Sri Lanka is an island where cinnamon once launched empires, railways still hug the sea, and tea estates scent the hills. Over centuries, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders shaped its ports—especially Galle—while Buddhist temples and Hindu kovils rooted older stories in the landscape.

In five days, focus on two complementary worlds: cosmopolitan Colombo and the southern coast’s crown jewel, Galle. You’ll explore markets and museums by tuk-tuk, stroll Galle Fort’s ramparts at sunset, and—if seas cooperate—spot blue whales off Mirissa. Expect vivid flavors, friendly banter, and sea breezes at every turn.

Practical notes: Sri Lanka uses Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) and 230V Type D/G/M sockets. Buy a local SIM (Dialog or Mobitel) at the airport. The southwest monsoon (May–Sep) brings rain to the south/west coasts; whale watching off Mirissa is best roughly Nov–Apr. Dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered), and carry small cash for stalls and tuk-tuks.

Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, is a mosaic: colonial warehouses reborn as galleries, shimmering high-rises beside lotus-topped lakes, and food hawkers frying isso wade (prawn fritters) at sunset. It’s loud, colorful, and endlessly snackable—perfect for your first taste of the island.

Top sights include the National Museum (Kandyan regalia and lion throne), Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake, Independence Memorial Hall, and the Old Dutch Hospital precinct—now a dining enclave. Save time for Galle Face Green’s sea-sprayed promenade at dusk.

• Where to stay (Colombo): Smart picks on Hotels.com (Colombo) or browse apartments on VRBO (Colombo). Specific options: Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo (Indian Ocean views, polished dining), CityRest Fort (budget-friendly in the historic core), and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo (resort-style pool by the lake).
• Getting in: Fly into CMB (Bandaranaike). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport taxis to Colombo take ~45–60 minutes (US$20–30).
• Local eats and sips: Try Ministry of Crab (celebrated lagoon crab), Upali’s by Nawaloka (hoppers and crab curry), Palmyrah (Jaffna-style dishes), The Lagoon (seafood market vibe), and street snacks at Galle Face Green. For coffee/tea breaks: t-Lounge by Dilmah (tea flights), Barefoot Garden Café (shady courtyard), Butter Boutique (cakes) and The Commons Coffee House (all-day comfort food).

Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo

Afternoon: Land at CMB and transfer to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop around Beira Lake and Gangaramaya Temple’s eclectic museum (Buddhist artifacts to vintage cars). Refuel with short eats—fish buns, mutton rolls—at a local bakery.

Evening: Sunset at Galle Face Green: watch kites snap in the sea breeze and order isso wade from a sizzling cart. Dinner options: Ministry of Crab (book ahead; pepper crab is a star) or Upali’s by Nawaloka for a tasting of rice-and-curry, hoppers, and sambols. Nightcap at Botanik Rooftop or Cloud Red for skyline views.

Day 2 – Colombo by Tuk-Tuk, Markets, and Museums

Morning: Dive into the city on a guided tuk-tuk ride (3–4 hours), weaving from the Red Mosque in Pettah to hidden lanes and spice stalls. Book:

Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour

Snack on fresh fruit at Pettah Floating Market and taste kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fry) at a bustling diner.

Afternoon: Colombo National Museum (don’t miss the royal regalia), then Independence Memorial Hall’s granite colonnade. Coffee and a light lunch at Barefoot Garden Café—try the lime-and-ginger iced tea and a prawn curry wrap.

Evening: Explore the Old Dutch Hospital precinct. Dinner ideas: Palmyrah (crab jaffna style, string hoppers) or The Lagoon (pick your seafood, pick a sauce). If you prefer something casual, sample isso wade again—no repeats taste the same! If you like live music and cocktails, check out the bars along Park Street Mews.

Galle

Two hours south, the train clings to the turquoise coast as you roll into Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage city within 17th-century Dutch ramparts. Cobbled lanes, whitewashed churches, and verandas shaded by frangipani set a cinematic scene.

Inside the Fort, browse chic boutiques, gem ateliers, and cafés; beyond it, palm-fringed beaches lead to Mirissa and Weligama. Sunsets from the ramparts are a ritual—join locals as the sky turns sherbet-pink.

