7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Monday, November 20: Colombo

Start your trip in the bustling city of Colombo. In the morning, visit the Viharamahadevi Park, a beautiful green oasis perfect for a family picnic. In the afternoon, head to the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lanka's rich history. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing walk along Galle Face Green, a scenic oceanfront promenade lined with food stalls and street vendors.

• Viharamahadevi Park: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• National Museum of Colombo: Estimated Cost - 500 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Galle Face Green: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, November 21: Dambulla

Embark on a journey to Dambulla, known for its stunning cave temples. In the morning, explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful rock paintings and statues. Afterward, visit the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. End the day with an elephant safari at the nearby Minneriya National Park.

• Dambulla Cave Temple: Estimated Cost - 1500 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Estimated Cost - 5000 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Minneriya National Park: Estimated Cost - 3000 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, November 22: Kandy

Travel to the enchanting city of Kandy. Start your day by visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, home to a revered tooth relic of the Buddha. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on Kandy Lake and explore the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. In the evening, don't miss the cultural extravaganza of a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

• Temple of the Tooth Relic: Estimated Cost - 1500 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Kandy Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya: Estimated Cost - 1500 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Kandyan Dance Performance: Estimated Cost - 1000 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour

Thursday, November 23: Nuwara Eliya

Head to the picturesque hill station of Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England." Start your day with a visit to the Horton Plains National Park and witness the breathtaking beauty of World's End. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Gregory Lake and enjoy a boat ride. End the day with a visit to a tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and indulge in a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

• Horton Plains National Park: Estimated Cost - 3000 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Gregory Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Tea Plantation: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour

Friday, November 24: Ella

Travel to the charming town of Ella, nestled amidst lush green hills. Start your day by hiking to Little Adam's Peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and watch the train pass through. End your day by exploring the vibrant Ella Town and trying local delicacies.

• Little Adam's Peak: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Nine Arch Bridge: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Ella Town: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, November 25: Yala National Park

Embark on an exciting safari adventure in Yala National Park. Start your day with an early morning Jeep safari to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, relax on the stunning beaches of the nearby coastal town of Tissamaharama. End the day with a visit to the Kataragama Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site.

• Yala National Park Jeep Safari: Estimated Cost - 6000 LKR per person, Estimated Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Tissamaharama Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Kataragama Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour

Sunday, November 26: Galle

Explore the historical city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day with a walk along the historic Galle Fort, admiring its colonial architecture and stunning views of the ocean. In the afternoon, visit the Galle Fort Lighthouse and explore the charming streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. End your trip with a relaxing beach visit to Unawatuna.

• Galle Fort: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Galle Fort Lighthouse: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 30 minutes
• Unawatuna Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly adventure off the beaten path, head to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can witness elephants being bottle-fed and bathed. Another delightful hidden gem is the Kanneliya Rainforest, where you can go on nature trails, spot nature's wonders, and even take a refreshing dip in natural pools. These attractions offer unique experiences that the locals love and are sure to create lasting memories for your family.

Check hotel and flight prices at Kayak.