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Sri Lanka Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary (November 17-23, 2023)

Viewed by 71 travelers
Friday, November 17: Colombo Arrival

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and transfer to your hotel. Spend the morning relaxing and getting acquainted with the city. In the afternoon, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a vibrant Buddhist temple with stunning architecture. For the evening, explore the bustling streets of Pettah Market, a vibrant shopping district offering a variety of items.

  • Gangaramaya Temple: Entrance fee - LKR 200, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Pettah Market: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Saturday, November 18: Sigiriya - Kandy

Start your day by heading to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock fortress. Climb the Lion Rock to marvel at the breathtaking views and explore the ruins of the ancient palace. In the afternoon, proceed to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. In the evening, take a stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake.

  • Sigiriya: Entrance fee - LKR 5,500, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Entrance fee - LKR 1,500, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, November 19: Nuwara Eliya

Embark on a picturesque journey to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its cool climate and British colonial-era architecture. Visit a tea plantation and witness the tea-making process. Enjoy a scenic boat ride in the Gregory Lake Park and explore the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden. In the evening, take a stroll through the charming streets of Nuwara Eliya.

  • Tea plantation visit: Entrance fee - LKR 500, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Gregory Lake Park: Entrance fee - LKR 200, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Hakgala Botanical Garden: Entrance fee - LKR 1,000, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, November 20: Yala National Park - Galle

Embark on an exciting safari adventure in Yala National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and birds. Enjoy a thrilling jeep safari and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. In the afternoon, travel to the historic city of Galle and explore its well-preserved Dutch colonial fort complex. Get lost in the narrow streets filled with quaint shops and cafes.

  • Yala National Park safari: Entrance fee - LKR 3,800, Time spent - 4-5 hours
  • Galle Fort: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, November 21: Bentota

Head to the coastal town of Bentota and indulge in a day of relaxation on the golden beaches. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, or simply lounging by the beach. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where you can witness baby turtles being released into the sea. In the evening, take a leisurely boat ride along the Bentota River.

  • Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery: Entrance fee - LKR 500, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Water activities: Prices vary, Time spent - Flexible
Wednesday, November 22: Hikkaduwa - Colombo

Visit the coastal town of Hikkaduwa, known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Explore the Hikkaduwa National Park on a glass-bottom boat ride to witness the underwater wonders. Enjoy snorkeling or diving to get a closer look at the colorful coral reefs. In the afternoon, return to Colombo and explore the city's modern attractions.

  • Glass-bottom boat ride: Approximate cost - LKR 2,000, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Snorkeling or diving: Approximate cost - LKR 2,500, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, November 23: Colombo Departure

Spend your last day in Sri Lanka exploring the vibrant city of Colombo. Visit the National Museum, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Galle Face Green, a waterfront promenade known for its stunning sunset views. In the evening, indulge in local delicacies at one of Colombo's renowned restaurants before heading to the airport for your departure.

  • National Museum: Entrance fee - LKR 1,000, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Galle Face Green: Free, Time spent - Flexible

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly experience off the beaten path, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage near Kandy. Witness the bathing and feeding of orphaned elephants and even have the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants. Another hidden gem is the Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of ancient cave temples adorned with beautiful Buddhist murals and statues. Both attractions offer an enriching experience for the whole family.

For more details and to check hotel and flight prices, click here.

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