Exploring Sri Lanka: A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kandy
    Estimated time and distance from Bandaranaike International Airport: 3 hours (100 km)

    Start your journey in Kandy, where you can visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. You can also enjoy a cultural dance performance at the Kandy Cultural Centre and take a stroll in the serene Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

  • Day 2: Sigiriya and Dambulla
    Estimated time and distance from Kandy: 2 hours (70 km)

    Head to Sigiriya to climb the Lion Rock and witness the ancient ruins and breathtaking views from above. Afterward, visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning ancient cave paintings and statues.

  • Day 3: Mirissa
    Estimated time and distance from Sigiriya: 5 hours (240 km)

    Drive down to Mirissa, a picturesque coastal town located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Relax on the sandy Mirissa Beach, go whale watching or dolphin spotting, and enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails at a nearby restaurant.

  • Day 4: Yala National Park
    Estimated time and distance from Mirissa: 2 and a half hours (150 km)

    Visit the Yala National Park, one of the most popular nature reserves in Sri Lanka, to spot wild elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and more. You can take a safari tour guide to explore the park and have a chance to explore the surrounding nature.

  • Day 5: Galle
    Estimated time and distance from Yala National Park: 4 hours (160 km)

    End your trip in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle, a charming fortified city that boasts a stunning colonial architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. Visit the Galle Fort, walk the cobblestone streets, and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants that overlook the Indian Ocean.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic (2 hours, LKR 1000)
  • Kandy Cultural Centre (1 hour, LKR 1500)
  • Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (2 hours, LKR 1500)
  • Lion Rock in Sigiriya (3 hours, LKR 5500)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (2 hours, LKR 2000)
  • Whale Watching in Mirissa (3 hours, LKR 4500)
  • Yala National Park Safari (4 hours, LKR 8000)
  • Galle Fort (3 hours, LKR 500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: LKR 25,500 (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Transportation

The best way to navigate Sri Lanka would be through hiring a car with a driver. This would typically cost between LKR 6,000 and LKR 8,000 per day. Alternatively, public transport such as buses and trains are also widely available, but it may consume more time as well

The cost for a return trip by taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport to Kandy is approximately LKR 15,000. The cost for the entire trip will depend on the distance covered and the mode of transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more days to spare, consider adding Nuwara Eliya, the Hill Country’s most popular town, to your itinerary. To save time, you can fly in or out of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is located close to Yala National Park. However, the airport often has limited flights and schedules, so it would be better to check before planning any itinerary.

Airports

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located near the city of Negombo, about 30 km north of Colombo. The airport is the main international gateway to Sri Lanka, serving a range of airlines from around the world. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is a smaller airport that mainly serves domestic flights and a few international charters.

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