What comes to one’s mind upon hearing the word ‘Sri Lanka’? It is none other than a beautiful island with patches of pristine beaches, forests, mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, ancient cities, and perhaps even shopping. From green patches to hot springs, these spots and experiences are slices of unique and rustic Sri Lanka that are best to see now. With the city’s tendency to change rapidly, it is easy to blink and miss something. Day trips from Colombo offer you a hassle-free opportunity to explore the important tourist attractions on the island. This article is about the 10 best places on the island to visit on a Sri Lanka 1-day tour from Colombo.
Table of Contents
- ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO
- WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST PLACES FOR ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO?
- 6 EASY ONE-DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO OPENED UP DUE TO THE CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
- 6 PLACES IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE FOR ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ONE-DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS FROM COLOMBO?
- WHAT TIME SHOULD I START MY DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?
- 1. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> KITULGALA
- 2. ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> NUWARA ELIYA
- 3. From Colombo, one-day trips to Mirissa
- 4. DAY TRIP OPTIONS FROM COLOMBO KANDY
- 5. GALLE >> COLOMBO ONE-DAY TRIP
- ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO TO GALLE
- 6. COLOMBO >> HIKKADUWA BEACH ONE-DAY TRIP
- 7. RATHNAPURA TO COLOMBO IN A DAY TRIP
- 8. ONE-DAY TRIP DEPARTURES FROM COLOMBO AINFOREST SINHARAJA
- 9. ONE-DAY TRIP TRIP FROM COLOMBO ROCK FORTRESS OF SIGIRIYA
- SITES TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO TO SIGIRIYA
- 10. DAY TRIP OPTIONS FROM COLOMBO Beaches at Bento
- WHY USE SEERENDIPITY TO BOOK YOUR ONE-DAY COLOMBO TRIP?
- THE LOWEST PRICE IS GUARANTEED FOR YOUR ONE-DAY TOUR OF SRI LANKA
- WITH THE HELP OF OUR EXPERTS, PLAN THE BEST TRIP ITINERARY
Looking to get out of Colombo during your short stay in Sri Lanka? Here are eight killer ideas to organise your day trips from Colombo. These 8-day tours from Colombo introduce you to the 8 best one-day trip places from Colombo by considering many factors such as connectivity from Colombo, distance to cover on the trip, and importance as a tourist attraction. Most importantly, these eight trip destinations can be easily reached from any beach resort on the west coast of Sri Lanka. These 8 one-day trip places feature wildlife reserves, seaside towns, cultural and historical places, and adventure sites in the beautiful countryside of Sri Lanka.
ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO
Are you tired of Colombo? This is the perfect moment to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Colombo and head to a perfect spot, where you can enjoy peace and serenity, of course, with a few activities. From time to time, everyone needs a change of scene, but definitely without too much faffing.
So, it is immaterial whether you are in the mood for a forest frolic or embracing the sea breeze, here are 8 sweet spots for unforgettable one-day trips from Colombo, complete with plenty of activities, restaurants, and pubs, that are close to Colombo to get there and back in a day.
WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST PLACES FOR ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO?
If you are looking for interesting places for one-day trips from Colombo and want to explore some interesting places, I highly recommend the below-mentioned 8 trip places. Most of these places can be reached within 3 hours of driving from Colombo, except Yala and Kandy. All these places are not only reachable within a short period of time, but there are also many other places to see on your way to those places, such as forts, beaches, temples, stupas, museums, shopping, and many other things.
1. KITULGALA
Kitulgala is located in the western province of Sri Lanka and is just a 2-hour drive from Colombo.
2. YALA NATIONAL PARK
Yala National Park offers top-notch wildlife holidays and is included in Sri Lanka’s south coast itinerary. A four-hour drive from Colombo.
3. MIRISSA SOUTH COAST BEACH
Mirissa is a popular beach vacation destination on the South Coast. This south-coast beach holiday destination offers opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.
4. KANDY
Kandy is located in the central province and offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from temples to botanical gardens, tea plantations, and many more.
5. GALLE
Galle is a popular tourist attraction in the south, with pristine beaches and an old fort.
6. HIKKADUWA
Hikkaduwa is located on the south coast and offers the opportunity for watersports, diving, snorkelling, boating, and many other activities.
