Explore Sri Lanka: A 5-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Experience

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Milk and Honey

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Milk and Honey, known for its scrumptious pancakes and healthy options.
Head to the cafe which is about a 15-minute drive from your hotel.
LKR2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Explore the National Museum to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's history and heritage, featuring fascinating artefacts.
It's a 15-minute drive from the cafe.
LKR1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pilawoos

Enjoy some local Sri Lankan food at Pilawoos, famous for its kottu roti, a must-try for every visitor.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum will get you to Pilawoos.
LKR1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Galle Face Green

Spend some time at Galle Face Green, where the kids can play on the grass and you can enjoy views of the ocean.
Just 10 minutes from Pilawoos.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Lagoon

Treat the family to a seafood feast at The Lagoon, located in the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
A quick 15-minute drive from Galle Face Green.
LKR5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Hilltop

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Theva Cuisine

Enjoy breathtaking views along with a hearty breakfast at Theva Cuisine, known for its Sri Lankan fusion dishes.
Two hours drive to Kandy, plan to leave early to avoid traffic.
LKR2500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore one of the most revered Buddhist sites, the Temple of the Tooth, where Sri Lanka's sacred relic is housed.
A 15-minute drive from your breakfast spot.
LKR1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kandy Muslim Hotel

Savour a delicious meal at Kandy Muslim Hotel, loved for its authentic biryani and curries, perfect for families.
Just a quick 10-minute drive from the temple.
LKR2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, an ideal spot for children to run around while enjoying nature.
A 15-minute drive from lunch.
LKR1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Wrap up your day with some South Indian cuisine at Balaji Dosai, famous for its dosas and vegetarian options.
Just a 15-minute drive from the gardens.
LKR1200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Tea Country Adventure

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Grand Hotel

Start your day at the colonial-style Grand Hotel with a delightful breakfast buffet that the whole family can enjoy.
About a two-hour drive from Kandy, take the A1 road.
LKR3500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit a Tea Plantation

Tour a tea plantation and factory, where you can see how famous Ceylon tea is made and even taste freshly brewed tea.
A 30-minute drive from the hotel.
LKR1000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Hill Club

Elevate your taste buds with a classic lunch at The Hill Club, which serves a mix of Sri Lankan and British cuisine.
Just a 15-minute drive from the tea plantation.
LKR2800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Lake Gregory

Take a family boat ride or stroll around Lake Gregory, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and scenic views.
About a 10-minute drive from the Hill Club.
LKR2000 for a boat ride, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Indulge in some dessert for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, where you can enjoy a variety of cheesecakes and light meals.
Only 10 minutes away from the lake.
LKR2200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Hiking

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Chill

Fuel up with a vibrant breakfast at Cafe Chill, known for its laid-back atmosphere and good selection of meals.
A one-hour drive to Ella from Nuwara Eliya.
LKR1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Ella Rock

Set out on a family-friendly hike to Ella Rock, where the views at the top are worth the effort.
Start your hike from Cafe Chill; it takes about 45 minutes to reach the starting point.
Free, 3 hours round trip

1:00PM

Lunch at The Garden Restaurant

After your hike, refresh with a hearty meal at The Garden Restaurant, which serves delicious Sri Lankan dishes.
It's a 15-minute drive back into town.
LKR1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Check out the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a perfect photo spot and a highlight of your Ella trip.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort

End your day with a memorable dinner at 98 Acres Resort, offering stunning views and a fine dining experience.
Just 10 minutes from the bridge.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Coastal Relaxation

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Fortress Resort

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at The Fortress, featuring an extensive buffet with local and international options.
It's a two-hour drive to Galle from Ella, via the A2 coastal road.
LKR4000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture and charming streets.
A short drive from your breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Old Dutch Bar & Restaurant

Relish authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at this cozy restaurant, where you can sample local seafood.
Only a 5-minute drive from Galle Fort.
LKR2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Take the family to Unawatuna Beach for some fun in the sun, where kids can swim and play on the sandy shores.
A 15-minute drive from your lunch spot.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant

Finish your trip with a delightful dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
A quick 10-minute drive from the beach.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours
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