Colombo is a cosmopolitan hub mendacity within the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Aside from white sandy seashores, colonial heritage buildings, and museums, day journeys from Colombo is one other factor that makes it an ideal abode for every week’s lengthy trip. Whereas Yala nationwide park is a haven for wildlife lovers, Mirissa is an unparalleled gem boasting spectacular seashores. Apart from this, the waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers of Rathnapura and the tea plantations & gardens of Kandy go away no stone unturned to impress you with their attraction. With just some hours drive, uncover what Colombo’s neighborhood has to supply.
10 Finest Day Journeys From Colombo For 2023
As soon as witnessing the unparalleled attraction of Colombo, spare some hours to discover its close by areas. Under are prime 10 locations that make the proper base for day journeys from Colombo.
1. Kandy

Mendacity within the coronary heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a plateau metropolis that enjoys the neighborhood of lofty mountains and luxurious inexperienced forests. The tea plantations, biodiverse rainforest, museums, temples, and botanical gardens really justifies Kandy to be in your itinerary. A day journey to Kandy from Colombo might embody a go to to Temple of Tooth Relic, having a fun-filled session with elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, strolling round Kandy Lake and admiring the untouched nature.
Main points of interest: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple Of Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Hulu River Waterfall, Knuckles Mountain Vary, Royal Botanical Backyard
Distance from Colombo: 145.9 km
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2. Ratnapura

Ratnapura is a significant metropolis in Sri Lanka recognized primarily for gem mining that giesv its title ‘Ratna’ (gems) and ‘pura’ (city). Round a 3-hour drive from Colombo to the “Metropolis of Gems” takes you thru rubber plantations, paddy fields, and wealthy tea estates. Stroll via the Sinharaja Rainforest that enjoys being a UNESCO World Heritage Website whereas that includes distinctive natural world. Moreover, a go to to the gem mines and one of many gem museums is a should to finish the day tour of the town.
Main points of interest: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe Nationwide Park, Boptah Ella Falls, Adam’s Peak, Kitulgala, Maha Saman Devalaya, Bambarakanda Waterfalls, Gem Mines, Batadombalena
Distance from Colombo: 95.4 km
3. Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a small city that takes pleasure in its historic websites, and coral reefs, palm-lined seashores making it an ideal abode for households and honeymooners. From marveling at Japanese Peace Pagoda to attempting arms at snorkeling or diving at Unawatuna Seashore and from studying in regards to the intriguing lifetime of turtle on the Sea Turtle Hatchery to going for a soothing spa/therapeutic massage classes on the sea-side spas, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an array of soul-filling experiences and benefit from your day journey from Colombo.
Main points of interest: Unawatuna Seashore, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Jungle Seashore, Sea Turtle Hatchery, Dewata Browsing Seashore, Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya
Distance from Colombo: 144.9 km
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4. Sigiriya

Sigiriya, also called the Lion Rock is a colossal rock positioned amid Dambulla and Haburane. Boasting a top of round 590.5 ft and infrequently thought-about because the eighth surprise of the world, Sigiriya is a real deal with to the senses. This iconic rock is the remnant of a volcano that eroded billions of years in the past. Moreover, the archaeological marvel options the ruins of an historical royal complicated constructed by King Kashyap. Contained in the fortress, you can see fresco work of feminine figures, the Boulder Backyard, the Lion’s Claw entrance, and a number of other stays of the fortress.
Main points of interest: NA
Distance from Colombo: 174.7 km
5. Kitugala

Picture Credit score: Rehman Abubakr for Wikimedia Commons
The small city of Kitulgala gives an ideal mix of journey and nature with its seashores, nationwide parks, forest reserves, and waterfalls. Whereas being a moist space, the vacation spot makes a great spot for water journey lovers. To style the true journey, go for white water rafting and slash via the tides of Kelani River. Apart from this, birdwatching, cave exploration, stream sliding, jungle trekking, and waterfall abseiling are another actions that may take your vacation to the following degree.
Main points of interest: Laxapana Waterfalls, St. Clair, Sri Pada, Makandawa Forest Reserve
Distance from Colombo: 99.6 km
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6. Negombo

Mendacity on the west coast of Sri Lana, Negombo is a less-explored vacation spot that’s recognized for its white sandy seashores and wealthy fishing business. Positioned simply an hour-ride from Colombo, this vacation spot has loads to supply for households in addition to for {couples}. From strolling down the small fishing villages to exploring points of interest on a guided canal boat experience to relishing a meal on a catamaran, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a wealth of expertise. Apart from this, attempting arms at water adventures or just stress-free by Negombo Seashore is one other worthwhile expertise to checklist in your itinerary.
Main points of interest: Fishing Village, Dutch Fort, St. Marys Church, Negombo Seashores, Negombo Lagoon, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Dutch Clock Tower, Hamilton Canal
Distance from Colombo: 37.9 km
7. Dambulla

