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.
Hotel breakfast dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Colombo Fort

Wander around Colombo Fort, where colonial architecture frames the bustling atmosphere of the city.
Walk from the hotel to Fort area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mag Feast

Savor some delicious kottu at this local eatery.
Take a short walk or tuk-tuk.
LKR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Relax at this coastal park and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
15 minutes walk from Mag Feast.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening at the Local Market

Explore the sights and sounds of a local market, picking up some souvenirs.
Walk or tuk-tuk back to the market area.
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.
A short tuk-tuk ride.
LKR600, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest at hotel

Wind down and relax in your accommodation to prepare for the next adventure.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before your journey, fueled for the day.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kandy

Catch a local bus to Kandy, enjoying scenic landscapes.
Bus station in Colombo.
LKR400, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kingdom Cafe

Refuel with some simple rice and curry at this cozy café.
Walk from the bus station.
LKR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Experience the cultural heart of Kandy, housing a sacred tooth relic.
Walk to the temple.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk around this picturesque lake.
Adjacent to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Kandy Market

Discover local produce and crafts at Kandy's vibrant market.
Short walk from the lake.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Aasai Restaurant

Enjoy Kandy specialties in a family-friendly setting.
Walk from the market.
LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest at hotel

Unwind and prepare for an early start the next day to Sigiriya.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Visit Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

6:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before heading out on the adventure.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Sigiriya

Take a local bus or taxi to the famous rock fortress.
Bus station in Kandy.
LKR500, 2 hours

9:30AM

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Hike up the magnificent rock with breathtaking views and ancient frescoes.
Entrance to Sigiriya.
LKR4500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Sigiriya Village Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal with amazing views.
Restaurant near the entrance.
LKR1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Sigiriya Museum

Learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Short walk from the restaurant.
LKR800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Dambulla

Catch a local bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla.
Bus stop outside the museum.
LKR300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive cave sculptures.
Walk from bus station.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Smart Kitchen

Savor another delicious meal with freshly prepared local dishes.
Walk from the cave temple.
LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Rest to recharge

Evening leisure back at your accommodation.
Return to stay in Dambulla.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your next journey.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Take a bus to Nuwara Eliya, enjoying the stunning views of tea plantations.
Dambulla bus station.
LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Drop your bags at your accommodation and rest a bit.
Hotel front desk.
Included in earlier cost, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Indian

Try some flavorful South Indian cuisine at this famous restaurant.
Walk from hotel.
LKR1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Surya Devalaya

Explore this historic Hindu temple, experiencing local culture.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll in Victoria Park

Relax in this beautiful park, ideal for families and picnics.
Walk to park entrance.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine at this charming, heritage hotel with a cozy atmosphere.
A short walk from the park.
LKR1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Relax and enjoy the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ella Excursion

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor your last breakfast in Nuwara Eliya before heading to Ella.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ella

Take a scenic train ride to Ella, famous for its breathtaking landscapes.
Nuwara Eliya train station.
LKR200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in and relax at your accommodation.
Hotel front desk.
Included in earlier cost, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Ella Spice Garden

Enjoy a unique experience with a delicious Sri Lankan lunch.
Walk from hotel.
LKR900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ella Rock

Embark on a gentle hike to Ella Rock for stunning views.
Walk to the starting point.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Nine Arches Bridge

Visit the iconic bridge, perfect for photography and enjoying the views.
Short hike from Ella Rock.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Savor comfortable dining and try their famous burgers.
Walk back to Ella town.
LKR1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Ella.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach Day in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to Mirissa.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mirissa

Enjoy a beautiful bus ride to the beach town of Mirissa.
Ella bus station.
LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Settle in at your beachfront hotel.
Hotel front desk.
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.
Walk to the restaurant.
LKR1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time

Relax by the beach, swimming or sunbathing with family.
Adjacent to the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore local shops

Discover unique local crafts and souvenirs at beach-side shops.
Walk along the beachfront.
Varies on purchases, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Doctor's House

Dine in a relaxed dinner atmosphere with delicious local dishes.
Short walk from the shops.
LKR900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Relax at hotel

Enjoy the evening views and sounds of the sea.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the ocean.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Galle

Catch a bus to the historic city of Galle, perfect for a cultural visit.
Mirissa bus station.
LKR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture.
Entry into the fort area.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Tuna & The Crab

Delight in a seafood meal at this popular Galle spot.
Walk from the fort.
LKR1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Galle Lighthouse

Enjoy the scenic views while learning about the history of the lighthouse.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and playing by the sea.
Take a tuk-tuk to Unawatuna.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Aloha Coffee

Wrap up the day with coffee and simple dishes before the journey back.
Return to Galle Fort area for dinner.
LKR900, 1 hour

7:00PM

Head back to Mirissa

Return to your hotel for a good night's rest.
Local bus or tuk-tuk back to Mirissa.
LKR300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Mirissa.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel back to Colombo

Take an early bus or train back to Colombo.
Mirissa bus station.
LKR600, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Mango Tree

Savor a light lunch in Colombo at this popular spot known for its salads.
Walk from the bus station.
LKR1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Viharamahadevi Park

Take a family stroll in this peaceful park adorned with flowers.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the National Museum

Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka at one of its most important museums.
Walk from the park.
LKR1000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Field

Indulge in a nice family dinner at this rustic eatery with a charming atmosphere.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the museum.
LKR1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at hotel

Relax as your journey comes to an end.
Return to hotel.
Included in earlier cost, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Final breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Sri Lanka, reflecting on the memories created.
Hotel dining area.
LKR1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check out and head to airport

Pack your bags and prepare for departure as you head back home.
Travel to Colombo airport by arranged taxi.
LKR3000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability