10-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arriving in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Commons

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at The Commons, a family-friendly café known for its local and international breakfast options.
Located at Colombo's bustling high street.
LKR 3000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Galle Face Green

Stroll along the oceanfront promenade of Galle Face Green, where kids can fly kites and enjoy ice creams.
Head south along the coast for 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring exquisite seafood at this internationally acclaimed restaurant.
Just a five-minute drive from Galle Face Green.
LKR 6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the National Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka at the National Museum, with engaging exhibits for the entire family.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check in to Hotel

Relax and settle into your family-friendly hotel.
Choose a well-rated hotel in Colombo.
LKR 12000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Gallery Café, offering a varied menu in a stylish setting.
A short drive from your hotel.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kandy Exploration

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel before starting the day's journey to Kandy.
Leave Colombo early for Kandy.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kandy

Embark on a scenic drive to Kandy, famed for its picturesque views of lush hills.
Travel for approximately 3 hours.
Fuel Cost LKR 1000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Experience a delightful lunch at The Kandy House, serving traditional dishes.
Located near the Temple of the Tooth.
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to a significant relic of Buddha, sure to captivate the whole family.
Just a few minutes from your lunch spot.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kandy Lake & Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, offering exotic flora and children's play areas.
Walk around the lake, then drive to the gardens.
LKR 2000, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Savour delicious South Indian cuisine at Balaji Dosai, providing a family-friendly atmosphere.
A quick drive from the gardens.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nuwara Eliya Charm

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a beautiful journey ahead.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before the drive.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Nuwara Eliya, famed for its lush hills and tea plantations, during a refreshing 2.5-hour drive.
Follow the A5 route for stunning views.
Fuel Cost LKR 900, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Grand Hotel

Settle in for an elegant lunch at The Grand Hotel, with a lovely garden to explore afterwards.
Located in central Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore a Tea Plantation

Visit a local tea plantation, learning about the tea-making process while enjoying some samples.
Short drive from the lunch spot.
Free with purchases, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Victoria Park

Let the kids roam and play at Victoria Park while you relax in the beautiful gardens.
A quick drive or pleasant walk away.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hill Club

Wrap up your day with a hearty dinner at The Hill Club, famous for its cosy ambiance and excellent menu.
Situated near central Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 6000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventuring in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a great breakfast at your hotel before heading to Ella, filled with amazing views.
Prepare for a 2-hour journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Ella

Take a scenic 2-hour drive to Ella, renowned for stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
Follow the B3 route for breathtaking sights.
Fuel Cost LKR 800, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The chill Cafe

Grab some light lunch at the Chill Café, highly praised for its relaxed atmosphere and vegetarian options.
Located centrally in Ella.
LKR 2500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Ella Rock Hike

Embark on a family hike to Ella Rock, offering stunning views that will be rewarding after the trek.
Short drive to trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Check out the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, perfect for family photos and enjoying the scenery.
A quick drive from Ella Rock.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Café Chill

End the day with a relaxed dinner at Café Chill, known for its warm service and great menu.
Just a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife Spotting in Yala

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel your energy with an early breakfast at the hotel before heading to Yala.
Get ready to leave early for about a 2.5-hour drive.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yala National Park

Experience a scenic drive to Yala National Park, famous for its leopards and diverse wildlife.
On the A2 road, follow signage for Yala.
Fuel Cost LKR 1000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Park Entrance

Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy local Sri Lankan food from stalls near the park entrance.
This is located onsight.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Yala National Park Safari

Embark on an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park, creating unforgettable family moments spotting animals in their natural habitat.
Hire a safari jeep near the park entrance.
LKR 6000, 4 hours

4:30PM

Return to Accommodation

Check in at a nearby hotel for a well-deserved rest after a day filled with adventure.
Nearby accommodations are plentiful.
LKR 12000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Wild Elephant Eco Lodge

Dine on-site at The Wild Elephant Eco Lodge, known for fresh and local cuisine.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relaxing by the Coast

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at your hotel before heading to the coast.
Get ready for a 1.5-hour drive.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Mirissa

