Itinerary for 9 day trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here’s a relaxed 9-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with downtime, perfect for your family, including your little ones!

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning: Arrive at . After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Colombo. Choose a family-friendly hotel with amenities for kids.

Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along . It’s a lovely spot for a picnic, and your 1-year-old can enjoy the open space.

Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Try some local Sri Lankan cuisine, like kottu or hoppers, but make sure to order mild options for the kids!

Day 2: Colombo to

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to (about 3 hours). Stop at a spice garden along the way for a short tour. The adults can enjoy the fragrant herbs, and the kids can explore the garden.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel in . After lunch, visit the , a . It’s a short visit, and the temple grounds are spacious for the little ones to wander.

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

Day 3: to

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic train ride from to . The views are breathtaking, and it’s a fun experience for the kids. Make sure to book first-class tickets for more comfort.

Afternoon: Arrive in and check into your hotel. After lunch, visit a tea plantation. The adults can enjoy a tea tasting while the kids explore the beautiful gardens.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a stroll around . There are paddle boats available, and it’s a lovely spot for a family photo!

Day 4:

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then visit the . It’s a great place for the kids to run around, and the flowers are stunning!

Afternoon: Head back to for lunch. Afterward, you can visit the local market for some shopping. The vibrant colors and local produce are fascinating!

Evening: Have a cozy dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Enjoy some family time playing games or watching a movie together.

Day 5: to Ella

Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Ella (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and relax for a bit.

Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a short walk from the main road, and the views are stunning. You can also take a family photo with the bridge in the background!

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Ella has some great options with beautiful views.

Day 6: Ella to

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to (about 2.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge or hotel.

Afternoon: After lunch, go on a safari in . Opt for a private jeep to ensure comfort for the kids. Keep an eye out for elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds!

Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner. Enjoy the sounds of nature and share stories about your safari adventures!

Day 7: Yala to Galle

Morning: After breakfast, head to Galle (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel and relax.

Afternoon: Explore the , a . The fort is stroller-friendly, and you can enjoy the sea views while walking along the ramparts.

Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Galle. Try some seafood, as it’s fresh and delicious!

Day 8: Galle to

Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to (about 1 hour). Check into a beach resort that’s family-friendly.

Afternoon: Spend the day relaxing on the beach. The calm waters are perfect for little ones, and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for comfort.

Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner. Watch the sunset while the kids play in the sand!

Day 9: to Colombo

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

Afternoon: Head back to Colombo (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you can visit the or do some last-minute shopping at a local market.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Colombo before heading to the airport for your departure.