
Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure
14 days from £3100 per person
Route: Colombo – Udawalawe National Park – Kandapola – Kandy – Passikudah – Habarana – Kegalle
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 the hill-station of Nuwara Eliya and the capital of the highlands, Kandy. Leaving Kandy travel to Sri Lanka’s east coast for three nights of beachside relaxation at Passikudah before returning west to Colombo via the epic ancient sites of the ‘cultural triangle’ and the charming Rosyth Estate House.
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.
CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS
to Price
Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3100 per person
The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.
** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**
Itinerary: Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure
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 visit the city for a brief afternoon tour. (N)
Accommodation in Colombo: Galle Face Hotel
Upgrade option: Uga Residence
Accommodation in Udawalawe National Park: Kalu's Hideaway
Accommodation in Udawalawe National Park: Kalu's Hideaway
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. (B)
Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel
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 wildlife. 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
After breakfast, depart Kandapola and travel towards Kitulgala 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: Jetwing Kandy Gallery
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: Jetwing Kandy Gallery
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
Upgrade option: Uga Bay Resort
Over the next two days relax and enjoy Passikudah. 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
Upgrade option: Uga Bay Resort
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 including ancient cities and fresco-adorned monasteries. (B)
Accommodation in Habarana: Cinnamon Lodge
Alternative accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
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. 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
Alternative accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
This morning, after breakfast, leave your hotel and travel south to Dambulla, a thousand year old Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting Dambulla continue to the charming Rosyth Estate House, a 1920s colonial planter’s bungalow set in a large estate easy to explore on foot or by mountain bike. (B)
Accommodation in Kegalle: Rosyth Estate House
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.