The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary established to provide care to orphaned and injured elephants found in the wild. Witness the playful nature and gentle giants' bathing ritual and enjoy feeding them.
Sigiriya is an ancient fortress established during the 5th century by King Kashyapa. The fortress is one of Sri Lanka's best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning, landscaping, and architecture. The fortress boasts a magnificent view of the surrounding woodland and gives visitors insights into Sri Lanka's rich history.
Embark on an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park, which shelters a variety of wildlife species. Home to majestic elephants, stealthy leopards, and waddling crocodiles, the park offers diverse biospheres of dry and wet forests, grasslands, and lagoons. Exploring the park is one of the best ways to educate children on environmental conservation.
Mirissa beach is a serene getaway from Sri Lanka's hustle and bustle. Relax in the sun, build sandcastles with your family, or take a dip in the turquoise water, then relish a delicious seafood barbecue dinner in the evening. Engaging in water activities like surfing, snorkeling, and whale-watching will add excitement to your beach excursion.
The Galle Fort is a Dutch defensive structure built during Sri Lanka's colonial era in the 17th century. Replete with beautiful colonial architecture, such as Galle's lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church, the Fort's UNESCO World Heritage Site status reflects its cultural significance. A great place to stop for a family photo op!
You can book private cars, taxis, or shared vans to get around, but private cars offer the most comfort and flexibility. Uber and PickMe are popular options as well, with rates ranging from $0.50 to $0.80 per km. Tuk-tuks are convenient for short distances and can be hired for around $3 per hour. Be prepared to pay tolls on expressways, costing up to $8, depending on the distance.
If you have more time, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy or take a train ride to Ella for stunning tea field views. If you have less time, remove Sigiriya Rock Fortress from the itinerary as it is the most time-consuming location. Consider hiring a guide to understand the cultures and history of each location.
Sri Lanka's primary airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), situated 35 km north of Colombo. This modern airport serves all major airlines and handles international flights. Katunayake is the closest city to the airport, situated just 7 km away. Taxis, airport shuttles, and Tuk-tuks have access to the airport.