Ready for your family dream trip ?
Sri Lanka is a perfect family holiday destination; there’s something for everyone! Nature with so many different landscapes, beautiful wildlife, history etched into so many ancient ruins, beaches stretching forever, mesmerising mountains, and multicultural people with their spicy and colourful cuisine. And we haven’t even mentioned the adventures you can have in water sports, train ries and much more.
In your 14 day tour, some of the highlights will be meeting the local fisher folk in Negombo, white water rafting in Kitulgala, discovering how the famous Ceylon Tea is produced in Nuwara Eliya and a scenic train ride. Additionally, children will enjoy experiencing Sri Lankan traditional village lifestyle, visiting the Wilpattu National Park to sight wildlife and avifauna, and experimenting with delectable street food. Unforgettable memories for your family!
Read MoreWe have handpicked a variety of hotels with family or interconnected rooms mostly with swimming pools. You will spend minimum time to get to them from the city & attractions, giving children even more time to enjoy their stay in the hotels as well.
Highlights at glance
- First you will get to visit colourful fish markets, vegetable & fruit markets… interact with the locals & learn a few “trade secrets”.
- Then off to some exciting White Water Rafting in Kithulagala, in class 2 to 3+ rapids.
- Slowing the pace, experience the entire Ceylon Tea making process and enjoy a hot cup of pure Sri Lankan Tea from the factory itself.
- You will get to taste and experiment with different, local, colourful, yummy and spicy street food. Kottu, roti, hoppers, wadei, Panipuri, thosai, achcharu, and delicacy fruit varieties such as: rambutan, mangosteen, Ceylon olive, king coconut… it’s a long list!
- Train Ride for you! Experience the remains of the bygone era in these “time machines” witnessing breathtaking views and historical locations.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals and try your hand in traditional arts & crafts in the suburbs of Kandy; the hill capital.
- Witness the ancient engineering marvels at the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress and join devotees at the Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Then off to visit the 13th century mediaeval capital Polonnaruwa and discover the ruins of palaces and temples where the award winning movie “Monkey Kingdom”was also filmed.
- You will also be witnessing the biggest Asian Elephant gathering.
- Then we are off to soft, sandy golden beaches in Trincomalee.
- Finally, look forward to glamping in style in a mini-nature reserve close to the Wilpattu National Park, where you will savour a BBQ served by a roaring campfire. You will get to experience a sunset jeep safari at Wilpattu National Park.
1st & 2nd Nights - Coastal beach town Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! This is a private tour to enjoy at your own pace. On your arrival you will be picked up by your own private chauffeur who will be with you throughout the tour. The drive to Negombo will take about 25 minutes. On arrival you and your family can either spend the day at the hotel or go for a walk on the beach.
On the 2nd day, your chauffeur will take you to visit the colourful authentic fish market and meet the fisher folk. Then we will take you to explore different seaside attractions with a ride through the Dutch Canal. If you choose to venture out for dinner, do check with our chauffeur for some child-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Negombo is a fishing town with a fascinating colonial past. Lately, it has become more vibrant mostly due to tourism. Negombo’s intriguing past reveals itself through colonial architecture, an interesting canal built by the Dutch, and historic Catholic Churches. Children will love taking a walk through the noisy fish market or a boat ride through the Dutch Canal network. And of course there is the beach with a shoreline to enjoy running, playing a bit of sport, or lazing in the lapping water.
Or else, head for Hotel Road in the evening and find the best seafood restaurant in town while doing some window shopping & trying some street food.
Or else, head for Hotel Road in the evening and find the best seafood restaurant in town while doing some window shopping & trying some street food.
Morning will be great to visit the fishing harbour, watch its robust sales and singing by the nets on the beach. You will see catamarans, the traditional sail boat, among other vessels used by the fisherfolk. Next, you will visit the local fruit and vegetable market. Children love seeing the rich and colourful spread of tropical fruit and vegetables, unlike any other! No doubt, they might like to taste mangoes, mangosteens or rambutans! Then you will get to see some historical sites while heading back to the hotel. After an interesting day, it’s downtime by the pool and a relaxing evening.
3rd & 4th Nights - Nuwara Eliya
You will drive to Kitulgala, one of the adventure destinations in the region and the location for the iconic film ‘Bridge on the river Kwai’. Enjoy paddling down pristine waters. Professionally trained guides are there to supervise both adults and children and will make sure you have a safe and fun day on the river!
After that activity, you will carry on driving to lush green tea plantations of the tea capital: Nuwara Eliya. On day 2, we will take you on a leisurely paced tour, exploring the highlights of a picturesque city. We will visit a tea plantation to see how world renowned Ceylon Tea is produced. We will meet the tea pluckers and try what they are best at doing as well.
Kitulgala’s climate is humid throughout the year making it an ideal destination for whitewater rafting. Children especially will love the thrilling adventure on the whitewater sections of the Kelani River – great for both beginners and professionals. Prior to the two-hour river run, you will be given instructions on paddling techniques and river rescue procedures. And then it’s an adrenaline-rush adventure, paddling down the waters, in class 2 to 3+ rapids.
Then we drive 1890 metres above sea level, to cool Nuwara Eliya. And a chance to sightsee a quaint place, famous for horse racing, an impressive Golf Club which dates back to 1889 and several hotels built colonial style.
Before you see a tea factory, you will see hardworking, colourfully clad tea pluckers picking the best of lush tea bushes. Their dexterous work ends up in a tea factory and then the magic begins. It’s a mesmerising process and the aroma is just overwhelming to take in. Nowhere else are children likely to see a world famous commodity being produced and packaged!
Back on the road, we will take you to Victoria Gardens with its abundance of flowers, Gregory Lake which is a scenic boat ride and if you are up for it – a quick stop at the local markets.
5th & 6th Nights - Kandy
Get ready in the morning for your next unforgettable experience, a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Kandy – one of the best train rides to make in Sri Lanka. You will pass tea plantations, mountains, misty forests, winding your way through local villages, waving at smiley locals standing in their backyards, or working in the fields, disappearing into smoky mountain tunnels and emerging into the cool rush of pristine mountainous air – a photo fest for you!
Once in Kandy, we will check you into the hotel and you can relax or explore the hotel facilities – which children always enjoy doing. In the backdrop of the Hantane hills, Kandy is a bustling city, home to the once formidable Kandyan Kingdom that held off colonialists for well over 200 years.
Experience the remains of the bygone era in these “time machines” witnessing breath-taking views and historical locations. It will feel like time travel, as the trains chug on. It is a nicely paced ride that everyone enjoys – away from roads and traffic.
Kandy, an important historical town, is a World Cultural Heritage and home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic – one of the most sacred worship places in the Buddhist world. Today, a mix of its beautiful Botanical Gardens, temples, alongside a mall housing shops, cinema and a rooftop food court – makes it quite an entertaining place to visit.
Royal Botanical Gardens is a stunning, 60-hectare garden with its fine collection of orchids and spice gardens. Children especially are always awed by the iconic giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn, with its colossal trunk and umbrella-like canopy of branches. There is also the extraordinary cannonball fruit tree and 40m-high Burma bamboo.
Next – built in 1965, the Arts and Crafts village in Kandy, is exclusively for local craftsmen to showcase their artwork. Encouraging the skills of traditional art forms has been challenging in the face of commercialised imported products, and benefits from the patronage of locals and tourists alike to support indigenous talent. You will get to see products made from scratch.
7th & 8th Nights - Sigiriya
You will start with a tour of Kandy, discovering local, delicious and spicy street foods. Then to meet the traditional arts and crafts community. You will get a chance to be an artisan yourself, an activity children will surely enjoy engaging in and taking their craft home as a souvenir!
Then you will head towards Sigiriya; the 5th Century AD fortress. Enroute you will visit Dambulla Cave temple, 5 caves full of ancient Buddha statues and wall paintings. The following day you will visit the Monkey project, which filmed the famous documentary “Monkey Kingdom”. Next, the 13th century mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka; Polonnaruwa. Finally, children will really be struck by witnessing the world’s most significant elephant phenomena at Minneriya National Park.
First stop, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth – the paintings, drum playing and home to the tooth of Lord Buddha. To watch the rituals and listen to chantings will be an interesting experience for children. Then it’s time to get creative, you will try your hand at making a a traditional craft with the help of skillful and talented artisans, who have for generations been keeping these home industries alive and need support.
Then, we will drive you to Dambulla, known for its Cave Temple, the impressive mural paintings and 157 statues, including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. A World Heritage site surrounded by great views.
The Monkey Tour with the Grey Langur starts early. Following them closely for a small part of the day – is a great experience in wildlife for children to absorb. They will get to see how monkeys socialise as a community.
By mid morning, we drive to Polonnaruwa. It has so many ruins, including the ‘Gal Vihara’, a spectacular temple cut from a single granite wall! It’ll feel like you’re stepping into a bygone golden era.
After lunch, onto Minneriya National Park; home to sambar deer, leopards and elephants. The dry season is an incredible time for children to observe elephants that bathe and graze on the grasses as well as see birds (like cormorants and painted storks) that come to fish.
9th, 10th & 11th Nights - Trincomalee
This morning you will climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Palace in the Sky! At the time of sunrise. This is the ideal time to take memorable family photographs at the zenith of this hideout of a man called Kasyapa, in 5th century AD.
Then, you will head towards Trincomalee, one of the most iconic, clean and calm beaches in Sri Lanka. It is a true playground for children to enjoy the beach, waters and sun! Check in to the hotel as early as possible. After a busy tour, this will be the perfect place: to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves, the sun’s warmth and playing with your children. Dolphin watching, snorkelling, diving and many other water sports are all great options, to fill your days with.
From the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock – the only remains of this lion figure – to the ascent to the top, this was once the home of Kasyapa; who rebelled against his brother over kingship. You will find Sigiriya an exciting experience and the panoramic view at the top will be unforgettable.
Then greater thrills, you will drive to Trincomalee, one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world. Home to beautiful white beaches, clear waters around the Pigeon Island, it’s a wanderlust for families with long stretches of beach and warm blue waters to revel in! If your children would like to see whales, remember, March to September is the best time and means spending about half a day out in the ocean.
SWhether you want to book some water sports activities, go diving and snorkelling to several key sights at Trincomalee, make it a fun-filled day with your family. The pool is always a treat to laze by with cool drinks, but the inviting beach is amazing to soak up the sun or play with your children. Pigeon Island is not far to take a boat ride to and explore. It is surrounded by coral reef and turtles and reef fish can be sighted here. Building sandcastles, tap rugby, football… taking photographs of the landscape or selfies with your loved ones, Trincomalee is beautiful.
12th Night - Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Wilpattu via Anuradhapura. If you are up to it, you can stop at Anuradhapura – another ancient capital with ruins – on the way to WIlpattu. Your family can anticipate a different accommodation experience with your family, It is an overnight stay at an eco-friendly campsite in jungle settings!
After relaxing for a while, we will take you on an evening game drive. This will give you a chance to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear and a chance to see a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Wilpattu is the largest national park on the island and has an interesting landscape of natural lakes, shrubland and thick forests. The dry season increases the chances of sighting leopards.
YCovering an area of over 130,000 hectares and getting its name from the tens of floodplain lakes, called ‘villus’ in Sinhala, your camp naturalist will intrigue your family about the park and its residents. Whether it’s the leopard, spotted deer, or the whistling teal spoonbill – your children will delight in the rich diversity of this habitat. The safari drive will be adventurous, simply anticipating seeing a sloth bear with her cubs or a leopard lazing atop a tree!
After the safari, you will return to the campsite in time to relax around the roaring campfire, to enjoy your dinner in a location specially chosen for you.
13th Night - Negombo
After an impressive spread of a Sri Lankan breakfast, it is time to travel south again to Negombo. Enroute, you will have a completely ‘nutty’ experience: enjoy the water of the king coconut and eat the flesh of the fruit, which is a delicious and natural drink that is great for your health. An organic fruit, fresh from the tree, its health benefits are globally recognised and promoted.
The coconut is a staple essential in the life of any Sri Lankan. From being a key feature of Sri Lankan cuisine to its use in day to day life, cultural and several religious rituals, the coconut tree – locally also known as ‘kapruka’ – is a versatile and wonderful tree the island is truly blessed with.
