How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Sri Lanka, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Sri Lanka?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Sri Lanka. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family-Friendly Relaxation in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Beach Day in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Galle Face Green

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Galle Face Green, a scenic ocean-side urban park in Colombo.

£10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Viharamahadevi Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Viharamahadevi Park, the oldest and largest park in Colombo, perfect for family picnics and relaxation.

Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Ministry of Crab, a renowned restaurant in Colombo known for its fresh crab dishes.

£30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Mount Lavinia Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Mount Lavinia Beach, a popular beach in Colombo with golden sands and beautiful sunsets.

Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nuga Gama

End the day with a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at Nuga Gama, offering a cultural dining experience with live music and authentic cuisine.

£25, 2 hours

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Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Paradise Road Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Paradise Road Cafe, known for its delicious food and charming ambiance.

£15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Gangaramaya Temple

Visit the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence, showcasing Buddhist artifacts and statues.

£5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nuga Gama

Have lunch at Nuga Gama for a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in a traditional village setting.

£20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Pettah Market

Explore the bustling Pettah Market for a variety of goods including clothes, spices, and souvenirs at bargain prices.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy dinner at Ministry of Crab for another opportunity to savour their famous crab dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

£35, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 3: Historical Wonders in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bake House Kandy

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Bake House Kandy, a charming bakery known for its pastries and coffee.

£8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, and immerse yourself in Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

£10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Empire Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Empire Cafe, a cosy restaurant offering a variety of local and international dishes.

£15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk around Kandy Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and offering serene views of the city.

Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Climb up to see the impressive Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue and enjoy panoramic views of Kandy from the top.

£3, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Empire Room

End the day with a scrumptious dinner at The Empire Room, a colonial-style restaurant offering a blend of Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

£25, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 4: Nature Retreat in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Matey Hut

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Matey Hut, a cosy eatery known for its delicious Sri Lankan and Western breakfast options.

£7, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Explore the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an iconic railway viaduct surrounded by lush greenery, offering a picturesque setting for photos.

£2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Cafe Chill, a charming cafe with a serene ambience and a variety of local and international dishes.

£12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike to Little Adam's Peak

Embark on a scenic hike to Little Adam's Peak, offering panoramic views of Ella Rock and the lush green landscapes of Ella.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy a cosy dinner back at Matey Hut, sampling their local delicacies and winding down after a day of exploration.

£20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ella

Day 5: Beach Relaxation in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Zephyr Restaurant

Start your day with a tropical breakfast at Zephyr Restaurant, a beachfront eatery offering stunning views of the ocean.

£10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend a leisurely morning relaxing on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach, listening to the sound of the waves and soaking up the sun.

Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dewmini Roti Shop

Try the delicious roti wraps at Dewmini Roti Shop for a quick and satisfying beachside lunch experience.

£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an exciting whale watching tour from Mirissa Harbour, where you can spot majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

£30, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shady Lane Restaurant

End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at Shady Lane Restaurant, offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes in a cosy setting.

£25, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Mirissa

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family-Friendly Relaxation in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Beach Day in Colombo

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Colombo

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Historical Wonders in Kandy

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Nature Retreat in Ella

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Beach Relaxation in Mirissa

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

More About Sri Lanka

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