8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Start your day with some delicious pancakes and fresh fruit smoothie in a cozy atmosphere before heading out for exploration.
Drive to Colombo City Center
LKR 2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Galle Face Green

Enjoy a walk at Galle Face Green, where kids can run freely while parents relax by the ocean.
Short drive from breakfast location
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Ministry of Crab

Savor a delicious seafood meal at a famous restaurant that caters to all ages with its lively atmosphere.
Short drive from Galle Face Green
LKR 6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Colombo National Museum

Dive into the rich history of Sri Lanka, with many exhibits that engage children with ancient artifacts.
Drive to the museum, approximately 20 minutes
LKR 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Old Dutch Hospital

Explore the charming architecture and enjoy some souvenir shopping in one of Colombo's oldest buildings.
Short drive from the museum
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Shangri-La Colombo

End the day with a family dinner with a kids’ menu at this luxurious waterfront hotel.
Short drive from Old Dutch Hospital
LKR 7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Journey in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel to prepare for the exciting journey to Kandy.
Check-out and drive to Kandy (3 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Discover the sacred relic of Buddha at this famous temple, which offers cultural insights.
Short drive from the hotel
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Treat your family to a delightful meal of local flavors amidst colonial charm.
Short drive from the temple
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kandy Lake Boat Ride

Enjoy a gentle boat ride on the scenic Kandy Lake, perfect for all family members.
Short walking distance from lunch
LKR 500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

Experience the wonders of nature with a vast collection of plants and colorful flowers that captivate children.
30-minute drive from Kandy Lake
LKR 2000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Relax after a full day with dinner that features Western and local dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Short drive from gardens
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel your family with a good breakfast before heading to Sigiriya.
Check-out from Kandy and drive to Sigiriya (2.5 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site and reward yourselves with breathtaking views at the top.
Directly at the site
LKR 4500 for family, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Lion Rock Restaurant

Enjoy a refreshing meal with beautiful views of the rock fortress nearby.
Short drive from the fortress
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sigiriya Museum

Learn about the history and significance of Sigiriya as an archaeological site.
Short drive from lunch
LKR 1000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Pidurangala Rock

For adventurous families, hike up Pidurangala Rock for stunning sunset views.
Short drive to the entrance
LKR 500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sigiriya

Unwind with dinner at your hotel that offers a variety of local and international dishes.
Return to the hotel
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Dambulla Caves & Nature

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sigiriya

Have a relaxing breakfast before heading to Dambulla.
Drive to Dambulla (30 minutes)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the stunning cave temple filled with impressive Buddha statues and murals.
Direct access to the site
LKR 1500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore a Spice Garden

Discover the spices of Sri Lanka and kids can enjoy learning about various plants.
Short drive from the cave
LKR 1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Spice Garden's Restaurant

Enjoy a unique lunch experience at the Spice Garden with local cuisine.
In the Spice Garden
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the community village

Engage with locals and experience traditional Sri Lankan village life.
Short drive from lunch
LKR 1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel for relaxation

Spend some downtime at the hotel swimming pool to unwind.
Return to hotel
Included in hotel stay, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the hotel

Indulge in a buffet dinner featuring Sri Lankan specialties and international dishes.
At the hotel
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discover Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with a hearty breakfast before departure.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tea Plantation Tour

Explore lush tea estates and learn about the tea-making process, which is fun and educational for children.
Directed tour from the hotel
LKR 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Enjoy an exquisite meal in a colonial-style restaurant that serves both local and international dishes.
Drive to Grand Hotel
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Victoria Park

Let the kids play in this lovely park, featuring walking paths and a serene lake.
Short drive from lunch
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Gregory Lake

Enjoy boating or rent pedal boats on this picturesque lake surrounded by the hills.
Short drive to the lake
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel for downtime

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views from your accommodation.
Return to hotel
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Dine on delicious regional dishes with the choice of kid-friendly meals.
At the hotel
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Journey to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in the cool climate before departing for Ella.
Drive to Ella (3 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Take some family photos by this iconic bridge, known for its breathtaking scenery.
Short drive from Ella center
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Ella Rock

If your family enjoys hiking, take the trail which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Short drive to trailhead
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Chill Cafe

Relax at this cafe that serves tantalizing local and fusion dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
Short drive back to Ella
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Little Adam's Peak

Take a family-friendly hike with panoramic views that everyone can enjoy.
Short drive to the trailhead
Free, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Spend some quality time at the hotel preparing for dinner.
Short drive to the hotel
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Wrap up the day with dinner at your hotel featuring local and international favorites.
At the hotel
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historic Galle Adventure

Galle, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast before heading out.
Drive to Galle (2.5 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Galle Fort

Wander the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting boutiques and cafés.
Direct access within Galle
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fort Square Cafe

Refuel with delicious rice and curry, while enjoying the relaxed ambiance within the fort.
Short walk from the fort
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Maritime Museum

Learn about the rich maritime history of Sri Lanka with exhibits that children will find exciting.
Short walk from lunch
LKR 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Beach Time at Unawatuna

Head to Unawatuna Beach where kids can build sandcastles and splash in the waves.
Short drive to the beach
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Happy Fish

Wrap up your day with fresh seafood or local dishes right by the beach.
Short drive back from the beach
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Sri Lanka with flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
Drive back to Colombo (2.5 hours)
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Independence Square

Take a quick stroll and enjoy the monument's beauty, perfect for family photos.
Short drive from hotel
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kottu Roti Place

Have an authentic Sri Lankan Kottu meal before heading to the airport.
Short drive from Independence Square
LKR 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Departure

Head to the airport for your flight home, taking with you the magical memories of Sri Lanka.
Drive to Bandaranaike International Airport (30 mins)
LKR 2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability