What are the most common first-day activities for tours starting in Colombo?

Tours in Colombo typically begin with a city exploration that includes stops at the Gangarama Buddhist Temple the Dutch Hospital shopping district and the bustling Pettah Market. Visitors often check into well-known hotels such as the Hilton Colombo or Radisson Colombo. The day usually wraps up at Galle Face Green where travelers can watch the sunset and try local street food. As a TourRadar traveler notes: "Colombo city tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with exploration discovery and endless surprises."

What are the most common next destinations after Colombo?

The typical route from Colombo leads to either Kandy with a stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (3.5 hours) or toward Dambulla/Sigiriya (4-5 hours). Some groups stop in Negombo on their way inland. The Radisson Colombo and Cinnamon Grand serve as common starting points. According to a TourRadar traveler: "From Colombo we did a 12-day trip with them up to Sigiriya Ella Yala Mirissa and Galle. They were always easy to communicate with and very flexible around any changing plans."

Which areas in Colombo are most tours based from?

Tour groups generally stay in Colombo's central areas near Galle Face Green the Fort district and Cinnamon Gardens. These neighborhoods house the Hilton Colombo and Cinnamon Grand providing quick access to the National Museum Independence Square and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The location was perfect - we could easily visit Gangarama Temple Galle Face Green and other main sites."

What type of accommodation can I expect when starting my tour in Colombo?

Colombo accommodations on organized tours typically include stays at upscale hotels like Cinnamon Lakeside and Galadari Hotel in the city center. Some tours opt for beachfront properties like Jetwing Blue in nearby Negombo. A TourRadar review states: "The Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo was excellent - great ocean views and just 30 minutes from the airport perfect for recovering from the long flight."

What cultural experiences are available on the first day in Colombo?

First day itineraries often feature stops at the Gangarama Buddhist Temple walks through the colonial Fort area and time at the Dutch Hospital complex. Many tours end the day with traditional Sri Lankan meals at hotels like Cinnamon Grand or local eateries. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Our first day in Colombo was incredible with visits to temples markets and amazing local food experiences."

What dining options are available in Colombo on the first night?

Colombo's dining scene ranges from local Sri Lankan spots like Ministry of Crab to hotel restaurants at Cinnamon Grand and Taj Samudra. Tour groups often enjoy welcome dinners at venues like Palmyrah Restaurant or Curry Leaf Restaurant. As one TourRadar traveler puts it: "The food options in Colombo were excellent with our guide recommending authentic local restaurants that set the tone for our culinary journey."

Sri Lanka Tours from Colombo

Find your perfect adventure! We have 354 tours of Sri Lanka that start in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The most popular month is March, and tour lengths range between 2 and 21 days.

