Day 1
Negombo
Upon arrival in Negombo, you will have plenty of free time before your group welcome meeting at 6pm, where you will need your insurance details and next of kin information.
Overnight: Rani Beach Hotel (or similar)
Day 2
Dambulla
After a delicious breakfast, you will drive three-four hours to Dambulla – a large town nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Here, your jaw will drop as you explore vividly decorated cave-temples, before wandering along to the Palwehera area to sneak a taste of its famous mangoes, and relax in your eco-friendly accommodation. The evening is free for you to rest.
Overnight: Pelvehara Village Resort (or similar)
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Dambulla
The day will begin with a drive to Sigiriya, the perfect spot to get some fresh air as you climb and walk to the top of the ginormous Lion Rock and explore its ancient fortress. Afterwards, you will journey to Dambulla, where you can cycle around the town.
Overnight: Pelvehara Village Resort (or similar)
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 4
Kandy
Take a 3 hour drive this morning towards beautiful kandy, often recognised at the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Spend the afternoon at the spectacular Peradeniya Botanical Gardens to marvel at the incredible orchid collection and huge fig tree. We find that the kids love running around this luscious garden, and they also love learning the steps to authentic Kandian dancing with local performers in the evening.
You will need to take your hats and shoes off when entering the temple, but don’t leave them at the side of the road – otherwise a monkey will steal them. We’d recommend popping them into your rucksack or paying a small fee to store them with the shoe keepers.
Overnight: Hotel Senani (or similar)
Breakfast included.
Day 5
Kandy
We’re certain you’ll fall in love with this charming city. Brimming with lively markets, quaint shops, a stunning lake and sensational restaurants, there’s much to do here. In the morning you will visit Dalada Maligawa (otherwise known as the Temple of the Tooth), which is home to the country’s most sacred relic – a tooth that is said to be Buddha’s.
Overnight: Hotel Senani (or similar)
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Bandarawela
This morning you will leave Kandy and make the journey by private vehicle to towards Nuwara Eliya. After 3 hours you will make a quick visit of this old British hill station is considered the heart of the tea growing industry here in Sri Lanka, and is teeming with classic colonial charm. The area was once referred to as ‘Little England’, thanks to its mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, as well as the sprawling golf courses and tea plantations.
On your way to Nuwara Eliya, you will get the chance to marvel at the striking Devon and St Clair’s waterfalls. The first is a 97-metre-high waterfall deemed the most scenic in the country, whilst the latter is (perhaps exaggeratedly) named the ‘Little Niagara of Sri Lanka’.
Overnight: Orient hotel or Similar (1 night)
Breakfast included.
Day 7
Bandarawela
After a few days on the road, today runs at a bit of a slower pace which allows you to explore Bandarawela at your own pace. Bandarawela is a hill-country town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside, past tea pickers plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets on their backs. The afternoon is free for your enjoyment – you could always get the family together and challenge some of the locals to a friendly game of cricket.
Overnight: Orient Hotel (or similar)
Breakfast included.
Day 8
Udawalawe
A hearty breakfast will set you up for the day. At 9am, you will drive around three hours to Uda Walawe National Park, a simply beautiful area brimming with wonderful wildlife and birdlife. With more herds of wild elephant than anywhere else in the country, there’s no doubt you’ll see these magnificent creatures wandering around.
The family will love visiting the Elephant Transit Home to learn more about this wonderful animal. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation, this is a brilliant shelter for orphaned or abandoned baby elephants to recuperate before being released into the wild. You’ll arrive at a viewing platform at feeding time to see the elephants up close, before hopping on a jeep for a safari through the park. Macaques, spotted deer, crocodiles, large monkeys and even leopard prowl these parts, giving everyone a thrill.
Overnight: Wild Trails Luxury Camp (or similar)
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9
Mirissa
Start your day at the bird trail at the nearby park. Take the road and head towards the Elephant Transit home. This home is supported by the Born Free Foundation and helps support and rehabilitate elephants before resettling them within the national park. Afterwards, travel onward to the relaxed beach town or Mirissa and settle in for the night
Overnight: Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa (or Similar)
Day 10
Mirissa
Today is at your leisure, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the lovely waterfront of Marissa.
Overnight: Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa (or Similar)
Day 11
Colombo
After breakfast, you will journey towards Colombo, stopping for a wander around the Tangalle fish market en route. There’s also a chance to visit the Royal Dutch Fort in Galle, before arriving in Galle for lunch. From here, you’ll have a few hours to lounge around in the sun.
Overnight: Ozo Hotel 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.
