Experience an unforgettable 15-day family holiday in Sri Lanka, exploring the island’s ancient heritage, spectacular wildlife, lush forests, misty mountains and golden beaches.
Designed with both children and adults in mind, this family tour combines exciting activities with plenty of opportunities to relax. Discover ancient cities and temples, enjoy wildlife safaris, explore tea plantations, experience village life, and take part in family-friendly adventures such as cycling, hiking and rafting.
Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers something for every generation. From fascinating historical sites and abundant wildlife to beautiful beaches and welcoming local communities, this carefully designed itinerary provides a balanced combination of adventure, culture, nature and relaxation.
Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to Negombo, approximately 30 minutes from the airport. Negombo is one of the most popular beach resorts on Sri Lanka’s west coast, offering beautiful beaches along with a variety of restaurants and bars.
Travel to the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and visit the spectacular Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the five caves containing approximately 200 statues of Lord Buddha and discover the fascinating history of this ancient religious site.
The afternoon is free to relax by the pool.
Enjoy a game drive in Minneriya National Park. Depending on the location of the elephants, the safari may instead take place in Hurulu Oya National Park or Kaudulla National Park, which are located nearby.
After a midday break to relax by the pool, climb the iconic Lion Rock at Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the ancient rock fortress, including its water gardens, frescoes, Mirror Wall, Cobra Cave and the famous Lion’s Paws. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
An optional excursion to Polonnaruwa is available at £25 per person.
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and dates from the 10th to 12th centuries. The ancient city contains many of Sri Lanka’s most important historical monuments.
For families who prefer a more relaxed day, the excursion can be skipped.
Later, enjoy a bike ride through rural villages using quiet back roads. Cycle past man-made lakes and discover the rich birdlife and wildlife of the area, including monitor lizards, chameleons and mongooses.
Enjoy refreshments of fresh king coconut during the ride.
Travel to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last indigenous capital of Sri Lanka.
Situated approximately 1,500 feet above sea level, Kandy is surrounded by hills and centred around picturesque Kandy Lake.
On the way, visit a spice garden to discover how spices are grown and learn about traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
In Kandy, visit a gem museum and learn about traditional gem-mining methods and Sri Lanka’s famous sapphires.
In the evening, experience a traditional Kandy Cultural Show featuring Sri Lankan dances accompanied by traditional folk music and a spectacular firewalking performance.
Visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temples and home to the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Experience the temple during a traditional ceremony and enjoy the atmosphere of this important cultural site.
Continue with a guided visit to the Garrison War Cemetery. In Kandy town, visit a Hindu temple and St. Paul’s Church.
Travel through the scenic tea plantations to Kithulgala, a peaceful village situated beside the Kelani River and surrounded by dense evergreen forest.
Choose between:
White-water rafting is an optional excursion at £20 per person.
Enjoy an exciting family adventure surrounded by beautiful rainforest scenery.
Begin the day with a jungle walk through the hills, passing through rainforest vegetation before returning to the local village.
Cross a suspension bridge, which provides the only access across to the main road.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya, often known as “Little England”, travelling through spectacular tea plantations and mountain scenery.
Along the way, you may see tea pickers and waterfalls.
Visit a tea factory to learn how Sri Lankan tea is produced.
Continue with a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, including sights such as the Racecourse, Hill Club and Gregory’s Lake.
Travel to Ella Gap, where you can enjoy spectacular views towards the coastal plains nearly 1,000 metres below.
Take a scenic walk to Little Adam’s Peak, passing through tea plantations and enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding valley.
Travel to Udawalawe and visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being rehabilitated.
Watch the elephants being fed and learn about their care.
Continue with a game drive in Udawalawe National Park, where you may see elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, lizards and numerous bird species.
Travel to Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast and visit the historic Galle Dutch Fort.
Originally built in 1589, the fort remains an active and fascinating part of Galle. Explore attractions including the Dutch Church, Lighthouse, Clock Tower, Museum and Cricket Ground, or walk along the ramparts and take in the coastal views.
Then travel to Unawatuna, a beautiful sheltered bay known for its golden sands, palm-fringed coastline and calm swimming conditions.
Enjoy three relaxing days on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Optional Whale Watching
Whale watching is available at an additional £45 per person and operates between November and April.
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known locations for whale watching, with opportunities to see blue whales, dolphins and, seasonally, sperm whales.
Optional Koggala Lake Boat Ride
Enjoy a boat ride on Koggala Lake at an additional £10 per person.
The experience includes opportunities to visit a cinnamon farm, observe traditional cinnamon harvesting, see a small Buddhist temple and discover local wildlife such as water monitors, monkeys and birds.
Enjoy three relaxing days on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Optional Whale Watching
Whale watching is available at an additional £45 per person and operates between November and April.
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known locations for whale watching, with opportunities to see blue whales, dolphins and, seasonally, sperm whales.
Optional Koggala Lake Boat Ride
Enjoy a boat ride on Koggala Lake at an additional £10 per person.
The experience includes opportunities to visit a cinnamon farm, observe traditional cinnamon harvesting, see a small Buddhist temple and discover local wildlife such as water monitors, monkeys and birds.
Enjoy three relaxing days on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Optional Whale Watching
Whale watching is available at an additional £45 per person and operates between November and April.
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known locations for whale watching, with opportunities to see blue whales, dolphins and, seasonally, sperm whales.
Optional Koggala Lake Boat Ride
Enjoy a boat ride on Koggala Lake at an additional £10 per person.
The experience includes opportunities to visit a cinnamon farm, observe traditional cinnamon harvesting, see a small Buddhist temple and discover local wildlife such as water monitors, monkeys and birds.
Enjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of the 15-day family holiday.
Prices for the Family Holiday Tour start from £1,100 per adult and £900 per child. The package is designed specifically for families and includes a combination of accommodation, sightseeing and activities throughout the 15-day itinerary.
The tour offers a wide range of activities suitable for both children and adults. These include cultural and historical sightseeing, wildlife game drives, water rafting, village cycling, jungle walks, city tours, tea plantation visits, and unique wildlife experiences, including watching elephants being fed.
The Family Holiday Tour in Sri Lanka is a 15-day adventure designed to provide an enjoyable and relaxed experience for the whole family. Highlights include plenty of time for children to enjoy the hotel pools, 2- or 3-night stays at selected hotels, visits to cultural and historic sites, wildlife safaris, mountain hikes, beach relaxation, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
