5-Day Family-Friendly Nature and Foodie Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hansa Cafe

Start your Sri Lankan adventure with a hearty breakfast of Sri Lankan string hoppers accompanied by coconut sambol.
Located in Colombo 3, a short drive from most hotels.
LKR1500, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visiting Galle Face Green

Take a leisurely stroll along the Galle Face Green, enjoying the sea breeze and local kite flyers.
Just a 10-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Gallery Café

Savor innovative fusion dishes in a beautiful setting at the Gallery Café, famous for its architecture and art.
Located near the sea, about a 15-minute drive from Galle Face.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lankan history and culture through diverse exhibits showcasing ancient relics and historical artifacts.
A 10-minute drive from the café.
LKR1000, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Evening Relaxation at Viharamahadevi Park

Unwind in the park’s lush greenery, enjoying the floral gardens and children’s play areas.
Just a 5-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of Colombo's best and most famous restaurants.
It's a 15-minute drive from the park.
LKR5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Experience in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Theva Restaurant

Enjoy a serene breakfast with stunning views of the mountains, choosing from local and international favorites.
Drive approximately 3 hours to Kandy from Colombo.
LKR2000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site where the relic of the Buddha's tooth is housed.
Just a short drive from the restaurant.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Experience the delightful sight of elephants being fed and bathed at this well-known sanctuary.
A 30-minute drive from the temple.
LKR2500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Pinnawala Restaurant

Relish an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring traditional Sri Lankan dishes set against an elephant backdrop.
Located within the orphanage's premises.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kandy Lake and Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Kandy Lake, taking in lush green surroundings and serene landscapes.
Return to Kandy city center, about a 30-minute drive.
LKR500, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Cultural Show at Kandy

Witness a vibrant cultural performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance and drumming.
Easily accessible within Kandy.
LKR2000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Kandy House

Dine in a charming boutique hotel with an exquisite selection of authentic Sri Lankan cuisines.
Just a 10-minute drive from the cultural venue.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Beauty in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ceylon Tea Museum

Start your day surrounded by breathtaking views of tea plantations while enjoying traditional Sri Lankan breakfast options.
A scenic 2-hour drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
LKR2000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Tea Estates

Explore the lush tea estates, learning about the tea-making process while indulging in a tasting session.
Local tea estates are short drives from the museum.
LKR500, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sri Ambal Restaurant

Try some delicious Indian cuisine and Sri Lankan specialties, praised by locals.
Located in Nuwara Eliya town.
LKR1500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax with family at Gregory Lake, where you can rent paddle boats or enjoy lakeside picnics.
Nearby the restaurant, just a 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Victoria Park

Wander through the beautiful gardens of Victoria Park, filled with flowers and birdwatching opportunities.
A quick 5-minute drive from the lake.
LKR1000, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Barn

Indulge in local favorite dishes or international favorites with fresh local ingredients.
Just 5-minutes drive from the park.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Adventure in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Chill Cafe

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast including fluffy pancakes and fresh juices amidst a mountain backdrop.
A scenic 2-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
LKR2000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike to Ella Rock

Experience breathtaking views of the valley and tea plantations with a family-friendly hike to Ella Rock.
Access the trail easily from the café.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café Chill

Recharge your energy with delicious burgers, wraps, or local rice and curry post-hike.
Head back to Ella town, about a 30-minute walk.
LKR1500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Nine Arches Bridge

Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge for stunning photos and a glimpse into railway history.
Just a short walk from Café Chill.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Little Adam's Peak

Final hike of the day with a moderate climb that rewards you with panoramic views of Ella.
A quick 10-minute drive to the starting point.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Finish your day at this restaurant with stunning views, enjoying a fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisines.
Located close to Little Adam's Peak.
LKR5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Coastal Retreat in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Fortress

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast with an array of international and Sri Lankan culinary delights by the beach.
A scenic 1.5-hour drive from Ella to Galle.
LKR3500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring colonial architecture and art galleries.
The Fort is easily accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Tuna & The Crab

Satisfy your seafood cravings with freshly caught fish and crab dishes in this cozy setting.
Located within the Fort area, it’s a short walk.
LKR4500, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Maritime Museum

Learn about Sri Lanka's maritime history and heritage, fascinating for kids and adults alike.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
LKR1000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Head to the nearby beach for sunbathing and swimming, perfect for families to unwind.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Kingfisher

End your vacation with a beachfront dinner featuring traditional Sri Lankan fare and seafood delicacies.
Located along Unawatuna beach.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours
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