Discovering the Charm of Colombo and Nuwara Eliya - 5 Days Family Friendly Itinerary

• Day 1: Colombo City Exploration
  0 minutes from Colombo

  Begin your journey in Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Visit Independence Square and Gangaramaya Temple, a beautiful mix of modern design and ancient Buddhist architecture. Enjoy some local delicacies at the Good Market, an eco-friendly farmers market offering wonderful choices of handmade crafts, organic food and refreshments.

• Day 2: Colombo to Kandy
  3 hours (120 km) from Colombo

  Take a scenic drive to Kandy, an ancient kingdom nestled in the mountains. Visit the iconic Temple of the Tooth, a spiritual and cultural symbol of Sri Lanka. Take a stroll in the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, where you will marvel at nature's beauty, especially the orchid collection. Spend the night in a scenic villa amidst lush tea plantations.

• Day 3: Nuwara Eliya City Tour
  1 hour (40 km) from Kandy

  Spend a day exploring the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England. Take a scenic train ride or drive to enjoy spectacular views of mountains and tea plantations. Visit Gregory Lake, one of the most picturesque sights, and enjoy a leisurely boat ride. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Hakgala Botanical Gardens, with its beautiful flora and a scenic waterfall.

• Day 4: Nuwara Eliya to Yala
  4 hours (190 km) from Nuwara Eliya

  Take a scenic drive through hills and valleys to reach Yala National Park, famous for its leopard population. Take a private jeep safari and explore the park's stunning natural beauty. Spend the night in a jungle lodge or beach resort.

• Day 5: Yala to Galle
  3 hours (150 km) from Yala

  Travel to the historic city of Galle, famous for its Dutch fort and charming colonial architecture. Explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the maritime museum. Enjoy some relaxation and beach time at Unawatuna Beach, one of the best beaches in the country.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Independence Square (1 hour, free)
• Gangaramaya Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Good Market (1-2 hours, 500 LKR)
• Temple of the Tooth (2-3 hours, 1500 LKR)
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, 2000 LKR)
• Gregory Lake (1-2 hours, 1000 LKR)
• Hakgala Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, 2000 LKR)
• Yala National Park Jeep Safari (3-4 hours, 5500 LKR)
• Galle Fort (1-2 hours, 1500 LKR)
• Maritime Museum (1 hour, 1000 LKR)
• Unawatuna Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 15,500 LKR per person

Transportation:

Transportation will be by private car or van depending on the number of travelers. The estimated travel duration and cost are as follows:

• From Colombo to Kandy - 3 hours, 5000 LKR
• From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - 1 hour, 2500 LKR
• From Nuwara Eliya to Yala - 4 hours, 8500 LKR
• From Yala to Galle - 3 hours, 6000 LKR
• Total Estimated Transportation Costs: 22,000 LKR per person

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, add a day trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most visited sites in Sri Lanka. If you have less time, skip Yala National Park and instead spend a day at Bentota Beach. Remember to pack light clothes and comfortable footwear, as the weather can be hot and humid. Keep a flexible schedule and be open to indulging in local delicacies and cultural activities.

Airports:

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the main airport in Sri Lanka, approximately 32 km north of Colombo. It serves over 30 airlines and has connections to most major cities in the world.