11 Days Sri Lanka Best Summer Family Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT1102

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Pinnawala – Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which has been looking after orphaned or injured elephants. You can watch the elephant’s bath in the river

Spice Garden Mawanella

where smells of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice production, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Art & Craft Center Kandy

This is the largest and most exclusive handicrafts showroom in Sri Lanka. We sell antiques, wood carvings, masks, stoneware, Batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and other traditional Sri Lankan collectables”

Gem Museum

It is an excellent gemmology museum, educating one on the geological history of Sri Lanka. It also houses a shop from where you can buy the gems..they have a selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewellery in Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. Also, visit Kandy Lake which is nearby.

Cultural Dancing Show

In the Evening watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. That is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage
Starting Time of the Show – 5.30 PM

Day 02 :  Kandy – Dambulla – Sigiriya

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is noted for its rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants. Occupying 59 hectares (146 acres), it has about 4,000 species of plants. The most important specimens of the garden include palms, some of which are planted in impressive avenues. Significant, too, are the collections of orchids, gymnosperms, and flowering trees.

Dambulla Cave Temple

It was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world.

Sigiriya Village Tour with Lunch

This village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart rides, traditional catamaran rides in a lake, visit Chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstrations in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.

Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above, the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant. Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably.

Herbal Ayurvedic Spa at Sigiriya

Sink into the care of experienced Ayurvedic doctors with a range of carefully curated treatments, designed to give you a holistic wellness experience. Drawing from over multiple millennia of wisdom, the Ayurvedic therapies available in Srilankan hospitality include traditional curative and preventive treatments which focus on rejuvenating various elements of your mind, body, and soul. Treatments like Herbal Oil Massage, mind relaxing treatments, reflexology, Facial with Herbal Steam and body scrub are available and all are done with 100 % natural herbs.

Day 03 :   Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. The archaeological park will be a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip. Due to its archaeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa a World Heritage in 1982 under the name of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

Minneriya National Park /Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco-Park Safari

Minneriya national park, Kaudulla national park and hurulu eco-park are interconnected national parks. Mostly you will be able to see Elephants. they move around these parks depending on the weather and their needs. The safari jeep driver will take you to the best national park with suggestions from the previous safari jeep drivers who have seen more elephants.

Day 04 :   Sigiriya – Trincomalee

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Lion Rock is built in the 5th century and named after the giant Lion that is carved from stone and greets visitors at the entrance, the Sigiriya rock Fortress contains a lot of history. Also known as the ancient city of Sigiriya, the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa can be found on top of this 200 meters high rock. Besides that, a Buddhist Monastery, landscaped gardens, frescoes and water gardens can be seen when visiting the Lion rock. The ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 and has been declared by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world!

Kanniya Hot Water Spring

Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot water wells located in Eastern Province, Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. The average temperature of these wells is 42 Celsius and the temperature is slightly different to one another. Kanniya Hot spring is a popular tourist destination in the Trincomalee district and both local & foreign travellers. Currently, this is managed by the Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Council) of Trincomalee. People in this area believe that this hot water is good for some skin deceases and it has healing power for Arthritis and Rheumatic.

According to King Ravana’s era, It says that King Ravana stuck the earth with his sword in several spots and several fountains sprang from these points. The water was hot and this was the beginning of these hot water springs

Trincomalee War Cemetery

Trincomalee War Cemetery is a British military cemetery. It is situated in Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. This place is dedicated to the soldiers of the British Empire who were killed or died during World war II. It is one of the Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka. Fort Frederick
In the past Trincomalee was the Naval and airforce base of the British and allied powers during World War II. In 1942 on April 9th the Trinco port was under attack by the Japanese. There was a British warship anchored in the port that was destroyed, thus their bodies were buried and kept in memory in this small cemetery. It is recorded that the attack killed 368 soldiers and injured many more.

Marble Beach

Marble Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated in Kinniya Road, Trincomalee. This pristine sandy beach is excellent for relaxing and the sea is ideal for swimming. The famous Marble Beach Air Force Resort managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force is also located here. Marble Beach is also known by the name Marble Bay Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
The name “Marble Beach” is derived from the fact that when the sea is calm on a clear and bright day, the surface can be seen to be shining like marble. This calm and beautiful beach is relatively untouched and remains to be clean with pristine clear blue water. The sea here is also popular for snorkelling due to the existence of large schools of coloured fish.

