Classic Sri Lankan views: tuktuks and local fishermen
Classic Sri Lankan views: tuktuks and local fishermen
Sigiriya Rock & The Dambulla Caves
Sigiriya Rock & The Dambulla Caves
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Tradtional dancer & Aerial view of Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Tradtional dancer & Aerial view of Kandy
Nuwara Eliya & Tea Picker
Nuwara Eliya & Tea Picker
Udawalawe
Udawalawe
Colombo, Mrissa beachfront & Galle stilt fisherman
Colombo, Mrissa beachfront & Galle stilt fisherman

Sri Lanka Family Holiday

Call us for prices & availability

Overview

Introduce the whole family to Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural beauty on this sensational 11-night small group escorted tour. Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo, this wonderful trip fuses adventure, history and relaxation into one, offering something both kids and parents will love.

Whether it’s exploring colourful temples in Dambulla or learning all about the country’s tea culture and looking for leopards in Udawalawe National Park, you’ll come home with so many incredible memories. Don’t forget dining with local families and unwinding on sparkling beaches too – this adventure is simply brimming (INT - HHFL).

Highlights

  • Marvel at temples carved from cliffs in Dambulla
  • Cycle around the countryside in Sigiriya
  • Explore fortresses built on boulders in Sigiriya
  • Discover the religious relic, the Temple of the Tooth
  • Go on a safari in Udawalawe National Park

NB: Minimum age for this tour is 5 years old

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Tropical Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
Why Tropical Sky?
Award Winning
We're award winning Our awards reflect our dedication to delivering incredible tailor-made holidays.
Why Tropical Sky?
Protected
Your money is safe We safeguard your money with ATOL protection and have membership to codes of best conduct.
Why Tropical Sky?
Award Winning
We answer quickly On average, calls are answered within three rings. We also respond within hours to emails.
Why Tropical Sky?
Award Winning
We offer expert advice and great service Our luxury tailor-made holidays are created with impeccable service from start to finish.

Day 1

Negombo

Upon arrival in Negombo, you will have plenty of free time before your group welcome meeting at 5pm, where you will need your insurance details and next of kin information.

Overnight: Goldi Sands Hotel or similar

No meals included

Day 2

Dambulla

Begin the adventure by heading to Dambulla by private vehicle, located at the end of a moderate 4-hour drive from Negombo. This town plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. Upon arrival, choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market, a labyrinth of shops and stalls that offers a fascinating look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. Later, explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and thousands of ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.

Overnight: Pelvehara Village Resort or similar

Breakfast included

Day 3

Dambulla

Today’s adventure takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya, a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress. Let the kids burn off some energy with a climb to the top of enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way. If the weather is playing nicely, you should be able to take in sweeping views of the thick forests from the summit before descending. Once you return to Dambulla, take the family for a pleasant bike ride around the countryside. After a day full of activity everyone should be nice and tuckered out by the time night falls.

Overnight: Pelvehara Village Resort (or similar)

Breakfast included

Day 4

Kandy

Say farewell to Dambulla in the morning and make a 3-hour drive to beautiful Kandy, often called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The verdant hills surrounding the city, along with the tranquil lake in the centre, creates the perfect scenery for family photo opportunities, and the old shops and restaurants will keep you busy for hours. Spend the afternoon basking amongst rows of flowers and towering palm trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to more than 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and various trees. It’s a leisurely walk full of colour. Continue to the Spice Gardens to learn about Sri Lankan spice plants and herbs.

Overnight: Hotel Senani or similar

Breakfast included

Day 5

Kandy

This morning, visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic: a tooth said to belong to the Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century and they still come in droves today, making it a fascinating place to teach kids about one of the world’s oldest religions still being widely practiced. This evening join a local family for dinner and learn the steps to a traditional Kandayan dance during some lessons from local performers.

Overnight: Hotel Senani or similar

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 6

Bandarawela

After breakfast hit the road by private bus past lush green hills to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours), a former colonial hill station built entirely during the 19th century. The old world architecture reflects what you might expect to find in an English village and the town is a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses and tea plantations. From here board a train to Bandarawela (2 hours). Enjoy views across the hills and tea plantations from your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Orient hotel or similar

Breakfast included

*If the local train is full you will continue by private transport to Bandarawela

Day 7

Bandarawela

After a few busy days on the road, today unfolds at a slower pace. Bandarawela is an unhurried, unpretentious hill town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Another distinctive feature of Bandarawela is the colonial flavour still preserved in the many old buildings, including the Bandarawela Hotel and the old supermarket. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside, past tea workers plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets on their backs before settling in for a local home cooked lunch. The afternoon is free for your enjoyment.

Overnight: Orient Hotel or similar

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 8

Udawalawe

After a hearty breakfast and 8.30 am checkout, drive to Udawalawe National Park (approximately 3 hours). This park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife, with more herds of wild elephants than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Following lunch, hop in a jeep for a safari inside the park. Other wildlife regularly spotted here includes macaques and larger monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles and sometimes even leopards. This is a real safari experience, nothing like a zoo or safari park – truly an adventure for all ages! Check into the campsite at around 6 pm after a full day of adventure.

Overnight: Udewalawe Camping (with basic facilities) or similar

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 9

Mirissa

Join your leader for an early morning, four-kilometre walk to a nearby lake which is home to lots of local birds. Head back to camp and fill up on a hearty meal before travelling to the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa. This is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will have some free time to explore it your way. Check out the stunning beach and splash around in the waves or ask your leader for a delicious dinner recommendation.

Overnight: Paradise Beach Club or similar

Breakfast included

Day 10

Mirissa

Take free time today to relax around Mirissa’s lovely waterfront or take in some of the local sights. The waters are clear and inviting if you’d like to go for a splash in the Laccadive Sea, or you could grab a bite of fresh fish to share with the family. If you’re interested I the local fishing industry, consider gathering the family heading to nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bring the day’s catch to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look. In the evening, visit the Dutch Fort in Galle for a spot of kite flying. If the colours of the kites don’t get you excited, the kaleidoscopic hues of the sunset surely will.

Overnight: Paradise Beach Club or similar

Breakfast included

Day 11

Check out of the hotel and head towards Colombo. Once you arrive, take a bit of time to wander through the bazaar and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of free time. You’re in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, so there’s more than enough things to occupy the whole family. The waterfront is full of life and makes for an excellent starting point. Regroup in the afternoon and head to Galle Face Green – five hectares of ocean-side park bliss – with your fellow families.

Overnight: Fairway Colombo or similar

Breakfast included

Day 12

Tour ends

Today marks the end of your tour. There are no activities planned for today, so you can depart anytime.

Breakfast included

  • International flights
  • Small group escorted tour (maximum 16 passengers)
  • 10-nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night luxury camping
  • All transport – train, private bus and cycling
  • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Activities: Cave Temples in Dambulla, Bike ride and Lion Rock Fortress Visit in Sigiriya, Botanical Gardens and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Country side trek and Tea Plucking Experience in Bandarawela, Wildlife safari in Udewalawe National Park, Kite Flying in Mirissa.

Please note the minimum age for this tour is 5 years old.

Sri Lanka is a largely Buddhist country and you will often find restrictions on alcohol in place. On Full Moon Poya days and public holidays the government prohibits the serving of alcohol, but guests are able to enjoy pre-purchased drinks or those from the hotel minibar. To see which days are affected, please see here.

Donna Jones
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 310 589 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

Tropical Sky also recommends