Sri Lanka Family-Friendly Itinerary - November 21-27, 2023

Tuesday, November 21: Arrival in Colombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and transfer to your hotel in the city. Spend the morning exploring the vibrant markets of Pettah. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum to learn about Sri Lanka's rich history. Enjoy a delicious authentic Sri Lankan dinner in the evening.

• Pettah Market: Free, 2 hours
• National Museum: $5 admission, 2-3 hours
• Authentic Sri Lankan Dinner: $10 per person

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Cakery for a wide selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
• For lunch, try Agra Restaurant for delicious Indian cuisine in a casual setting. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Ministry of Crab, known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.

Wednesday, November 22: Kandy

Travel to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. In the morning, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, home to Buddha's tooth relic. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kandy Lake in the afternoon. In the evening, witness a traditional cultural show.

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: $10 admission, 2-3 hours
• Kandy Lake Boat Ride: $5 per person, 1 hour
• Traditional Cultural Show: $15 per person, 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 23: Nuwara Eliya

Depart for Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England. visit the beautiful Hakgala Botanic Gardens in the morning. Explore the tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process in the afternoon. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Nuwara Eliya.

• Hakgala Botanic Gardens: $10 admission, 1-2 hours
• Tea Plantation Visit: $5 per person, 2-3 hours
• Scenic Train Ride: $10 per person, 2-3 hours

Friday, November 24: Yala National Park

Head to Yala National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife. Embark on an early morning safari, spotting elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Relax at the beach in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a seafood feast at a local restaurant.

• Yala National Park Safari: $25 per person, 5-6 hours
• Beach Relaxation: Free, 2-3 hours
• Seafood Dinner: $20 per person

Saturday, November 25: Sigiriya

Visit the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple in the afternoon, filled with stunning Buddhist mural paintings.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: $30 admission, 3-4 hours
• Dambulla Cave Temple: $10 admission, 2-3 hours

Sunday, November 26: Galle

Travel to the coastal town of Galle. Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning. Visit the Turtle Hatchery in the afternoon and learn about conservation efforts. Enjoy a sunset walk along the beautiful Unawatuna Beach.

• Galle Fort: Free, 2-3 hours
• Turtle Hatchery: $5 per person, 1-2 hours
• Sunset at Unawatuna Beach: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, November 27: Colombo Departure

Return to Colombo for your departure. Spend the morning exploring the Independence Square and the nearby Arcade Independence Square for some last-minute shopping. Enjoy a final Sri Lankan meal before heading to the airport.

• Independence Square: Free, 1-2 hours
• Arcade Independence Square: Varies depending on shopping, 1-2 hours
• Final Sri Lankan Meal: $10 per person

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the stunning Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can interact with rescued elephants. For adventure seekers, Ella offers incredible hiking trails through tea plantations and waterfalls. Don't miss the picturesque Ella Rock. Families can enjoy a visit to the beautiful Ridiyagama Safari Park, home to a variety of animals. For beach lovers, the coastal town of Mirissa is perfect for relaxing on pristine beaches and whale watching.