Family Friendly 4-Day Itinerary: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo
Friday, September 29: Kandy
Start your trip in the beautiful city of Kandy. In the morning, visit the must-see Temple of the Tooth, where you can learn about Buddhist traditions and see the sacred tooth relic. Afterward, take a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake and enjoy the serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, filled with diverse flora and fauna. In the evening, watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Tooth: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 1-2 hours
For breakfast, head to The Empire Cafe for a delightful start to the day. This charming cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, ranging from classic pancakes to Sri Lankan specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 800 LKR per person.
For lunch, try Devon Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful curries and rice dishes, and don't miss their famous hoppers. Average cost for a meal is about 1,200 LKR per person.
For dinner, dine at Helgas Folly, a unique restaurant known for its eccentric decor and enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy a wide range of international dishes with a touch of Sri Lankan flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 2,500 LKR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Nuwara Eliya
Embark on a scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its charming colonial architecture. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Horton Plains National Park, famous for its panoramic views and the spectacular World's End cliff. In the afternoon, indulge in a visit to a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process. Don't miss a relaxing boat ride on Gregory Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Victoria Park.
Horton Plains National Park: Entrance fee - $15, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Tea Plantation Visit: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Victoria Park: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Tea Time Café for a delightful breakfast of traditional Sri Lankan hoppers and aromatic Ceylon tea. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, visit Grand Indian Buffet and enjoy a wide variety of Indian dishes, from flavorful curries to delicious biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a mouthwatering seafood dinner at The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant. Feast on fresh catches of the day prepared in various local styles. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Colombo
Travel to the vibrant capital city of Colombo. Start your day with a visit to the National Museum, where you can explore Sri Lanka's rich history and culture. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk along Galle Face Green, a popular beachfront park, and enjoy some delicious street food. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles and impressive collection of artifacts. End your day by exploring the lively Pettah Market, offering a wide range of goods and spices.
National Museum: Entrance fee - $8, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Majestic City Food Court offers a wide range of breakfast options including traditional Sri Lankan specialties such as hoppers and string hoppers. Average cost for a meal is about 250 LKR per person.
Min Han is a popular Chinese restaurant that serves delicious lunch dishes such as sweet and sour chicken and fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about 800 LKR per person.
The Lagoon at Cinnamon Grand is a seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood options for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 LKR per person.
Monday, October 2: Colombo
Spend your last day exploring more of Colombo's attractions. Start with a visit to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple known for its vibrant wall paintings. In the afternoon, visit the Colombo Dutch Museum, where you can learn about Sri Lanka's colonial history. Enjoy some family fun at the Viharamahadevi Park, the largest park in Colombo, offering playgrounds and scenic spots for picnics. End your trip by visiting the iconic Independence Square and witnessing its grand architecture.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Cafe Kumbuk is a popular breakfast spot in Colombo, known for its healthy and creative dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 LKR per person.
Ministry of Crab is a must-try lunch restaurant in Colombo, specializing in delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 LKR per person.
Nuga Gama offers a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience for dinner, with a variety of authentic dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 LKR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you have extra time, consider exploring the following family-friendly attractions:
Dehiwala Zoo: A popular destination to see a variety of animals and enjoy a day with the family. Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 3-4 hours.
Mount Lavinia Beach: Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. Free, Time spent - flexible.
Diyatha Uyana: A scenic park with a lakeside boardwalk, gardens, and food stalls. Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours.