Greatest Day Excursions From Colombo

Searching for an unforgettable journey whereas visiting Colombo? You’re in luck! Sri Lanka’s capital is greater than only a business hub—it’s the right launchpad for unimaginable day journeys.

From golden seashores to misty mountains and historic temples, Colombo’s environment are stuffed with surprises. And the most effective half? All these superb spots are just some hours away.

Able to discover? Whether or not you crave nature, tradition, or a little bit of each, we’ve rounded up the most effective day excursions from Colombo to make your journey really unforgettable.

Right here’s an summary:

Colombo Metropolis Tour from Colombo

Colombo, recognized for its expansive harbor and advantageous place, has served as a seaport for over two millennia. In 1815, when Sri Lanka was handed over to the British Empire, Colombo was designated because the capital. Regardless of the switch of administrative features to Kotte in 1978, Colombo has continued to take care of its standing because the business capital of Sri Lanka. Following the nation’s independence in 1948, it retained its place because the capital.

Upon reserving a day tour of Colombo, you should have the chance to witness the magnificent sights town has to supply.

Worth: US$38

Included:

• Transport in a cushty A/C car
• English-speaking information
• All taxes and costs

You may be picked up out of your lodge within the morning, occasions shall be confirmed after reserving however block out a full day and night.

Not included:

E-book this Colombo metropolis tour straight with the operator

Listed below are a number of the spots to go to on a Colombo metropolis day tour.

Lotus Tower

The Colombo Lotus Tower, often called “Nelum Kuluna” in Sinhala, is the tallest skyscraper in Sri Lanka. Located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this magnificent tower has change into a famend vacationer vacation spot. Rising to a top of 356 meters, it proudly holds the title of the very best tower in South Asia.

Moreover, it ranks because the eleventh tallest tower in Asia and the nineteenth tallest on this planet. Undoubtedly, the Colombo Lotus Tower is a must-visit attraction for vacationers in Sri Lanka.

The Lotus Tower entices quite a few guests every day. It stays accessible to vacationers each hour of the day all through your complete yr. The tower’s interior areas are adorned to commemorate numerous festive events, together with Pongal, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. In the event you intend to discover Colombo, this tower is a vital sight to behold.

Nationwide Museum of Colombo

The most important museum in Sri Lanka is the Nationwide Museum of Colombo, established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The Division of the Nationwide Museum of the Central Authorities is presently liable for its upkeep. The museum showcases numerous important collections inside its premises, such because the crown and throne of the Kandyan rulers.

The museum occupies a two-story construction, surrounded by a spacious, meticulously maintained, verdant garden shaded by majestic banyan bushes. Upon coming into the museum, guests will encounter a fourth-century Buddha within the foyer, setting the tone for the astonishing collections that await discovery.

Galle Face Inexperienced

Galle Face Inexperienced stays a beloved vacation spot for {couples}, households, and people searching for a leisurely picnic. Regardless of the scorching solar and occasional bothersome crows, one can discover solace on the sandy shores, bask in scrumptious meals, and bask within the picturesque surroundings. Whether or not strolling, lounging, or partaking in kite-flying, the colourful kites hovering above Galle Face Inexperienced throughout the kite season carry delight to people of all generations. Those that enjoy observing others will get pleasure from Galle Face Inexperienced, because it attracts individuals from various cultures, ethnicities, and age teams.

Quite a few stalls lining the seashore can supply meals, drinks, and souvenirs. One of many highlights is the wadey, a beloved fried snack containing prawns offered at inexpensive costs.

The achcharu (pickle) is a pleasant mixture of sweetness and spiciness. It’s advisable to discover the varied choices on the kiosks earlier than making a purchase order. In case of any hygiene worries concerning the stalls, there are close by eating places the place you possibly can get pleasure from a satisfying meal.

Colombo Fort

The Fort district in Colombo is famend for its energetic harbor, the inventory market, and the spectacular World Commerce Centre, the tallest constructing within the nation. This locality additionally boasts a big political and cultural legacy.

Though sure elements of this vibrant space have been affected by the disruptions brought on by the civil warfare, it continues to thrive and supply a variety of experiences, together with culinary delights, historic heritage, vibrant nightlife, and even the thrill of casinos.

Gangarama Temple

Gangaramaya, an historic Buddhist temple in Colombo, was based by the erudite monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera within the latter a part of the nineteenth century.

