A realistic, traveller-friendly itinerary featuring Colombo, the South Coast, and a boutique inland stay at Glenross Living
Planning a 3-day relaxation trip to Sri Lanka is easier than ever, especially as travelers now look for short, nature-led escapes that help them slow down and reset. The island is more than a sun-sea paradise, it offers a mix of quiet forest stays, wellness rituals, and gentle coastal rhythms that make it ideal for a quick restorative getaway.
One of the standout places for this kind of retreat is Glenross Living in Kalutara, a serene, design-forward sanctuary surrounded by lush greenery. Whether you want mindful downtime, light wellness experiences, or simply a calm base away from the city, this itinerary is curated to provide you with a practical 72-hour relaxation trip to Sri Lanka.
What You Can Do in 3 Days in Sri Lanka?
In 3 days you can explore Colombo’s markets and cultural sites, spend time on Bentota’s beaches, wander through Galle Fort, and step into the greenery of Kalutara. Staying at a boutique retreat like Glenross Living gives you a calm base between each stop, especially if you want nature and privacy built into your trip.
This route keeps travel light while giving you a mix of food, coastline, and countryside.
Why This Itinerary Works
Sri Lanka looks compact on a map, but many inland icons like Ella and Sigiriya require long drives. With only three days, the most realistic and enjoyable relaxation circuit is to start from Colombo, head to Bentota, visit Galle and relax in Kalutara before heading back home.
Each stretch is roughly 45 to 90 minutes, which means you spend far more time experiencing the country than sitting in a car.
Day 1: Colombo – Culture, Markets & a Sunset by the Ocean
Colombo is an easy and comfortable starting point for a short trip. The city balances history, architecture, and modern life without requiring a full day of travel.
Morning: Museums & Cultural Landmarks
Begin with Colombo’s quieter cultural spaces, which give you a gentle introduction to the city.
- Colombo National Museum offers a thoughtful overview of Sri Lankan history and heritage.
- Independence Square is calm and green, ideal for an easy morning walk.
- Gangaramaya Temple mixes classical and modern Buddhist influences, making it one of the city’s most recognisable religious sites.
These stops set a relaxed tone for the day without feeling rushed.
Late Morning: Explore Pettah Market
A short drive from the museum district brings you to Pettah, one of Colombo’s busiest and most energetic neighborhoods. It’s a colourful mix of:
- Fruit and vegetable stalls
- Textile and fabric shops
- Spice merchants
- Narrow alleyways filled with everyday trade
Pettah is vibrant, loud, and visually rich, giving you a full cultural contrast to the quiet museum morning.
Afternoon to Sunset: Galle Face Green & Modern Colombo
After the bustle of Pettah, head toward the waterfront for a slower-paced afternoon. You can start with One Galle Face Mall or Colombo CityCenter, where you can shop for some souvenirs, ceylon tea and grab some food, not under a scorching sun.
As the sun begins to descend, Galle Face Green should be your next stop. It’s Colombo’s iconic oceanfront promenade, best experienced during sunset. Locals gather here for evening walks, kite flying, and street snacks like Isso Wade, and the atmosphere feels open and relaxed.
It’s the ideal way to wind down the day, combining scenery, food, and a gentle coastal breeze.
Evening: Retreat to a Calmer Base in Kalutara
Rather than staying overnight in central Colombo, many travelers move to Kalutara, which offers greenery, quiet, and much easier access to the South Coast.
Why Stay at Glenross Living
Located in Neboda, Glenross Living is a boutique nature retreat known for its private-pool villas, lush surroundings and total calm, and easy travel to Colombo, Bentota, and Galle
For a 3-day relaxation itinerary, Glenross Living works perfectly as your first evening base, giving you space to unwind after exploring the city.
Day 2: Bentota Beaches, Wildlife & Galle Fort
Day 2 focuses on Sri Lanka’s classic southern coastline, with easy stops for beach time, wildlife experiences, and heritage architecture. You can base yourself at Glenross Living, Kalutara and access these places conveniently.
