Colombo Sri Lanka 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

  • Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) or Katunayake Airport
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Uber or Pick-me-up to your hotel
  • Check-in at Galle Face Hotel or similar ( approx. $100-$150 per night)
  • Lunch: Try some street food or visit Wesak Market for local snacks and drinks
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lankan history and culture ($5 entry fee)
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view at the Galle Face Green, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike

Day 2: Colombo City Tour

  • Morning: Start the day with breakfast at The Good Market Cafe, serving delicious local cuisine
  • Transportation: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your first destination, Independence Square, a historic site commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence ($10-$20 for a ride)
  • Visit the Colombo National Museum (free entry) and explore the city’s history and culture
  • Lunch: Try some Sri Lankan cuisine at Kahandas Restaurant
  • Afternoon: Explore the Petah Bazaar, one of Colombo’s oldest markets, for souvenirs and local shopping
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner show at Sakya Buddhist Cultural Center (reservations recommended)

Day 3: Beaches and Waterfront

  • Morning: Breakfast at Ocean View Restaurant, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Galle Face Mall, a popular shopping destination ($10-$20 for a ride)
  • Visit the Maritime Museum (free entry) to learn about Sri Lanka’s maritime history
  • Lunch: Try some seafood at Ocean View Restaurant
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the waterfront
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and sunset views at Galle Face Hotel

Day 4: Hill Stations and Gardens

  • Morning: Breakfast at The Good Market Cafe
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Nelum Pokuna Park, a beautiful botanical garden (approx. $20-$30 for a ride)
  • Explore the gardens, featuring over 500 species of plants and trees
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at Nelum Pokuna Restaurant
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Havelock Town, known for its tea plantations and scenic views
  • Evening: Return to Colombo and enjoy dinner at Kahandas Restaurant

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Breakfast at The Good Market Cafe
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Borella Town, known for its textile and fabric stores ($10-$20 for a ride)
  • Visit the Sri Lanka Textile Museum (free entry) to learn about Sri Lankan textiles
  • Lunch: Try some street food or visit Wesak Market
  • Afternoon: Attend a traditional dance performance at Sakya Buddhist Cultural Center (reservations recommended)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at Galle Face Hotel

Day 6: Shopping and Markets

  • Morning: Breakfast at The Good Market Cafe
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the Petah Bazaar, one of Colombo’s oldest markets ($10-$20 for a ride)
  • Visit the market, offering a wide range of local shopping options
  • Lunch: Try some street food or visit Wesak Market
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Borella Town, known for its textile and fabric stores
  • Evening: Return to Colombo and enjoy dinner at Kahandas Restaurant

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Breakfast at The Good Market Cafe
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service back to the airport (approx. $20-$30 for a ride)
  • Depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) or Katunayake Airport

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Sinhala, Tamil, English
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
  • Weather: Tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F)
  • Dress Code: Modest clothing for temples and cultural sites; light and breathable clothing for hot weather
  • Power Adapter: Type D, G, M (230V, 50Hz)
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle

Accommodation

  • Galle Face Hotel: A historic hotel offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean (approx. $100-$150 per night)
  • The Good Market Cafe: Offers local cuisine and accommodation options in Colombo (approx. $20-$50 per night)

Food and Drink

  • Kahandas Restaurant: Serves delicious Sri Lankan cuisine
  • Ocean View Restaurant: Offers seafood and stunning views of the Indian Ocean
  • Wesak Market: A popular spot for local snacks and drinks

Note: Prices may vary depending on season, availability, and other factors.