Colombo Sri Lanka 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Colombo

Morning

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Colombo
  • Check-in at Hotel Renuka or similar, a comfortable and centrally located hotel
  • Freshen up and head out to explore the city

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Colombo (open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) to get an insight into Sri Lanka’s history and culture
  • Walk around the nearby Independence Square, a historic landmark with beautiful architecture

Evening

  • Head to Galle Face Green, a popular promenade along the Indian Ocean, for a relaxing stroll and sunset views
  • Try some street food or snacks from vendors at Galle Face Green
  • For dinner, head to Gallery Cafe (open till 11:00 pm), a trendy restaurant serving international cuisine

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for Colombo’s humid climate and dress accordingly
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Gangarama Temple (open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm), a beautiful Buddhist temple with a fascinating museum
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Beira Lake, a peaceful spot for a morning stroll

Afternoon

  • Explore the Pettah Market (open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm), a bustling marketplace with a wide range of goods and souvenirs
  • Visit the Jami-Ul-Alfar Masjid (open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm), one of the oldest mosques in Colombo

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Ministry of Crab (open till 11:00 pm), a popular seafood restaurant with delicious crab dishes
  • Take a stroll around the nearby Colombo Harbour, a picturesque spot with great city views

Transportation

  • Use taxis, Uber, or local buses to get around Colombo
  • Be prepared for occasional traffic jams and plan your day accordingly

Day 3: Day Trip to Negombo

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Negombo (about 1-hour drive), a charming coastal town with a rich history
  • Visit the Negombo Lagoon, a scenic spot for boat rides and water sports

Afternoon

  • Explore the Negombo Fort (open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), a historic Dutch fort with interesting architecture
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants, such as The Old Mill

Evening

  • Return to Colombo in the evening and enjoy dinner at The Bavarian German Restaurant & Pub (open till 11:00 pm)

Tips

  • Negotiate taxi fares before you start your journey
  • Be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your luggage when traveling

Day 4: Relaxation and Leisure

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring nearby shopping areas, such as Odel or Crescat Boulevard

Afternoon

  • Visit the Mount Lavinia Beach (open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm), a scenic beach with beautiful sunsets
  • Take a leisurely walk along the beach and enjoy the sea breeze

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Kingsbury (open till 11:00 pm), a luxurious hotel with a great buffet spread
  • Catch a movie or live performance at the National Theatre

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for occasional rain showers during the monsoon season (May-September)
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites

Day 5: Day Trip to Bentota

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Bentota (about 2-hour drive), a scenic coastal town with beautiful beaches
  • Visit the Bentota River, a tranquil spot for boat rides and water sports

Afternoon

  • Explore the Lunuganga Estate (open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), a historic estate with stunning architecture and gardens
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, such as The Lunuganga Restaurant

Evening

  • Return to Colombo in the evening and enjoy dinner at The Cinnamon Grand (open till 11:00 pm)

Transportation

  • Book a private car or taxi for your day trip to Bentota
  • Be prepared for occasional traffic jams and plan your day accordingly

Day 6: Exploration of Colombo

Morning

  • Visit the Colombo Lighthouse (open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), a historic lighthouse with great city views
  • Explore the nearby Maradana Railway Station, a bustling transportation hub

Afternoon

  • Visit the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct (open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm), a trendy shopping area with international brands
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, such as The Harbour Room

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Long Table (open till 11:00 pm), a popular restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Catch a live performance or music event at the B Barefoot

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and plan your day accordingly
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or doing some last-minute shopping
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for your departure flight

Transportation

  • Book a taxi, Uber, or private car to take you to the airport
  • Be prepared for occasional traffic jams and plan your day accordingly