His principal disciple, Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, overseen the temple and laid the groundwork for elevating it right into a globally acknowledged establishment.

Pettah Floating Market

The Pettah Floating Market stands as a distinguished image of Colombo. In 2014, it was unveiled on the Bastian Mawtha, located on the Beira Lake. As you method from the west aspect, you’ll come throughout a sublime picket entrance adorned with the phrases ‘The Floating Market’.

The floating market consists of pavilions on the distant edge, nestled between the Pettah railway station and the bus station. Roughly 90 commerce stalls, retailers, and distributors adorn the waters, providing quite a lot of fruits, greens, and flowers from their picket boats gently drifting within the lake.

Crimson Mosque

The Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, generally referred to as the Colombo Crimson Mosque, is a outstanding architectural masterpiece that captivates the world. Its distinctive shade schemes, breathtaking design, and vibrant hues are really awe-inspiring. Located within the Pettah district, this historic mosque stands tall with its majestic minarets, overlooking the streets and buildings of the encompassing space.

Up to now, it served as a distinguished landmark for sailors en path to the Colombo port. Whereas each women and men are welcome to go to this mosque, they need to adhere to the suitable gown code and guarantee modesty. This mosque’s extraordinary magnificence is attributed to its distinctive crimson hue, which provides to its attract.

Viharamahadevi Park

The beautiful Viharamahadevi park will be present in Colombo, a bustling and densely populated metropolis. Located close to the Nationwide Museum, this picturesque park stands as one in all Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest parks. Guests can get pleasure from breathtaking dawn or sundown views for a really memorable expertise.

A small zoo and a playground for kids are additionally supplied. Parks are broadly favored by households. {Couples} can unwind and have a picnic within the adjoining park, having fun with a peaceable time collectively.

Moreover, there may be an open stadium that may accommodate various occasions, resembling live shows. Adjoining to the stadium, quite a few meals stalls will be discovered, providing delectable snacks and different pleasant treats.

Colombo Dutch Museum

The Colombo Dutch Museum, an beautiful two-story construction devoted to showcasing the historical past and architectural legacy of Dutch colonialism in Sri Lanka, is a outstanding testomony to the previous. Initially the residence of Thomas Van Rhee, the Dutch governor, this museum holds important historic significance because it was the place a pivotal treaty with the Dutch was signed.

The museum accommodates greater than 3000 artifacts resembling furnishings, cash, and ceramics, showcasing numerous aspects of Dutch tradition. The Colombo Dutch Museum, which has endured for hundreds of years, is open for guests to discover.

Galle Day Tour From Colombo

Discovered on the southwestern extremity of Sri Lanka, Galle lies 119 km (74 mi) distant from Colombo. Galle, appearing because the capital of Galle District and the provincial capital, ranks as the most important metropolis in Sri Lanka and probably the most intensive in Southern Province.

Galle boasts a pure harbor, the Nationwide Maritime Museum, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, established by Jesuit clergymen, as notable landmarks. One other important website is Amangalla, a famend historic luxurious lodge.

Be part of this Galle day tour from Colombo:

Worth: US$40

Included:

• Transport in a cushty A/C car
• English-speaking information
• All taxes and costs

You may be picked up and dropped off at your lodge.

Excluded:

E-book this Galle day tour straight with the operator

Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate to see on at the present time tour to Galle.

Galle Fort

The Galle Fort is among the many 5 notable historic landmarks price exploring in Sri Lanka. Located on the nation’s southern coast, this fort was initially constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently altered by the Dutch.

Immediately, the Galle Fort stands as a outstanding amalgamation of archaeology, structure, and historical past, set amidst a tropical backdrop. Notably, it has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

Residents and guests admire Galle Fort’s historic attraction. The colourful atmosphere inside, that includes cafes, shops, museums, residences, and life-style boutiques, enhances the general Galle Fort expertise. Exploring these sights is well executed by leisurely strolling by way of the charming buildings.

This exercise is complimentary and accessible to everybody. For these with extra time, ascending the partitions surrounding the fort can also be an choice, with numerous staircases resulting in the highest.

Dutch Market

Galle offers many choices past its famend historic fort and vacationer spots. The Outdated Dutch Market in Galle, additionally known as the Inexperienced Market, is a favourite amongst each residents and guests.

Located in Unawatuna, this 300-year-old European-style constructing boasts grand white pillars. Positioned on the western aspect of the city, this outstanding T-shaped construction includes a steeply sloped roof, three cone-shaped towers, and an entrance at its apex. Its open-sided structure is supported by sturdy picket beams and columns.

Dutch Hospital Procuring Advanced

The Galle Dutch hospital, located inside Galle Fort, is a big architectural marvel constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently expanded by the Dutch. This historic website has been reworked right into a fascinating purchasing middle paying homage to the one discovered at Colombo Fort.

The spectacular purchasing middle boasts eight shops on the bottom flooring and ten on the primary flooring. It provides various retailers specializing in gems, jewellery, tea, spices, and antiques.

Moreover, upscale eating places are serving scrumptious meals and drinks. It is a perfect vacation spot to unwind, store for souvenirs, and immerse oneself within the wealthy Sri Lankan tradition.

Galle Fort Mild Home

The Galle Fort Lighthouse, located inside the Galle Fort, is among the many most historic lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Its development dates again to 1848, making it a historic landmark. As a result of its picturesque setting, it has change into a famend vacationer spot inside the Galle Fort.

Nevertheless, guests aren’t allowed to ascend to the highest of the lighthouse for security causes.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda, located a brief distance from Galle, is an distinctive sanctuary that ensures tranquility and serenity for each customer. Constructed in 2005 by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order, this pagoda stands as a robust image of peace on the island.

Ascending Rumassala Hill is a quick journey that results in the awe-inspiring pagoda. When you attain the summit, get pleasure from the breathtaking vistas of the shoreline and the colourful city of Galle.

Bentota Day Tour from Colombo

Bentota is located 64 kilometers south of Colombo, on the Southern Western coast of Sri Lanka. Famend for its beautiful seashores within the Southern-Western and Southern-coastal areas of Sri Lanka, Bentota boasts two essential seashores: Benota and Beruwala.

Beruwala seashore will be discovered earlier than reaching Aluthgama, whereas Bentota Seaside is seen from the Bentota Bridge. Surrounded by a number of the hottest resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota Seaside is residence to a spread of luxurious inns providing wonderful facilities and hospitality to worldwide guests.

Not like different seashores, Bentota is a perfect vacation spot for households searching for a calming trip by the attractive tropical blue waters.

Bentota is a perfect vacation spot for these searching for leisure and purchasing alternatives. The world boasts quite a few retailers and shops close to Bentota Seaside, providing numerous merchandise resembling batiks, conventional masks, and ornaments. Along with purchasing, vacationers are drawn to Bentota for its common turtle-watching actions.

Guests can witness turtles gracefully swimming within the serene waters simply 8km away at Induruwa Seaside. What units Bentota aside is its distinctive distinction as a habitat for five out of the 7 species of marine turtles present in Sri Lanka, together with the Inexperienced Turtle, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead.

What do you see on the Bentota Day Tour?

Watersports in Bentota

Bentota, a well-liked vacation spot in Sri Lanka, is legendary for its stunning seashores and various marine life. It additionally provides mountaintop adventures and quite a lot of water sports activities. The water sports activities in Bentota are famend for catering to all preferences and ability ranges.

Quite a few aquatic actions can be found, resembling water snowboarding, windsurfing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and browsing.

Madu River Boat Safari

Madu Ganga, located in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, is the second-largest wetland space within the nation. Spanning throughout 150 acres, this river is famend for its ample biodiversity. Inside its waters, you could find 14 several types of mangroves, that are a part of the 24 mangrove species present in Sri Lanka. Madu Ganga is among the area’s few remaining mangrove forests. It provides a novel alternative to witness conventional fishing strategies and prawn farming practices.

Furthermore, this outstanding ecosystem is residence to round 300 plant species and roughly 250 wildlife species. Consequently, it serves as a really perfect vacation spot for ecologists and botanists to discover and research.

Guests can guide boat rides and bird-watching journeys. The Madu River Safari, situated on the mouth of the Madu River in Balapitiya, is led by native fishermen and skilled guides. The safari sometimes lasts 1 to 2 hours and permits guests to discover huge sections of the wetland.

The boat journey navigates by way of thick mangrove forests, providing sanctuary to numerous aquatic creatures, animals, and crops. Alongside the way in which, company might catch sight of untamed boars, water snakes, tree snakes, and even crocodiles.

Sea Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda

The straightforward pleasures in life really carry pleasure, don’t you suppose? This philosophy is exemplified on the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, the place the welfare of those tiny creatures is of the utmost significance even earlier than they hatch.

