2-Week Family Itinerary in Sri Lanka

2-Week Itinerary

Perfect Sri Lanka Itinerary for your Family

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Look no further! Here at Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas, we excel at creating a quintessential Sri Lanka 2-Week family Itinerary and make sure you see the very best of this fascinating country. Exploring the fabulous coast of Negombo and Mirissa in Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas, mysterious ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, picturesque Ella and Nuwara Eliya, and vibrant Kandy and Colombo you will embark on a thrilling tour around the heart of Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary for your Family

This itinerary (Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary) can be better described as Discovering the Offbeat Sri Lanka as it is a 2 week’s tour created with those tourists in mind who would like to feel the true spirit of Sri Lanka. Getting out of tourism highlights will allow you to explore things you would never find on your own, interact with locals and meet Sri Lankans.

Day 1: Colombo – Welcome to Sri Lanka

Start your family vacation in Sri Lanka by exploring the bustling city of Colombo, the gateway to the island. Colombo offers a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and peaceful spots.

Gangaramaya Temple: Introduce your family to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture.
Galle Face Green: Enjoy a family picnic by the sea with scenic views of the Indian Ocean.
National Museum: Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture in an engaging and interactive setting.

Day 3: Sigiriya and Dambulla

A visit to Sigiriya and Dambulla will bring the family face-to-face with Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb the iconic Sigiriya rock for breathtaking views. It’s an exciting family hike that offers both adventure and history.
Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore the famous cave temples with stunning Buddha statues and murals.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya

End the first week with a relaxing stop in Nuwara Eliya, a hill station known for its cool climate and lush landscapes.

Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Spend a day surrounded by beautiful flora, perfect for family walks and picnics.
Train Ride: Take the famous scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, a fun experience for the whole family.

Day 7: Return to Colombo

After breakfast we will proceed to Colombo (Approx 4 hours from Galle ) and after sightseeing will take you for the city tour of Colombo where you will visit the National Museum and the Gangarama Temple.
Spend your last dinner in the country at a nearby eating place.
Move to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure

Day 2: Kandy – Heart of Sri Lanka’s Culture

Travel to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Kandy is home to ancient temples, royal gardens, and cultural performances, making it a fantastic stop for families.

Temple of the Tooth: Explore one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
Kandy Lake: Enjoy a family-friendly walk around the lake and soak in the natural beauty.
Cultural Dance Performance: Experience Sri Lankan cultural performances that are sure to captivate all ages.

Day 4: Kandy and the Hill Country

Depart for Kandy – around 2 ½ hours from Sigiriya and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic – A world heritage site (you can see Kandy Perahera, if you go in July-August)
Check out the entire beauty of Royal Botanical Gardens and the view of the hills around it.
After the visit, travel by train, even though it would take approximately 4 hours to Nuwara Eliya, which is called Little England.
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 6: Yala National Park

Head out to Yala National Park, which takes about 4 hours to get to from Ella and then go for a safari ride to see leopards, elephants, etc.
Travel to Galle, a two hour drive away from Yala, an ancient city now a world heritage site with the Galle Fort.
Sun bath on the picture perfect beaches of Mirissa and Weligama
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 1-2: Colombo and Negombo

Arrive in Colombo at Bandaranaike International Airport(CMB) and proceed to Negombo (approximately 30 minute drive).
Check-in to your hotel
Go for a stall in the city
Go to see the Negombo beach for a sunbathe or a swim
Savor the Local Sri Lankan welcome dinner with the Lankan Family.
Check-in back to your hotel and have a proper sleep

Day 3-4: Cultural Triangle – Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Take a 4 hour drive to the historic city of Anuradhapura that is famous for Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
After that proceed to Polonnaruwa ( about 1.5 km away from Anuradhapura ) and prance around the Gal Vihara and the Polonnaruwa Museum
Spend one night either in Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa

Day 5-6: Sigiriya and Dambulla

From Anuradhapura it is 2 hours drive to Sigiriya and visit the famous Lion Rock.
Visit the sacred jain temple of Yapahuwa on the Anuradhapura-Pokkoronota main road then go for the Dambulla Cave Temple Trekking- a World Heritage Site at Approx 30kms away from Sigiriya.
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 7-8: Kandy and the Hill Country

