Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families
This exciting journey travels through Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle and offers something for the whole family. Discover the wildlife that waits in the Minneriya and Yala National Parks, walk along the sandy Golden Mile and bathe in the crystal waters of Beruwala beach in this amazing adventure for all ages. This holiday is perfect for families with children aged 5 years and over.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Colombo
Day 1 Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Negombo. Here you will have the rest of the afternoon to settle in and explore the highlights at your own leisure.
Day 2 Sigiriya
Day 2 Sigiriya
Negombo - Sigiriya. After breakfast we bid farewell to Negombo and set off for the town of Sigiriya, home of the famous Sigiriya ancient rock fortress and near to the Dambulla cave temples. Spend the rest of the afternoon getting better acquainted with this lovely town. Sit back, relax and try some of the local traditional foods including pittu.
Day 3 Sigiriya Rock & Village
Day 3 Sigiriya Rock & Village
Sigiriya Rock and Village. Our first stop this morning is to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress of the 5th Century King Kasyapa, undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights of Sri Lanka. Let the kids’ burn off some energy with the climb up to the ruins of the palace and penthouse. Once we reach the ruins we have time to wander through some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and revel in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding jungles.
After descending from the ruins we make our way along the village path to a typical village lake, known as a “Wewa”, passing by homes surrounded by green woods and watch huts which the locals use at night to keep a lookout for wild elephants and boar. Here we cross the lake by canoe arriving at a local farm where we meet the owners and spend some time watching them share the secrets of Sri Lanakan cuisine before we sit down to enjoy the delicious meal which has been prepared using a traditional hearth.
Day 4 Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park
Day 4 Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park
Polonnaruwa and Minneriya. After breakfast we make our way to the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here we take time to wander along the shimmering waters of the man-made lake, the Parakrama Samudra and uncover intricately carved lotus pillars, meditative halls, ceremonial towers, as well as magnificent royal baths and palace ruins before stopping at the famous Gal Vihara Temple.
This afternoon we head to Minneriya National Park where we search for wildlife by Jeep Safari. Despite its relatively small size there is an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands and grasslands found here which is home to elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears and if we are incredibly lucky we may spot a leopard on our game drive. Every year from July to November, hundreds of elephants migrate to a man-made watering hole in Minneriya, which is one of the few water sources not to dry up in the hot weather. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to be seen anywhere in the world.
Day 5 Dambulla Cave Temple to Kandy
Day 5 Dambulla Cave Temple to Kandy
Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we discover the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. Boasting over 2000 sq meters of painted walls and ceilings and a 14 meter Buddha made from rock.
Our next stop of the day is to a spice garden in Matale to get a better understanding of the process of growing the various different spices Sri Lanka is famous for before finishing our day in Kandy, the city of colonial architecture.
Day 6 Kandy Sightseeing
Day 6 Kandy Sightseeing
Today we explore the last capital of Sri Lankan kings by tuk tuk. We start our tour driving around and taking a dip in the lake built by the last Sinhala King in 1798 before going back into the town and exploring the Bazaar, the gem museum and a local lapidary.
After freshening up at our hotel we end our day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where it is said that whoever holds the relic holds control of the country, for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.
Day 7 Sri Lanka's Hill Country
Day 7 Sri Lanka's Hill Country
Kandy - Haputale. Today we board the scenic train passing through tea plantations and amazing waterfalls until we reach the town of Haputale, on the southern edge of the Hill Country. After checking in and freshening up at our hotel we have the rest of the day to explore our spectacular surroundings. Go hiking in the Thangamale woodland or visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout where Master Lipton planted the first seeds for what is now Sri Lanka’s most popular tea – Lipton Tea. For those looking to relax, the hotel pool offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 8 Yala National Park
Day 8 Yala National Park
Happutale - Ella - Tissamaharama. This morning we venture through the clouds to the village of Ella where we meet our local guide before making our way to our first stop - Ravena Ella Falls, one of the wildest falls in the country with a 30 foot drop. It is said the king who kidnapped princess Sita from India hid her behind the falls.
Returning to our hotel, there's time to relax before we embark on a jeep safari through Yala National Park where we search through the thorny scrubs and dense forests in hopes to see the resident elephants, leopards and bear. If we’re lucky we also get the chance to see the feathered King Fisher and migrant birds being protected from Predator Eagles.