10 best Sri Lanka tour packages from Colombo

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Explorer
Serene Sri Lanka: A Magical 5-days Journey
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"itinerary was great. Hotel and meals were excellent. Highly recommend this tour."
Ronald, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella,Udawalawe National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd
From
US$580per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$\"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey\" All inclusive Tour$
$\"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey\" All inclusive - 13 destinations$
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Explorer
"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
5.0 (22 traveler reviews)
"Most of the 5 star hotels we upgraded to were great. We would recommend this trip to anyone."
Carmen, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota+6 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, German,Italian+1 more
Operator
Mango Vacations
From
US$1,700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Fascinating Sri Lanka
3.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"We are so glad that we did as we were able to see so much more than trying to find things to do ourselves."
FranckBeryies, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Colombo, Kandy, Bentota, Galle
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
GeTS Holidays
70% Off
From $2,492
US$748per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Pure Sri Lanka (Until Apr \'26) Tour$
$Pure Sri Lanka (Until Apr \'26) - 15 destinations$
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Explorer
Pure Sri Lanka (Until Apr '26)
5.0 (20 traveler reviews)
"I've had her for now two trips and she is an exceptional tour guide and friend. So punctual, friendly, accommodating and fun!"
Ashliegh, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Colombo, Sigiriya, Matale, Hiriwadunna, Dambulla, Kandy,Pidurangala,Ella,Nuwara Eliya,Udawalawe National Park,Galle,Unawatuna,Mirissa,Weligama+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $2,225
US$2,003per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Discover Sri Lanka: Colombo, Caves, and Tea Trails
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Sri Lanka is amazing, and MTA planned everything that I wanted to do perfectly."
Renata, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala,Galle,Bentota+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
MTA Destination Management Company
20% Off
From $1,582
US$1,266per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Sri Lanka Intro Tour
4.6 (68 traveler reviews)
"I loved learning about Sri Lanka history, and the national parks were a wonderful escape into nature."
Richard, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Udawalawe National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+6 more
Operator
Passage Holidays
50% Off
From $2,250
US$1,125per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Sri Lanka\'s Rich Heritage, Tea Trails, Scenic train, Wildlife & Beaches W/Meals Tour$
$Sri Lanka\'s Rich Heritage, Tea Trails, Scenic train, Wildlife & Beaches W/Meals - 6 destinations$
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Explorer
Sri Lanka's Rich Heritage, Tea Trails, Scenic train, Wildlife & Beaches W/Meals
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The ever-changing landscape and lovely people made it all an unforgettable trip."
Pieter, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Colombo, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Beruwala
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
North Western Province Sri LankaWestern Province Sri Lanka+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
21% Off
From $2,599
US$2,053per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Sri Lanka
4.7 (115 traveler reviews)
"Hotels were fantastic-comfortable and clean. The wildlife safari in Yala was unforgettable."
Anika, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Colombo, Kosgoda, Galle, Yala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale,Dambulla,Sigiriya,Polonnaruwa,Anuradhapura,Chilaw+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch+5 more
Operator
Passage Holidays
50% Off
From $3,420
US$1,710per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Sri Lankan Highlights
3.8 (24 traveler reviews)
"Bike riding around local villages with a buffet lunch in the middle of knowhere! Elephant riding on Christmas day!"
Jamie, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Colombo, Wattala, Girithale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya,Dambulla,Kandy,Knuckles Forest Reserve,Peradeniya+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
From $1,948
US$1,560per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
The Ultimate Sri Lankan Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"From the moment he picked us up in Colombo, his warm, professional demeanor and deep knowledge of the country set the tone for an amazing adventure."
Gus, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Colombo, Mirissa, Udawalawe National Park, Ella, Kandy,Dambulla,Sigiriya+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd
20% Off
From
US$625per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Splendour of Sri Lanka - ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka )
4.8 (292 traveler reviews)
"The country offers a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich culture, wildlife, and beautiful beaches."
Dona, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Tissamaharama,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Hikkaduwa+7 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Beauty Lanka Travels
23% Off
From $558
US$430per person
+$25 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Splendour Of Sri Lanka (7 Days) Upgrade to Private Tour Available
4.7 (124 traveler reviews)
"My trip through Sri Lanka was an unforgettable experience, filled with nature, culture, and adventure."
N., traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Tissamaharama,Mirissa,Galle+5 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Yala National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Beauty Lanka Travels
10% Off
From $495
US$446per person
+$20 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Exploring Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders in 5 Days
4.7 (12 traveler reviews)
"My clients were very happy with this tour."
Suzette, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella,Yala National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd
10% Off
From
US$420per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
4.6 (80 traveler reviews)
"Everything was perfect and we fell in love with amazing Sri Lanka."
Holly, traveled in August
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Colombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa,Anuradhapura,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Tangalle,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Mango Vacations
10% Off
From $1,220
US$1,098per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Sri Lanka Odyssey: Colombo | Dambulla | Kandy | Nuwara Eliya | Yala | Bentota
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The pre-trip material was high quality and ensured we were prepared. The accommodations were extremely impressive."
Matija, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Bentota
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Yala National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
MTA Destination Management Company
20% Off
From $1,373
US$1,098per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour