How many days do you need in Srilanka?

This itinerary covers 9 days in Srilanka, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Srilanka?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to Srilanka. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Sri Lanka on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast, including hoppers and pol sambol.

LKR1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Colombo Fort

Wander around Colombo Fort, where colonial architecture frames the bustling atmosphere of the city.

Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mag Feast

Savor some delicious kottu at this local eatery.

LKR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Relax at this coastal park and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening at the Local Market

Explore the sights and sounds of a local market, picking up some souvenirs.

Free entry, vary on purchases, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pilawoos

End your day with some famous Sri Lankan street food such as string hoppers.

LKR600, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest at hotel

Wind down and relax in your accommodation to prepare for the next adventure.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 2: Explore Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before your journey, fueled for the day.

LKR1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kandy

Catch a local bus to Kandy, enjoying scenic landscapes.

LKR400, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kingdom Cafe

Refuel with some simple rice and curry at this cozy café.

LKR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Experience the cultural heart of Kandy, housing a sacred tooth relic.

LKR1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk around this picturesque lake.

Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Kandy Market

Discover local produce and crafts at Kandy's vibrant market.

Free entry, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Aasai Restaurant

Enjoy Kandy specialties in a family-friendly setting.

LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest at hotel

Unwind and prepare for an early start the next day to Sigiriya.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 3: Visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

6:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before heading out on the adventure.

LKR1500, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Sigiriya

Take a local bus or taxi to the famous rock fortress.

LKR500, 2 hours

9:30AM

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Hike up the magnificent rock with breathtaking views and ancient frescoes.

LKR4500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Sigiriya Village Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal with amazing views.

LKR1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Sigiriya Museum

Learn more about the history and culture of the region.

LKR800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Dambulla

Catch a local bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla.

LKR300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive cave sculptures.

LKR1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Smart Kitchen

Savor another delicious meal with freshly prepared local dishes.

LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest to recharge

Evening leisure back at your accommodation.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Sigiriya

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your next journey.

LKR1500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Take a bus to Nuwara Eliya, enjoying the stunning views of tea plantations.

LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Drop your bags at your accommodation and rest a bit.

Included in earlier cost, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Indian

Try some flavorful South Indian cuisine at this famous restaurant.

LKR1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Surya Devalaya

Explore this historic Hindu temple, experiencing local culture.

Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll in Victoria Park

Relax in this beautiful park, ideal for families and picnics.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine at this charming, heritage hotel with a cozy atmosphere.

LKR1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Relax and enjoy the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Day 5: Ella Excursion

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor your last breakfast in Nuwara Eliya before heading to Ella.

LKR1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ella

Take a scenic train ride to Ella, famous for its breathtaking landscapes.

LKR200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in and relax at your accommodation.

Included in earlier cost, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Ella Spice Garden

Enjoy a unique experience with a delicious Sri Lankan lunch.

LKR900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ella Rock

Embark on a gentle hike to Ella Rock for stunning views.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Nine Arches Bridge

Visit the iconic bridge, perfect for photography and enjoying the views.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Savor comfortable dining and try their famous burgers.

LKR1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Ella.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Ella

Day 6: Beach Day in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to Mirissa.

LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mirissa

Enjoy a beautiful bus ride to the beach town of Mirissa.

LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Settle in at your beachfront hotel.

Included in earlier cost, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Mirissa Beach Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood right by the ocean for a true beach experience.

LKR1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time

Relax by the beach, swimming or sunbathing with family.

Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore local shops

Discover unique local crafts and souvenirs at beach-side shops.

Varies on purchases, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Doctor's House

Dine in a relaxed dinner atmosphere with delicious local dishes.

LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Relax at hotel

Enjoy the evening views and sounds of the sea.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Mirissa

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the ocean.

LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Galle

Catch a bus to the historic city of Galle, perfect for a cultural visit.

LKR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Tuna & The Crab

Delight in a seafood meal at this popular Galle spot.

LKR1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Galle Lighthouse

Enjoy the scenic views while learning about the history of the lighthouse.

Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and playing by the sea.

Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Aloha Coffee

Wrap up the day with coffee and simple dishes before the journey back.

LKR900, 1 hour

7:00PM

Head back to Mirissa

Return to your hotel for a good night's rest.

LKR300, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Galle

Day 8: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Mirissa.

LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel back to Colombo

Take an early bus or train back to Colombo.

LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Mango Tree

Savor a light lunch in Colombo at this popular spot known for its salads.

LKR1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Viharamahadevi Park

Take a family stroll in this peaceful park adorned with flowers.

Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the National Museum

Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka at one of its most important museums.

LKR1000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Field

Indulge in a nice family dinner at this rustic eatery with a charming atmosphere.

LKR1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Relax as your journey comes to an end.

Included in earlier cost, Overnight

Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 9: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Final breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Sri Lanka, reflecting on the memories created.

LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check out and head to airport

Pack your bags and prepare for departure as you head back home.

LKR3000, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Colombo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Sri Lanka on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

8:00PM

Day 2: Explore Kandy

7:30AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

4:30PM

6:30PM

8:00PM

Day 3: Visit Sigiriya

6:30AM

7:30AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya

7:00AM

8:00AM

11:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Ella Excursion

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Beach Day in Mirissa

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Galle

7:00AM

8:30AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 8: Return to Colombo

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 9: Departure

7:00AM

8:30AM

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