Sri Lanka travel itinerary 2 weeks – for Families with kids

Two Weeks of Family Fun in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean: Your Sri Lanka Adventure

Sri Lanka, with its stunning beaches, fascinating wildlife, ancient ruins, and welcoming culture, is an ideal destination for a family vacation. This 2-week itinerary is designed to balance cultural exploration with fun activities that will keep kids of all ages engaged and create unforgettable memories for the whole family. We’ve factored in travel time and the need for downtime to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable pace for everyone.

Day 1: Arrival in Negombo – Beach Relaxation

Highlight for Kids: Running freely on the wide sandy beach, collecting seashells.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo.
Transfer to your hotel in Negombo, a coastal town just a short drive from the airport. This minimizes travel fatigue after a long flight.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoying the beach. Negombo offers calmer waters than some other coastal areas, making it good for younger children.
Enjoy a casual seafood dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

Day 2: Negombo Exploration – Lagoon and Local Life

Highlight for Kids: Spotting colorful birds and maybe even a water monitor lizard during a lagoon boat trip.
Take a morning boat trip on the Negombo Lagoon. This offers a glimpse into the local fishing industry and the diverse birdlife of the area. Kids will enjoy seeing the traditional fishing catamarans and the bustling fish market.
In the afternoon, explore the Dutch canals and perhaps visit St. Mary’s Church, known for its impressive architecture.
Enjoy some fresh tropical fruit from a local vendor.

Day 3: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Gentle Giants

Highlight for Kids: Watching the elephants bathe in the river – a truly memorable experience.
Take a morning drive to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (approximately 2-3 hours). This sanctuary cares for orphaned and injured elephants.
Witness the heartwarming sight of the elephants bathing in the Maha Oya river (check bathing times beforehand). You might even get to feed the baby elephants milk (subject to orphanage guidelines).
Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Travel towards Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka (approximately 2-3 hours). Check into your hotel in or near Kandy.

Day 4: Kandy’s Cultural Wonders – Temple and Dances

Highlight for Kids: The energetic and colorful Kandyan dance performance with its drumming and acrobatics.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Explore Kandy Lake, perhaps taking a short boat ride.
In the late afternoon, experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing Sri Lankan music, drumming, and vibrant costumes. Kids will be captivated by the fire-eating and acrobatics.

Day 5: Scenic Train to Ella – Through Tea Country

Highlight for Kids: Riding the famous blue train through the stunning tea plantations – a visually captivating journey.
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Ella. Book your tickets in advance, especially if you want reserved seats.
Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea bushes, waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, and charming rural villages.
Pack snacks and drinks for the journey.
Arrive in Ella and check into your hotel.

Day 6: Ella’s Natural Beauty – Nine Arch Bridge and Waterfalls

Highlight for Kids: Walking along the Nine Arch Bridge and taking photos of the train passing by.
Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a magnificent colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by lush greenery. Take a leisurely walk along the bridge and capture some memorable family photos.
Hike to the Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of the Ella Gap (a relatively easy hike suitable for most children).
Cool off with a visit to the Ravana Falls, a beautiful waterfall with a fascinating legend.

Day 7: Udawalawe National Park – Elephant Safari

Highlight for Kids: Seeing wild elephants up close during an exciting jeep safari.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Ella to Udawalawe National Park (approximately 3-4 hours).
Embark on an afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe, renowned for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants. You’ll have the chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, along with various bird species and other wildlife.
Stay overnight at a hotel near Udawalawe National Park.

Day 8: Travel to the South Coast – Beaches and Turtles

Highlight for Kids: Witnessing the release of baby turtles into the ocean at a turtle hatchery.
Drive from Udawalawe to one of the beautiful south coast beaches like Mirissa, Weligama, or Unawatuna (approximately 2-3 hours).
En route, visit a turtle hatchery and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these endangered creatures. Kids will love seeing the different stages of turtle development and potentially releasing baby turtles into the sea (seasonal).
Check into your beachfront hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand and swimming in the ocean.

Day 9: South Coast Beach Fun – Whales, Surfing, and Relaxation

Highlight for Kids: The possibility of spotting magnificent whales and dolphins on a whale watching tour (seasonal, November to April).
(Optional) Embark on an early morning whale watching tour from Mirissa (November to April). This is a thrilling experience for the whole family.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach. Mirissa is known for its calm waters during the season, while Weligama offers beginner-friendly surfing lessons that older kids might enjoy.
Build sandcastles, swim, and soak up the sun.

Day 10: Galle Fort – History and Coastal Charm

Highlight for Kids: Exploring the ramparts of the fort, imagining pirates and colonial history, and maybe enjoying a gelato.
Take a short drive along the coast to Galle (approximately 1 hour).
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, a fascinating blend of European colonial architecture and South Asian traditions.
Walk along the fort’s ramparts, visit the lighthouse, and wander through the charming streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the fort.

Day 11: Return to Colombo – City Exploration (Optional)

Highlight for Kids: Riding in a fun and quirky tuk-tuk.
Travel back towards Colombo (approximately 2-3 hours).
(Optional) If time and energy permit, spend the afternoon exploring some of Colombo’s highlights, such as:
- Galle Face Green: A large oceanfront urban park perfect for flying kites and enjoying the sunset.
- Pettah Market: A bustling and colorful local market (can be overwhelming for younger kids).
- Gangaramaya Temple: A visually interesting Buddhist temple with a mix of architectural styles.
Check into your hotel in Colombo or a nearby suburb.

Day 12: Water Sports or Relaxation – Family Choice

Highlight for Kids: Trying out exciting water sports or simply having a fun day at the beach.
Enjoy a relaxed day at a beach near Colombo like Mount Lavinia.
(Optional) Participate in various water sports activities available depending on the beach and your family’s interests (e.g., jet skiing, banana boat rides, stand-up paddleboarding).
Alternatively, spend the day relaxing by the hotel pool, playing games, and enjoying some downtime.

Day 13: Exploring Colombo – Parks and Shopping

Highlight for Kids: The open spaces and play areas of Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Colombo at a relaxed pace.
Visit Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park), offering green spaces, a children’s play area, and even a small zoo section.
Do some souvenir shopping at popular places like Laksala (for handicrafts) or Odel (for a department store experience).
Enjoy a final delicious Sri Lankan dinner.

Day 14: Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in Sri Lanka.
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with Kids in Sri Lanka:

Pace Yourself: Don’t try to cram too much into each day. Allow for downtime and flexibility.
Stay Hydrated: It’s a tropical climate, so ensure everyone drinks plenty of water.
Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Insect Repellent: Especially important in the evenings and in rural areas.
Food: Sri Lankan food can be spicy. Ask for milder options for children. Rice and curry with less spice is usually a safe bet. Fresh fruit is readily available and delicious.
Transportation: Consider hiring a private car and driver for longer distances for comfort and convenience, especially with younger children. Tuk-tuks are fun for short hops within cities.
Accommodation: Choose family-friendly hotels with amenities like swimming pools. Consider booking interconnecting rooms or suites.
Be Prepared for Heat and Humidity: Dress in light, breathable clothing.
Embrace the Culture: Sri Lankans are generally very welcoming to families with children.

This itinerary provides a framework for an amazing family adventure in Sri Lanka. Feel free to customize it based on your children’s ages and interests. Enjoy the beauty, culture, and warmth of this incredible island nation!