Sri Lanka Family Adventure

Embark on a 7-day family-friendly adventure in the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, starting from Friday, March 1, 2024. Explore stunning landscapes, immerse in rich cultural heritage, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Check hotel and flight prices here.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Arrive in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Spend the morning at Galle Face Green, a vibrant seaside promenade perfect for family picnics. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Colombo to learn about the country's history and culture. As the evening approaches, explore the bustling streets of Pettah Market, known for its colorful shops and street food stalls.

• Galle Face Green: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• National Museum of Colombo: Cost - LKR 600 per adult, LKR 300 per child, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Pettah Market: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Kingsbury Hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet spread with a wide variety of international and Sri Lankan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• For lunch, try the Yarl Hotel Restaurant, which offers traditional Tamil cuisine. Their flavorful curries and biryanis are a must-try. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For dinner, visit the Ministry of Crab, a renowned seafood restaurant known for its delectable crab dishes. The menu features a range of crab preparations, from succulent chilli crab to butter garlic crab. The average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.

Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Embark on an early morning journey to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marvel at the breathtaking views from the top, and explore the well-preserved frescoes and gardens. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temples, adorned with beautiful Buddhist statues and paintings.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Cost - LKR 5,500 per adult, LKR 2,750 per child, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Dambulla Cave Temples: Cost - LKR 1,500 per adult, LKR 750 per child, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Day 3: Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park

Embark on an exciting morning jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, known for its large population of wild elephants. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. In the afternoon, visit the nearby ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with its impressive archaeological ruins.

• Minneriya National Park: Cost - LKR 5,500 per adult, LKR 2,750 per child, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Polonnaruwa: Cost - LKR 3,900 per adult, LKR 1,950 per child, Time Spent - 3-4 hours

Day 4: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

Embark on a scenic train ride from Habarana to Ella, passing through breathtaking landscapes of tea plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the scenic views from the train and spend a relaxing day in Ella, exploring the town's charm and visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.

• Train Ride: Cost - LKR 800 per adult, LKR 400 per child, Time Spent - 6-7 hours
• Nine Arch Bridge: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Day 5: Yala National Park Safari

Embark on an early morning jeep safari at Yala National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and birds. Experience the thrill of spotting these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful beaches of Mirissa and enjoy some beach activities.

• Yala National Park: Cost - LKR 6,000 per adult, LKR 3,000 per child, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Mirissa Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Day 6: Galle Fort and Turtle Hatchery

Visit the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the charming streets, admire the colonial architecture, and learn about the city's fascinating history. In the afternoon, visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, where you can witness baby turtles being released into the sea.

• Galle Fort: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Turtle Hatchery: Cost - LKR 500 per adult, LKR 250 per child, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Day 7: Colombo City Tour

Conclude your Sri Lanka adventure with a city tour of Colombo. Visit the famous Gangaramaya Temple, stroll along the scenic Beira Lake, and indulge in some shopping at the bustling streets of Odel or House of Fashion. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at the vibrant Galle Face Green.

• Gangaramaya Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Beira Lake: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Shopping at Odel or House of Fashion: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Galle Face Green: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family experience, consider visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can interact with and feed orphaned elephants. Another hidden gem is the Ella Spice Garden, where you can learn about Sri Lanka's rich spice heritage and even participate in a spice-making workshop.