Colombo Sri Lanka 2 Day Itinerary

Colombo, Sri Lanka: A Two-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Kumbuk (47, Horton Place, Colombo 07). This eco-friendly café serves Sri Lankan and Western dishes.

Galle Face Green & National Museum:

  • Head to Galle Face Green (11 Galle Rd, Colombo 03) for a leisurely walk along the beachfront. Don’t miss the sunset!
  • Afterward, visit the National Museum of Sri Lanka (74, Sir Chittawakarama Mawatha, Colombo 07). It’s one of the oldest museums in South Asia and showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Lunch:

  • For lunch, head to Kumbuk Kada (342, Galle Road, Kolpitha, Colombo 06). This restaurant serves delicious Sri Lankan cuisine in a comfortable setting.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Pettah Market. It’s bustling and vibrant, selling everything from textiles to electronics. Remember to bargain!
  • Visit the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Colombo.
  • If time allows, check out the Independence Memorial Hall.

Dinner:

  • For dinner, try the famous Ministry of Crab (21-23, Galle Road, Colombo 03). It’s a bit pricey but offers some of the best crab dishes in town.

Nightlife:

  • End your day at The Roof, located at The Kingsbury Hotel (68 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 00100). It’s one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars.

Day 2:

Morning:

  • For breakfast, visit Baker’s Coffee Shop (72, Galle Rd, Colombo 03). This iconic café has been serving Sri Lankan delicacies since 1945.

Gangaramaya Temple & Beira Lake:

  • Visit the Gangaramaya Temple (Yehala Mawatha, Colombo 12), one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
  • Take a boat ride at Beira Lake, located near the temple. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Lunch:

  • Enjoy lunch at Café Django (207, Horton Place, Colombo 07). This cozy café serves an array of international dishes.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Old Dutch Hospital in Fort area. It’s a historic building now transformed into a shopping and dining precinct.
  • Explore the Independence Square, another iconic landmark in Colombo.
  • If time allows, visit the Lotus Tower. However, it might be closed due to security reasons, so check beforehand.

Dinner:

  • For dinner, try the unique Sri Lankan-Japanese fusion cuisine at Cinnamon Bistro & Bar (25, Basses Street, Colombo 03).

Things to Know:

  • The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation for short distances within Colombo. Metered taxis are also available.
  • Traffic in Colombo can be chaotic, so allow extra time for travel.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Wear modest clothing and remove shoes where required.
  • English is widely spoken in Colombo, making communication easier for tourists.

Stay:

  • For luxury accommodations, consider The Shangri-La Colombo (1 Galle Rd, Colombo 03).
  • For a more budget-friendly option, try Hotel Wallawwa (27-29 Karagahahena Road, Bulathsinhala, Bentota, 81560, Sri Lanka) or similar boutique hotels outside of Colombo. These properties offer shuttle services to and from Colombo.