Kosgoda is among the many few hatcheries within the nation the place all 5 species come to put their eggs. These species embody the Olive Ridleys (Leatherbacks), Inexperienced Turtles, Loggerheads, Hawksbills, and Loggerheads. Ask the employees if releasing just a few of those fragile creatures into the ocean when you are visiting is permissible.

Because the waves crash upon them, they’ll gracefully flutter their wings in response. Subsequently, they’ll soar again to their dwellings, and the ocean’s vastness will fill your coronary heart with immense delight.

Kandy Day Tour from Colombo

Kandy, located within the Central Province of Sri Lanka, holds nice historic significance because it was as soon as the capital of the traditional Sri Lankan kings. Nestled amidst the hills of the Kandy plateau, this metropolis provides breathtaking views of huge tea plantations. Serving as the executive and spiritual hub of the Central Province, Kandy is famend for housing the Temple of the Tooth Relic, often called Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is taken into account one of many holiest Buddhist websites.

Recognizing its cultural and historic significance, UNESCO designated Kandy as a world heritage website in 1988. Moreover, the Temple of the Tooth Relic bears testomony to the resilience of native Buddhist rulers who valiantly resisted colonial expansions and occupations by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese.

Kandy is round 150km from Colombo, so doesn’t make an awesome day journey expertise, however if in case you have time whereas in Sri Lanka, we extremely suggest visiting Kandy.

Visiting Kandy? E-book at the present time tour to expertise the most effective of town.

Right here’s what to anticipate on a day tour within the metropolis:

Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Sri Dalada Maligawa, generally referred to as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Positioned inside the premises of the previous Kingdom of Kandy’s royal palace advanced, this edifice is residence to the revered relic of Buddha’s tooth. All through historical past, this relic has performed a big position in native politics, with the idea that whoever possesses it wields the authority to control the nation. Traditionally, Sinhalese monarchs safeguarded the relic.

The Temple of the Tooth has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website as a result of temple and its related relic. Visitors are kindly requested by the temple to take away their hats and sneakers.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Backyard

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya is located roughly 5.5km to the west of Kandy within the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Positioned near the Mahaweli River, which is Sri Lanka’s longest river, it’s famend for its intensive orchid assortment comprising over 4000 species, together with medicinal and tropical crops. Moreover, it homes the “Nationwide Herbarium of Sri Lanka”.

Encompassing an space of 147 acres (0.59km2) and located at an elevation of 460m above sea degree, the backyard experiences 200 days of annual rainfall. The administration of this backyard falls beneath the Division of Nationwide Botanic Gardens of the Division of Nationwide Botanic Gardens.

Bahirawakande Temple

The Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple, located atop Bahirawakanda hill, is a widely known attraction amongst vacationers. Its distinguished characteristic is the colossal Buddha statue, seen from each nook of Kandy. This statue represents Lord Buddha within the state of Nirvana, symbolizing his preliminary Enlightenment. Erected in 1972, it proudly holds the title of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statue, towering over 25 meters in top.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic lies a mere 2 km from the temple. Guests are kindly requested to take away their hats and sneakers upon coming into the temple premises. As a gesture of devotion, people have the choice to current flowers or oil lamps as choices to the temple. A staircase results in the magnificent Buddha statue, from the place one can ascend additional to witness the breathtaking panoramic view of the encompassing panorama. When darkness falls, Kandy is adorned with numerous shimmering lights, resembling a starry night time sky.

Kandy Cultural Present

The cultural extravaganza often called the Kandyan tradition present is a fascinating stay efficiency showcasing the wealthy traditions of dance and music. This mesmerizing spectacle takes place nightly within the enchanting metropolis of Kandy, nestled within the coronary heart of Sri Lanka. Famend for its cultural significance, the Kandy cultural present is a distinguished attraction that entices vacationers from far and extensive. These fascinating performances, deeply rooted within the Kandyan heritage, are held in various venues situated in shut proximity to the revered Temple of the Tooth.

The efficiency exists as a hazy boundary between delight and anguish. Regardless of the excessive value related to the Kandyan cultural efficiency, it ensures expert artists. These venues are the highest selections for experiencing Kandyan tradition showcases.

UNESCO Heritage website of Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour from Colombo

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, is an impressive Rock Fortress that stands as one of many essential sights in Sri Lanka. The important thing options of this extraordinary advanced embody the Water Gardens, the Frescoes depicting stunning maidens, the Mirror Wall adorned with historic inscriptions, the Lion platform, and the 1.6-hectare Summit, which was as soon as fully coated by buildings throughout Sigiriya’s golden period. Constructed by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a fortress of outstanding magnificence towering 200m above the encompassing jungle.

This rock served because the central stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified metropolis, surrounded by a moat, rampart, and expansive gardens. The famend frescoes (initially 500, with solely 19 surviving at this time) are situated in a sheltered space of the rock, accessible by way of a spiral staircase, and are painted with earth pigments on plaster. The unique stairway to the summit handed by way of the mouth of a lion, however now solely the huge paws stay, hinting on the grandeur of the construction.

On the high, remnants of the sumptuous royal citadel will be discovered, together with meditation caves, viewers platforms, and bathing areas, all contributing to the distinctiveness of this website.

Be part of at the present time tour to Sigiriya from Colombo:

Worth: US$ 76

Included:

• Transport in a cushty A/C car
• English-speaking information
• All taxes and costs

You may be picked up and dropped from out of your lodge.

Excluded:

E-book at the present time tour straight with the operator!

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla, located within the north-central province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Website that dates again to the first century BC. It’s a outstanding advanced consisting of 5 caves, initially used as a sanctuary by an historic king. After reclaiming his throne, the king commissioned the creation of magnificent carved photos on the rock partitions.

Subsequently, different kings made additional enhancements to the positioning. The caves home greater than 150 Buddha photos, with the most important being a colossal determine spanning 15 meters. Moreover, cave inscriptions from the 2nd century BC and quite a few work on the partitions will be discovered, most of which belong to the Kandy interval within the early nineteenth century.

This temple serves as a really perfect location to witness the evolution of historic Sri Lankan artwork and holds nice historic significance as a result of amalgamation of supplies from numerous eras.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Day Tour from Colombo

As its title implies, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is famend for its distinctive method to ex-situ animal care. Its achievements and status haven’t solely unfold inside the nation however have additionally gained world recognition, to the purpose that Pinnawala has change into synonymous with the Sri Lankan Elephant.

This initiative, realized by the late Honorable Minister Kalugalle on February 16, 1975, is presently residence to 93 elephants. Pinnawala was as soon as a secluded space with flourishing coconut plantations and, notably, a spot the place mahouts have been in abundance. Moreover, the close by “Ma oya” river meets the elephants’ important water necessities.

One of many fascinating features of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the milk-feeding of the Child Elephants. The Child Elephants are fed milk 3 times a day, with the primary feeding going down within the morning at 9:15 a.m., adopted by one other feeding at 1:15 p.m. throughout the day, and the ultimate feeding at 5:00 p.m. within the night.

Udawalawe Nationwide Park Half Day Safari Day Journey From Colombo

E-book your wildlife safari on the beautiful Udawalawe Nationwide Park, one in all Sri Lanka’s must-visit locations. Recognized for its unimaginable inhabitants of Asian elephants, Udawalawe provides the most effective likelihood to see these majestic creatures up shut.

It’s the third most well-known nationwide park in Sri Lanka, situated close to Yala Nationwide Park, and was created as a secure haven for wildlife affected by the development of the Udawalawe Reservoir.

Worth: US$175

Included:

• Transport in a cushty A/C car
• English-speaking information
• 4X4 Safari Jeep
• All tax and costs

Excluded:

E-book at the present time tour straight with the operator!

Sinharaja Rain Forest Day Tour

The Sinharaja Rainforest day tour is extremely interesting to nature fanatics. Moreover, it features as a hotspot for biodiversity. It has been acknowledged as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Website by UNESCO.

In line with the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature, Sinharaja is considered the ultimate area of the nation’s major rainforest. Greater than 60% of the bushes discovered listed here are native, with many being uncommon. Sri Lanka’s native species account for 50% of the butterfly, amphibian, chook, snake, and fish species. It’s the habitat of 95% of the nation’s native chook species.

Wrap Up Your Colombo Journey with These Unforgettable Day Journeys

Colombo is the right start line for locating the various fantastic thing about Sri Lanka. From lush nationwide parks and serene seashores to historic temples and bustling cities, there’s a day journey for each sort of traveler. Whether or not you’re craving wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, or breathtaking landscapes, these close by locations will go away you with unforgettable recollections.

So pack your baggage, hit the street, and expertise the magic that lies simply past Colombo!