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple or Tirukoneswaram Kovil is situated on top of Swami Rock. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and it is one out of five such temples situated around Sri Lanka. It is believed that this Kovil has been in existence since 2500 years ago, and was renovated by the South Indian Chola King Kulakottan and maintained by other Sinhala Buddhist Kings. In 1622, the Portuguese destroyed this temple which they referred to as the temple of a thousand columns by shoving the temple over the edge of the cliff into the deep blue seas below. The revered Shiva lingam (mark of Shiva) was subsequently rescued by divers. The Portuguese used the building materials of the temple in the construction of Fort Fredrick.
At the bottom of the hill which leads to Swami rock is an ancient stone inscription with the symbol of King Kulakottan – the dual fish. The prophecy states that after 1500 years,

Day 05 :   Trincomalee

Whale and Dolphin Watching

It is a whale of a time on the east coast since the sandy beaches and deep waters of Trincomalee give rise to some excellent dolphin and whale sightings. You can see Humpback whales, Blue Whales and sperm whales when you go out to sea. The Peak window for Whale watching is from March-May although random sightings continue till September.
Most sightings of the dolphin occur between March/April and August/September. Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Fraser’s Dolphins are seen playing, dancing and showing off their acrobatic skills. These aquatic mammals can be viewed around 8 miles off the shore which is approximately a 30 minutes boat ride

Pigeon Island National Park

The national park got its name after rock pigeons/doves that inhabit the national park itself. The pigeon island national park comprises two islands – the large pigeon island and the small pigeon island. The best thing about any island has to be the beach, and it is no different from the Pigeon Island National Park. The twist to the plot is the coral reef that extends 200m long and 100m in width. So, you can see plenty of sea life within the reach of the beach. The small pigeon island has a rocky islet surrounding its coral-rich habitat. The rocky outcrops and the islets are a breeding and feeding ground for over 300 species of coral reef fish keeping the colourful underwater symphony alive.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling in Nilaveli & Trincomalee area is the absolute highlight of your stay on the east coast. You experience the most vibrant coral reefs of Sri Lanka, soft and hard corals, schools of colourful fish and different coral fish of the Indian Ocean.

Scuba diving

explore shallow coral reefs with colourful reef fish around Nilaveli or drift dive along the rock cliffs around Swami Rock. With lots to see in shallow depths, gentle currents and dive sites close to shore the east coast is perfect for those looking to experience scuba diving for the first time or experienced divers looking for some relaxed diving mixed in with lazy afternoons by the beach.

Day 06 :   Trincomalee – Pasikuda

Pasikuda Beach

Pasikuda meaning ‘Green-Algae Bay’ is located approximately 35 kilometers away from the town of Batticaloa. The natural beauty of this beach with its horseshoe-shaped bay, endless stretch of sandy shores and sparkling blue waters attract visitors from all over the world.
There are activities available such as surfing, snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing and kite surfing The beach of Pasikuda is home to magnificent marine species. There are a string of hotels, restaurants and guesthouses located along the shores of this beach

Kalkudah Beach

Kalkudah beach is a very clean and nice beach with little or no waves, located 282km east of Colombo on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Beautiful beaches with white sand and a unique bluish sea. Best to visit in the early morning or late evening and Ideal place to witness the sunrise.

Surfing in Pasikuda

Pasikuda is regarded as an attractive venue for water sports and draws numerous water sports enthusiasts who visit the area at all times of the year. It is particularly well-known as a delightful location for surfing, and you will see a mass of surfers at the beach taking advantage of the encouraging conditions for the sport. Visitors will be able to observe a mass of surfers indulging in their sport, displaying spectacular moves and actions. Regardless of whether you are a master surfer or a novice, you will find splendid surfing opportunities at Pasikuda.

Day 07 :    Pasikuda – Gal Oya

Galoya National Park

Experience the thrill of both jeep safari and the boat safari in the Gal Oya National Park of beautiful natural scenery and varied wildlife. Dominated by the largest reservoir of Sri Lanka Senanayake Samudraya the park area expanses over 25,900 hectares.
The topography consists mainly of grasslands, forests and scrubs. Though the park shelters leopards and sloth bears, they are an elusive sight. Instead, you can see some of the largest herds of elephants in this park.

Other commonly sighted species are endemic Toque Macaque, wild boar, common langur and water buffalo. The park also offers great sight for birdwatchers. Best for: Swimming elephants from boat safari.

Day 08 :  Gal Oya – Ella 

Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adams Peak is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called Little Adams Peak.“Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.

Ravana Waterfall

It is named after the demon king Ravana who according to traditional folklore is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in Srilanka

Flying Ravana

Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. (near Little Adams Peak – Ella’s main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer (Length 550m), slides at max 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is true, Ella in all its glory. This 1-hour Flying Ravana Experience gives you an exclusive adventure enthusiasts experience.

Day 09 :   Ella – Nuwara Eliya

Train Ride From Ella to Nuwara Eliya

Take the train From Ella railway station to Nanuoya. This is the best scenic train ride in Srilanka. This train ride is 2 to 3 hours long and takes you through breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. After you reach Nuwara Eliya station you will be picked up by the driver to Continue the tour.

Tea Plantation & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya is the best-known tea-growing district of Sri Lanka with her impressive lush green tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya has quite a large number of tea factories, tea houses and tea fields. Visit a tea factory en route to see how the world`s favourite drink is prepared and walk through a tea garden. During the tour, you will see how tea is dried, pressed and produced. You will get to see the various equipment and a guide will explain how they function. You will also visit a tea tasting chamber with different types of teas. There you will get to know the proper way of brewing tea and the various ways to identify the different types of tea.

