast offers many cultural, wildlife, and beach holiday experiences at reasonable prices.

I have a layover of 8, 10, 12, or 15 hours. What can I do?

The transit time for most travelers in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is around 8 hours. But there are many other travelers who should wait more than 8 hours until their connecting flight. For travelers who stay at the Colombo airport longer than 10, 12, or 15 hours or more, we have planned a few other programs. Depending on the interests of the travelers, they can choose many places to visit on their transit tour in Colombo. The travelers can engage in wildlife tours, relax on leisurely beach holidays, visit Sri Lanka’s hill country, or explore cultural and historical monuments. If you’re wondering how to plan a trip during your transit to Colombo airport, please contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com. WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977. We are helping you plan your activities in Colombo, and we don’t charge anything for doing so.

Useful reading

• Finding A Favorite Hawker Stall In Colombo
• Why is 2020 the Year To Visit Colombo?
• Easy Colombo breaks
• 2 Nights, 3 Days Package Colombo
• One day in Colombo
• 17 Best Places to See in Colombo, Bentota Package Tour
• Where should I stay in Colombo for one night?
• The 7 Best Colombo Excursions
• One-day trips from Colombo

Cultural and Historical Sites in Colombo

1. Gangaramaya Temple This beautiful Buddhist temple is a must-visit. It’s a unique blend of modern architecture and cultural essence. Don’t miss the museum within the temple complex, which houses a collection of artifacts.
2. National Museum If you’re a history buff, the National Museum is worth a visit. It houses an extensive collection of Sri Lankan art, carvings, and statues.
3. Independence Memorial Hall This national monument commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. The architecture is impressive, and the surrounding park is perfect for a quick stroll.

Colombo Shopping and Local Markets

1. Pettah Market For a true local experience, head to Pettah Market. It’s a maze of streets filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to electronics. It’s chaotic but charming!
2. Barefoot If you’re looking for high-quality, ethically-produced souvenirs, Barefoot is the place to go. They offer a range of handloom textiles, homeware, and clothing.

Culinary Delights

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without trying the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

1. Rice and Curry: The staple Sri Lankan meal
2. Kottu Roti: A popular street food made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat
3. String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodles often served for breakfast
4. Ceylon Tea: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, so don’t miss out!

Green Spaces

If you need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, Colombo has some lovely parks:

1. Viharamahadevi Park: The city’s largest park, perfect for a leisurely walk
2. Galle Face Green: A long stretch of lawn facing the ocean, ideal for people-watching and enjoying sea breeze

How much time do I have for my activities in Colombo?

How much time can I dedicate to the activity at the Colombo airport? This is a very important question before planning any activity for your layover in Colombo. You should be back at the airport well in advance of your departure flight. We at Seerendipity are seriously considering your arrival and departure flight timing, and we carefully plan your trip so that you can enjoy the activity without any fear of getting late for your departure flight.

Usually, it takes between 30 minutes and an hour for a passenger to come to the arrival lounge after landing at the airport. At the same time, we advise the passengers to be at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before the flight. For example, suppose that your arrival flight is at 06.00 and your departure flight is at 18.00. Since you arrive at the Colombo airport at 6:00 a.m., you will go to the arrival lounge (after checking out and finishing all the formalities) and meet your guide at around 7:00 a.m. On your return flight, you should be at the departure lounge at least 2 hours before the flight, which means you should be at the airport for at least 16.00 hours. In this case, you can dedicate about 9 hours to your activity at the Colombo airport

What time should I start my Colombo trip?

The trip’s start time is flexible, and you can just be on par with your flight details. We recommend that you start the trip early in the morning; this way, you can guarantee the availability of maximum time for your trip in Sri Lanka. However, if you arrive late in the evening, I don’t think that it is a good idea to spend your time and money on a sightseeing tour because you will see very little before it is dark.

What are the 7 most popular things to do at Colombo Airport?

If you are on a layover at Colombo airport, there are many activities that you can think of, such as wildlife tours, cultural tours, beach vacations, visiting historical monuments, shopping, etc. However, the Colombo city tour is the most popular among the things to do in Colombo. It is primarily due to the airport’s easy access to the city. We are primarily promoting the activities listed below for your layover at Colombo airport, emphasizing the importance of strictly adhering to the program’s time allocation. You can complete all the activities listed below within the allotted time. Seerendipity Tours provides private transportation on your tour, using luxury modern vehicles. You can expect a very enjoyable and risk-free short trip because you have a knowledgeable local guide guiding you.