7. RATHNAPURA
Rathnapura is located near Colombo and can be reached within 2 hour’s drive from Colombo. It offers rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, and many ancient sites.
8. SINHARAJA RAINFOREST
Sinharaja rainforest is popular for its rainforest, and it is very popular among nature lovers.
9. SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS
Sigiriya is tucked away in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and is well over 170 kilometres from Colombo.
10. BENTOTA BEACH
Better known as the Golden Mile in Sri Lanka, Bentota is the most popular beach holiday destination in Sri Lanka, with gold-coloured sandy beaches, swaying palms, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
6 EASY ONE-DAY TRIP PLACES FROM COLOMBO OPENED UP DUE TO THE CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
The infrastructure has been rapidly improved in Sri Lanka, especially the road network. With the improved road network, especially with newly built highways, it has become easier to reach far-flung places from Colombo. Yala and many other tourist places such as Kataragama were not viable day trips from Colombo in the past, due to the long drive, however, Yala and all other tourist attractions in the southern Sri Lanka are now just a 2-hour drive away from Colombo, due to the newly opened southern expressway.
A large number of important historical and natural tourist attractions in the north-central province have become convenient one-day trip places from Colombo with the opening of a part of the central motorway (Mirigama to Kurunegala, 40km) in January 2021. Using Mirigama to Kurunegala on the central motorway, travellers can save as much as an hour on their trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and the cultural triangle. Iconic tourist attractions like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Golden Temple, Pidurangala, and Minneriya National Park are some of the important places that have become easy one-day trips from Colombo due to the central motorway. Earlier, it took around 5 hours to travel from Colombo to Sigiriya. With the new motorway, travellers can now reach Sigiriya within 4 hours from Colombo. However, if you start the trip early in the morning from Colombo at around 05.00 (AM), you are able to reach Sigiriya and Dambulla within 3 hours.
6 PLACES IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE FOR ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Dambulla golden temple
- Pidurangala temple
- Minneriya national park
- Ibbankatuwa ancient site
- Pinnawala elephant orphanage
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ONE-DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS FROM COLOMBO?
The above-mentioned eight one-day trip places in Sri Lanka are located in the western province, the southern province, and the central hill country of Sri Lanka. These regions are coming under the wet zone of Sri Lanka, which is under the influence of the southwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from April to November over most parts of Sri Lanka, including the west zone. Therefore, travelling to the above-mentioned places from April to November may affect your holiday activities, specifically, it may obstruct outdoor activities with sudden heavy rain. Therefore, the best time to travel in Sri Lanka is considered from Novermber to April.
A large part of the wet zone sees bright and sunny weather during the north-east monsoon (from November to April); therefore, the six months from April to November are the best time of the year to visit these eight places from Colombo, which is also the peak holiday season on the island. Most beach resorts in Sri Lanka attract a large number of travellers from November to April, and therefore the cost of holidays in Sri Lanka is also considerably heightened during this period, due to the increasing demand for accommodation, transport, and other facilities.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I START MY DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?
Goooooood question, because it is very important to save time for the interesting activities that you plan on the trip. Reducing the time spent travelling is one of the best ways to save time for activities. Having private transport (private vehicle with a local driver) is strongly recommended to save time on travelling. Never resort to public transport; it really eats up your time. Public buses and trains are behind schedule most of the time.
Even with your private vehicle, it is recommended to start the day trip from Colombo as early as possible. If you can start the trip at around 4:00 or 5:00 AM, it is better because you can avoid traffic along the way and reach the destination early.
It is highly important to start the trip early from Colombo if you are visiting faraway tourist attractions like Kandy, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. Usually, it takes a few hours to reach most leading tourist attractions in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Southern Sri Lanka, and the cultural triangle.
As per my experience, the early start of the trip from Colombo is always rewarded, It allows you to save a lot of time because you can curtail the travelling time as you drive on roads with less traffic congestion. E.g., if you start the 1-day Sigiriya trip from Colombo at around 4:00 am, it takes only 3 hours to reach Sigiriya. But if you start the journey after 6 a.m., it takes around 5 hours to reach Sigiriya.
