8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Sri Lanka in March 2024

  1. Day 1: Negombo
    30 minutes (6.8 miles) from Bandaranaike International Airport

    Visit the Negombo Fish Market - a bustling market with fresh seafood, and then explore the Dutch Fort and St. Mary's Church.

  2. Day 2: Sigiriya
    4 hours (140 miles) from Negombo

    Explore the iconic Sigiriya Fortress, an ancient rock fortress and palace with breathtaking views. Then visit Dambulla Cave Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning cave paintings and statues.

  3. Day 3: Kandy
    2 hours (55 miles) from Sigiriya

    Take a tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Afterwards, explore the charming city of Kandy and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance.

  4. Day 4: Nuwara Eliya
    3.5 hours (75 miles) from Kandy

    Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside on the way to Nuwara Eliya. Visit one of the many tea plantations and take a tour of the Mackwoods tea museum. Relax at the Gregory Lake Park in the evening.

  5. Day 5: Ella
    2 hours (35 miles) from Nuwara Eliya

    Take a scenic train ride to Ella and enjoy the stunning views of the Sri Lankan highlands. In Ella, enjoy a leisurely hike to the Nine Arch Bridge and visit Lipton’s Seat - a popular viewpoint for tea plantations and green hills.

  6. Day 6: Yala National Park/Kataragama
    3 hours (100 miles) from Ella

    Take a morning jeep safari at the Yala National Park, famous for its leopards and elephants. Then visit the Kataragama temple complex - a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims.

  7. Day 7: Galle
    3 hours (85 miles) from Kataragama

    Take a tour of the Galle Dutch Fort - a UNESCO world heritage site with picturesque streets and buildings. Visit the maritime museum and enjoy lunch at Pedlars Street Cafe.

  8. Day 8: Colombo
    1.5 hours (70 miles) from Galle

    Visit the National Museum of Colombo, a fascinating insight into Sri Lankan history. Shop for souvenirs at Barefoot and enjoy a farewell dinner at Ministry of Crab.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Negombo Fish Market (1 hour, free)
  • Sigiriya Fortress (3 hours, $30/person)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (1 hour, $10/person)
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (1 hour, $10/person)
  • Mackwoods tea museum (1 hour, $5/person)
  • Yala National Park (4 hours, $25/person)
  • Galle Dutch Fort (2 hours, free)
  • National Museum of Colombo (2 hours, $5/person)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $85/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or a beach town like Unawatuna or Mirissa. If you have less time, consider skipping some locations or shortening the activities. Be sure to check the weather and opening hours before visiting any destination.

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