A tour taking you across the different gems of this island in just two weeks; formidable ancient ruins to verdant tea plantations to sweeping lengths of pearly beaches. We hope your family takes incredibly colourful memories of their holiday back with them. Sri Lanka bids farewell…wishing to see you again.
Coconut water, coconut oil, the white, creamy flesh hidden with the shell – are all cherished by Sri Lankans. No part of the coconut tree goes waste: the midribs of the coconut leaf make an excellent garden broom and the husk is handy for making indoor brooms. Discarded coconut shells are used as fuel in mud/clay home stoves – which never require fossil fuels. Learning and seeing the eco-friendly uses of the coconut fruit will be a fascinating experience for you and your family. Some children will even enjoy drawing the different parts of the coconut and how it’s put to use!
After breakfast and check out, it is time for us to safely transfer you and your family to the airport, well in time for an unhassled check in and safe journey back home or your onward destination. The short drive to the Bandaranaike International Airport will be under 45 minutes.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts could be organised upon your flight schedules.
- Loris observation trail in one of the nights you are in Sigiriya.
- Additional nights in any of the locations could be included.
- Additional Safaris in Wilpattu National Park could be arranged on request with an additional day there.
- A dolphin watching boat ride in the sea off Trincomalee could be arranged as a private boat charter as well.
- Snorkelling in Pigeon Island can be arranged on request.
- Additional nights in Trincomalee (beach stay) could be arranged upon your request.
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,747
1-2 persons
$ 2,282
3-4 persons
$ 2,142
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
Hill Club Nuwara Eliya
The Hill Club is an exclusive members only Club, established in 1876, by the British Planters, and continues as a prestigious destination set in...
Melheim Kandy Villa
Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy is also one of its most charming with its solid olden architecture and winding streets. You can bask...
The Other Corner
Situated on a sizable 5-acre property close to the village of Habarana, these chalets are concealed from view, providing seclusion and sanctuary while you...
C Beyond
Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views at C Beyond Nilaveli, a tranquil, laid-back, and intimate location where the lagoon and the sea converge. With Pigeon...
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,600
1-2 persons
$ 3,075
3-4 persons
$ 2,917
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Goldi Sands Hotel
Your chance to laze and luxuriate directly on the shore of the Indian Ocean and let balmy ocean rhythms lull you at any time...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Amaara Forest Sigiriya
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Amaranthe Bay
The Amaranthé Bay Resort & Spa is perched on the bank of the flowing Pillaikulam Aru, surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of meditative sunrises...
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 6,010
1-2 persons
$ 5,485
3-4 persons
$ 5,327
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Villa Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
Langdale Boutique Hotel
Another delightful offering from the boutique collection by Amaya, Langdale Boutique Hotel is a cheerful, laid-back hotel in aon old British colonial-style, 12 kms...
Kandy House
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Jungle Beach
This Sri Lanka beach resort, simply known as Uga Jungle Beach, blends its existing surroundings into its design in a sophisticated manner.
Mahoora Wilpattu by Eco Team
At Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu, you can live in a small, 8-acre private wildlife sanctuary that mixes modern conveniences with the wilderness of...
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- 13 nights accommodation. BB at all hotels except Big Game Camp Yala & Langdale Boutique (HB)/ Mahoora Camp Yala (AI) , Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur accommodation, his meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Wilpattu National Park in a private jeep including the private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout charges at hotels.
- Cost of optional activities/sites.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense in personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.)
- Any other expenses, other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
2 - 3 Hours
A Current Affair: White Water Rafting in Kitulgala
Ride the white waters of the Kelani River as it stumbles through a rocky gorge in Kitulgala, and take on the rapids from the...
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
Sinharaja
3 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 - 4 Hours
Greatest Elephant Gathering Safari – Minneriya National Park
Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Dambulla
Anuradhapura
4 - 5 hours
Acrobatic Dolphins and Blue Whales
Sail into the turquoise waters of Trincomalee, with the Captain of the Pearl and get a private audience with acrobatic dolphins and the largest...
Trincomalee
2 - 3 Hours
Snorkel Amongst Fish, Turtles & Corals
Wander the mysterious waters of the island’s Marine National Park and encounter up to 200 species of tropical fish.
Trincomalee
4 Hours
Leopards and Sloth Bears – Wilpattu National Park
Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.
Wilpattu
Anuradhapura