8 one-day outing places in Galle for Galle day tours
Colombo one-day itinerary with Colombo walking tour
1. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> KITULGALA
Kitulgala lies at the foothills of the central mountain range, towards the western slope of the hill country. It lies on the Colombo-Nuwara Eliya main road and you come across Kitulgala as you travel to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo via Hatton or vice versa. Kitulgala is laid back city with a calm and quiet neighbourhood, Kitulgala is ranked among the best places for a peaceful holiday with a twist of adventure.
The most striking natural attraction of Kitulgala is undoubtedly the Kelaniya River, which is the main reason for its popularity among travellers. The river keeps the adjoining forest alive and maintains the healthy green cover by supplying plenty of water. The rugged terrain of Kitulagla supports many adrenaline-pumping activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, and jungle trekking. Kiutlgala is also popular for rainforest exploration due to the Makandawa rainforest. Kitulgala is home to a number of waterfalls, and some of them support waterfall abseiling. Many travellers venture into this exciting activity every day.
PLACES TO VISIT ON THE KITULGALA DAY TOUR FROM COLOMBO?
- Kelaniya River (Kitulgal water rafting)
- Rain forest
- Beli Lena
- Makandeva rainforest
- Site of the bridge on the River Quai
Transportation: The travel time between Colombo and Kitulgala would be around 2 hours if you have your own transport. If you travel to Kitulgala from the west coast, southern coast, or Kandy, it might take around 3 hours. You can reach Kitulgala only by road, and the road that leads to Kitulgala is in very good condition, and there is not much traffic on the road as well.
Things to do in Kitulgala: most things that you can do in Kitulgala are adventure activities such as Whitewater rafting, Kayaking, mountain climbing, trekking, rainforest exploration, etc. Therefore, if you are a traveller fond of beaches, city life, cultural sites, etc., there is no point in going there. On the other hand, if you like to experience some adrenaline-pumping activities and live in a place, where you are fondled in the lap of mother nature, there is no better place than Kitulgala.
How much does it cost this trip: Approx. US$ 250 per couple
Interesting Tips: The cost of this largely varies depending on the activities you do. Usually, the accommodation in Kitulgala is not that costly, but the activities are. Usually, most activities cost between 10 and 40 US dollars per person.
2. ONE-DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO >> NUWARA ELIYA
Nuwara Eliya is the hill-country capital of Sri Lanka and sits 1800 metres above sea level. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful cities on the island and is surrounded by tea plantations and green-capped mountains. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most visited cities on the island, and it attracts thousands of travellers every day. Nuwara Eliya offers many interesting places to visit, such as historical sites, rainforests, trekking sites, and temples.
Nuwara Eliya is a historical city closely connected to the Ramayana. Nuwara Eliya is only 175 km from Colombo, and usually, travellers need only 4 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya from Colombo. A one-day trip to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is well worth the money and time, as it allows travellers to visit many interesting places.
WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE NUWARA ELIYA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?
- Temples
- Spice / Herbal garden
- Tooth relic temple
- Tea plantations
- Waterfalls
- Lakes, rivers
- Botanical gardens
Transportation: The travel time between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya will be around 4 hours on a Sri Lanka private tour (with a private taxi). The duration of the trip from Colombo to Kandy can last between 5 and 6 hours if you opt for public transport such as trains and buses. If you travel to Nuwara Eliya from the west coast or southern coast, it might take around 5 hours.
Things to do in Nuwara Eliya: There are dozens of interesting things to do and see in Nuwara Eliya. Visiting temples, and historical monuments, visiting botanical gardens, exploring wildlife, visiting waterfalls, trekking in the rain forest, and hiking and trekking through the tea plantations are some of the main activities.
Mountains surround Nuwara Eliya, making it an intriguing playground for adventure seekers. Some of the popular adventure activities in Nuwara Eliya are mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
How much does it cost for this trip? Approx. USD 250 per couple
Interesting Tips: The cost of the Nuwara Eliya one-day trip from Colombo largely varied depending on the activities included in the trip. However, the Nuwara Eliya one day trip includes only a few important activities due to time constraints. If you wish to have a more lengthy trip and visit other interesting places that are not included in the one-day trip, it is recommended to take a Sri Lanka 2 day trip or a Sri Lanka 3-day trip to Nuwara Eliya.