Morning: Bentota or Kosgoda (35–45 mins from Kalutara)
Bentota offers calm waters and clean beaches, making it great for swimming or simply relaxing. You can also explore:
- Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Centre
- Bentota River Safari, known for mangroves, birds, and peaceful waterways
These activities are simple, scenic, and not physically demanding.
Afternoon: Galle Fort
Continue an hour south to Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed landmark, and a renowned travel destination. Inside the fort, you’ll find:
- Dutch and British colonial buildings
- Boutique stores and small cafés
- Streets lined with art and handicrafts
- Ocean views from the ramparts
It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and photogenic places, perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
Evening: Return to Your Nature Retreat
After a day of sun and sightseeing, going back inland to Glenross Living gives you a refreshing contrast. Guests love having the ocean and activity during the day, and forest, quiet, and privacy at night
This balance is exactly why Kalutara works so well for short trips.
Day 3: Kalutara – Greenery, Cinnamon, and Slow Living
Your last day is all about ease, nature, and gentle exploration.
Morning: Cinnamon Estate Visit
Kalutara is known for its cinnamon. A typical estate visit includes walks through plantations, cinnamon peeling demonstrations, herbal tea tastings, and stories about Sri Lanka’s spice heritage. It’s cultural but not strenuous.
Midday: Countryside Temples & Quiet Roads
Inland Kalutara offers small Buddhist temples, misty green hills, coconut-lined lanes, paddy fields, and soft valley views. These short drives and walks show a side of untrodden Sri Lanka most visitors miss.
Afternoon: Spa and Wellness
If you’re staying at Glenross Living, this is your moment to slow right down. Enjoy a spa and wellness experience, take a slow swim in the pool
If you want one last beach stop, Beruwala Beach is only 20–30 minutes away. In the evenings, fishermen return from the water, and you can often see the traditional net-pulling along the shoreline, a quiet but striking glimpse of everyday coastal life.
Kalutara’s location makes your final transfer simple, especially for travelers with early flights or tight schedules. You can enter the Southern Expressway and head to the Katunayake airport.
How Glenross Living Living Fits into this Itinerary?
Glenross Living works well for a short Sri Lanka trip simply because of where it is and how it feels. Positioned between Colombo and the South Coast, it allows you to move easily through Colombo, Bentota, and Galle without adding extra travel time.
The inland setting brings a welcome contrast to the beaches, offering cool greenery, quiet spaces, and a slower rhythm at the end of each day. It suits both the arrival night and the final night, making the itinerary feel balanced and restorative from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 3 days enough to enjoy Sri Lanka?
Yes, as long as you focus on the Western and Southern regions. Colombo, Bentota, Galle, and Kalutara can be explored comfortably without long drives.
Where should I stay for a short trip?
Travellers usually choose Colombo, Bentota, or Kalutara. Boutique inland stays like Glenross Living are ideal if you want quiet surroundings and easy access to the coast.
Can I visit Sigiriya in 3 days?
It’s possible but not practical. The drive takes most of the day. Unless you want your entire trip to focus on one place, the cultural triangle should be included in a longer itinerary.
What is the closest good beach to Colombo?
Bentota is the nearest major beach with reliable swimming, river safaris, and turtle conservation centres.
Is Galle Fort worth visiting on a short trip?
Yes. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most walkable and scenic heritage areas, and a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
What is special about Glenross Living?
Glenross Living offers private-pool villas, soft greenery, and calm surroundings, giving travellers a peaceful inland base without feeling far from the coast.
Conclusion
A 3-day relaxation escape in Sri Lanka is all about choosing the right rhythm, not the most attractions. By focusing on Colombo, Bentota, Galle, and Kalutara, you get a blend of city culture, beaches, heritage, and quiet inland landscapes without long travel days. If you want the trip to feel restorative rather than rushed, staying at Glenross Living adds the calm, greenery, and privacy that short holidays often lack.
Explore Glenross Living and plan a stay built around rest, comfort, and the gentle beauty of Sri Lanka’s southwest.