Embark on a 12-day family adventure and discover temples carved from cliffs, fortresses built on boulders, and wildlife-rich parks. Expose your family to different ways of life while cycling through peaceful villages, touring working tea plantations, searching for local wildlife on safari, and chilling out by the beach in Mirissa.
Day 1 – Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in Negombo with a welcome meeting in the late afternoon to meet your local leader and the other families travelling with you.
Day 2 – Dambulla
Head to Dambulla, a town that plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. You can choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market. Later, explore the Dambulla cave temples, where thousands of ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.
Day 3 – Dambulla
Take a trip to Sigiriya, a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress and an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the top of the enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way for sweeping views of the thick forests. Once you return to Dambulla, take the family for a bike ride around the countryside.
Day 4 – Kandy
Say farewell to Dambulla and drive to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Spend the afternoon soaking in the rows of flowers and towering palm trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens. In the evening, learn the steps to a traditional Kandyan dance during some lessons from local performers.
Day 5 – Kandy
Visit Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, housing a sacred relic. Drive to Ambagasthenna village, where you will be guided around the neighbourhood. Visit a tea plantation, learn about the cultivation process, try a cup served the Sri Lankan way, and learn about local crops and sustainable farming.
Day 6 – Bandarawela
Hit the road to Nuwara Eliya, a former hill station built entirely during the 19th century with architecture reflecting an English village. Board a train to Bandarawela, soaking up the views across the hills and tea plantations.
Day 7 – Bandarawela
Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside in the quiet hill town of Bandarawela, passing tea workers plucking the tips of the plants. The afternoon is free to relax, go for another walk, or explore the preserved old buildings at your own pace.
Day 8 – Udawalawe
Drive to Udawalawe National Park, home to an amazing array of animal and birdlife, including large herds of wild elephants. Hop in a jeep for a wildlife safari inside the park, looking out for macaques, larger monkeys, and crocodiles.
Day 9 – Mirissa
Say farewell to the park and head west towards the coastal town of Mirissa. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day free to enjoy this chilled-out beach town however you and your family choose.
Day 10 – Mirissa
Enjoy a full free day to explore Mirissa. Wander around the scenic waterfront or head to nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk to see colourful fishing boats bringing in the daily catch. Go for a splash in the clear waters of the Laccadive Sea or relax on the sandy beaches.
Day 11 – Galle / Colombo
Head towards Colombo. Along the way, stop in the town of Galle Fort to learn about its history and see the remains of the walled fortress. Take part in a fun kite flying activity along the coastline. Continue the drive to Colombo, where you will have some free time to walk around the commercial capital.
Day 12 – Colombo
Your Sri Lankan family holiday ends this morning. There are no activities planned for today, allowing you to depart at any time.