One Day Trip in Sri Lanka: Best & Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Get ready to fast-track your way through the wonders of Sri Lanka on a thrilling one-day journey. From cultural hotspots to sun-kissed beaches, ancient temples to bustling markets, these are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka for a one day trip. Take your pick, there’s a bit of everything in store.

• Kandy
• Galle
• Dambulla
• Sigiriya

This city in the central province is packed with history and beautiful sights, including being a filming location for “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Start your day with a serene stroll around Kandy Lake, located in the heart of the city, built by the last Sri Lankan King. Then, at the end of your stroll, you’ll be met with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, where Buddhists from all over come to pay their respects. It’s an impressive structure, dating back to the late 16th century, and it houses a real tooth of Buddha and is considered a national treasure. And no visit to Kandy would be complete without exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned as the largest botanical garden in Asia. You’ll get to see and learn about a large variety of around 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal herbs, and palm trees. End your day on a high note at Jetwing Kandy Gallery, tucked away in the heart of Kandy, this cosy boutique hotel is the perfect retreat. Enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, enjoy some great food, and treat yourself to a spa session.

Galle is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for a one day trip. You can wander through spots like the Dutch hospital, which used to be a hospital but now is bustling with bars, restaurants, and shops. Make sure you don’t miss out on exploring Galle fort – it’s like stepping back in time with its old-school Dutch architecture. You will also be able to see the iconic Lighthouse, the first ever built in Sri Lanka back in 1848. While you’re in Galle Fort, make your way to Galle Fort Market, where you can shop in a sea of stalls, selling everything from local crafts to souvenirs to jewellery. And if you’re up for it, learn all about Galle’s rich history at the National Museum. You also have Unawatuna Beach nearby for some sun and sand. Or head to Jungle Beach for a peaceful dip in the water or snorkelling. Wrap up your day at Jetwing Lighthouse and soak up all the rich history Galle has to offer including easy access from other destinations, including Colombo.

When planning a trip to Sigiriya, you can first explore the charms of Dambulla, making it one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka to visit on a one-day trip. Here, you’ll get to venture through Dambulla Cave Temple. Through its collection of art and sculptures, this cave pays homage to Buddhism, capturing its spiritual essence. Inside, two main caves await: one showcasing a 48 foot reclining Buddha statue and ancient wall paintings depicting Lord Buddha’s life from centuries ago. The second cave has over 150 statues reflecting Buddhism’s influences at the time.

After exploring the charms of Dambulla and once the sun eases up, continue your journey to Sigiriya Rock, translated to “Lion Rock” in English. Some consider it to be the eighth wonder of the world. Legend has it that King Kashyapa built this fortress in the 5th century to escape his brother’s wrath. During the climb, you’ll be able to see colourful paintings of women adorning the rock, who supposedly lived in the palace with the king. After exploring the stunning sights of Dambulla and Sigiriya, keep the adventure going with a stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana. Tucked away in its own nature reserve, this place is all about luxury in unity with nature. Surrounded by wildlife, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.

Sources:

One day in Kandy, Sri Lanka (Guide) – Top things to do (onedayitinerary.com)
Royal Botanic Gardens – Department of National Botanic Gardens
Autentic travel and mindful living blog – Nina Botzen
Sigiriya Day Tour | Best of Lanka
Sigiriya Sri Lanka | Official Travel Website (sigiriyafortress.com)