1. 1. Colombo city tour

1. 1. Negombo city tour and beach tour

1. 1. Daycation

1. 1. Ayurveda treatment

1. 1. Bentota tour

1. 1. Southern Sri Lanka tour

1. 1. Day trip to Kitulgala

Colombo Airport to Colombo City

By far, a Colombo city tour from Colombo airport is the most popular activity among travelers arriving in Colombo for transit or a layover. The distance from Colombo airport to Colombo city is just 35 km, and it takes around 40 minutes to drive to Colombo city from the airport if you use the Colombo-Katunyake motorway. However, if you use the normal road, it might take up to one and a half hours. We use the express way on all trips from Colombo airport to Colombo city, which saves time for our customers.

1. Layover in Colombo airport: Colombo airport to Colombo city

If you have a layover in Colombo at the island’s biggest international airport, you’re well on your way to a very enjoyable layover trip in Sri Lanka. The airport iThe airport lies 35 kilometers away from Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. city has a very colorful history and is a cultural melting pot with a large number of ethnic and religious groups. Colombo offers many interesting places for visitors, making it one of the best places for Sri Lankan day trips. Many dozens of temples, churches, forts, and other ancient structures are ready to make the first impression of Sri Lanka’s rich historical past.

By far, the Colombo city tour is the most popular activity among travelers who visit Sri Lanka in transit. More than 90 percent of transit passengers in Colombo are asking for Colombo city tours, while only a few travelers like to spend time on the beach or engage in other activities. With the opening of the Colombo-Katunyake highway (33 km), it has become very easy to travel to Colombo city from the airport in less than 30 minutes.

On your Colombo city tour, you can visit Gangarama temple, eat traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, stroll through wide sandy beaches, and more. With so much to see and do in Colombo, you should not waste your precious time visiting sights that don’t interest you. Explore Sri Lanka’s buzzing city of Colombo at your own pace with your private driver or guide. You can even craft your own Colombo city tour itinerary to suit your tastes. Most importantly, you’ll avoid the crush of Sri Lanka’s public transport by traveling in a private vehicle.

Dining in Colombo

Colombo is not short of dining experiences, which also include many food courts. Drop into a good court, which offers a large collection of restaurants serving local and international menus. The food courts not only offer a wide range of food varieties but also allow customers to buy food at a very reasonable price. Every shopping complex in Colombo has a food court, and these food courts are located either on the ground floor or in the basement. There are dozens of food outlets in the food courts that offer a variety of items. The customers need to choose the best menu and pay at the food outlet to get it cooked. The stalls serve tasty Sri Lankan dishes, halal food, Indian food, Chinese food, Mongolian food, pizza, salad, soup, and many other delicious food items.

Colombo port city

The Colombo city tour includes a visit to the newly constructed port city. The port city’s artificial beach offers many interesting activities, including swimming, boating, horseback riding and many more. 

Are you trying to find the ideal vacation spot to relish a wonderful combination of sun, sand, and exciting activities? You only need to look at Port City, Colombo’s artificial beach. There are many leisure activities available at this stunning beach resort to suit all age groups. Everybody may find something unique at this beach, from sun worshippers and leisurely strollers to water sports fanatics. Let’s explore what fascinating possibilities this enthralling beach paradise has to offer.

An adrenaline junkie would find paradise at Artificial Beach. Take in the glistening, clean waters and discover an exciting world of water sports. There are enough choices to keep you occupied, whether you are a newbie or an expert swimmer.

Hulftsdorp food street

Hulftsdorp Food Street is one of the best places to sample delicious Sri Lankan food varieties. If you arrive at Colombo airport in the afternoon or evening, we will take you to Hulftsdorp Food Street because the food vendors are only in action in the evening. Travelers can buy dozens of delicious hot food varieties from a myriad of food carts, small colorful grills, and rotisseries with smoking meats. Then, you can buy rice and curry, deep-fried fish, meat, barbecue meat items, naan, roti, wadey, and a lot more varieties of food. Along with the sounds of men and the sizzling of pans, the aroma of meat permeates the street.

What are the places to visit on the Colombo city tour?

• • Pettah Market

• • Gangarama temple

• • National Museum

• • Gall face green

• • BMICH

• • Independence Memorial Hall

• • Viharamahadevi park

• • Galle Face Green

• • Cinnamon Garden/Colombo 7

• • Hindu temple, Companna Vidiya

• • Hulftsdorp food street (only in the afternoon city tour)

• • Colombo port city

What is the duration of the Colombo city tour?

The duration of the Colombo city tour from the airport is 6–8 hours. Your interest and the amount of time you spend at each stop primarily determine the duration of the city tour.

