9-Day Family Friendly Nature and Rail Trip in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at 49 by Geoffrey Bawa

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of Colombo's stylish restaurants, offering an array of local and international dishes.
Make your way to the restaurant with a short taxi ride.
LKR 2500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Galle Face Green

Stroll along this iconic promenade while enjoying views of the Indian Ocean, perfect for families and a great photo spot.
Take a leisurely walk from the restaurant to Galle Face Green.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Relish a delicious seafood lunch at this esteemed restaurant, recommended for its fresh crab specialties.
A short taxi ride from Galle Face Green.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Colombo National Museum

Uncover Sri Lanka's history through an impressive collection of artefacts in the largest museum in the country.
Take a taxi from the restaurant to the museum.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Travel to Kandy by Train

Board the train to Kandy, experiencing beautiful landscapes as you venture towards the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
Take a taxi to Colombo Fort Railway Station.
LKR 3000, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Empire Café

Savour a lovely dinner at this charming café that combines local and international cuisines, perfect for families.
Short walk from your hotel in Kandy.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Café 24

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet featuring traditional Sri Lankan options.
Located in the hotel; a short walk.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Experience Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, housing a cherished relic of the Buddha.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the café to the temple.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kandy Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake while enjoying the serene views and local wildlife.
Walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Enjoy a delightful lunch in a colonial-style residence that serves brilliantly-crafted local dishes.
Short taxi ride to The Kandy House.
LKR 3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Botanical Gardens Tour

Spend your afternoon in the Royal Botanical Gardens, exploring an expansive collection of tropical flora.
Taxi from the restaurant to the gardens.
LKR 1500, 3 hours

5:30PM

Cultural Show in Kandy

Watch a fascinating cultural show showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.
Return to the city centre by taxi.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Royal Mall

Dine with family at this bustling restaurant that offers a wide variety of delicious Sri Lankan dishes.
Short walk from where the cultural show took place.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast to energise yourself before a scenic train journey.
Located within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya by Train

Experience the enchanting landscape as you travel through lush tea estates to Nuwara Eliya.
Walk to the train station.
LKR 2000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Arrive and Visit Victoria Park

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Victoria Park, perfect for relaxation.
Take a taxi from the railway station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Indulge in a delightful meal at the Grand Hotel, a famous establishment with stunning views.
Short taxi ride from the park.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Tea Plantations

Visit a local tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process while enjoying tastings.
Taxi to a nearby plantation.
LKR 1200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at the hotel

Settle in at your charming hotel and unwind after a day of exploration.
Walk or taxi back to the hotel from the plantation.
LKR 7000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Upali's

Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at Upali's, a restaurant known for its authentic Sri Lankan dishes.
Short walk or taxi from the hotel.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your journey.
Dining area within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ella by Train

Journey through lush valleys and picturesque hills on your train ride to Ella.
Walk to the local train station.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at the magnificent Nine Arches Bridge, an iconic viewpoint and photo opportunity.
Short taxi ride from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ella Spice Garden

Relish a local lunch here, known for its vibrant spices and fresh produce.
Taxi from Nine Arches Bridge to Ella Spice Garden.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking to Ella Rock

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Ella Rock for stunning panoramic views.
Trail starts near the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at hotel

Unwind at your hotel after a day filled with adventure in nature.
A short walk from the hiking trail.
LKR 7000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Café Chill

Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Café Chill with a menu that caters to everyone's taste buds.
Just a short walk from the hotel.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure in Haputale

Haputale, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Feast on a delicious breakfast before heading for another adventure.
Dining area within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Haputale by Train

Enjoy the train ride to Haputale, appreciating the dramatic landscapes along the way.
Taxi to the train station.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Lipton's Seat

Marvel at breathtaking views of the lush tea plantations from Lipton's Seat.
Taxi from the train station to Lipton's Seat.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tea Factory Hotel

Indulge in a delightful lunch while overlooking the scenic plantations.
Taxi to the Tea Factory Hotel.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the local town

Take time to enjoy the charming town of Haputale, including its small shops and tea stands.
Walk around the town from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Ella by Train

Relax as you return to Ella, filled with memories of the day.
Taxi to the train station.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at hotel

Rest and refresh after your journey back.
Walking distance from Ella station.
LKR 7000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The AK Ristoro

Conclude your day with pizza or pasta at this Italian restaurant loved by locals.
Short walk from your hotel.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring Bandarawela

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with breakfast in the stunning setting of your hotel.
Dining area within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Bandarawela

Take a short train ride to Bandarawela, enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Walk to the local train station.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Bandarawela Bazaar

Stroll through the local bazaar to shop for souvenirs and local snacks.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café 152

Enjoy a local lunch in Café 152, famed for its casual vibe and good food.
Short walk from the bazaar.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dhowa Rock Temple

Discover this ancient rock temple adorned with beautiful carvings and stunning views.
Taxi from the café.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the local playground

Let the children enjoy some playtime at the local park while the parents relax.
Short walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Ella

Head back to Ella for a freshen up.
Train back to Ella.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ella's Edge

Enjoy a casual family dinner with stunning views of the mountains.
Short taxi ride from the hotel.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Trincomalee

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up for your journey with a wholesome breakfast.
Dining area within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Trincomalee

Enjoy the beautiful drive to Trincomalee, experiencing diverse landscapes.
Rent a car for the scenic route.
LKR 6000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trincomalee

Dig into traditional Sri Lankan food at a local restaurant, sampling fresh seafood.
Located in Trincomalee.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Nilaveli Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at the beautiful Nilaveli Beach, perfect for families.
Drive from the restaurant to the beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at the hotel

Unwind at your beachfront hotel and freshen up after the beach.
A brief drive from the beach.
LKR 7000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Pub

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Pub with a variety of family-friendly dishes.
Short drive from your hotel.
LKR 3200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Trincomalee

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Indulge in breakfast overlooking the beach before your day's adventure begins.
Dining area within the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Koneswaram Temple

Visit the ancient Koneswaram Temple, perched on a cliff with stunning views of the ocean.
Drive from the hotel to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hiking at Pigeon Island

Explore the beautiful Pigeon Island, known for snorkelling and its coral reefs.
Boat ride from Trincomalee to Pigeon Island.
LKR 2500, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trinco My Dream

Savour a delicious lunch at this local restaurant that serves hearty Sri Lankan meals.
Boat ride back to Trincomalee and then a short drive.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Snorkelling or Swimming at Uppuveli Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying water activities at Uppuveli Beach, suitable for families.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rice 'n' Curry

Delight in an authentic Sri Lankan dinner offering a variety of curry options and flavours.
Short drive from Uppuveli Beach.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast overlooking the ocean.
Located at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Colombo

Begin your journey back to Colombo, reminiscing about your adventures.
Car rental back to Colombo.
LKR 6000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sizzle

Stop for a tasty lunch at The Sizzle, featuring delectable grilled dishes.
Located in Colombo.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Colombo Fort

Explore the historical Colombo Fort area, perfect for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
Take a short taxi from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure from Colombo

Reflecting on a memorable trip as you head to the airport for your journey home.
Taxi to the airport.
LKR 2500, 1 hour
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