Quick 4 nights: Colombo and Galle Fort

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

Colombo

• Galle Face Green sunset & street food · 2 h. Isso vadai (prawn fritters) and kottu from the stalls; busiest on weekends.
• Independence Square & Arcade · 1 h

Local tip: Isso vadai (prawn fritters) and kottu from the stalls; busiest on weekends.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Colombo → Galle

Galle · Colombo to Galle, Coastal train ~2.5h (car ~1.75h via expressway)

• Galle Fort heritage walk & ramparts · 3 h. Lanes in the morning, ramparts from the clock tower to the lighthouse for sunset.
• Stilt fishermen at Koggala · 1 h. Most stilt fishermen now pose for visitors and charge for photos; agree the fee first.

Local tip: Lanes in the morning, ramparts from the clock tower to the lighthouse for sunset.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Galle

Galle

• Unawatuna beach · 3 h. Sheltered, swimmable bay Nov–Apr.
• Habaraduwa turtle hatchery · 1 h. Small, informal centres; pick one that releases hatchlings rather than keeping them in tanks.
• Maritime Museum & Dutch Reformed Church · 1.5 h

Local tip: Sheltered, swimmable bay Nov–Apr.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Galle

Galle

• Jungle Beach & Japanese Peace Pagoda (Rumassala) · 3 h. Rumassala hill is linked in the Ramayana to a piece of the Himalaya dropped by Hanuman. Short downhill path to the cove.
• Koggala Lake boat ride & cinnamon island · 2 h

Local tip: Rumassala hill is linked in the Ramayana to a piece of the Himalaya dropped by Hanuman. Short downhill path to the cove.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Depart from Galle

Galle

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.