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6-Day Family Friendly Sri Lanka Itinerary for September 2023

  1. Day 1: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
    2 hours 15 minutes (58.3 miles) from Bandaranaike International Airport

    In the morning, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see the adorable baby elephants play and bathe in the river. After, visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation to ride an elephant. In the evening, check in at your hotel in Kandy and watch a cultural dance show.

  2. Day 2: Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and Royal Botanical Garden
    20 minutes (4.6 miles) from Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

    Visit the Temple of the Tooth in the morning where a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is housed. After, take a stroll around Kandy Lake and admire the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya and see the orchids, palm trees and local flora.

  3. Day 3: Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    2 hours (42.8 miles) from Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

    In the morning, visit Dambulla Cave Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top of the fortress is steep, but the view from the top is worth it. Return to Cinnamon Citadel Kandy in the evening.

  4. Day 4: Train Ride from Kandy to Ella
    6 hours (75 miles) from Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

    Take the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella in the morning. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and offers stunning views of the tea plantations, mountains, and waterfalls. In the evening, arrive in Ella and check in at your hotel.

  5. Day 5: Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak
    20 minutes (5 miles) from 98 Acres Resort & Spa

    Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge in the morning and watch the picturesque train pass by. After, hike up Little Adam's Peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy the views.

  6. Day 6: Yala National Park Safari
    3 hours 30 minutes (105 miles) from 98 Acres Resort & Spa

    Start the day early and go on a safari at Yala National Park to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles and more. In the afternoon, head back to Colombo for your flight home.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, Galle Fort, and Adam's Peak. Side trips to the beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna are also recommended. To maximize your fun, try some Sri Lankan cuisine like hoppers, kottu, and seafood. You may also enjoy taking a cooking class to learn how to make some of these dishes. Lastly, make sure to try some Ceylon tea, as Sri Lanka is known for its tea plantations.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (2 hours, Rs. 2500)
  • Millennium Elephant Foundation (2 hours, Rs. 2500)
  • Cultural Dance Show (1.5 hours, Rs. 2000)
  • Temple of the Tooth (1.5 hours, Rs. 1500)
  • Royal Botanical Garden (2 hours, Rs. 1500)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (2 hours, Rs. 1500)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3 hours, Rs. 5500)
  • Train Ride from Kandy to Ella (6 hours, Rs. 600)
  • Nine Arch Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Little Adam's Peak (2 hours, free)
  • Yala National Park Safari (6 hours, Rs. 6000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 24,600
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