Itinerary for 8 day trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Traveling by train is a fantastic way to soak in the scenery, and it’s a family-friendly adventure too! Here’s an 8-day itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and fun for the whole family.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning:

Arrive at in Colombo.
Check into a family-friendly hotel in Colombo. The Cinnamon Grand or the are great options.

Afternoon:

Head out to explore Colombo. Visit the to learn about Sri Lanka’s history. The kids will love the elephant exhibits!
Stroll through , where you can enjoy some street food like kottu roti or fresh coconut water.

Evening:

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like , which has a lovely ambiance and a diverse menu.

Day 2: Colombo to Kandy

Morning:

Take a scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy (about 2.5 hours). Make sure to grab a window seat for those stunning views!

Afternoon:

Check into your hotel in Kandy. The OZO Kandy is a great choice for families.
Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kids will be fascinated by the stories of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha.

Evening:

Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. It’s colorful and engaging for all ages!

Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Morning:

After breakfast, hop on the train to Nuwara Eliya (about 4 hours). This journey is often considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world!

Afternoon:

Check into a cozy hotel like the or the .
Explore the charming town of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England.” Visit the beautiful , where the kids can run around and enjoy the fresh air.

Evening:

Have dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Sri Lankan curry, which is a hit with families!

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya - Tea Plantations and Adventure

Morning:

Visit a tea plantation and factory. The kids will love seeing how tea is made, and you can enjoy some fresh tea tasting!

Afternoon:

Head to for some family fun! You can rent pedal boats or just enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Evening:

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Maybe play some board games or enjoy a family movie night!

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Morning:

Take the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (about 2.5 hours). This leg of the journey is filled with breathtaking views of lush hills and waterfalls.

Afternoon:

Check into a family-friendly hotel like the .
Hike up to or . The trails are manageable for families, and the views are worth it!

Evening:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. The is a great spot with a relaxed vibe and tasty food.

Day 6: Ella to

Morning:

After breakfast, take a taxi or arrange a private vehicle to (about 2.5 hours).

Afternoon:

Check into a family-friendly lodge near the park, like the .
Go on an afternoon safari! Kids will love spotting elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds.

Evening:

Have dinner at your lodge and share stories about the wildlife you saw during the safari.

Day 7: Yala to Galle

Morning:

After breakfast, head to Galle (about 2 hours by car).

Afternoon:

Check into a family-friendly hotel like the Amari Galle.
Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kids will enjoy walking along the ramparts and exploring the quaint shops.

Evening: