Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure

14 days from £2820 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. Starting in Colombo, white-water raft on the Kelani River then elephant spot in Udawalawe National Park before continuing to capital of the highlands, Kandy and the Udawattekele Sanctuary. After visiting the charming Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage spend 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 by road to the small town of Kitulgala close to the banks of the Kelani River for a thrilling white water adventure. Rafting on the Kelani is suitable for all experiences and, as the river widens, it passes the film location for 'Bridge over the River Kwai'. After lunch leave Kitulgala and continue to Udawalawe National Park. (B)

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

Day 4 Udawalawe National Park

Today explore Udawalawe on morning and evening jeep safaris 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. (B)

Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Kandapola to Kandy – 150kms via Horton Plains National Park

Today visit Horton Plains National Park. Located over 2,000 metres above sea level, you may wish to undertake a 12kms circular walk to Baker's Falls and dramatic World's End with spectacular views throughout. 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 7 Kandy

After breakfast visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which was established in 1975 and today is home to the largest group of captive elephants in the world then return to Kandy and 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 8 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: Maalu Maalu Resort

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Days 9 to 11 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: Maalu Maalu Resort

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Day 12 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 13 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 14 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 £2820 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