Day Trips from Colombo: Exploring Beyond the Capital

Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, offers a wealth of experiences. However, the true essence of the island lies beyond the city limits. Embark on exciting day trips from Colombo to discover the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant wildlife of Sri Lanka. Here are some detailed itineraries and essential information for your day trips, along with costs to help you plan your adventure.

1. Galle Fort and Unawatuna Beach

Distance from Colombo: 120 km (2.5 hours by car)

Itinerary:

• 7:00 AM: Depart from Colombo to Galle.
• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Galle Fort. Explore the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Galle Lighthouse, and stroll through the charming streets filled with colonial architecture.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant within the fort.
• 1:30 PM: Head to Unawatuna Beach, just 10 minutes from Galle Fort. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or a stroll along the shore.
• 4:30 PM: Depart back to Colombo.
• 7:00 PM: Arrive in Colombo.

Costs:

• Transport: Private car with driver - $80-$100
• Entrance Fee (Galle Fort): Free
• Lunch: $10-$20 per person
• Miscellaneous (Snacks, souvenirs): $10-$20

2. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Distance from Colombo: 90 km (2 hours by car)

Itinerary:

• 7:30 AM: Depart from Colombo to Pinnawala.
• 9:30 AM: Arrive at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Watch elephants bathing in the river, feeding times, and learn about the conservation efforts.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• 2:00 PM: Explore the surrounding area, including the Pinnawala Open Zoo.
• 4:00 PM: Depart back to Colombo.
• 6:00 PM: Arrive in Colombo

Costs:

• Transport: Private car with driver - $60-$80
• Entrance Fee (Elephant Orphanage): $15 per adult, $8 per child
• Lunch: $10-$15 per person
• Miscellaneous (Snacks, souvenirs): $10-$20

3. Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Distance from Colombo: 115 km (3 hours by car)

Itinerary:

• 6:00 AM: Depart from Colombo to Kandy.
• 9:00 AM: Arrive in Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred places for Buddhists.
• 11:00 AM: Explore the Kandy Lake and its surroundings.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
• 2:00 PM: Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
• 4:00 PM: Depart back to Colombo.
• 7:00 PM: Arrive in Colombo.

Costs:

• Transport: Private car with driver - $100-$120
• Entrance Fee (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic): $10 per adult, $5 per child
• Entrance Fee (Royal Botanical Gardens): $12 per adult, $6 per child
• Lunch: $10-$20 per person
• Miscellaneous (Snacks, souvenirs): $10-$20

4. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Distance from Colombo: 175 km (4 hours by car)

Itinerary:

• 5:00 AM: Depart from Colombo to Sigiriya.
• 9:00 AM: Arrive at Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb the ancient rock fortress and explore the frescoes, water gardens, and summit with breathtaking views.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• 3:30 PM: Depart back to Colombo.
• 7:30 PM: Arrive in Colombo.

Costs:

• Transport: Private car with driver - $120-$150
• Entrance Fee (Sigiriya Rock Fortress): $30 per adult, $15 per child
• Entrance Fee (Dambulla Cave Temple): $10 per adult, $5 per child
• Lunch: $10-$20 per person
• Miscellaneous (Snacks, souvenirs): $10-$20

5. Bentota: Beach, Water Sports, and Turtle Hatchery

Distance from Colombo: 80 km (1.5 hours by car)

Itinerary:

• 7:30 AM: Depart from Colombo to Bentota.
• 9:00 AM: Arrive in Bentota. Start with a boat safari on the Madu River, exploring mangroves and wildlife.
• 11:00 AM: Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at a beachside restaurant.
• 2:00 PM: Relax on Bentota Beach or indulge in water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, or banana boat rides.
• 4:30 PM: Depart back to Colombo.
• 6:00 PM: Arrive in Colombo.

Costs:

• Transport: Private car with driver - $50-$70
• Boat Safari (Madu River): $20 per person
• Entrance Fee (Turtle Hatchery): $5 per person
• Lunch: $10-$20 per person
• Water Sports: $10-$30 per activity
• Miscellaneous (Snacks, souvenirs): $10-$20

Ready to explore beyond Colombo? Let Hi Tours take care of all the details for you! We offer personalized itineraries and great discounts to make your Sri Lankan adventure unforgettable. Contact us today to plan your perfect day trip from Colombo!

‍