Depart for Kandy – around 2 ½ hours from Sigiriya and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic – A world heritage site (you can see Kandy Perahera, if you go in July-August)
Check out the entire beauty of Royal Botanical Gardens and the view of the hills around it.
After the visit, travel by train, even though it would take approximately 4 hours to Nuwara Eliya, which is called Little England.
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 9-10: Ella and the Hill Country

On the following day, move for Ella , it is about 2 hours’ drive from Nuwara Eliya and the town is picturesque.
Have a day trip to Adam’s Peak, a mountain which is a very important landmark for Buddhists.
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 11-12: Yala National Park

Head out to Yala National Park, which takes about 4 hours to get to from Ella and then go for a safari ride to see leopards, elephants, etc.
Travel to Galle, a two hour drive away from Yala, an ancient city now a world heritage site with the Galle Fort.
Sun bath on the picture perfect beaches of Mirissa and Weligama
Check-in back to your hotel and take rest

Day 13-14: Return to Colombo

After breakfast we will proceed to Colombo (Approx 4 hours from Galle ) and after sightseeing will take you for the city tour of Colombo where you will visit the National Museum and the Gangarama Temple.
Spend your last dinner in the country at a nearby eating place.
Move to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure

How can Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas help?

Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas can assist in planning both a unique travel experience as well as a perfect vacation in Sri Lanka – best Sri Lanka itinerary. Our team of expert itinerary planners is located in Sri Lanka and they have great Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas. With having working experience in Sri Lanka, they know Sri Lanka like the back of their hand so they are capable of giving you a personalized tour that accommodates all your preferences, needs, and budget as well as your travel preferences as well. Our team will help you with Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary by planning everything from informing about the best spots to visit to even calculating the expenses.

Request Free Itinerary

Highlights

Key Highlights of Sri Lanka Itinerary for your Family

• Little Rome-Negombo

Negombo is the beautiful coastal city of Sri Lanka which is highly recommended for any tourist. This beautiful town has many names, and one is ‘Little Rome’ because of the many churches within the town which include; St. Mary’s Church and St. Sebastian’s Church.

Lovely seafood is famous in Negombo, as well as the Sri Lankan staple dish named “Sri Lankan Rice and Curry”. There are also fresh Sea Foods available at Lords Restaurant Complex or Queen’s Restaurant to taste.

People of Negombo

Negombo people are friendly and so hospitable they give visitors a strong feeling that they are in a proper home. They are treasures of the folklore and nostalgists of their town, and always happy to tell legends and fables of their places.

Activities to do:

There are plenty of activities and places to explore in Negombo, including:

Negombo Beach: You can sunbathe, swim in a warm sea, engage in watersports activities among others. This place is one of the better places to visit in Sri Lanka in December.
Negombo Fish Market: Go to the fish market for you to be able to see the types of fish that are fresh for the market and do shopping immersed in the local culture.
Negombo Lagoon: You may also choose a boat tour that takes you around the mangrove forests, the birds and the other wildlife that live on the lagoon.
Dutch Fort: Visit the ruins of the Dutch fort that was actually constructed in the 1600s.
Angurukaramulla Temple: This is an old Buddhist shrine with a large statue of the Buddha and entertaining paintings. It is one of the major highlights of Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary.

Other things that one can do include; Tuk Tuk city tour, Ayurvedic massage, Bentota day tour or Colombo day tour.

• Cultural Triangle – Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka; Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are indeed paradisal for archeological and architectural and cultural enthusiasts. It is important to note that the feature is vital for those who wish to investigate Sri Lanka’s historical background.

The sites you will see during your visit to Anuradhapura and even Polonnaruwa are ruler’s places that will make you travel back in time. Astonished by the cut Dagabas (stump), Temples and Palaces which prove the engineering and architectural capabilities of ancient Sri Lankans.

A great advantage of traveling to the Cultural Triangle is the possibility of testing the country’s food – authentic Sri Lankan food. Be sure to try some of the famous foods of the region, including:

Pittu: Cakes made out of rice and then steamed and garnished with coconut milk or a spice of the chefs choice.
Hoppers: Round and flat unleavened wafers made from a unleavened rice flour mixture cooked from fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk.

