7 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary to Sri Lanka

  1. Day 1: Kandy
    From Bandaranaike International Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes (104 km)

    Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, watch traditional Sri Lankan dance performances at Kandy Cultural Dance Show and finish the day with a beautiful stroll around Peradeniya Botanical Garden.

  2. Day 2: Sigiriya
    From Kandy: 2 hours (90 km)

    Hike up to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, learn history at the Sigiriya Museum and Ancient Palace, and take an elephant ride at the nearby Elephant Safari Park.

  3. Day 3: Trincomalee
    From Sigiriya: 2 hours 30 minutes (117 km)

    Enjoy water sports at the Nilaveli Beach, snorkel at the Pigeon Island National Park and watch the sunset from Koneswaram Temple.

  4. Day 4: Anuradhapura
    From Trincomalee: 2 hours 30 minutes (106 km)

    Take a scenic bike ride through the ancient city ruins of Anuradhapura, visit the Sri Mahabodhi Tree and marvel at the Jetavanaramaya Stupa.

  5. Day 5: Dambulla
    From Anuradhapura: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 km)

    Admire the ancient rock cave temples at Dambulla Cave Temple, hike up to the Pidurangala Rock for a stunning panoramic view, and explore the nearby picturesque village of Hiriwadunna.

  6. Day 6: Ella
    From Dambulla: 3 hours 30 minutes (136 km)

    Take an early morning scenic train to Ella, hike up to the amazing Ella Rock and visit the Little Adam's Peak for stunning views. Catch some sun and relaxation at the Kithal Ella Waterfall.

  7. Day 7: Galle
    From Ella: 3 hours 30 minutes (135 km)

    Explore the famous Galle Fort, sunbathe and surf at the Unawatuna Beach and watch the sunset from the Rumassala Peace Pagoda.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (1-2 hours, 1200 LKR)
  • Kandy Cultural Dance Show (1-2 hours, 2000 LKR)
  • Peradeniya Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, 1500 LKR)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2-3 hours, 5500 LKR)
  • Sigiriya Museum and Ancient Palace (1-2 hours, 2000 LKR)
  • Elephant Safari Park (2-3 hours, 5000 LKR)
  • Nilaveli Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Pigeon Island National Park (2-3 hours, 2800 LKR)
  • Koneswaram Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Anuradhapura (4-5 hours, 2500 LKR)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (2-3 hours, 1500 LKR)
  • Pidurangala Rock (2-3 hours, 500 LKR)
  • Hiriwadunna (2-3 hours, 5000 LKR)
  • Ella Rock (5-6 hours, free)
  • Little Adam's Peak (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kithal Ella Waterfall (2-3 hours, free)
  • Galle Fort (2-3 hours, free)
  • Unawatuna Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Rumassala Peace Pagoda (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): 27,200 LKR ($162)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Yala National Park for a wildlife safari experience. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider skipping Trincomalee to spend more time exploring nearby cities such as Polonnaruwa or Negombo. Keep in mind that certain sites may have more crowds during festivals or weekends, so plan accordingly.

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