10 day itinerary for Sri Lanka West And South
Personalized with:
Family friendly
Nature
Beaches
National parks
Adventure
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Itinerary
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of natural beauty, stunning beaches, and exciting adventures, making it a perfect destination for a family trip. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that balances nature, beaches, national parks, and adventure, all while being family-friendly!
## Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Colombo. Settle in and refresh.
Afternoon: Explore Colombo! Visit the Galle Face Green for a leisurely stroll and enjoy some street food. Don’t miss the National Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history.
Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Gallery Café, which offers a mix of local and international cuisine.
## Day 2: Colombo to Pinnawala and Kandy
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (about 2 hours). Watch the elephants being fed and bathed – it’s a hit with kids!
Afternoon: Continue to Kandy (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps try some Kandy specialties.
## Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Morning: Depart for Nuwara Eliya (about 2.5 hours). The drive is scenic, with tea plantations lining the hills. Stop at a tea factory for a tour and tasting!
Afternoon: Explore Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England." Visit the beautiful Gregory Lake, where you can rent pedal boats or just enjoy a picnic.
Evening: Stroll through the town and have dinner at a cozy restaurant like The Hill Club, which has a lovely atmosphere.
## Day 4: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The views are breathtaking!
Afternoon: Once in Ella, hike up to Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak for stunning views. Both hikes are family-friendly and offer a sense of adventure.
Evening: Relax in Ella and enjoy dinner at a local eatery. Try the famous Sri Lankan rice and curry!
## Day 5: Ella to Yala National Park
Morning: Depart for Yala National Park (about 2.5 hours). Check into your accommodation, ideally a family-friendly lodge.
Afternoon: Go on an afternoon safari in Yala National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, and a variety of birds!
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner. Share stories about the day’s wildlife encounters!
## Day 6: Yala to Mirissa
Morning: After breakfast, head to Mirissa (about 2 hours). Check into your beach resort.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. Mirissa is known for its beautiful sandy shores and calm waters, perfect for families.
Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner. Try some fresh seafood while the kids play in the sand!
## Day 7: Whale Watching in Mirissa
Morning: Go on an early morning whale-watching tour. It’s an unforgettable experience, and you might spot blue whales or dolphins!
Afternoon: After returning, relax at the beach or explore the nearby coconut plantations.
Evening: Have a laid-back dinner at a beach restaurant. Enjoy the sunset views!
## Day 8: Mirissa to Galle
Morning: Depart for Galle (about 30 minutes). Visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the charming streets, shops, and cafes.
Afternoon: Visit the Galle Lighthouse and the National Maritime Museum. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Galle, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the fort.
## Day 9: Galle to Bentota
Morning: Head to Bentota (about 1 hour). Check into your beach resort.
Afternoon: Enjoy water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides. The beach is family-friendly and offers plenty of activities.
Evening: Have a beach BBQ dinner at your resort or a nearby restaurant.
## Day 10: Bentota to Colombo
Morning: Spend your last morning relaxing on the beach or visiting the nearby turtle hatchery in Kosgoda.
Afternoon: Depart for Colombo (about 1.5 hours). If time permits, do some last-minute shopping at the local markets or visit the Colombo City Centre.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in Colombo before heading to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Always keep snacks and water handy for the kids.
- Consider hiring a private driver for convenience and comfort.
- Make sure to pack sunscreen and hats for beach days.
- Engage the kids in planning some activities to keep them excited!
This itinerary offers a delightful mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, ensuring that your family has a memorable time in Sri Lanka! Enjoy your trip! 🌴🐘🏖️
Places of interest
Bandaranaike International Airport
Description:** Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the main international airport in Sri Lanka, located in Katunayake, approximately 35 kilometers north of Colombo. It serves as a key hub for both domestic and international flights, offering modern facilities and services to travelers.
Galle Face Green
Description:** Galle Face Green is a picturesque oceanfront park located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Stretching along the coast, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city, featuring lush green lawns, walking paths, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, enjoy picnics, and watch the sunset.
National Museum
Description:** The National Museum of Sri Lanka, located in Colombo, is the largest museum in the country, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage and history of Sri Lanka. It features exhibits on archaeology, art, and natural history, making it a key destination for both locals and tourists interested in understanding the island's past.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Description:** Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a renowned sanctuary located in Sri Lanka, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. Established in 1975, it provides a safe haven for these majestic creatures, allowing visitors to observe them in a natural environment while promoting conservation efforts.
Temple of the Tooth
Description:** The Temple of the Tooth, located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a revered Buddhist temple that houses a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, featuring stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant ceremonies.
Cultural show in Kandy
Description:** The Cultural Show in Kandy is a vibrant showcase of traditional Sri Lankan dance, music, and cultural performances. Held in the picturesque city of Kandy, known for its rich heritage and historical significance, the show features a variety of performances including Kandyan dance, drumming, and fire dances, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Sri Lanka's artistic traditions.
Tea factory in Nuwara Eliya
Description:** The Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory is a historic tea processing facility located in the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, this factory offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional methods of tea production. Guests can enjoy guided tours that showcase the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to packaging the final product, while also enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Gregory Lake
Description:** Gregory Lake is a picturesque lake located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills, it offers a tranquil escape for visitors. The area is popular for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the cool climate, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Ella Rock
Description:** Ella Rock is a stunning hiking destination in Sri Lanka, located near the town of Ella. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The trek to the summit is moderately challenging, providing an exhilarating experience amidst lush greenery and scenic landscapes.
Little Adam’s Peak
Description:** Little Adam's Peak is a popular hiking destination located in the Ella region of Sri Lanka. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills, tea plantations, and valleys. The trek to the summit is relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The trail is well-marked and takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.
Mirissa Beach
Description:** Mirissa Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Known for its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s a popular destination for relaxation, water sports, and whale watching. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.
Whale-watching tour in Mirissa
Description:** Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean on a whale-watching tour in Mirissa, one of the best locations in Sri Lanka for spotting majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins. The tours typically last around 3-5 hours and are led by experienced guides who provide insights into marine life while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Galle Fort
Description:** Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is a well-preserved colonial-era fortification built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. It features stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The fort is home to various shops, cafes, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Galle Lighthouse
Description:** Galle Lighthouse, located in the historic city of Galle on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is a prominent landmark that dates back to 1848. It stands at the entrance of Galle Harbour and is known for its striking white structure and picturesque surroundings, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The lighthouse is part of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
National Maritime Museum
Description:** The National Maritime Museum in Galle, Sri Lanka, showcases the rich maritime history of the country, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and marine biodiversity. Housed in a historic Dutch warehouse, the museum offers insights into the maritime trade routes that shaped Sri Lanka's economy and culture.
Bentota Beach
Description:** Bentota Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Known for its picturesque scenery, clear blue waters, and vibrant marine life, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy water sports, boat rides on the Bentota River, and explore nearby attractions, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Turtle hatchery in Kosgoda
Description:** The Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, Sri Lanka, is a conservation project dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of turtles, witness hatchlings being released into the ocean, and understand the importance of marine conservation efforts.
Colombo City Centre
Description:** Colombo City Centre is a modern mixed-use development located in the heart of Colombo, offering a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment options. It features a shopping mall, a cinema, and various restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.