Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure

14 days from £2750 per person

Path surrounded by dense forest with the mountain fortress of Sigiriya in the background

With its friendly people, good hotels and manageable size, Sri Lanka is the perfect family destination. From national parks and misty hills stations to exquisite cultural sites and glorious sandy beaches, this beautiful island is the essence of Asia. Start in Colombo before heading on safari to spot elephants in Udawalawe National Park before continuing to capital of the highlands, Kandy and the Udawattekele Sanctuary. Finish this unforgettable journey by spending four nights relaxing on the beach at Passikudah before returning, via the ‘cultural triangle’ to Colombo.

Route: Colombo – Udawalawe National Park – Kandapola – Kandy – Passikudah – Habarana – Kotugoda – Colombo

Itinerary Highlights

Designed as a sanctuary for displaced animals during the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, the Udawalawe National Park is an important habitat for water birds and the Sri Lankan elephant.

Nuwara Eliya is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. During your stay visit Horton Plains National Park with the part-paved circular walk leading to ‘World’s End’ providing fabulous views.

The beaches of Passikudah are some of the finest on the island. Set on Sri Lanka’s under-developed north east coastline, the turquoise waters and abundant marine life are perfect for snorkelling.

Itinerary: Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today fly direct from the UK to Colombo on SriLankan Airlines. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Colombo

On arrival in Colombo you will be met and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. The Sri Lankan capital, Colombo began as a Portuguese trading outpost. Over the centuries the city developed under both the Dutch and British to become Sri Lanka’s main commercial hub and today is home to numerous colonial buildings, bazaars and museums. Later today enjoy an afternoon tour of the city. (N)

Accommodation in Colombo: Galle Face Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Colombo to Udawalawe National Park via Kitulgala – 210kms

Today leave Colombo and travel south to Udawalawe National Park, a large reserve made up of 119 square miles of grassland, scrub jungle and riverine forest. The main attraction of the park is the large concentration of Asian elephants found here, Udawalawe is home to over 400 of these gentle giants and it is almost guaranteed to see them whilst on safari. (B)

Accommodation in Udawalawe National Park: Kalu's Hideaway (or similar)

Day 4 Udawalawe National Park

Today explore Udawalawe on safari accompanied by a naturalist. Mainly open parkland, the park is famous for its elephants which can be seen in herds of over one hundred. Udawalawe is also home to spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackal whilst the birding is excellent with nearly 200 species recorded. In the afternoon visit the Elephant Transit Home which has helped care for dozens of injured, sick, or orphaned baby elephants from all over Sri Lanka. (B)

Accommodation in Udawalawe National Park: Kalu's Hideaway (or similar)

Day 5 Udawalawe National Park to Kandapola – 150kms

Early this morning enjoy one further jeep safari before leaving Udawalawe for the scenic drive up into the hills to Kandapola, the heart of the island's tea growing region. Kandapola is located close to the historic British-era hill-station of Nuwara Eliya, with its English country-style homes and well-tended gardens. In the afternoon visit the town and tea plantation with your driver-guide. En route to Kandapola stop at the Elephant Transit Home which houses injured and vunreable elephants from the area to look after them before releasing back into the wild. (B)

Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Kandapola

Early this morning travel to Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy gentle hikes and search for some of Sri Lanka’s most diverse wildife. Hike to the famous ‘World’s End’ which offers incredible views over the rolling highlands, and search for beautiful Bakers Falls. Return to your hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Kandapola to Kandy – 150kms via Horton Plains National Park

After breakfast, depart Kandapola and travel towards Kitugala for a morning of exciting white water rafting. Afterwards drive to Kandy for a two night stay. Kandy is the capital of the highlands and best known for being the location of the Temple of Tooth. Later visit the temple where Buddha's tooth relic is housed then see the bustling town. (B)

Accommodation in Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Kandy

After breakfast visit the Udawattekele Sanctuary - once the reserve of the kings of Kandy and today home to several endemic species of flora and fauna and over 150 different species of birds. End the afternoon at the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, one of the finest botanical gardens in the subcontinent and a wonderful place to explore. (B)

Accommodation in Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Kandy to Passikudah – 195kms

Leaving Kandy, today drive to Sri Lanka's beautiful east coast. Located to the north of the city of Batticaloa, first landing point of the Dutch in 1602, Passikudah has one of the island's finest beaches of golden sand and gentle crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. (B)

Accommodation in Passikudah: Anantaya Passikudah

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Days 10 to 12 Passikudah

Over the next three days relax and enjoy Passikudah. The Maalu Maalu Resort is located directly on the beach and has a large, welcoming swimming pool and its own Ayurvedic spa. For the more active, cycle or walk to some of the small neighbouring fishing villages, dive or snorkel the virgin coral reefs or visit the Portuguese fort in Batticaloa. (B)

Accommodation in Passikudah: Anantaya Passikudah

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Day 13 Passikudah to Habarana – 120kms

Today leave Passikudah and drive to Habarana. Habarana is located at the centre of Sri Lanka's 'cultural triangle', an area noted for its exceptional UNESCO protected Buddhist sites. Later visit nearby Minneriya National Park which has a large elephant population. Unlike many of the other national parks, due to their large numbers elephants can usually be spotted at a very close range. (B)

Accommodation in Habarana: Cinnamon Lodge (or similar)

Day 14 Habarana to Kotugoda – 150kms

This morning head to the rock-fortress of Sigiriya. The views from the summit of the fortress are spectacular and there are a number of beautiful frescoes passed on the ascent. From here continue to Dambulla, a thousand year old Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting Dambulla return by car to Kotugoda which is located close to Colombo’s international airport. (B)

Accommodation in Kotugoda: The Wallawwa (or similar)

Day 15 Colombo to the UK

Today transfer to Colombo Airport to catch the SriLankan Airlines flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure

14 days from £2750 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What Is A Tailor-Made Holiday?

View On The Map

When to Visit

Sri Lanka Holiday Review

Related Blog Posts

19 Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Experts In Tailor-Made Holidays