By Dan Forteza
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Deciding what to do and what to see in Colombo, Sri Lanka depends on how much time you have (and your budget as well.) If you only have 2 days in Colombo (like me…) but surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in this beautiful city, this is for you. In this blog, I’ve put together the perfect 2-day Colombo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Colombo’s top attractions.
Read also: my Kandy itinerary in Sri Lanka with budget travel guide.
Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Sri Lankan visa guide to check if you’re eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.
WHERE IS COLOMBO?
Colombo is a city located on the western coast of the island country of Sri Lanka. It is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. It is a 3 ½-hour flight away from either Bangkok or Delhi, about 4 hours away from Singapore and, 4 ½ hours away from Dubai.
Language: Sinhala, Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Airport: Bandaranaike International (CMB)
Preferred mode of transportation: Tuktuk or Uber Tuktuk, Bus
Time Zone: GMT +4 ½
HOW I GOT THERE:
Finding a cheap flight ticket to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Southeast and South Asia is relatively easy (and cheap, too!) I booked mine coming from Bangkok, Thailand.
I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
- Tuktuk – Also known as a tri-shaw, Tuktuk is a three-wheeled vehicle which I think is the best way to get around Colombo. But as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“.
Many three-wheelers have meters and some can be booked through Uber App. Some drivers, however, will try to not use the meter or won’t have one. Avoid meter-free three-wheelers or agree to a firm price before setting out. I even got victimized by just agreeing with meter-free Tuktuk (haha!) and I paid 3 to 4 times its normal price.
- Uber Tuktuk – Ensure you have an Uber mobile app to book your ride.
- Private Tuktuk – There are so many Tuktuk drivers in the city who will ask you for a private tuk-tuk tour. I think it’s okay, I got mine for only 200 LKR (1.10 USD) and the driver took me to 3-4 different famous places in Colombo.
- City Buses – The best way to find out which bus to take is just to ask people at the nearest stop. They are way cheaper than Tuktuk.
HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:
I arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at around 9:30 AM from a 3 ½-hour flight from Bangkok. The first thing I looked for at the airport was the ATM to withdraw some Rupees. Then you can also purchase a sim card with mobile internet data to help you navigate the city.
First, a little heads up, when stepping out of the arrival hall at the airport, you will probably be “attacked” by drivers looking for new customers. They can be quite pushy, so keep calm.
Next, I looked for the bus going to downtown Colombo. I found a minibus parked on the road just a short walk from the airport’s arrival exit.
- Bus fare from the airport to downtown Colombo: 300 LKR (1.65 USD)
- Travel time: 1-2 hours (depending on traffic)
WHERE DID I STAY?
The hostel I booked is located in the city center. From the bus terminal, I just walk about 20 minutes to reach my hostel. It is close to the Lakehouse building.
- Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpacker’s Hostel: (book here)
- Room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Rate: 6 USD per night
MY 2-DAY COLOMBO ITINERARY
DAY 1:
1st Stop: Murugan Hindu Temple
Formally known as the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, this is the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Colombo and is dedicated to the Gods Shiva and Ganesh. A visit is a must and is included in most Colombo tours. Its monumental towers, with hundreds of colorful ornaments, will delight your eyes.
- Duration: 1 hour
2nd Stop: Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
This temple is huge and takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour to look around. There are Buddha statues all around the temple and the various rooms. My favorite was the Tiny Buddha encased by a miniature glass dome whose face can be seen very clearly through the magnifying disc—it is supposedly the world’s smallest Buddha statue.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: 300 LKR (1.65 USD) per tourist
3rd Stop: Seema Malakaya Temple
Also known as Lakeside Buddhist temple, Seema Malakaya is situated at the center of Baira lake. This is one of the most photographed landmarks in Colombo.
NOTE: The 300-LKR-ticket for Gangaramaya also covers the ticket fee for Seema Malaka Temple if you visit them on the same day.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Included with Gangaramaya ticket
4th Stop: Independence Square
The Independence Square is where independence from the British colonization was celebrated in 1948. Now this place stands as a recreation area for the public to relax and take photos. There’s also the famous Independence Memorial Hall, so make sure you check it out.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
DAY 2:
5th Stop: Lotus Tower
Lotus Tower is the latest iconic landmark of Sri Lanka. It includes a rotating restaurant, hotel, and broadcasting stations. If you are a visitor, don’t forget to add this iconic location to your wish list for some great selfies.
- Duration: 1 hour
6th Stop: Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is an urban park on the ocean side. Locals call it “Colombo’s front lawn,” and it comes to life in the late afternoon with kids flying kites, lovers overlooking the ocean, and stalls selling delicious seafood snacks.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
7th Stop: Colombo Municipal Council Hall
Located in front of Viharamahadevi Park, this building is often called “the White House” due to its resemblance to the US building. It is the office of the Mayor and a major striking landmark in the city center.
- Duration: 1 hour
8th Stop: ViharamaDevi Park & Buddha Statue
The biggest park in Colombo, situated right opposite the Municipal Council Hall. It features well-landscaped gardens, lotus ponds, fountains, and a golden image of Buddha. It’s a perfect place for leisure activities.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
What do you think of this 2-day COLOMBO itinerary?
I hope that you find this guide useful! If you have more days to spend in Sri Lanka, consider these package tours:
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotels: Booking.com (I recommend this for free cancellation options).
- Flights: KAYAK (Best for finding cheap fare rates).
- Tours: Viator (Leading resource for travel experiences).
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with this link and you will get up to 42 USD off your first stay!
Dan Travels 