8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Gallery Café

Indulge in a mouthwatering range of Sri Lankan and continental dishes at this trendy café.
Head towards the café, located in the former offices of Geoffrey Bawa.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the National Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka, housed in a grand colonial-era building.
It's a short drive from the café – take a cab for about 15 minutes.
LKR2000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ceylon Grill

Savor delicious grilled Sri Lankan delights in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Take a short cab ride (10 mins) to reach the restaurant.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Galle Face Green

Enjoy a leisurely stroll at this coastal promenade and let the kids fly kites.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Colombo Zoo

Meet a variety of animal species and enjoy interactive exhibits, perfect for kids.
20-minute drive from Galle Face Green.
LKR2500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy a delicious seafood experience at one of Sri Lanka's finest restaurants.
A 25-minute ride from the zoo.
LKR6000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Theva Residency

Start the day with a hearty breakfast offering local and international flavors while enjoying a stunning view of the hills.
Take a car or van to Kandy; the journey takes about 3 hours.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist site housing a relic of Buddha, a must-visit for families.
Located in the center of Kandy, a short cab ride from your accommodation.
LKR2000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kandy Lake Walk

A serene walk around the picturesque lake is perfect for families while enjoying nature.
Easily accessible from the temple; a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Delight in freshly prepared Sri Lankan cuisine in an elegant setting.
10-minute drive from the lake.
LKR4500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the variety of plants and interactive activities, perfect for educating the kids.
A 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
LKR1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cultural Dance Show

End your day with a mesmerizing cultural dance performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dances.
A short 15-min drive from the gardens.
LKR1500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Wrap up your day enjoying great Indian and Sri Lankan fusion dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Located close to your accommodation.
LKR2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: History at Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Kandy

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to fuel your day of exploration.
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sigiriya

Head towards Sigiriya, famous for its ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Sigiriya Rock Climb

Challenge the family to climb the 1,200 steps offering breathtaking views and intriguing frescoes.
Entry is right at the base of Sigiriya rock.
LKR4500, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sigiriya Hotel

Refuel with a casual meal offering Western-style dishes in a scenic hotel setting.
A quick walk back to the hotel.
LKR3000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Sigiriya Museum

Learn more about the ancient rock fortress and its history as a royal citadel.
Walk over within the hotel vicinity.
LKR1000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Go on a nature walk

Enjoy a peaceful evening nature walk around the gardens and admire the setting sun.
Walk back around Sigiriya site.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Pizza Company

Wrap up the day with family-friendly pizzas that kids love.
A 15-minute drive from Sigiriya.
LKR2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cave Temples of Dambulla

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Marvel at the impressive cave temples and the beautiful statues and paintings depicting Buddha's life.
A 20-minute drive from Sigiriya.
LKR1500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore the local market

Engage with local vendors and try some fresh fruits and local snacks as you walk through.
Walk back towards Dambulla town center.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dambulla Village Hotel

Savor authentic Sri Lankan dishes under a shady palm tree setting.
Near the market, about a 10-minute walk.
LKR3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit to the Golden Temple

Explore this sacred site, a great introduction to Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage for kids.
It's a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
LKR1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Mini Adventure at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Experience an up-close encounter with elephants, a sure hit with children!
Drive takes about 1 hour.
LKR3000, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

Finish your day with flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in a rustic setting.
A 30-minute drive back to Dambulla.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Hill Country in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the picturesque journey ahead.
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy the scenic drive through tea plantations and charming villages.
Drive will take around 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit a Tea Plantation

Discover the tea-making process and sample fresh Ceylon tea at a local tea estate.
A 30-minute ride to a nearby plantation.
LKR2000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Dine in a colonial-style setting with traditional Sri Lankan dishes and international options.
A quick drive from the tea estate.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Enjoy Gregory Lake

Relax by the lake and engage kids in fun activities like paddle boating.
A short drive takes you to Gregory Park.
LKR1500 (for boat rental), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Horton Plains National Park

A small hike with incredible scenery, perfect for nature-loving families.
It takes about an hour to reach Horton Plains.
LKR3000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Barn Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with comfort food options for a relaxing end to the day.
Located near your hotel.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventures in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya before heading out.
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ella

Admire the beautiful views during your drive to Ella.
The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
N/A, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hike to Ella Rock

Embark on an adventurous hike together, surrounded by stunning vistas and greenery.
Trailhead is accessible from the main road in Ella.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Garden Cafe

Relax and enjoy wholesome meals using local ingredients in a family-friendly café.
A short walk from the trailhead.
LKR2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Nine Arches Bridge

Take picturesque family photos at this iconic bridge, a great spot for memories.
10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Tea Factory

Experience the tea-making process and enjoy some tea tasting to warm up after hiking.
Backtrack a bit, about a 15-minute drive.
LKR1000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ella’s Edge

Wrap up your adventurous day with a fun dinner and a view overlooking the mountains.
Short drive away from the tea factory.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Wildlife at Yala

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for an exciting day of wildlife watching.
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Travel to Yala National Park

Early departure for the national park to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Safari at Yala National Park

Embark on a thrilling safari to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
Safari jeep departs from the park entrance.
LKR6000 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yala Village Hotel

Relax with a buffet lunch featuring local and international cuisine.
Conveniently located near the park exit.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Kirinda Beach

See the stunning ocean views and let the kids play in the sand and surf.
30-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax back at hotel

Enjoy the hotel amenities and spend quality family time together.
A short drive back to your accommodation.
N/A, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Kitchen

End your safari adventure with a delightful dinner, offering a variety of delicious foods.
Just around the corner from your hotel.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast as you prepare for your final day of relaxation.
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mirissa

Journey to the beautiful beach town, perfect for unwinding after an action-packed week.
The drive takes about 3 hours.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Beach Time at Mirissa

Relax on the stunning sandy beaches and enjoy swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
Head directly to the beach area.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Secret Beach Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes with a waterfront view.
A brief walk from the beach.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Whale Watching (optional)

Join a guided tour to look for whales and dolphins; a memorable end to your trip.
Book a tour through local operators in the area.
LKR8000 (per person), 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Mamas Beach Restaurant

Together enjoy a final farewell dinner filled with delicious Sri Lankan flavors.
Located near your hotel.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability