Itinerary for 10 day trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families, especially with teens. It’s packed with adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that includes a scuba diving course and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained!

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning: Arrive at . After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Colombo. Take some time to relax and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Colombo! Visit the to get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich history. Stroll around , where you can enjoy some street food and watch the sunset.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry or kottu roti.

Day 2: Colombo to Sigiriya

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic . Climb to the top for breathtaking views and explore the ancient frescoes.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a leisurely walk around the area. Dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy

Morning: After breakfast, head to Dambulla to visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Buddha statues and murals.

Afternoon: Continue to Kandy (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel and have lunch. Visit the , which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. This is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, passing through lush tea plantations.

Afternoon: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel. Have lunch and then explore the town, visiting the picturesque and the local market.

Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at your hotel or a local eatery.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Morning: After breakfast, visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the tea-making process. Don’t forget to sample some fresh Ceylon tea!

Afternoon: Head to Ella (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and have lunch. Hike to or visit the for some stunning views.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the mountains.

Day 6: Ella to

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Hikkaduwa (about 5 hours). Check into your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon: Start your scuba diving course! Many dive schools in Hikkaduwa offer beginner courses. Your teens will love the underwater adventure!

Evening: Relax at the beach after your diving session. Dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Day 7:

All Day: Continue your scuba diving course. Spend the day learning and exploring the vibrant marine life. This is a fantastic bonding experience for the family!

Evening: Celebrate your diving achievements with a nice dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 8: Hikkaduwa to Galle

Morning: After breakfast, check out and head to Galle (about 30 minutes).

Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the ramparts, visit the lighthouse, and check out the quaint shops and cafes.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Galle, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the ocean.

Day 9: Galle to Bentota

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Bentota (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon: Spend the day at the beach! You can also try water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides.

Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire or a relaxing evening at your hotel. Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 10: Bentota to Colombo

Morning: After breakfast, take a leisurely morning at the beach. You can also visit the nearby turtle hatchery if time permits.

Afternoon: Head back to Colombo (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you can do some last-minute shopping or visit any sights you missed on Day 1.

Evening: Depart from Colombo, taking with you wonderful memories of your Sri Lankan adventure!

This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it perfect for a family with teens. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌴🌊📸