What is the cost of the Colombo city tour from the airport?

US$ 75.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 120.00 based on a single person. If you have more than two people, you are able to get attractive discounts.

What includes the Colombo city tour?

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Below are the listed sites and activities.
    • Old Parliament
    • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
    • Viharamahadevi park
    • Gangarama Buddhist temple
    • Simamalaka
    • Hindu Temple
    • Town Hall.
    • Devatagaha mosque (Red mosque)
    • Pettah area
    • Galle Face Green
    • Cinnamon garden
    • Colombo Museum

• • Beira lake
    • • Colombo Shopping at Odel, House of Fashion, and Handicraft

How do I book a Colombo city tour?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

2. Convert your layover in Colombo to a Relaxing beach stay: Negombo city tour and beach tour

Negombo is a popular beach resort with palm-fringed, sandy beaches. Negombo Beach is just 20 minutes from the Colombo airport, making it an ideal place to visit on your layover in Colombo. This is a perfect opportunity to convert your layover in Colombo into a short beach vacation in Sri Lanka. If your layover in Colombo takes place during the night, you might be looking for a place to get sound sleep and a healthy dinner. Seerendipity tours provide special packages for guests who only need accommodation for the night. The package also includes breakfast, and dinner is optional. The price of the package is most important because they charge only half of the daily room rate if you stay only one night in the hotel.

Negombo Beach is located very close to the Colombo International Airport; therefore, travelers can reach it within 20 minutes. Negombo, like most other Sri Lankan beach resorts, is one of the best beaches for short vacations. Negombo is a beach holiday destination for leisure travelers, as well as a fishing village with a large population actively involved in the fishing industry. Negombo offers many interesting activities for its visitors, such as boating in the Negombo lagoon to see birds, crocodiles, and mangroves; visiting Buddhists and the Hund temple; visiting the fishing village and fish market; sampling delicious seafood; shopping; and enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.

What are the places to visit on the Colombo layover trip to Negombo?

• • Negombo fish market

• • Hindu and Buddhist temples

• • Negombo lagoon

• • Downtown Negombo

• • Negombo beach

How much time do I need for the Negombo city tour?

The duration of the Negombo city tour from the airport is 5-7 hours.

What is the cost of the Negombo city tour from the airport?

US$ 45.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 75.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Negombo city tour?

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Below are listed sites and activities.
    • • Hindu Temple
    • • Buddhist temple
    • • Catholic Church
    • • Negombo Fish Market Guided Walking Tour
    • • Negombo beach and leisure
    • • Negombo market walking tour

How do I book a Negombo city tour on the transit in Colombo?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

3. Daycation on transit in Colombo airport

If your layover takes place during the day, you can also convert it to a daycation on the beach. This includes meals, changing rooms, and all other basic facilities at a beach resort located a few minutes away from the airport. Seerendipity tours offer special rates for daycation packages from the airport, and they cost a fraction of the money you pay for the day tour in Negombo.

How much time do I need for the day trip?

The duration depends on the availability of time. The maximum duration of the day is 8 hours.

What is the cost of the day trip?

US$ 75.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 100.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Daycation?

• • An air-conditioned room in a standard hotel

• • 1 meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Entrance and activity costs are below.
    • • Buddhist temple
    • • Catholic Church
    • • Negombo Fish Market
    • • Negombo beach and leisure
    • • Negombo market walking tour

How do I book a daycation on my transit to Colombo airport?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

4. Things to do on a Colombo layover: Ayurveda spa

If your layover in Colombo is less than 8 hours and you might be a bit short of the Colombo city tour, then we would like to invite you to pamper yourself in an Ayurveda spa and an authentic herbal massage, which are just 20 minutes away from Colombo international airport.

This inviting gem is located in the popular Negombo beach resort, which means you can spend as much time as you need exploring one of the most beautiful beach resorts on the island.

Venturing into a Sri Lankan Ayurveda massage is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your mind and body and prepare yourself for the next chapter of your trip. Before your oil massage and sauna, you must disrobe and choose a massage room based on gender segregation. The spa therapy consists of oil massages, dry saunas, and a hot water bath.

The oil massage and hot water loosen your muscles, enhance blood circulation, pump endorphins, put you in a happy mood, and wash away the tensions of being in transit. The spa is open 24 hours a day and offers sleeping rooms on demand for passengers who have long layovers.

• • The Significance Of Sri Lankan Ayurveda Herbal Bath

• • Ayurveda Hotel, Sri Lanka

• • Ayurveda Holiday in Sri Lanka

• • Ayurveda Bentota, Sri Lanka

Do I have enough time for the Ayurveda spa on my transit to Colombo airport?

