5-Day Family-Friendly Sri Lanka Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Colombo
    Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo (40 mins, 21km)

    Start your adventure in the bustling city of Colombo. Visit the Pettah Market and explore the local shops, or take a stroll in the scenic Galle Face Green Promenade and enjoy the sunset by the sea.

  2. Day 2: Sigiriya
    Colombo to Sigiriya (4 hours, 174km)

    Discover the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the peak and see the stunning views of Sri Lanka’s central plains.

  3. Day 3: Kandy
    Sigiriya to Kandy (2 hours, 90km)

    Explore the cultural capital of Kandy, home to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Visit the Botanical Gardens and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

  4. Day 4: Nuwara Eliya
    Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (2 hours, 77km)

    Experience the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process, or take a scenic train ride through the hills.

  5. Day 5: Bentota
    Nuwara Eliya to Bentota (5 hours, 214km)

    Relax on the beautiful beaches of Bentota and enjoy water activities like windsurfing and jet-skiing. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and learn about the conservation efforts for Sri Lanka’s sea turtles.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pettah Market (1-2 hours, free)
  • Galle Face Green Promenade (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2-3 hours, $30 entrance fee)
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (1-2 hours, $10 entrance fee)
  • Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, $15 entrance fee)
  • Tea plantation visit/train ride (3-4 hours, $10-$20)
  • Bentota beach and water activities (3-4 hours, $10-$30)
  • Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (1-2 hours, $5 entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $80-$115 per person

Useful tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura or Yala National Park for a wildlife safari. If you have less time, skip Nuwara Eliya and head straight to Bentota for more beach time. Also, keep in mind that most attractions close by late afternoon, so plan your schedule accordingly.

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