5-Day Family Adventure in Sri Lanka from Chennai: Culture, Nature, and Beaches

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 25, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Chennai to Colombo

Board your morning flight from Chennai to Colombo, which takes around 1.5 hours, arriving fresh to start your Sri Lanka adventure.
INR 7000, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-in and Refresh

Settle into your family-friendly hotel in Colombo and freshen up after your flight.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at The Gallery Café, a beautiful colonial mansion known for its Sri Lankan and international cuisine, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
LKR 1500, 1h

2:00pm

Colombo National Museum

Explore Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture at the National Museum, open 10am-5pm, worth a visit for its royal artifacts and ancient art.
LKR 1500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Galle Face Green

Spend the late afternoon at Galle Face Green, a seaside urban park where kids can fly kites and families can enjoy street food vendors.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Relish world-famous seafood, especially crab dishes, at Ministry of Crab, open 11:30am-10pm, a must for foodies visiting Colombo.
LKR 4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kandy Culture

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kandy

Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Colombo to Kandy through scenic landscapes, ideal for family bonding.
Varies, 3h30m

10:30am

Check-in to hotel in Kandy

Freshen up and prepare for the cultural exploration ahead.
Varies, 30m

11:00am

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit the sacred Buddhist temple housing the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, open 5:30am-8pm, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
LKR 1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Savor South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes at Balaji Dosai, open 11am-10pm, perfect for a quick and tasty family meal.
LKR 800, 45m

2:00pm

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore one of Asia’s largest botanical gardens with kids enjoying the wide variety of flora and shaded walking paths. Open 7:30am-6pm.
LKR 1500, 2h

4:30pm

Kandy Lake Walk

Take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Kandy Lake, a great way to relax before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy a variety of local and western dishes in a vibrant setting, open till 10pm, perfect for families.
LKR 1500, 1h
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Day 3: Hill Country & Tea

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya station)

Board the scenic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya, offering stunning hill country views in about 4 hours.
LKR 500, 4h

11:30am

Taxi to Nuwara Eliya and Check-in

Short drive from the station to your hotel in the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, settle in and relax.
Varies, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Try authentic Indian cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for families looking to enjoy familiar flavors, open 11am-10pm.
LKR 1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Take a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory nearby to learn about tea making, ideal for all ages and open daily.
LKR 1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lake Gregory Boating

Rent paddle boats or rowboats at Lake Gregory, an enjoyable family activity surrounded by peaceful scenery, open till sunset.
LKR 500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Blue Field Bistro

Enjoy western and local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, open 6pm-10pm, ideal for winding down after a busy day.
LKR 1500, 1h
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Day 4: Ella Adventure

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Ella

A shorter 2-hour scenic drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella through picturesque mountains and tea estates.
Varies, 2h

10:00am

Check-in and Refresh

Settle into your hotel and prepare for outdoor adventures.
Varies, 30m

10:30am

Little Adam’s Peak Hike

A family-friendly, 1.5-2 hour hike offering panoramic views of Ella and surrounding valleys, great for active families.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Chill

Enjoy tasty western and Sri Lankan dishes in a laid-back setting, open 8am-9pm, popular with families and tourists.
LKR 1000, 1h

2:30pm

Ravana Falls

Visit this stunning waterfall just 11 km from Ella town, perfect for photos and light nature walks, open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Ella town

Stroll around the charming Ella town, browse shops and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Savor Sri Lankan specialties and vegetarian options in a friendly, family-oriented environment, open until 9pm.
LKR 900, 1h
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Day 5: Beach & Departure

Bentota & Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Bentota Beach

A 4-hour drive from Ella to Bentota on the southwest coast for some beach relaxation before heading back.
Varies, 4h

11:30am

Beach time at Bentota

Enjoy sun, sand, and sea with the family on this beautiful tropical beach, with safe swimming and water sports options.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood and traditional Sri Lankan dishes by the beach, open 10am-9pm, perfect for lunch with a view.
LKR 1500, 1h

3:00pm

Drive back to Colombo

Return to Colombo International Airport, about 2 hours away, to prepare for your flight home.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Flight from Colombo to Chennai

Evening flight from Colombo back to Chennai, concluding your memorable family trip.
INR 7000, 1h30m
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