These day trips in Sri Lanka enable visitors to make the most of their time and see the best of the island in just one day by giving them a peek of its stunning natural surroundings, rich history, and exhilarating activities.
Discover the highlights of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vivacious capital city, on a day trip. Discover famous sites including the National Museum, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the Gangaramaya Temple. Experience the city’s vibrant markets and distinctive fusion of colonial and contemporary buildings.
Mirissa Whale Watching Day Tour: Depart from this seaside village for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see whales. Take a boat out into the Indian Ocean’s deep seas to see majestic whales including blue whales and sperm whales, as well as lively dolphins.
Combine the historical marvels of Polonnaruwa with the wildlife adventure of Minneriya National Park on a day trip to Minneriya. Discover the historical remains at Polonnaruwa, which include old temples and palaces. Later, go on an exhilarating safari to Minneriya, especially while elephants are “Gathering” around the Minneriya Tank.
Discover Negombo (Negombo Hamilton Canal & Maha Oya River Boat excursion): Take a boat excursion along the picturesque Hamilton Canal and Maha Oya River to learn more about this coastal town. As you sail through this lovely location, take in the peace and quiet of the rivers, see local life, and look out for a variety of wildlife.
Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park: Experience an exhilarating jeep safari in this park, known for having a big population of elephants. As you move through the park’s varied ecosystems, keep a lookout for other animals like buffalo, deer, and numerous bird species.
Explore the picturesque town of Nuwara Eliya, which is frequently referred to as “Little England” because of its cold climate and British colonial architecture. Visit a tea plantation to discover how tea is made while taking in Gregory Lake’s calm beauty and the surrounding scenery.
Day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla: Climb the renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to take in the breathtaking panoramic views and the historic frescoes. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple later on to see its impressive collection of Buddha statues and detailed cave paintings.
A day trip to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site, will transport you back in time. Explore the preserved ruins of historic stupas, monasteries, and other works of art.
Join a thrilling safari in Yala National Park, which is renowned for having a lot of wildlife, including a lot of leopards. Explore this enormous, beautiful wilderness in search of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Embark on a guided hike through the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest, which is a hotspot for biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Explore this gorgeous rainforest sanctuary to see different fauna, uncommon birds, and unusual plants.
White-water rafting on the Kelani River is an amazing experience that can be had on a day trip to Kithulgala for thrill-seekers. Experience thrilling rapids while being surrounded by a gorgeous jungle.
Visit Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a day trip, where you may visit the magnificently maintained Galle Fort. Admire the colonial architecture, stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets, and stop by the art galleries and boutique stores. Traverse through the beaches and sightsee when you a free.
Day trip to Kandy, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage first thing in the morning to see the cute baby elephants being fed and having fun in the river. Travel on to Kandy to see a traditional cultural dance performance and tour the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. Take a leisurely stroll around the verdant Peradeniya Botanical Gardens to round out your day. These gardens are home to a sizable array of plants and exotic vegetation.
Take a tour of the buildings designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, which includes a brief visit to some gardens. Visit well-known structures Bawa created, like the Geoffrey Bawa House and the Lunuganga Estate. Visit Brief Gardens, formerly Bawa’s home and now a lovely garden open to the public, to round out the tour.