How to Get to Yala From Colombo, Kandy, Ella & More
How to get to Yala National Park from Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle and Mirissa: drive times, the best routes, where to stay and safari timing.
Travel guide
Day Trips From Colombo: 10 Best One-Day Trips
By the Vacations Ceylon Tours team · Last updated: 23 October 2026
Quick answer
The best day trips from Colombo are:
- Galle Fort (about 2 hours);
- Bentota's beaches and the Madu River (about 1.5–2 hours);
- Kitulgala for rafting (about 2.5–3 hours);
- Kandy (about 3–4 hours; a long day);
- Negombo (about 1 hour);
- Kalutara's temple and beach (about 1 hour).
A private driver makes these easy. See all our Sri Lanka day tours.
Day trips from Colombo at a glance
| # | Day trip | Drive (about) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galle Fort | 2 hours | History, ramparts at sunset |
| 2 | Bentota | 1.5–2 hours | Beach, river safari |
| 3 | Kitulgala | 2.5–3 hours | Rafting, rainforest |
| 4 | Negombo | 1 hour | Lagoon, fish market, churches |
| 5 | Kalutara | 1 hour | Hollow stupa, beach |
| 6 | Kandy | 3–4 hours | Temple of the Tooth (a long day) |
| 7 | Mount Lavinia | 30 minutes | Beach and sunset |
| 8 | Muthurajawela wetlands | 45 minutes | Birds, boat ride |
| 9 | Kelaniya temple | 30 minutes | Murals, culture |
| 10 | Hikkaduwa | 2–2.5 hours | Reef and turtles |
Tips
- Leave early to avoid Colombo's traffic.
- Choose one main destination per day.
- The expressway makes Galle and Bentota easy.
Read Colombo to Galle. Book the Galle day tour or the Colombo city tour.
Drive times and conditions are approximate. Prices are a personal quote based on your dates, group size and hotels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Colombo?
Galle Fort, about 2 hours away by expressway.
Can I visit Kandy as a day trip from Colombo?
Yes, but it's a long day. Staying a night is better.
Which day trip is best for beaches?
Bentota or Hikkaduwa.
Do you pick up from Colombo hotels?
Yes, from any hotel in Colombo.
Part of our guide
This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka.
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