3. From Colombo, one-day trips to Mirissa
Blue whale viewing is the talk of the town, and for visitors to Sri Lanka on vacation, seeing a whale has taken on a whole new meaning. For tourists who stay on the west coast or southern shore, a whale-watching day trip is a fairly simple and quick excursion. Therefore, beach vacationers who stay in beach regions like Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, and Galle are the ones who typically plan this one-day excursion from Colombo.
The best whale-watching location in the area is Sri Lanka, where you may see blue whales off the southern coast throughout the year. In Sri Lanka, you can witness whales all year round, unlike most other places where you can only see them for a few months of the year (during the season). The whales that live nearby, permanently in Sri Lankan waters, are to blame. As a result, you can get rather close to the ocean’s largest fish, which can be as enormous as a multi-day fishing boat.
With ocean temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year, Mirissa is also one of the top beach vacation spots on the island. You may dip your toes in the water on Mirissa’s white, powdery beaches. In Mirissa, you can relax on a solitary, less-frequented beach or go swimming in the crystalline, turquoise-blue waves, with majestic, swaying palms framing the shoreline.
Turtle Beach, which is only a few kilometres from Mirissa, is the place to go if you enjoy swimming with sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish. You can do more than just enjoy seaside activities, though.
One of the largest fishing harbours on the island is located in the Beachfront community in Mirissa, and the area produces the raw ingredients for toddy, the most well-known alcoholic beverage on the island made from the coconut bud. Make sure to tickle your taste buds with some arrack and a meal of fresh seafood.
WHERE SHOULD ONE GO ON A MIRISSA DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?
- Sea turtle protection programme at Mirissa Beach
- Madu River Estuary
- Galle Fort
- Hikkaduwa Beach
- Unawatuna Beach
Transportation: Due to its proximity to Matara, the beaches of Mirissa are accessible from most of the island’s cities. To get to Mirissa, you can use a taxi or one of the public transportation options, like buses or trains. One of the most well-known beach resorts on the island is Mirissa, where there are many lodging options. But Matara is well known as a destination for tourists on a tight budget, where you can find a lot of guest houses, rest houses, and dorms in addition to a few middle-class star hotels.
Activities in Mirissa: Since Mirissa is primarily a beach vacation resort, the beaches there draw most visitors. Here, notable tourist attractions include whale viewing, the blowhole, Matara Star Fort (constructed by the Dutch in the 18th century), and Weherahena Buddhist Temple.
How much does this vacation cost? about $200 USD per couple
Interesting Hints: Travelling to Matara and Mirissa is thought to be ideal between the months of October and May. With just occasional rain during this time, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. The sea is also calm and secure for swimming.
Therefore, prepare yourself and board the vehicle to experience some of the most breathtaking sites, from daring white-water rafting to spiritual ceremonies. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the excursions and activities described above.
4. DAY TRIP OPTIONS FROM COLOMBO KANDY
One of the top vacation destinations in Sri Lanka is Kandy, which is surrounded by steep peaks, tea plantations, and little pockets of forest. Kandy also boasts some of the island’s most picturesque vistas. The Royal Botanical Garden, the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, and a tooth relic temple are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Kandy.
ONE-DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO, KANDY POINTS TO VISIT?
- Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala
- Herb garden / Spice Garden
- The tooth temple
- Plantations of tea
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Udawattekele Wildlife sanctuary
Every traveller who wants to visit Kandy has the option of travelling by sea plane, taking a land route, or taking a rail trip. The trip to Kandy by public bus or train takes about 5 hours and is about 115 kilometres from Colombo. Using private transportation, such as taxis, can cut travel time by about an hour.
Due to the high concentration of tourism sites in the city, Kandy is on every traveler’s must-see list in Sri Lanka. You may visit many of the island’s must-see locations on a trip to Kandy. The Royal Botanical Garden, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Kandyan Cultural Show, Tea Plantations, Embekke, Gadaladeniya, and Udawattakele Sanctuary are a few noteworthy locations.
Calculated Cost of Travel: About US$ 230 per couple
Interesting Advice: Take a stroll through the Kandy market to get a taste of Sri Lankan shopping customs and purchase some of the magnificent handicrafts, spices, textiles, gems, and jewellery made in Sri Lanka.
