8-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

10:00AM

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport

Upon landing, you'll be greeted by your tour guide who will assist with transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Airport transfer to Colombo city centre, approximately 35 minutes.
USD 30, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a lovely Sri Lankan meal while admiring art in this iconic café.
Less than 15 minutes drive from the hotel.
USD 15 per person, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the National Museum

Explore Sri Lanka's rich history and culture in this magnificent museum.
15-minute drive from the cafe.
USD 5, 2 hours

3:00PM

Stroll at Galle Face Green

Let the kids run around and enjoy a walk by the sea while enjoying some fresh coconut juice.
10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Take some time to unwind before dinner, prepping for the adventure ahead.
15-minute drive back to the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Savour a spectacular seafood experience focusing on the freshest crab, a must-try in Sri Lanka.
15-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 25 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your journey to Sigiriya.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Sigiriya

Set off early for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, known for its stunning rock fortress.
Approximately 4 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sigiriya Resthouse

Recharge with a delicious lunch while enjoying views of the Lion Rock.
5-minute drive from the entrance.
USD 10 per person, 1 hour

1:00PM

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Experience the mesmerising views atop the ancient fortress and explore its fascinating ruins.
Entrance at foot of Sigiriya.
USD 30 per adult; kids half price, 3 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Water Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the cool breeze.
At the base of Sigiriya.
Included in fortress ticket, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check into hotel

Relax and refresh before dinner at your hotel.
Nearby hotel.
USD 80 per night, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Rithu Restaurant

Delight in an array of Sri Lankan dishes that will please the whole family.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 12 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Experience in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kandy

Journey to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful scenery.
Approximately 2.5 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Discover the sacred Temple of the Tooth, housing a relic of the Buddha, an important pilgrimage site.
Drive within Kandy city.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kandy Garden Cafe

Dine amidst a beautiful garden setting with a mix of local and international dishes.
10-minute drive from the temple.
USD 10 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

Wander through the expansive gardens filled with exotic plants and beautiful flowers.
15-minute drive from the cafe.
USD 5, 2 hours

4:00PM

Cultural Show in Kandy

Enjoy a traditional dance performance showcasing Sri Lankan culture.
Nearby the Botanical Gardens.
USD 7, 1 hour

5:30PM

Check into hotel

Unwind at your selected hotel in Kandy, with views of the surrounding hills.
Near city centre.
USD 70 per night, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Offering a selection of local and International favourites, this family-friendly café is a perfect finish to your day.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 15 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hill Country Adventure

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast to support your hill-country adventure.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Embark on a scenic journey through lush tea plantations and mountains to Nuwara Eliya.
Approximately 2.5 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit a Tea Factory

Learn about Sri Lanka's famous tea production and enjoy a tea tasting session.
Near the centre of Nuwara Eliya.
USD 5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Savour a sumptuous meal in a charming colonial setting at this famous hotel.
15-minute drive from the tea factory.
USD 20 per person, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Boat ride on Gregory Lake

Enjoy a family-friendly boat ride and some time relaxing by the lake, perfect for soaking up the serene atmosphere.
10-minute drive from Grand Hotel.
USD 10 per person, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll around Victoria Park

Let the children run and play in this beautiful park surrounded by a blooming garden.
5-minute drive from the lake.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check into hotel

Rest and refresh at your accommodation in Nuwara Eliya.
Nearby town centre.
USD 70 per night, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Barnes Hall

Dine at this heritage venue with a variety of Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Scenic Train Journey

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a hearty breakfast before your scenic train ride.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ella by Train

Enjoy a picturesque train ride through the lush green hills to Ella.
Train station, 10-minute drive.
USD 10 per person, 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Ella

Check into your hotel and get settled in this charming town surrounded by nature.
Short ride from the train station.
USD 70 per night, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Tasty Fish

Savour a delicious meal while enjoying views of the surrounding hills.
5-minute walk from the hotel.
USD 10 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Take a short hike to this iconic bridge surrounded by stunning landscapes.
20-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike Little Adam's Peak

A family-friendly hike leads you to mesmerizing views from the top of Little Adam's Peak.
Starting point is a short drive from Nine Arches.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and refresh before dinner.
Short drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with an array of mouthwatering dishes.
15-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 20 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Wildlife Adventure

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to Yala.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Yala National Park

Set off for Yala National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife and landscapes.
Approximately 2.5 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Yala National Park Safari

Experience an exhilarating safari in one of the best national parks, famed for leopards and elephants.
Entrance to the park.
USD 30 per adult; kids half-price, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Recharge with lunch at a local restaurant after your thrilling morning safari.
5-minute drive from the park exit.
USD 10 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax and Explore Tissamaharama

Take time to discover the nearby town, reflecting on your wildlife encounters.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check into hotel

Settle into your accommodation near Yala National Park.
Nearby hotel.
USD 70 per night, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Explore the ancient rock temple adorned with fascinating murals and serene surroundings.
15-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel, reflecting on your adventures.
In-house dining.
USD 15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach and Relaxation

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a day of beach fun with a hearty breakfast.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mirissa

Enjoy the coastal scenery on your way to the beautiful beach town of Mirissa.
Approximately 1.5 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend a leisurely morning swimming and sunbathing at this stunning beach.
Direct access from the car park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chill Hut

Enjoy a beachside meal with fresh seafood and delicious local dishes.
Short walk from the beach.
USD 10 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Take a family-friendly boat tour and look out for energetic whales and dolphins.
Tour operator's dock nearby.
USD 40 per person for the tour, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Beach for Sunset

Soak up the stunning sunset views on the beach, a perfect way to end the day.
Back to Mirissa Beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Shack

Finish off a day of fun at this casual beach restaurant with a relaxed vibe.
3-minute walk from the beach.
USD 10 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Historic Charm in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Sri Lanka before exploring the historic town of Galle.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Galle

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, famous for its fort and colonial architecture.
Approximately 30 minutes' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through the narrow streets of Galle Fort, admiring the historical buildings and charming shops.
Directly in Galle Fort.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Lighthouse

Visit the picturesque lighthouse within the fort, perfect for family photos.
Short walk from the fort.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fort Printers

Enjoy a delightful lunch at this gorgeous restaurant with an elegant atmosphere.
5 minutes walk from the lighthouse.
USD 15 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Maritime Museum

Delve into the maritime history of Sri Lanka at this interesting museum.
Walkable distance from the restaurant.
USD 5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Enjoy at Unawatuna Beach

Conclude your Sri Lankan adventure with some leisure time at the nearby Unawatuna Beach.
15-minute drive from Galle.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Colombo

Head back to Colombo to prepare for departure.
Approximately 2.5 hours' drive.
Included in transportation cost, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel in Colombo

Enjoy your last dinner in Sri Lanka, reminiscing about the beautiful memories made.
Back to your hotel.
USD 20 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability