9 day itinerary
Sri Lanka
Itinerary
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 9-day itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Let’s dive in!
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 along . Kids can run around, and you can enjoy some street food like kottu roti or fresh coconut water.
Evening: Visit the . It’s a great way to introduce the kids to Sri Lankan history. Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Gallery Café.
Day 2: Colombo to Kandy
Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Kandy (about 3 hours). Stop at the on the way. The kids will love seeing the elephants up close!
Afternoon: Arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel. The OZO Kandy is a great family-friendly option. After lunch, visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. It’s colorful and engaging for the whole family!
Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Morning: After breakfast, take a train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. The views are breathtaking, and the kids will love the experience!
Afternoon: Check into your hotel (the is a charming choice). Explore the beautiful gardens of , where the kids can run around and enjoy the fresh air.
Evening: Have dinner at a cozy restaurant like , which offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya - Tea Plantations and Adventure
Morning: Visit a tea plantation and factory. The kids will enjoy learning how tea is made, and you can all sample some delicious Ceylon tea!
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. You might want to try some local dishes for dinner.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Ella (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel ( is a great option).
Afternoon: Hike to or visit the . Both are family-friendly and offer stunning views.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. The is a great spot with a laid-back vibe.
Day 6: Ella to
Morning: Depart for (about 2.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge like the .
Afternoon: After lunch, embark on an afternoon safari. Kids will love spotting elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds!
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner. Share stories about the animals you saw during the safari!
Day 7: Yala to
Morning: After breakfast, head to (about 2 hours). Check into a family-friendly hotel like the Amari .
Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kids can enjoy walking along the ramparts and exploring the quaint shops.
Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant. The seafood is fresh and delicious!
Day 8: to
Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to (about 1 hour). Check into a family-friendly resort like the .
Afternoon: Spend the day at the beach! The kids can build sandcastles, swim, or try out some water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides.
Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner. Many resorts offer family-friendly dining options with a variety of cuisines.
Day 9: Departure from Colombo
Morning: After breakfast, relax at the beach or pool for a bit longer.
Afternoon: Check out and head back to Colombo (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping at the or the .
Evening: Depart from , taking home wonderful memories of your family adventure in Sri Lanka!
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family trip to Sri Lanka! Each day is packed with fun activities that everyone will enjoy. Safe travels! 🌏✈️