Experience Sri Lanka as a Family Friendly Destination in 6 Days

1. Day 1: Negombo Beach
   30 minutes (12.9 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

   Enjoy the calm blue waters and golden sands of Negombo Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kite surfing, and sea-food.

2. Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
   3 hr 40 min (155.3 km) from Negombo Beach

   Visit the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress with lush gardens, frescoes, and panoramic views. Kids will love the story of King Kassapa who built it.

3. Day 3: Kandy City Tour
   1 hr 20 min (49.7 km) from Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   Take a tour of Kandy City, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake, and watch a Kandyan dance performance at the cultural center.

4. Day 4: Tea Plantation and Factory Visit
   2 hr 20 min (92.4 km) from Kandy City

   Treat your family to the charming hills and tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya. Learn about tea cultivation and manufacturing in a guided tour of a tea plantation and enjoy a cuppa with stunning views.

5. Day 5: Whale Watching in Mirissa
   3 hr 50 min (156.3 km) from Nuwara Eliya

   Get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the ocean in a thrilling whale watching tour in Mirissa. You may also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and flying fish.

6. Day 6: Bentota Water Sports
   2 hr (84.3 km) from Mirissa

   End your trip on a high note with water sports and beach fun in Bentota, a popular resort town. Try jet-skiing, banana boating, windsurfing, or simply relax on the beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Negombo Beach (3 hours, free)
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress (4-5 hours, $30 per adult, $15 per child)
• Kandy City Tour (4 hours, $10 per adult, free for children)
• Tea Plantation and Factory Visit (3 hours, $5 per adult, free for children)
• Whale Watching in Mirissa (6-7 hours, $60 per adult, $30 per child)
• Bentota Water Sports (4 hours, $50 per adult, $25 per child)
Total Estimated Cost: $315 per adult, $85 per child

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could add a day trip to Galle Fort, Udawalawe National Park, or the Elephant Orphanage. If you have less time, you could skip either Bentota or Sigiriya. Remember to dress modestly for temple visits and bring sunscreen and hats for outdoor activities. Be prepared for traffic and long drives between cities.