7-Day Family-Friendly Sri Lanka Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Colombo
    30 minutes (20.6 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

    Start your trip in the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, the Independence Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of Colombo for a dose of culture and history.

  2. Day 2: Sigiriya
    4 hours (169 km) from Colombo

    Take a scenic drive to Sigiriya and marvel at the ancient rock fortress that rises 200 meters above the jungle. Explore the beautiful gardens and frescoes on the way up.

  3. Day 3: Dambulla
    30 minutes (20 km) from Sigiriya

    Discover the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha and the intricate statues of deities.

  4. Day 4: Kandy
    2 hours (72.3 km) from Dambulla

    Explore the picturesque city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. Take a stroll around the serene Kandy Lake and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  5. Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
    2.5 hours (78.1 km) from Kandy

    Escape the heat and head to the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England". Visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process, or take a hike in Horton Plains National Park.

  6. Day 6: Galle
    5 hours (208 km) from Nuwara Eliya

    Explore the charming coastal town of Galle, known for its Dutch-colonial architecture. Visit the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, stroll along the picturesque ramparts, and stop by the Maritime Archaeology Museum.

  7. Day 7: Mirissa
    45 minutes (25 km) from Galle

    End your trip on a relaxing note in the coastal town of Mirissa. Take a whale-watching tour or simply laze on the beautiful beach and soak up the sun.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Gangaramaya Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Independence Memorial Hall (1-2 hours, free)
  • National Museum of Colombo (1-2 hours, $2)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3-4 hours, $30)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens (1-2 hours, $7)
  • Tea Plantation Tour (2-3 hours, $10)
  • Horton Plains National Park (3-4 hours, $25)
  • Galle Fort (1-2 hours, free)
  • Maritime Archaeology Museum (1-2 hours, $2)
  • Whale-watching Tour (2-4 hours, $40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $146
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