Colombo, Sri Lanka 5 Day Itinerary

Colombo, Sri Lanka 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Colombo’s Heart

Morning:

  • Check-in at The Kingsbury Hotel (Luxury) or Hotel Indigo Colombo (Mid-Range) or Cinnamon Lodge (Budget)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or nearby (e.g., Ministry of Crab for seafood)

Afternoon:

  • Visit Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist temple complex with unique architectural styles
  • Explore Pettah Market for local goods and street food
  • Stop by the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Colombo

Evening:

  • Witness the sunset at the Galle Face Green
  • Dinner at Café Kumbuk or Curry Leaf for traditional Sri Lankan cuisine

Day 2: Cultural & Historical Sites

Morning:

  • Visit the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and culture
  • Explore the Independence Square and Parliament buildings

Afternoon:

  • Head to Dehiwala Zoo to see a variety of Asian and African wildlife
  • Visit the Bellanwila Temple, known for its giant Buddha statue and elephant shrine

Evening:

  • Dinner at Colombo Court or Tang Cabin for Chinese and local dishes

Day 3: Modern Colombo & Shopping

Morning:

  • Visit the Colombo Dutch Museum to learn about the city’s colonial history
  • Explore Modern Colombo with stops at the World Trade Center and the Unity Plaza

Afternoon:

  • Spend time shopping at Crescat Boulevard, The Mall of Sri Lanka, or the street shops in Slave Island

Evening:

  • Dinner at Taprobane for a rooftop dining experience with stunning views

Day 4: Beach & Relaxation

Morning:

  • Travel to Mount Lavinia Beach (15 mins from Colombo) or Wattego Beach (30 mins) for a day of relaxation and beach activities
  • Lunch at a nearby beachside restaurant

Afternoon:

  • Return to Colombo and explore the Independence Memorial Hall
  • Visit the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo’s largest urban park

Evening:

  • Dinner at The Panchaganga for vegetarian dishes or Bombay Brasserie for Indian cuisine

Day 5: Galle Road & Farewell

Morning:

  • Spend the morning strolling along Galle Road, visiting boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés
  • Grab lunch at a local eatery like Café Kai or The Salty Sow

Afternoon:

  • Last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation before departure
  • Check-out from the hotel and prepare for departure

Things to Know:

  • Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) as its currency. Exchange money at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange bureaus.
  • Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transport in Colombo. Negotiate fares before hopping on.
  • Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time for travel.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during religious ceremonies and at temples.
  • Enjoy your trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka!