You’ll combine wilderness adventures with boat trips and bike rides, explore culinary culture and island conservation while enjoying precious family time. This sample itinerary introduces you to the wildlife, culture, forests and beaches of Sri Lanka with a focus on keeping little ones involved and entertained. Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary built around your own highlights
Day 1
Arrival into Sri Lanka. Water buffalo walking the streets, monkeys scampering alongside the road, bright tuk-tuks, displaying peacocks, palm trees and banana plantations will all keep little people engaged as your private driver takes you from the airport to your hotel, where ice lollies await.
Day 2
You have the morning to sink into the serene, jungle-fringed setting of your hotel, overlooking the verdant tea and rubber plantations. This afternoon you’re visiting rescued elephants, accompanying them on a guided walk whilst learning about elephant welfare and conservation on the island.
Day 3
Today’s trip to the coast will take you past rubber plantations, paddy fields and bustling villages. You’ll see traditional stilt fishermen and colourful catamarans as you near the Indian Ocean and might spot kites being flown from Galle’s fort ramparts.
Day 4
You’ll get an insider’s guide to Galle Fort today as you walk its narrow streets in the company of a local. They’ll captivate your little ones with stories about the buildings you visit and introduce you to off-the-beaten-track secret spots.
Day 5
The jungle beckons and you’re heading to Yala National Park. The journey will take you past street markets, golden Buddha statues, farmers in conical hats and maybe an occasional elephant strolling the roadside. This afternoon you’re diving into the park on a wildlife-spotting safari drive
Day 6
You’ll join an experienced guide in an open-topped jeep for a half-day watching wildlife in Yala National Park. Criss-crossing the park’s dense jungle, open grasslands and coastal lagoons you’ll spot birdlife, crocodiles and monkeys while tracking elephants, sloth bears and leopards.
Day 7
You’re driving along the southern coast of Sri Lanka today to your beachside retreat. On arrival the day is yours to relax, flop on a daybed in the lush gardens under the shade of coconut palms or swim in the beachfront pool.
Day 8
Immerse your children in learning about Sri Lanka’s pristine marine environment today, with a visit to the turtle hatchery at Rekawa Beach to see eggs being laid, watch hatchlings emerge or learn about the centre’s impressive conservation work.
Day 9
A day to play in the calm waters and sugar-soft sands of Mawella, perhaps building sandcastles or following crab tracks along the beach. It’s a wonderful place for children to learn to snorkel with plenty of kaleidoscopic fish darting across the translucent shallows.
Day 10
An early start to spot some of the Indian Ocean’s most exciting inhabitants on a whale and dolphin watching trip. Alongside sperm and blue whales, you might see orcas, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, sting rays and turtles. This afternoon, you’re heading to Galle.
Day 11
Explore the rural fringes of Galle by boat and bike this morning, dipping into the vibrant markets of this historic city. You’ll be introduced to the wildlife and close-knit communities on the city’s outskirts and learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan curries.
Day 12
You’re following the coastline north this morning, keep an eye out for surfers riding the waves and monkeys chasing along the telephone wires. This afternoon, enjoy some down time while the children craft kites and Vesak lanterns with the hotel staff.
Day 13
You’ll be driven to the airport today with plenty of time to check in for your flight home. Time to talk through all that you’ve seen and delve into your photo library.