Day 9 Hambantota Village & Beruwala
Day 9 Hambantota Village & Beruwala
Tissamaharama - Hambantota - Beruwala. This morning we travel just outside of Tissamaharama to a local village called Hambantota. Here we wander through the farm and taste some home grown tea in a fresh coconut shell and play some traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. After an afternoon of fun we return to our bus in tractors used on the farm and set off to our last point of call for the day, Beruwala where we have the evening at leisure to spend on the beach.
Days 10-11 Beruwala Beach
Days 10-11 Beruwala Beach
The next two days are at leisure to explore Beruwala. Take a stroll along the beach known as the "Golden Mile" or go for a walk through the lively fish market. You can meet the local fishermen and taste some of the days catch. Those looking for something different may wish to visit the water sports centre or sea turtle hatchery. Here you can learn all about the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches here. You even get to meet some of the baby turtles!
Day 12 Colombo
Day 12 Colombo
Beruwala - Colombo. After breakfast we make our way to Colombo, originally known as "the garden city of the east”. Meet our guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of highlights including the old clock tower and the impressive Gangaramaya Temple. Our tour ends with a spot of souvenir shopping in Paradise Road and Lakmedura. We then have the rest of the evening to continue exploring Colombo’s streets or sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Day 13 Colombo
Day 13 Colombo
Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!
Tour Highlights
Included
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
The Goldi Sands Hotel is a modern resort style hotel nestled on the golden beaches of Negombo, and just 15 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International airport. Surrounded by colonial Dutch buildings, Negombo also offers a huge fish market, lagoon boat rides and water sports such as windsurfing or water-skiing. Guests can enjoy massages or beauty treatments at the Ayurveda Spa The guestrooms and suites feature private balconies which overlook the beautiful Indian Ocean. All rooms are stylishly decorated and well equipped with a variety of amenities. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Sri Lankan dishes and fresh seafood. Drinks and light refreshments can be enjoyed at the bar, and with regular theme nights and beach barbecues there’s plenty on offer for evening entertainment.
Nestled amidst lush green landscapes and overlooking the iconic Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya Jungles is the ideal holiday resort for cultural explorations in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Spread across a picturesque 10-acre property with individual chalets, the resort offers three restaurants, two bars, free WiFi, and an array of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Each room offers a seating area, TV, minibar, and a private bathroom with a rainshower. The resort's unique 100 feet wooden bridge provides stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Monastery, adding to the enchanting experience.
Hotel Topaz is a charming hotel with a stunning roof top view. The elegant rooms are spacious and accentuated with splashes of vibrant colour with private balconies and good facilities. The large outdoor pool is a lovely spot to unwind with far-reaching views of the surrounding hills. Buffet meals can be enjoyed at the hotel's restaurant with theme nights that include Chinese and Mexican cuisine. Guests can also relax in the spa or the TV lounge which stocks a large collection of DVDs.
Boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, this boutique resort is set on the slopes of Blackwood Mountain in the Beregala Hills. Each guestroom features an ensuite, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar, with a private deck opening out to the stunning mountain vistas. Other amenities include free bicycle rental, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi. The onsite restaurant offers both Eastern and Western cuisine, which you can enjoy seated inside or out on the terrace with uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this charming resort offers a wonderfully peaceful escape from the bustle of Sri Lanka’s cities. Its cosy and elegantly designed guestrooms have an inviting ambiance, featuring a private balcony, tea and coffee making facilities and WiFi access. The landscaped garden is often visited by migratory birds and overlooked by an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and inviting bar. The restaurant also serves a delightful range of traditional Sri Lankan, Oriental and Western cuisine. And after your adventurous safari in Yala National Park, you can take time to rejuvenate at the Ayurveda spa.
The Palms resort on Beruwala Beach offers sea-view rooms with modern amenities, including a TV, minibar, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including an open-air restaurant and a seafood venue. Conveniently located, the resort allows easy access to nearby attractions like Kande Viharaya Temple and Mirissa for whale watching. Day trips to Galle City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be arranged at the front desk, along with exciting activities such as deep-sea fishing and parasailing.
The Radisson Hotel Colombo (formerly OZO Colombo) is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness centre and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. The hotel is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
Sofia Colombo City Hotel is located near Kollupitiya Beach and offers modern accommodation with excellent amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace with a restaurant and bar, and free WiFi throughout. At Sofia Colombo’s Seascape Restaurant, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean alongside delicious meals. Additionally, guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as 24-hour front desk and room service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay for all.
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