10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Sri Lanka

  1. Day 1: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    3 hours (118.6 km) from Colombo

    Climb the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress with stunning views of the surrounding jungle and ancient ruins.

  2. Day 2: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
    1.5 hours (62.5 km) from Sigiriya

    Watch baby elephants being fed at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and enjoy interacting with these gentle giants.

  3. Day 3: Temple of the Tooth
    2.5 hours (102.2 km) from Pinnawala

    Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy to see the relic of Buddha's tooth and experience Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

  4. Day 4: Kitulgala Adventure Sports
    2.5 hours (97.7 km) from Kandy

    Take a thrilling white water rafting or kayaking tour in Kitulgala, or enjoy a more relaxed nature hike or birdwatching tour.

  5. Day 5: Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
    3 hours (116.2 km) from Kitulgala

    Explore the picturesque tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed local tea.

  6. Day 6: Horton Plains National Park
    1 hour (32.7 km) from Nuwara Eliya

    Take a scenic hike in the beautiful Horton Plains National Park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning vistas.

  7. Day 7: Yala National Park
    4 hours (177.7 km) from Horton Plains

    Embark on a thrilling jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of the best places to observe Sri Lanka's incredible wildlife.

  8. Day 8: Galle Fort
    2 hours (119.5 km) from Yala National Park

    Explore the charming colonial architecture, museums and shops of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  9. Day 9: Unawatuna Beach
    30 minutes (7.5 km) from Galle Fort

    Relax and play in the turquoise waters of the protected Unawatuna Beach, a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.

  10. Day 10: Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
    1 hour (26.2 km) from Unawatuna Beach

    Learn about Sri Lanka's fascinating sea turtle conservation efforts and release baby turtles back into the ocean at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3 hours, 30 USD)
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (2 hours, 20 USD)
  • Temple of the Tooth (2 hours, 15 USD)
  • Kitulgala Adventure Sports (4-6 hours, 40-60 USD)
  • Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations (2 hours, 10 USD)
  • Horton Plains National Park (3-4 hours, 25 USD)
  • Yala National Park (5-6 hours, 30 USD)
  • Galle Fort (2-3 hours, 10 USD)
  • Unawatuna Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (1 hour, 5 USD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 230 USD

Useful Tips

Add an extra day for beach activities, shopping, or temple visits. Skip Horton Plains National Park and Yala National Park if you have less time.

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