The duration depends on the availability of time. The minimum amount of time required is 3 hours.

What is the cost of the Ayurveda spa?

US$ 60.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 80.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Negombo city tour?

• • Soft drinks

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Full-body Ayurveda massage (1 and a half hours)

How do I book an Ayurvedic massage?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

5. Trip to Bentota on transit in Colombo airport

A trip to Bentota would be another good option for your transit at Colombo airport. The journey from Colombo airport to Bentot Beach takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the southern motorway. Therefore, Bentota is a convenient destination for your layover at Colombo Airport. Bentota is not only easy to reach but also a very interesting destination for travelers. It offers a wide range of activities for travelers. Boating, swimming, beach hopping, visiting historical monuments, visiting temples, and visiting museums are some of the popular activities in Bentota. A one-day Bentota tour is popular in Colombo and many other places on the west coast. Seerendipity Tours, a local tour operator, organizes this one-day tour daily from Colombo and can customize it to meet your landing and departure times in Sri Lanka.

What are the places to visit on the Colombo layover trip to Bentota?

• • Kande Vihara Ancient Temple

• • Madur river safari

• • Moonstone mines

• • Mask Museum

• • Sea turtle conservation project

• • Spice/Herbal garden

How much time do I need for the trip to Bentota?

The duration of the Bentota trip is a minimum of 8 hours.

What is the cost of the trip to Bentota?

US$ 95.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 130.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Bentota tour?

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Entrance and activity costs are below.
    • • Buddhist temple, Kande Vihara
    • • Sea turtle conservation project
    • • Madu river safari
    • • Bentota Beach Walking Tour
    • • walking tour of a spice and herbal garden

How do I book a Bentota tour on transit at Colombo airport?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

6. Visiting southern Sri Lanka on a layover in Colombo airport

A trip to southern Sri Lanka would be another option for you to consider on your transit to Colombo airport. On this short trip, you will visit many places, and Galle Fort will be the main highlight. Galle City is an interesting and picturesque city that offers many interesting places to explore, such as temples, forts, beaches, mangrove lagoons, museums, shopping areas, turtle conservation projects, and so on. On this short trip, however, you may not be able to see all of the important tourist attractions, but you will be able to visit many important places.

What are the places to visit on the Colombo layover trip to southern Sri Lanka?

• • Galle Fort

• • Maritime Museum

• • Gem museum and handicraft centre

• • Sea turtle conservation centre

• • Wolvendaal church

• • Galle City

• • Bentota River

• • Spice/Herbal garden

How much time do I need for the trip to southern Sri Lanka from the airport?

The duration of the Bentota trip is a minimum of 8 hours.

What is the cost of the trip to southern Sri Lanka from the airport?

US$ 125.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 160.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Bentota tour from the airport?

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Entrance and activity costs are below.
    • • guided walking tour of Galle Fort
    • • Maritime Museum
    • • Gem museum and handicraft centre
    • • Sea turtle conservation centre
    • • Wolvendaal church
    • • Galle City Tour
    • • Bentota River Safari
    • • A walking tour of a spice or herbal garden

How do I book a trip to southern Sri Lanka with Galle?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

7. Layover in Colombo airport: Trip to Kitulgala

If you are a lover of adventure activities, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience some adrenaline-pumping activities in Sri Lanka on your layover at Colombo airport. Colombo airport is about 80 km away from Kitulgala, a journey that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. So if you can dedicate about 10 hours to your trips, you are well on your way to engaging in many interesting activities such as whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, bird watching, swimming, canoeing, etc.

What are the places to visit on the Colombo layover trip to Kitulgala?

• • Kelaniya River for whitewater rafting, swimming, and canoeing

• • Makandawa rainforest

• • Kitulgala Bird watching

How much time do I need for the Colombo layover trip to Kitulgala?

The duration of the Bentota trip is a minimum of 8 hours.

What is the cost of the Colombo layover trip to Kitulgala?

US$ 90.00 per person based on 2 persons and US$ 140.00 based on a single person.

What includes the Bentota tour from the airport?

• • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport

• • Meeting arrangements at the airport

• • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned modern vehicle with an English-speaking driver or guide

• • Entrance and activity costs are below.
    • • Whitewater rafting in Kelaniya
    • • A guided rainforest walking tour of Makandewa forest
    • • Bird watching in the village

How do I book a tour of Kitulgala on transit at Colombo airport?

Contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, Tel: 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp: 0094-77-4440977.

Layover at Colombo Harbour

The Colombo International Harbour receives hundreds of cruises every year. Most cruise ships call on the harbor to change crews, passengers, and fill up storage compartments. Overall, the Colombo layover on the harbor is considerably longer than the stayover at the airport. You can extend the layover at the Colombo harbor to a week-long duration, with a minimum duration of 24 hours.

If you have a layover based on Colombo harbor, you get dozens of optional activities, such as exploring Colombo city and taking a walking tour, visiting historical monuments, shopping in Colombo, visiting casinos, playing golf, fine dining, and visiting Colombo beach.

Colombo harbour is just 5 minutes from your cruise ship, so you do not need to waste much time travelling. The Colombo Port’s location allows you to spend your time sensibly while immersing yourself in various Sri Lankan experiences. kkk If you have an 8-hour layover in Colombo or longer, then you can head on to one of the finest beaches in the country on the southern and west coasts, where watersports, boating, snorkelling, diving, dining experiences, and interesting monuments await the visitors.

If you are not in the mood to do much and travel 1 hour to visit the west coast, take a Colombo city tour with a walking tour and explore some of the fascinating places in Colombo, such as Gangarama Temple, Wolvendaal Church, Galle Face Beach, Beira Lake, the Dutch Hospital, an independent memorial hall, and a museum.

Buddhist temples are on everyone’s bucket list when travelling through Colombo. Gangarama Temple is the most popular Buddhist temple in Colombo, as well as one of the city’s most historical temples. The people have been visiting the temples since the late 19th century and have been worshipping the temple’s statue of the Buddha for more than a century. The Gangarama Museum is the most attractive of the temple’s museums, which house hundreds of thousands of valuable artefacts.

Suppose you have less than 3 hours. There are good shopping options in Pettah, near the harbour. Head to the passenger deck and take a taxi to Pettah, where hundreds of shops line up along the narrow streets, selling textile gems and jewellery, leather products, Ayurveda medicines, and many other items.

Places to visit on a stopover in Mattala, Sri Lanka

• • Yala National Park

• • Hambantota beach

• • Rekawa turtle beach

• • Yatalatissa temple

• • Kataragama temple

The Mattala international airport is ready to welcome visitors. During its rule from 2015 to 2019, the government neglected the recently constructed Mattala international airport. Over the last several years, the multimillion-dollar project had not generated a significant amount of money for the island. However, the newly elected government (2019) had opted to use the Mattala international airport as one of the main airports on the island. Many leading airlines, such as Emirates and Sri Lankan Airlines, have given their consent to fly to Mattala airport. If you are flying to Sri Lanka in the future, there is a good chance that you will be landing in Mattala.

Mattala International Airport is located in Sri Lanka’s deep south, which is one of the country’s most scenic regions. Most Sri Lanka trips include visits to Southern Sri Lanka, home to a multitude of interesting tourist destinations. Among the interesting places are historical temples, national parks, Buddhist temples, and palm-fringed, pristine beaches.

Yala National Park is just a few minutes away from the airport and is one of the best places for wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka. In fact, Yala National Park is the best wildlife reserve to spot leopards in the world.

Yala National Park, Kataragama Temple, Rekawa Turtle Beach, Hambantota Beach, Kirinda Temple, and Yatalatissa Temple are some of the top tourist attractions you can visit during your layover. It is advisable to take a layover tour from Mattala International Airport because it does not offer many possibilities for in-house dining and shopping. Visitors to southern Sri Lanka must visit the Kataragama temple, which is the most sacred and most visited temple in the country. Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims all visit this revered temple.

Practical Tips for Your Layover

1. Time Management: Be realistic about how much you can see. Factor in travel time to and from the airport, which can take up to an hour each way depending on traffic.
2. Weather: Colombo is hot and humid year-round. Dress comfortably and stay hydrated.
3. Money: While many places accept credit cards, it’s good to have some local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) for small purchases and taxis.
4. Safety: Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but as with any unfamiliar city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.
5. Return to Airport: Make sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security. Aim to be back at least 2 hours before your connecting flight.

A layover in Colombo gives you just enough time to scratch the surface of this fascinating city. From ancient temples to bustling markets, from colonial architecture to mouthwatering cuisine, Colombo offers a mix of experiences that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Remember, the key to enjoying your layover is to plan ahead but stay flexible. Don’t try to cram too much in – it’s better to truly enjoy a few experiences than to rush through many. And who knows? This taste of Sri Lanka might just inspire you to plan a longer visit in the future!