A Weekend Getaway from Colombo: 3 Scenic Routes

Living in or visiting Colombo can be exciting, but the hustle and bustle of the city sometimes calls for a quick escape. Fortunately, Sri Lanka's capital is perfectly positioned for easy weekend getaways. Whether you are looking for golden beaches, misty mountains, or lush greenery, you can find it just a few hours away.

Grab a compact car or a sedan from RentaKey, and you are ready to hit the road. Here are three fantastic weekend getaway routes from Colombo that you can easily conquer in 48 hours.

1. The Southern Coastal Route: Bentota to Hikkaduwa

If you want to swap city concrete for soft sand and ocean breezes, head south. The Southern Expressway makes this journey incredibly fast.

• The Drive: The drive from Colombo to Bentota takes just over an hour via the expressway.
• What to Do: Bentota offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can take a thrilling river safari through the Bentota mangroves or visit the local turtle hatchery. Further down, Hikkaduwa is famous for its vibrant beach scene, excellent snorkeling over coral reefs, and lively nightlife.
• Vehicle Tip: A standard sedan is perfect for this route. The Southern Expressway is smooth and well-maintained, making the drive a breeze.

2. The Central Highland Route: Kandy

For a change of pace and cooler weather, the journey to Kandy is a classic Sri Lankan road trip.

• The Drive: The Central Expressway has significantly reduced travel time, making Kandy accessible in about 2.5 to 3 hours from Colombo.
• What to Do: Kandy is steeped in culture. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and take a boat ride on Kandy Lake. If you have time, take a short drive up to Hanthana for a panoramic view of the city.
• Vehicle Tip: While the expressway is easy to navigate, an SUV might offer a more comfortable ride if you plan to explore the winding roads surrounding Kandy, like the route to Hunnasgiriya Falls.

3. The Coastal-Northwest Route: Negombo and Chilaw

If you are short on time or want a quieter beach experience, the northwest coast offers a great alternative to the crowded south.

• The Drive: Negombo is practically a suburb of Colombo, located just 40 minutes north. From there, you can drive another hour to Chilaw or Kalpitiya.
• What to Do: Negombo is famous for its bustling fish market and Dutch canals. Head further north to Kalpitiya, a peninsula known for kite surfing, pristine beaches, and dolphin watching during the right season.
• Vehicle Tip: A hatchback or small car is ideal for navigating the narrower, more crowded streets of Negombo and the coastal villages along the way.

Getting Around with RentaKey

Planning a weekend trip shouldn't be stressful. With RentaKey, finding a vehicle for your weekend getaway is as easy as a few taps on your phone. The platform uses your location to find the closest available car, whether you need a quick rental in Colombo for a southern beach trip or a sturdier vehicle for the central highlands. You can pre-book your ride and choose a self-drive option to explore at your own pace, or opt for a chauffeur if you prefer to relax and let someone else handle the weekend traffic.