Positioned within the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the enchanting city of Dambulla basks within the glory of its historic websites. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple which is the most important cave-temple complicated in Sri Lanka options well-preserved work of Buddha and cave work courting again to the 2nd century BC. It’s touted because the prime attraction of Dambulla attractive numerous guests yearly. Moreover, Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium and Minneriya Nationwide Park are a number of locations price visiting when in Dambulla.
Main points of interest: Dambulla Cave Temple, Minneriya Nationwide Park, Pidurangala Rock, Pophams Arboretum, Dambulla Devoted Financial Centre
Distance from Colombo: 160.8 km
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8. Galle

The traditionally wealthy metropolis of Galle homes quite a few historical points of interest showcasing Dutch colonial structure. Be it the awe-inspiring seashores or the UNESCO World Heritage Website, Galle Fort, every attraction of the place narrates its superb story. Aside from exploring the magnificent Galle Fort, you’ll be able to spend a while at Flag Rock, discover the Maritime Archeology Museum, and take a tour of Rumassala Sanctuary. To get pleasure from a whole day journey from Colombo to Galle, make certain to partake in water actions like snorkelling, diving, surfng, and extra.
Main points of interest: Galle Fort, Flag Rock, Maritime Archeology Museum, Unawatuna Seashore, Rumassala Sanctuary
Distance from Colombo: 145.7 km
9. Bentota

Bentota is a scintillating resort city positioned on the west coast of Sri Lanka. This splendid vacation spot options the very best of nature’s parts—estuaries, lagoons, seashores, and nice climate. The breathtaking seashores and coral-rick diving websites compel seaside lovers to plan a day journey from Bentota to Colombo. This paradise makes a great spot for honeymooners who want to ditch the crowded locations and discover some solace within the lap of nature. Moreover, practice, bus, and automotive are a number of transportation choices to swiftly attain from Colombo to Bentota in round two hours.
Main points of interest: Temporary Backyard, Bentota Seashore, Bentota Turtle Hatchery, Cinnamon Island, Galapata Vihara, Ambalangoda, Moragalla
Distance from Colombo: 101.8 km
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10. Mirissa

A crescent-shaped seaside village, Mirissa enables you to get pleasure from the very best of a seaside vacation spot. Sipping a refreshing mocktail whereas mendacity on the shacks alongside the shoreline and admiring the playful tides is an expertise price gathering. Apart from this, a whale watching tour coupled with water adventures like browsing, snorkeling and so on. and cruising on deep blue waters are a number of parts that full your day journey from Colombo. Moreover, Mirssa is well accessible by practice, bus, and automotive with a journey of round 3 hours.
Main points of interest: Mirissa Seashore, Coconut Tree Hill, Secret Seashore Mirissa, Parrot Rock Bridge, Turtle Level, Parrot Rock Bridge
Distance from Colombo: 171.7 km
There isn’t any denying that Colombo is a hub for vacationers eager to witness the very best of Sri Lanka. Nonetheless, there’s much more ready for you just some hours away from Colombo. Whereas heading on these fantastic day journeys from Colombo, you’ll not solely witness the attraction of neighborhood cities, however may also benefit from the scenic route. So, while you plan your subsequent Colombo journey, don’t neglect to include these locations to your itinerary and expertise the numerous parts of Sri Lanka.
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Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Day Journeys From Colombo
That are the very best day journeys from Colombo?
Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Ratnapura, Unawatuna, and Sigiriya are a number of locations that give you the very best day journeys from Colombo. All of the locations are simply accessible by practice, bus, and automotive.
What’s the greatest time to go to Colombo?
The perfect time to go to Colombo is the dry season, between January and March. The temperature throughout these months ranges between 23 levels Celsius to 31 levels Celsius. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to get pleasure from day journeys and take pleasure in outside actions.
Can I go to Colombo in the course of the present Covid scenario?
Sure, you’ll be able to plan a go to to Colombo in the course of the present Covid scenario. Nonetheless, just be sure you are fully vaccinated and all the time carry your vaccination certificates. Apart from this, it’s good to comply with authorities protocols that embody carrying a masks when in public, sanitizing arms at sure intervals, and sustaining social distance.
That are the very best points of interest in Colombo?
A few of the greatest locations you’ll be able to go to in Colombo are Galle Face Inexperienced, Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Memorial Corridor, Nationwide Museum of Colombo, Beira Lake, Seema Malakaya, Outdated Parliament Constructing, Pettah Floating Market, and Paradise Street.
What’s the distance between Colombo and Sigiriya?
The gap between Colombo and Sigiriya is round 174.7 km. You may cowl the gap in round 3 hours and 17 minutes.
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