Colombo, Sri Lanka 4 Day Itinerary

Colombo, Sri Lanka: A 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Colombo

Morning:

  • Check into your hotel (recommendations below) and freshen up.
  • Breakfast at Café Kumbuk - a popular spot offering Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
  • Visit the National Museum of Colombo to understand the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Galle Face Hotel’s Verandah Restaurant overlooking the Galle Face Green.
  • Explore Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist temple complex with museums inside.
  • Relax at the tranquil Viharamahadevi Park or take a leisurely walk along Galle Face Green.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Ministry of Crab - famous for its crab dishes in multiple locations around Colombo.

Day 2: Discover the Colonial Charm and Modern Vibrancy

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try local street food from a nearby kiosk.
  • Visit Independence Square, built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence.
  • Explore the Pettah Market for shopping experiences ranging from spices and textiles to jewelry and electronics.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Hoppers - known for its hopper dishes (a type of pancake) and other authentic Sri Lankan food.
  • Visit the Dutch Period Museum to learn about Colombo’s colonial past.
  • Relax at Beira Lake, visit the Buddhist temple nearby, or explore the surrounding areas.

Evening:

  • Dinner at The Old Dutch Hospital - a historic building housing numerous restaurants and shops.
  • Enjoy live music at the weekly street food festival in Park Street Mews.

Day 3: Embrace Nature and Culture

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or nearby eatery.
  • Visit the Gangabawa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Colombo.
  • Take a trip to Dehiwala Zoo, home to a diverse range of animal species.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at The Lakeview Hotel - offering excellent Sri Lankan cuisine with scenic lake views.
  • Explore the Natural History Museum or the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Evening:

  • Dinner at Thambapanni Restaurant - an eco-friendly restaurant in Wolvendaal Church offering delicious Sri Lankan food.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Beira Lake to unwind and enjoy the city’s skyline.

Day 4: Departure and Last Minutes

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or nearby eatery.
  • Spend some quiet time at the Gangaramaya Temple before leaving.
  • Depending on your flight schedule, explore Colombo Fort area for last-minute shopping or visit the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.

Transportation:

  • Tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available for getting around the city. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Pickme.
  • Consider purchasing a Colombo Heritage Transport Pass for unlimited travel on selected routes in heritage buses, trolley buses, and double-decker buses.

Where to Stay:

  • The Kingsbury Colombo - Luxury accommodation with multiple dining options and a beautiful pool area.
  • Tintagel Colombo - A boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo with a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views.
  • Jetwing Colombo Seven - A modern, eco-friendly hotel with excellent amenities and dining options.