Seetha Amman Temple

This temple is the only Hindu Temple which is dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. Regarding the Ramayana proof of Sri Lanka, it is believed that the Sita Devi was kept captive at this site by King Ravana.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

This beautiful 30m high Lovers Leap fall in Nuwara Eliya is an incipient of the streams and brooks of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, the Piduruthalagala (2524m). It flows over hard granite ledges and the water is collected in a tank and used for drinking.
In dry spells, the flow is languid The fall is said to derive its name from the tragic tale of a prince, who while hunting in the jungle, lost his way. He was rescued by a beautiful damsel, and the two became inseparable lovers. But the match was not to the liking of the prince’s subjects, so the two decided to immortalise their love by leaping from the top of the fall to their death.

Gregory Lake

Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park and Boat Rides are available. You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walkways, with swan-shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides around the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack.

Day 10 :    Nuwara Eliya – Kithulgala – Colombo City

Old Post office

Built in the year 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building displays a Tudor-era design, in keeping with the architectural style of many of the other colonial buildings within the town.
Complete with a red brick exterior and a clock tower spiralling out of the corner of the building, the building showcases a glimpse of old-world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in ‘Little England’.

Strawberry Farm

These fields are a great backdrop for the photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. During the strawberry season, visitors can go around the plantation and pick up strawberries on their own. It is also possible to arrange a tractor tour around the premises. Some of these fields also have an attached shop where freshly picked strawberries along with jams, juices, and other strawberry-based products are readily available.

Makandawa Forest Reserve & Belilena Cave

The Makandawa Forest Reserve is one of Sri Lanka’s richest and most unspoiled rainforests. It covers an area of 1155 hectares and lies close to the village of Kithulgala, one of Sri Lanka’s centers for adventure sports. The reserve hosts a plethora of rare and endemic flora and fauna. It also hides one of Sri Lanka’s well known ancient treasures; the Belilena Cave. Makandawa is also the selfsame rainforest where the famous World War II movie, ‘The Bridge over the River Kwai’.

Belilena is a well known large cave in Sri Lanka, located 8 km (5.0 mi) from the town of Kitulgala. Evidence of prehistoric human presence as early as 32,000 years ago was recorded at the site. The skeletal remains of ten individuals were discovered by Paul E. P. Deraniyagala, who attributed them to Balangoda Man (Homo sapiens balangodensis). Balangoda Man is assumed to have lived as early as 32,000 years ago and occupied high altitude territories of up to 2,000 ft (609.6 m) above sea level. From 1978 to 1983 the site was scientifically excavated and researched by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Rich assemblages of cultural, faunal and human remains were discovered. The results of radiometric dating confirmed deposits of cultural material from 30,000 to 9,000 years before present. These materials include bone tools, evidence of the use of fire and geometric microlithic stone tools which, at 30,000 years old are of remarkable age. The site also yielded numerous remains of game animals, such as Sambar deer, Wild boar, Indian muntjac, several monkey species, porcupines, Indian giant squirrels and a large number of local reptiles and fish. Small mammals, aquatic and tree snails were prominent in the diet of Balangoda man, as were edible parts of plants such as wild breadfruit and the Kekuna nut.

The Nalagana Falls

Springing from the Ritigaha Oya reservoir, the Nalagana Ella Falls comprises a number of chutes, each measuring about 40m in height. The fall is situated at Dedugala, 9km east of Bulathkohupitiya. Flowing parallel to the Bulathkohupitiya-Dedugala road, though not visible most of the time due to the trees and shrubs, it comes down like a veil over a broad granite rock bed into a deep pool situated on a steep slope about 08 km from Bulathkohupitiya. It flows in two steps and the total height is about 40m. It was called as Ritigaha Oya falls and Ritigaha Falls in old days and currently named as Nalagana Falls.

White Water Rafting

The Kitulgala’s main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of the Kelani River. All instructions and equipment, including helmets and life vests, are laid on. You’ll paddle a shared raft through calm waters and rapids on the jungle-fringed Kelani River—all with the guidance of the instructor, so you can enjoy the thrills and scenery worry-free.

Day 11 : Colombo City – Colombo Airport 

Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malakaya & Beira Lake

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century. The Seema Malakaya, on the other hand, is a serene meditation site nestled on the Beira Lake

Independence Square

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948.

Colombo National Museum

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. This Museum exhibits rare and threatened extinction such as the natural heritage of plant and animal species endemic to Sri Lanka, over 5,000 specimens of mammals, Jurassic period indigenous fossils and various kinds of geological rocks.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual colour patterns and unconventional yet amazing design.

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the most popular beachfront park in Colombo city, to have a relaxing evening and see the sunset. Not only that, there are many activities to do such as fly kites, taste Sri Lankan street food, do walking or jog and enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the Indian ocean

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. It is built in the neo-baroque style of architecture. This beautiful architecture and the history associated with the building are fascinating, to say the least. The building was opened on January 29, 1930, by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley. When the State Council of Ceylon was established a year later, the old building was used as the office space for the council.

Shopping at Colombo

Odel, House of Fashion, and One Galle Face are the best places for shopping in Colombo. You will be able to buy branded clothes and accessories.