Itinerary for 10 day trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 10-day itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, perfect for traveling with small children.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning: Arrive at . After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Colombo. A family-friendly option is the Cinnamon Grand or the .

Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll at . Kids can run around, and you can enjoy some street food like kottu roti or fresh coconut water.

Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like the , where you can enjoy delicious seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2: Colombo to Kandy

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Kandy (about 3 hours). Stop at the on the way, where kids can see elephants up close and even feed them!

Afternoon: Arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel. The OZO Kandy is a great family option. After lunch, visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is fascinating, and the grounds are spacious for kids to explore.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. It’s colorful and engaging for children!

Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Morning: After breakfast, take a train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. The train journey is scenic and a highlight for many families.

Afternoon: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England." Check into a cozy hotel like the . After lunch, visit a tea plantation and factory. Kids will love seeing how tea is made, and you can enjoy some fresh tea!

Evening: Stroll around , where you can rent pedal boats or just enjoy the beautiful views. Have dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Spend the morning at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. It’s a lovely place for a family picnic, and the kids can run around and explore the beautiful flowers and plants.

Afternoon: Visit the local market in Nuwara Eliya for some fresh fruits and snacks. You can also check out the quaint colonial architecture around the town.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a family game night with board games available at many hotels.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Ella (about 1.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly hotel like the .

Afternoon: Visit the , a stunning piece of architecture. It’s a short walk from the main road, and kids will love watching the trains go by.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the mountains.

Day 6: Ella

Morning: Hike to . It’s a relatively easy hike, and the views from the top are breathtaking. Kids will enjoy the adventure!

Afternoon: Visit the , where you can take some fun photos and let the kids splash around in the water.

Evening: Have dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 7: Ella to

Morning: After breakfast, head to (about 2.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge like the Yala Safari Game Lodge.

Afternoon: After lunch, go on an afternoon safari. Kids will love spotting elephants, leopards, and various birds. Make sure to bring binoculars!

Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at the lodge, sharing stories about the day’s adventures.

Day 8: Yala to Galle

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Galle (about 2 hours). Check into a family-friendly hotel like the Amari Galle.

Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is pedestrian-friendly, and kids can enjoy walking around the ramparts and exploring the shops.

Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying the sunset over the ocean.

Day 9: Galle to Bentota

Morning: After breakfast, head to Bentota (about 1 hour). Check into a family-friendly resort like the .

Afternoon: Spend the day at the beach! The calm waters of Bentota are perfect for small children. You can also try some water sports or take a boat ride on the Bentota River.

Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner, letting the kids play in the sand while you relax.

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

Morning: After breakfast, enjoy some last-minute beach time or a swim in the pool.

Afternoon: Head back to Colombo (about 2 hours) for your departure. If time allows, stop at a local market for some souvenirs.

Evening: Depart from , taking home wonderful memories of your Sri Lankan adventure!

This itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and fun activities that are suitable for small children. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of snacks for the little ones. Enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka! 🌴✈️