5. GALLE >> COLOMBO ONE-DAY TRIP
Travellers on the island who are headed to the southern coast’s Galle city are by far the majority. There is no better location than Galle Fort to experience a little of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The colonial city of Galle Fort, which the Dutch erected in the sixteenth century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tourist hotspot. The Galle Fort’s surroundings, which include restaurants, bars, pubs, stores, galleries, museums, hotels, dorms, and wonderful beaches, are ideal for vacationers. The best way to begin your discovery of Galle is to embark on a city tour.
5 SIGHTS TO SEE ON A GALLE CITY TOUR
- Galle Fort’s herb and spice garden
- Wetland in Koggala
- urtle preservation initiative
- Beach at Unawatuna
ONE DAY TRIPS FROM COLOMBO TO GALLE
Here are the top ten locations to see on a day excursion from Colombo to Galle. Due to time constraints, it might not be possible to see all 10 locations on a one-day excursion from Colombo to Galle. In order to maximise your time if you travel to Galle from Colombo for a single day, it is wise to prioritise your destinations. By doing so, you visit the areas that are most essential to you and leave the places that are less important.
PLACES TO VISIT ON A DAY TOUR TO GALLE FROM COLOMBO
- Temple of Gangatilaka Temple Kalutara
- Kande Vihara Aluthgama
- Herb garden
- Estuary of the River Bentota Madu
- Centre for sea turtle conservation
- Beach at Bentota
- Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
- Mask Gallery
- Moon stone mines
- Fort Galle
Travel: Galle Fort is located close to the Galle harbour, 100 kilometres south of Colombo. Depending on the mode of transportation, it might take 2 to 5 hours to go from Colombo to Galle. A private car will get you to Galle in around two hours, a train will get you there in about four hours, and a public bus will get you there in about five hours.
Visitors to the Galle Fort are advised to do the following things: visit the Martin Vikramsinghe Museum, the marine museum, take a boat excursion in the Koggala Lagoon, and observe stilt fishermen. The fort’s immediate vicinity is home to all of these locations, and getting to any of them won’t take long.
Travel Estimate: Approximately $300 USD per couple
6. COLOMBO >> HIKKADUWA BEACH ONE-DAY TRIP
Due to its immaculate beaches, water sports facilities, opulent hotels, pubs, bars, seafood restaurants, and many other amenities, Hikkaduwa Beach is at the top of the list. No other beach on the island is as well-liked by people who enjoy going on beach vacations. Most notably, Hikkaduwa is a beach resort with a variety of lodging options, from inexpensive dorms to opulent boutique hotels. It is a beach destination for people of all financial means. As a result, Hikkaduwa is not only a well-liked beach resort but also one of Sri Lanka’s most reasonably priced, making it accessible to all travellers.
Transport: Depending on how you get there, the uphill and downhill trip costs vary. The most practical way to get to Hikkaduwa might be by cab, notwithstanding the price. The next sensible choice for you to go to Hikkaduwa is by train or public transport. It takes about 2–3 hours to get from Colombo to Hikkaduwa, and public transport costs about $1. The up-and-down trip will run you about US$80 in a taxi.
WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP TO HIKKADUWA FROM COLOMBO?
- Museum of Masks Spice Garden
- Hikkaduwa marine preserve
- Sea turtle preservation project
- Beach at Hikkaduwa
- Hikkaduwa: Feor seafood, Hikkaduwa is a fairly well-known destination. As a result, there are many eateries that offer fish meals at reasonable prices. Here, a decent seafood supper on a budget would run you about $5.
Hikkaduwa offers a wide range of activities, although the majority of them involve the ocean in some way. All guests would agree that visiting the Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary is their favourite activity. The fact that it is one of the island’s two marine sanctuaries and offers the chance to view a variety of unusual fish species, endangered sea turtles, coral reefs, etc. makes it impossible for you to miss this natural ecosystem. Other activities include boating, fishing, visiting Buddhist temples, beach hopping, and eating fresh seafood.
Travel Estimate: Approximately $250 per couple
Interesting Hints: Take a boat excursion, explore the “Marine Sanctuary,” go to Hikkaduwa fishing harbour early in the morning, and eat fresh seafood.