Enjoy the scenic route down south to Mirissa, a lovely beach destination.
Follow A2 for stunning coastal views.
Fuel Cost LKR 600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Spend the day enjoying the sun, sand, and surf at the beautiful Mirissa Beach.
Located steps from your hotel.
Free, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at beachside cabana

Grab fresh seafood or local delicacies from one of many beachside cafés serving great food.
Variety of options within walking distance.
LKR 3000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Set out on an exciting whale watching tour, which will surely be a highlight of your trip!
Multiple operators available along the beach.
LKR 8000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Surfer

Enjoy a laid-back dinner at The Surfer, with fantastic views over the ocean.
A nice stroll from the beach.
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before preparing for a short drive to Galle.
Pack up and head for the historic town.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Galle

Take a beautiful 30-minute drive along the coast to get to Galle.
Follow A2 for coastal scenery.
Fuel Cost LKR 300, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Galle Fort

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, with its rich history and unique architecture.
A short walk from the parking area.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fortify Gourmet Burger

Have a delicious lunch at Fortify, known for its amazing burgers and chilled vibe.
Located conveniently within Galle Fort.
LKR 3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse and learn about its history while enjoying ocean views.
A pleasant walk along the coast.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Dutch Reformed Church

Tour the Dutch Reformed Church, showcasing beautiful architecture and an intriguing history.
Easy walking distance from the lighthouse.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Tuna & The Crab

Savour local seafood at The Tuna & The Crab, a family-friendly restaurant with great reviews.
Just off the main road in Galle.
LKR 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach Fun at Bentota

Bentota, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for your drive to Bentota.
Check out and leave for the beach.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Bentota

Travel for about an hour to reach Bentota, another picturesque beach town.
A2 road leads straight down.
Fuel Cost LKR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Fun on the Beach

Spend the day playing on the beach, building sandcastles and perhaps trying some water sports.
Accessible from your hotel.
Free, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Villa

Enjoy lunch at The Villa, an elegant eatery praised for its local and international cuisine.
Overlooking the beach.
LKR 4500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where you can learn about turtle conservation and witness baby turtles.
Just a 20-minute drive from Bentota.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tandoori Hut

Have a lovely dinner at Tandoori Hut, known for its Indian cuisine and other delicious meal options.
Returning to Bentota for dinner.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Relaxing in Negombo

Negombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour breakfast at your hotel before your drive to Negombo.
Pack and check out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Negombo

Take a straightforward hour’s drive to the coastal town of Negombo.
Follow A2 road to Negombo.
Fuel Cost LKR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Negombo Lagoon

Explore the beautiful Negombo Lagoon for bird watching and local wildlife.
Simply head towards the lagoon from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sea Food Hut

Indulge in some of the best seafood in town at The Sea Food Hut, loved by locals.
Located in the heart of Negombo.
LKR 3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore St. Mary’s Church

Discover the charm of St. Mary’s Church with its striking architecture.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some leisure time relaxing at Negombo Beach, enjoying soft sands as a perfect backdrop.
Easily accessible from the church.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Gold providing Restaurant

Enjoy your dinner at The Gold providing Restaurant, offering a diverse selection of dishes.
Located near the beach area.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel after checking out and packing your bags.
Prepare to leave for Colombo.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Colombo

Taking a comfortable drive back to Colombo, reflecting on the memorable journey as you travel.
Follow A2 for a direct route.
Fuel Cost LKR 600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Souvenir Shopping at Colombo

Spend your morning shopping for souvenirs to remember your trip by at local markets.
Head to places like Pettah Market.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Upali’s

Savour your final lunch at Upali’s, a wonderful spot known for its authentic Sri Lankan dishes.
A comfortable drive from the market.
LKR 4500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Viharamahadevi Park

Take a casual stroll at Viharamahadevi Park, enjoying its green surroundings and calming atmosphere.
Located near the city centre.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure

Prepare for your departure from Colombo, reflecting on an amazing 10-day family journey through Sri Lanka!
Head to Colombo International Airport.
N/A, End of trip
View Hotel Availability