The Best Day Trips from Colombo

Colombo is a convenient base, and many of Sri Lanka's best experiences are within a few hours. Here are the most rewarding day trips. Traffic out of the city is heavy, so leave early.

Close to the city (under 1.5 hours)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

About 11 km from the city, Kelaniya is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples on the island, with fine murals. Half a day is plenty, so pair it with an afternoon in the city. See one day in Colombo.

Negombo

Negombo has a busy fish market, Dutch-era canals and lagoon boat trips. It's close to the airport, so it's handy on your way in or out.

Seethawaka Botanical Garden

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden at Avissawella offers a quiet forest walk with rare plants, about 1.5 hours from the city.

South along the coast (1.5 to 2.5 hours)

Galle Fort

Take the expressway or the scenic Coastal Line train to Galle Fort. Walk the ramparts, have lunch in the old town and return in the evening. See our train journeys guide.

Bentota and the Madu River

Bentota has water sports and a beach, and the Madu River boat safari winds through mangroves and past small islands. You could also stop at Ambalangoda to see traditional mask-makers.

Kalutara

The hollow white stupa at Kalutara is easy to reach on the way south, and you can walk inside it.

Inland (2.5 to 3.5 hours)

Kitulgala

Kitulgala is the place for white-water rafting, canyoning and forest walks. Leave early to make the most of it. See our rafting guide.

Kandy

Kandy by train or road is a long day, about 3 hours each way. It's possible, but an overnight stay is much better.

Sinharaja

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is possible as a very long day, about 3.5 hours each way, but it's better to stay overnight. See our birdwatching guide.

How to choose

If you want...	Go to
History and old streets	Galle Fort
A temple close to the city	Kelaniya
Nature on the water	Madu River
Adventure	Kitulgala
Beach time	Bentota
Something on the way to the airport	Negombo

Getting around

• Private car and driver: the most flexible option, particularly for a family or group. See our driver guide.
• Train: great for Galle and Kandy. Reserve seats if you can.
• Expressways: make the south coast and airport much quicker, but not all routes have one.
• Avoid rush hour: leave Colombo before 7 a.m. and return before or after the evening peak.