Most completeGalle Day Tour from Colombo, All Included
The fullest Galle day: stilt fishermen, a swim at Jungle Beach, the fort and Kosgoda turtles, lunch in the package.
Each way: 2 to 3 hours
Eleven tours from Colombo, sorted by where they go: south to Galle, up to Kandy, north to Sigiriya, or around the city itself. Each one has its own page with the hours in the car, the fees you pay on the day, and what guests say.
The easiest day trip: 2 to 3 hours each way, mostly on the Southern Expressway.
Most completeThe fullest Galle day: stilt fishermen, a swim at Jungle Beach, the fort and Kosgoda turtles, lunch in the package.
Each way: 2 to 3 hours
Your own carA private car down the coast with a long menu of stops, tolls included. Boat and turtle tickets extra.
Each way: 2 to 3 hours
River and turtlesTurtles, a mangrove boat ride, two hours in Galle Fort and Dalawella beach. Boat, tickets and lunch extra.
Each way: 2 to 3 hours from Colombo
The Temple of the Tooth and the botanical gardens, about 3 hours each way.
Top ratedYour own driver to Kandy: the Temple of the Tooth, Pinnawala, a tea factory and a viewpoint. Temple and elephant tickets extra.
Each way: About 3 hours
Shared vanA 6 am shared van to Kandy, with a guide at the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya gardens and a tea factory. Tickets extra.
Each way: About 3 hours
Lion Rock and the Dambulla caves: worth it, but 4 to 5 hours each way.
Lowest priceThe lowest price to Lion Rock: a shared van, Dambulla's caves, then the climb. A 12 to 14-hour day, tickets extra.
Each way: 4 to 5 hours
Rock and elephantsLion Rock, a jeep safari for wild elephants and Dambulla in one private day. Tickets and jeep paid on the day.
Each way: 4 to 5 hours
No long drive: the city by tuk-tuk or car, or by the plate.
Most reviewedThe most-reviewed tour in Colombo: four hours by tuk-tuk through Fort and Pettah, with a meal and fees included.
Each way: None, city only
Cruise dayA full day of Colombo's sights in an air-conditioned private car. Good for cruise days; some tickets extra.
Each way: None, city only
Evening optionNine-plus tastings at local Colombo eateries by tuk-tuk, a market and tea tasting. Two to three hours.
Each way: None, city only
Cook with a local host between two long drives.
Cross-sellA rest from the car: shop a local market with Nim, then cook and eat a Sri Lankan meal at his home. Max 8.
Each way: None, on the edge of Colombo