7. RATHNAPURA TO COLOMBO IN A DAY TRIP
This will be one of the most affordable Colombo-to-Sri Lanka trip packages. One of the most accessible destinations for visitors who live in Colombo is Ratnapura. At the base of the central mountain range is the lovely hill town of Ratnapura. The gem business is particularly prevalent in Ratnapura, where valleys and paddy fields are home to hundreds of gem mines.
Warnagala Forest Reserve
Rathnapura has a variety of tourist attractions, including historic temples, museums, waterfalls, rainforests, and enchanted countryside with options for mountain biking, hiking, caving, and trekking. Ratnapura has significant areas of green cover since it receives very high annual rainfall throughout a significant portion of this rainy region. Due to its significance, the Warnagala woodland was recently (January 2022) designated a conservation zone by the Ministry of Environment. Lowland evergreen rainforest with a significant ecological impact, the Warnagala forest. Kuruvita is the location of the woodland. There are 383 kinds of plants and animals in the Warnagala Forest Reserve, including 219 animal species and 164 blooming plants. The Warnagala Forest is home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna. In this reserve, Podochilus warnagalensis, an endemic species to our nation, has also been spotted. According to reports, this forest reserve is home to 383 kinds of plants and animals, including 164 flowering plants and 219 animal species. In this reserve, Podochilus warnagalensis, an endemic species to our nation, has also been spotted.
The renowned Adam’s mountain trip, a well-known pilgrimage among Sri Lankan Buddhists, begins in Ratnapura. Many tourists from other countries are also making the pilgrimage, not because of its religious significance but rather because of the breathtaking views that can be had from Adam’s Peak’s summit of the surrounding hills, valleys, and jungle. Here is also where Samana Devala, one of the island’s busiest temples, is situated. Other well-liked tourist attractions in Ratnapura include temples, gem shops, waterfalls, and rainforests. Ratnapura offers opportunities for mountain climbing and trekking. To get to the beginning location of the Adam’s Peak hike, it will take you 31 kilometres to travel from Ratnapura. Due to two factors, the upward trek typically begins at midnight, in order to stay out of the sun’s heat and to catch a glimpse of the sun rising
Anyone who attempts this lengthy hike should plan on a four- to five-hour journey. Your trip will end at a height of 2300 metres above sea level. The mountaintop’s low temperature equips you for your adventure with the essentials you’ll need in the winter.
WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP TO RATHNAPURA FROM COLOMBO?
- Temple of Saman Devala
- Waterfalls near Bopath Ella
- Mines with Gemstones
- Rainforest
Transportation: From Colombo, Rathnapura is located 113 kilometres to the east. Depending on the mode of transportation, the trip from Colombo to Ratnapura will take between two and three hours. It will take approximately 2 hours to travel by private taxi, and approximately 3 hours to travel by public bus.
Activities: The most well-liked ones to do in Ratnapura are exploring the intriguing mountains, swaths of forest, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Ratnapura’s rocky landscapes, rain forests, and snow-capped mountains provide a variety of locations ideal for mountain climbing, water rafting, bird watching, trekking, hiking, and other adrenaline-pumping sports.
8. ONE-DAY TRIP DEPARTURES FROM COLOMBO AINFOREST SINHARAJA
Near Colombo, tourists will find a stunning scenery that is adorned with evergreen rainforests and some hiking trails under a lush canopy. Sinharaja Rainforest offers dozens of varied trekking opportunities and satisfies all the criteria outlined in the preceding sentence. Travellers from all the major tourist destinations on the west coast, south coast, and Sri Lanka’s hill country can easily access the rain forest because it is located on the border of Sabaragamuwa and the western province.
Sinharaja Rainforest is warmer and greener than other rain forests, but it also offers excellent trekking trails in a picturesque setting with remote mountains, enormous rocks, waterfalls, and streams mingling with the evergreen rainforest. The buffer zone of the rain forest is equally stunning, with a sizable amount of forest cover interspersed with rich valleys of rubber, tea, coconut, pepper, and many different kinds of spices as well as far-flung little hamlets.
However, it is strongly advised to begin the trek from the Weddagala entrance, which is also the most popular path, if you want to take a Sinharaja rainforest tour. The terrain may vary depending on the route that is chosen. Although this is a leisurely trip, there are still a few obstacles to overcome and plenty of rewards to be had.
AREAS IN SINHARAJA TO VISIT ON DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO?
- Temple of Saman Devala
- Bopath Waterfalls in Ella
- Rainforest of Sinharaja
- Gem Museum / Gem Mines
Travelling to Sinharaja for a single day: A hidden rain forest called Sinharaja is 160 kilometres from Colombo. It takes only two hours to travel there in a private vehicle from Colombo. However, if you just use public transport, such as buses, you could have to drive for 4-5 hours. On this one-day journey from Colombo, there is no rail transportation available.
Activities for the day excursion include touring one of the oldest rain forests in the world. On a worldwide scale, the Sinharaja rain forest is a hotspot for biodiversity. Sinharaja also provides possibilities for birdwatchers, as the surrounding rainforest is home to hundreds of different types of avian life, including dozens of endemic bird species.
9. ONE-DAY TRIP TRIP FROM COLOMBO ROCK FORTRESS OF SIGIRIYA
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka is the eponymous historical Sigiriya rock fortification. The most well-liked tourist destination in Sri Lanka may be Sigiriya. Sigiriya is hidden away in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, some 170 kilometres from Colombo. The majority of travel companies, like Seerendipity Tours, provide day trips from Colombo to Sigiriya. However, this trip departs Colombo earlier than usual (at roughly 5:00). This intriguing one-day excursion covers not just the Sigiriya Rock Fortress but also a number of other fascinating locations, including the Pidurangala Temple, the Monneriya Safari, and the Dambulla Golden Temple. This one-day journey to Sigiriya, which is unlike most other day trips in that it is jam-packed with many intriguing sights, has grown to be a very popular activity among tourists, especially foreign tourists.
SITES TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO TO SIGIRIYA
On a day excursion from Colombo to Sigiriya, there are several attractions to see. Due to time constraints, you might only be able to visit a handful of them. Here is a list of locations you can visit on a day excursion from Colombo to Sigiriya.
WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON ONE DAY TRIP TO SIGIRIYA FROM COLOMBO?
- Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala
- Temple of gold in Dambulla
- Rock fortification of Sigiriya
- Dambulla mesalothick burial ground
- Park National Minneriya
- Pidurangala historical temple
- herb and spice garden
- Village of Habarana
10. DAY TRIP OPTIONS FROM COLOMBO Beaches at Bento
A seaside town in Sri Lanka’s western province is called Bentota. Every trip to Sri Lanka includes a beach vacation, and visitors hardly ever skip the country’s palm-lined beaches when there. The majority of beach enthusiasts chose Bentota Beach as their vacation spot because it is the most well-liked beach in Sri Lanka. Bentota is not only great for beach vacations, but it also has a lot of interesting things to do for tourists, like boat cruises, national parks, and historical sites.
WHAT ARE THE PLACES TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP FROM COLOMBO TO BENTOTA?
- Sea turtle conservation project
- Herb and spice garden Bentota river
- Old Buddhist temple Kande vihara
- Mask Museum
- Moonstone mine
WHY USE SEERENDIPITY TO BOOK YOUR ONE-DAY COLOMBO TRIP?
With its headquarters in Colombo, Seerendipity Tour is a travel firm that is totally locally owned. One of Seerendipity Tours’ primary advantages is its highly skilled local employees, who can organise your ideal trip to Sri Lanka.
THE LOWEST PRICE IS GUARANTEED FOR YOUR ONE-DAY TOUR OF SRI LANKA
Since there are no middlemen involved when you use our service to book a tour, you can be sure you are getting the best deal possible. Simply get in contact with us and let us know your vacation schedule and favourite destinations.
WITH THE HELP OF OUR EXPERTS, PLAN THE BEST TRIP ITINERARY
Our staff creates a customised curriculum for you that you can modify until you discover the right plan. You can also look through our already-made tour packages for ideas; all of our pre-made tour packages are adaptable and can be customised to match all of your needs. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0094-77-440977 or WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977.
With its headquarters in Colombo, Seerendipity Tour is a travel firm that is totally locally owned. One of Seerendipity Tours’ primary advantages is its highly skilled local employees, who can organise your ideal trip to Sri Lanka.