• Getting there (Colombo → Galle, morning of Day 3): Take the coastal train from Colombo Fort (~2–2.5 hours, LKR 600–1,500 / US$2–5). Check times and book regional rail through Trip.com Trains. AC highway bus or private car via the Southern Expressway takes ~2–2.5 hours (US$45–90 by car for 2–3 travelers).
• Where to stay (Galle): Browse Hotels.com (Galle) or VRBO (Galle). Standouts include the storied Amangalla (colonial grandeur), Jetwing Lighthouse (clifftop waves), and the budget-friendly Galle Fort Hostel.
• Food to find: Inside the Fort, try Poonie’s Kitchen (salad thalis, passionfruit cheesecake), Lucky Fort (ten-curry tasting), Church Street Social (refined Sri Lankan and Mediterranean plates), The Tuna & The Crab (Asian seafood), Pedlar’s Inn Café (breakfast). For gelato, Dairy King is a local favorite.

Day 3 – Coastal Train, Galle Fort, and Sunset Ramparts

Morning: Depart Colombo by train along the sea (aim for seats on the ocean side). On arrival, check in and enjoy a light lunch—Poonie’s Kitchen for fresh juices and the famed thali-style salad.

Afternoon: Learn the Fort’s layered history—Portuguese bastions, Dutch ramparts, British lighthouses—on a guided walk:

Galle Fort Heritage Walk by a Certified Heritage Interpreter

Browse boutiques for handloom textiles and vintage posters at Stick No Bills, and peek into the Dutch Reformed Church’s cool interior.

Evening: Join locals on the ramparts from the lighthouse to Flag Rock for golden-hour views and cliff-jumping spectacles (by fearless youths). Dinner at Church Street Social (black pork curry, craft cocktails) or Lucky Fort for a generous curry sampler.

Day 4 – Mirissa Whales or Safari Option; Beach Time

Morning: Rise early (pickup ~5:30–6:00 a.m.) for whale watching in Mirissa (about 45 minutes from Galle). In season (roughly Nov–Apr), sightings of blue and sperm whales are common. Book:

Whales and Dolphins Watching Mirissa

If seas are rough (May–Sep), swap for a wildlife day to Udawalawe (elephants and raptors) from Galle:

Udawalawe National Park Safari from Galle

Afternoon: Lunch in Mirissa: Zephyr (grilled seafood, beach seating) or Shady Lane (smoothie bowls, wholesome plates). Relax at Secret Beach or watch surfers at Coconut Tree Hill. Return to Galle mid-afternoon.

Evening: Sunset stroll past the lighthouse, then dinner at The Tuna & The Crab (try the Sri Lankan chili crab or tuna tataki). For something casual with a view, A Minute by Tuk Tuk at the Dutch Hospital serves good seafood and icy lime sodas.

Day 5 – Fort Sunrise, Last Sips, and Departure

Morning: Early rampart walk while the lanes are hushed and golden. Breakfast at Pedlar’s Inn Café (eggs roti and iced coffee) or manual-brew tea at a specialty café. Pick up last-minute souvenirs—handloom shawls, cinnamon sticks, stone-ground curry powders.

Afternoon: Depart for CMB via Southern Expressway (plan 2–2.5 hours; add buffer for traffic). If you prefer the scenic route, the coastal train runs mid-day; check schedules and tickets on Trip.com Trains. Connect to your international flight—compare options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Departure day—if your flight is later, squeeze in one last tea at t-Lounge by Dilmah in Colombo, then head to the airport.

Practical dining shortlist (Galle & nearby):

• Poonie’s Kitchen: colorful salad thalis, mango curd.
• Lucky Fort: famed ten-curry tasting set with rice and papadum.
• Church Street Social: refined takes on local flavors; good for date night.
• The Tuna & The Crab: seafood-forward; book for prime time.
• Pedlar’s Inn Café: breakfast, pastries, iced coffees in a restored building.

In five days you’ll have tasted Colombo’s markets and museums, traced centuries along Galle’s ramparts, and—if the season is right—met the largest creature on earth off Mirissa. Sri Lanka rewards unhurried wandering, so bring curiosity and an appetite; the island will do the rest.