People of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

The people of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are very friendly and the people are honoured to protect the history of their country. It also sees itself as responsible to share its knowledge and traditions with the outside world, and is always willing to talk, or at least smile.

Activities to do:

In addition to exploring the ancient cities, there are plenty of other activities and places to see in the Cultural Triangle, including:

Mihintale: One of the religious sites of spel which is believed to have been the epicenter of Buddhism in the island nation of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya: An impressive natural structure which has its origin from the surface of the earth.
Minneriya National Park: A wildlife abode, majorly meant for elephants though there are other animals like spotted deer, monkeys and birds.

• Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla cave temple is one of our World Heritage sites which is a beautiful ancient Temple complex that will captivate your eyes. This temple is located in the central part of Sri Lanka and everybody who is eager to see the monuments of architecture should visit it.

A special privilege of watching the attractions in Dambulla Cave Temple is the eating of local food which are indeed delicious Sri Lankan meals. Be sure to try some of the famous foods of the region, including:

Pani Walalu: A sweet cake from rice flour cooked on sand and coconut milk
Wadi: A Sri Lankan delicacy that is made from rice flour and coconut milk and usually eaten with different forms of relishes and spices’.

People of Dambulla

The people of Dambulla are warm and welcoming, with a deep sense of pride and connection to their cultural heritage. They are eager to share their knowledge and traditions with visitors, and are always happy to engage in conversation and share a smile.

Activities to do:

In addition to exploring the temple complex, there are plenty of other activities and places to see in Dambulla, including:

Dambulla Museum: This is a small museum based closely to the temples, and that contains art and other exhibits which reflect the history and traditions of the region
Dambulla Lake: A beautiful lake with attractive views and atmosphere that is situated in the close proximity to the temple complex
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium: A contemporary cricket ground situated within the precinct of the temple, that accommodates, besides cricketing tournaments, international cricketing and other events

• Yala National Park

Yala National Park itself is located in the deciduous forest and coastal area in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, and will attract any wildlife lover or tourist who has a passion for exploring nature. This wonderful national park harbors quite a number of animals like; leopard, elephant, sloth bear, crocodile, and over two hundred bird species. When you are out in the park touring in an exciting manner on a safari then this would be your best chance at viewing these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Grasslands, forest, and marshy land, all form the park, and in as much as the animals offer great viewing, the setting in which you find the park perhaps adds on to the excitement of the whole exercise. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January.

People of Yala National Park

The inhabitants of the Yala National Park are hospitable and friendly plus have a good relationship with nature. A lot of the park’s officials are the people that were born there and have great knowledge of the park and its inhabitants.

Activities to do:

In addition to going on a safari adventure, there are plenty of other activities and places to explore in and around Yala National Park, including:

Kumana National Park: Gir National Park, it is a neighboring national park and is recognized for harboring both elephants and leopards, also sloth bears.
Bundala National Park: It is another national park that is sited close to Yala it is worldly recognized for its magnificent WETLANDS and many species of BIRDS.
Tissamaharama: A prehistoric town that is sited close to Yala National Park and is endowed with several historical Buddhist temple sites.

Frequently Asked Question

Your Perfect Journey, Crafted with Care

When is the best time for tourism activities in Sri Lanka?

The best time to travel is in the dry season from December to April but Sri Lanka is delightful and accessible all year around.

Is Sri Lanka safe for a tourist to visit?

Yes, Sri Lanka is safe to visit. However, the same as with any travel destination, some measures need to be taken to prevent harms, i.e. using safe and reliable transport, and safe attitudes.

How does one move from one point to the other in Sri Lanka?

Mode of transport in Sri Lanka depends on the following factors;budget, duration and destination. You may use a cab, grab a local bus or even take domestic flights.

Are the Sri Lanka tours flexible where I can amend them to suit my preference?

Yes, you can amend your itinerary according to your preferences.

What is the price of the 2 weeks tour to Sri Lanka?

The expenses incurred on the Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary may vary on the kind of travel, kind of accommodation used, and the kind of activities to be undertaken.