10-Day Family-Friendly Budget Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Kumbuk

Start your day with delicious Sri Lankan pancakes and fresh fruit juices at this cozy café.
Located in Colombo 2, easily reachable by tuk-tuk.
LKR 1800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore this beautiful temple filled with rich history and cultural significance.
A short tuk-tuk ride from Café Kumbuk.
LKR 500, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Ministry of Crab

Delight in the famous crab dishes at this renowned restaurant -- a foodie’s paradise.
Take a tuk-tuk from the temple, approximately 15 minutes away.
LKR 3800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Independence Square

Stroll through this historical site and relax at the lush gardens surrounding this cultural landmark.
Roughly 20 minutes via tuk-tuk.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Pettah Market

Experience the vibrant market atmosphere and shop for local goods and souvenirs.
A quick tuk-tuk ride from Independence Square.
Free to browse, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Upali's

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a lovely setting filled with local flair.
Take a tuk-tuk from Pettah Market.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Scenic Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Theva Cuisine

Savor a healthy breakfast with hilltop views overlooking Kandy.
Travel by bus from Colombo to Kandy (approx. 3 hours).
LKR 1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore the revered Buddhist temple housing the sacred tooth relic.
Short walk from Theva Cuisine.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Kandy Lake Walk

Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.
Just outside the temple, access from the same location.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Taste authentic home-cooked Sri Lankan food in a stunning heritage home.
A short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy Lake.
LKR 2800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

Experience a vast array of flora and fauna while wandering through this beautiful garden.
Bus from Kandy City to the gardens (approx. 30 min).
LKR 1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cultural Dance Show

Witness traditional Kandyan dance performances and immerse in local culture.
Tuk-tuk from the Botanical Gardens back to Kandy city (20 min).
LKR 1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Royal Bar & Hotel

Enjoy local cuisine with a casual atmosphere and live music.
Easily accessible by tuk-tuk from the cultural show venue.
LKR 2200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Grand Hotel

Indulge in a classic English breakfast in this colonial-style hotel.
Bus from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5 hours).
LKR 1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gregory Lake

Spend a relaxing morning exploring the scenic lake by boat or bike.
Take a tuk-tuk from Grand Hotel to the lake.
LKR 700 for boating, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Nuwara Eliya Flower Garden

Wander through beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy the vibrant colors.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the lake.
LKR 500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Hill Club

Experience sumptuous Sri Lankan cuisine in a historic club setting.
10-min walk from the flower garden.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tea Factory

Learn the traditional tea-making process and sample world-famous Ceylon tea.
Bus to tea factory (approx. 30 min).
LKR 800, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Victoria Park

Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the lush greenery and blooming flowers.
Head back to Nuwara Eliya town via bus.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Salgado's

Feast on their famous lamb curry or biryani in a relaxed ambiance.
5-min walk from Victoria Park.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chill Cafe

Relish a hearty breakfast of omelets and fresh smoothies with stunning mountain views.
Bus from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (approx. 3 hours).
LKR 1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

Enjoy a moderately easy hike with breathtaking views at the summit.
Easily accessible by foot from Chill Cafe.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The 98 Acres Resort

Dine overlooking the lush tea plantations with a delightful spread of local dishes.
Tuk-tuk from Little Adam's Peak.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at this impressive colonial railway bridge surrounded by stunning scenery.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Ella Rock

Engage in a more challenging hike with panoramic views to reward your efforts.
Tuk-tuk to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Spicy One

Taste vibrant flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Short walk from your accommodation.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife at Yala

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

6:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before heading out for wildlife adventure.
Organized by hotel as part of safari package.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Yala Safari

Embark on an unforgettable safari experience with the chance to see leopards and other wildlife.
Transportation arranged through your hotel.
LKR 5000, 3 hours

11:00AM

Brunch at Yala Village

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes in a rustic setting.
Eating spot along the way back from safari.
LKR 1800, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Relax at your accommodation

Spend the afternoon enjoying the swimming pool or just unwinding.
Return to your accommodation.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Afternoon Game Drive

Join another game drive to maximize your chances for sightings.
Arranged through your hotel.
LKR 5000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at A Traveler's Rest

Savor local delicacies and enjoy a peaceful ambiance after a long day.
Located near the park entrance.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historical Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departing for Galle.
Leave after breakfast; bus to Galle (approx. 2 hours).
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through the historic streets and learn about the city's colonial past.
Short walk from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Fort Printers

Enjoy a fresh and local menu at this charming eatery within the fort.
Located inside the fort walls.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Maritime Museum

Discover the rich maritime history of Galle and the broader region.
A short walk from the restaurant.
LKR 800, 1 hour

4:00PM

Galle Lighthouse

Enjoy the stunning views of the coastline while learning about this historic lighthouse.
Near the maritime museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Serendipity Arts Cafe

Relax and eat in a laid-back ambiance with a fusion of local and international dishes.
Walk from Galle Lighthouse.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach Day in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast before heading to the beach.
Short trip by bus from Galle to Mirissa (approx. 30 minutes).
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend a leisurely morning sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise waters.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Spice Route

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry for lunch with views of the beach.
Just a few minutes walk from the beach.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a boat tour in search of magnificent blue whales and dolphins.
Boat launch area is near the beach area.
LKR 8000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Beach for Sunset

Unwind with a sunset view over the Indian Ocean, a perfect end to the day.
Walk back to your preferred spot on the beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shady Lane

Experience fresh seafood in a serene beachside atmosphere.
Short walk from the beach area.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning to the bustling city.
Bus ride back to Colombo (approx. 3.5 hours).
Included, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Paan Paan

Try their artisanal sandwiches and fresh salads right after arriving in Colombo.
Short walk from your hotel.
LKR 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visiting Colombo National Museum

Explore Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage through its many exhibits.
5 min ride to the museum from the lunch spot.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Viharamahadevi Park

Relax in this lush park and enjoy the open green space, a great spot for families.
Short walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Mangal

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal in an inviting atmosphere.
Get a tuk-tuk for a quick ride.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Relaxing in Negombo

Negombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a calm breakfast near the beach.
Bus from Colombo to Negombo (approx. 1 hour).
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Negombo Beach

Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Seashells

Indulge in fresh seafood while dining beachfront.
Just a few minutes walk away.
LKR 1800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Negombo Fish Market

Experience the vibrant local culture while observing the daily fish auction.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore St. Mary's Church

Admire the intricate and stunning architecture of this historic church.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the market.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Black Coral

Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with a variety of tasty dishes.
A short tuk-tuk ride back to the beach.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Final Day in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savor your last breakfast in Sri Lanka with your family.
Bus back to Colombo (approx. 1 hour).
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Galle Face Green

Spend time relaxing on the famous promenade, perfect for families.
Short tuk-tuk ride from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Lagoon

Enjoy a seafood feast at one of Colombo's best restaurants.
Tuk-tuk ride away from Galle Face Green.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Odel

Last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local products at this popular department store.
A short tuk-tuk ride from lunch.
Free to browse, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax before Departure

Unwind and reflect on the wonderful experiences had during this journey.
Head back to your accommodation for final packing.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Nuga Gama

Enjoy a memorable meal in a traditional village setting to finish your trip on a high note.
Quick tuk-tuk ride from your accommodation.
LKR 3500, 2 hours
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