10 day itinerary for Srilanka

Itinerary

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that’s perfect for a family with a 5-year-old toddler, keeping in mind your preference to avoid long walks and steps. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

• Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. After clearing customs, head to your hotel in Colombo.
• Afternoon: Relax and unwind at the hotel. If your toddler is up for it, visit the Galle Face Green for a leisurely stroll along the coast. Grab some street food like kottu roti or ice cream from local vendors.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a nearby restaurant. Try Ministry of Crab for a taste of local seafood.

## Day 2: Colombo to Kandy

• Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Kandy (about 3 hours). You can stop at a spice garden along the way for a quick tour and some fun facts about spices.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and have lunch. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, which is stroller-friendly and has beautiful gardens to explore.
• Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance. It’s colorful and engaging for kids!

## Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

• Morning: After breakfast, take a train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. The train journey is scenic and exciting for a toddler! (Make sure to book first-class tickets for a comfortable experience.)
• Afternoon: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel. Visit Victoria Park, where your little one can run around and enjoy the playground.
• Evening: Have dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. Try some delicious Sri Lankan curry!

## Day 4: Nuwara Eliya

• Morning: Visit a tea plantation and factory. The tour is short and sweet, and you can enjoy some tea tasting while your toddler enjoys the beautiful surroundings.
• Afternoon: Head to Gregory Lake for a relaxing afternoon. You can rent a pedal boat or just enjoy the views while having a picnic.
• Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner and a cozy family night.

## Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

• Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Ella (about 1.5 hours). The views are stunning, so keep your camera ready!
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and have lunch. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge. It’s a short and easy walk from the road, and you can take some great photos.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

## Day 6: Ella to Yala National Park

• Morning: Depart for Yala National Park (about 2.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge or hotel.
• Afternoon: After lunch, go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park. This is a thrilling experience for kids, and you might spot elephants, leopards, and various birds!
• Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and share stories about the animals you saw.

## Day 7: Yala to Galle

• Morning: After breakfast, head to Galle (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Galle Fort. It’s stroller-friendly, and you can enjoy the views of the ocean. Stop for ice cream at a local café!
• Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying the sunset.

## Day 8: Galle to Bentota

• Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Bentota (about 1 hour). Check into a beach resort.
• Afternoon: Spend the day relaxing on the beach. The shallow waters are perfect for toddlers to play in. You can also try a boat ride on the Bentota River.
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner with fresh seafood.

## Day 9: Bentota

• Morning: After breakfast, visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. It’s a short drive and a wonderful experience for kids to see baby turtles.
• Afternoon: Return to the beach for more fun in the sun. You can also enjoy some water sports if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Evening: Have a family dinner at your resort.

## Day 10: Bentota to Colombo

• Morning: After breakfast, head back to Colombo (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you can visit the National Museum or do some last-minute shopping at Pettah Market.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with a Toddler:

• Always keep snacks and water handy.
• Plan for plenty of breaks and downtime.
• Consider bringing a lightweight stroller for easier navigation.
• Make sure to have some toys or activities for your toddler during travel times.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Sri Lanka! Enjoy your trip! 🌴✈️