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From the Colombo countryside to the depths of Sri Lanka jungle, from the beautiful national parks to the pristine white sand beaches, this Sri Lanka family holiday is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. An adventure-filled holiday that is sure to excite young and old alike!

This 13-day Sri Lanka family holiday will take you to the three main cities of the Sri Lanka cultural triangle: Kandy, Sigiriya and Anuradhapura. It will give you and your children the opportunity to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich culture and ancient kingdoms and get up close to the impressive Asian elephants and observe many other species such as wild boars, monkey, deer, turtles, sharks..

You will get the chance to relax by the gorgeous beaches of Trincomalee where you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, playing in the waves and soaking up the sun. On your Sri Lanka family holiday you will explore this beautiful island and experience unforgettable moments. Contact us today to customize your very own family holiday to Sri Lanka.

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Ayubowan! Your Sri Lanka family holiday begins now! Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be welcomed by your personal driver at the airport. He will take you to your beachside hotel where you can check in and settle down. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax and spend the rest of your day exploring the hotel grounds, exploring the seaside, lounging by the pool or pampering yourself with a spa treatment. Another option is to visit Negombo, nicknamed “Little Rome” because of the numerous Roman Catholic churches built during the Portuguese-era.

Day 2

Meet the elephants

After breakfast, you meet your driver who will bring you to Kandy. This three-hour journey into central Sri Lanka takes you through lush greenery, beautiful villages and unbeatable landscapes into the heart of the island. On the way, you stop at the Millenium Elephant Foundation, where you take a stroll on the property right next to one of the magnificent mammals sheltered by the association. After this amazing encounter you continue towards Kandy where you settle down for the night.

Day 3

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Today, enjoy a relaxing day in Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. After breakfast why don’t you head into the city to explore the local market? In the afternoon you enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance show before joining the locals at the Temple of the Tooth for the evening ceremony. The Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, believed to house the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. This temple is not to be missed!

Day 4

Travelling through the cultural triangle

In the morning after breakfast your driver will meet you at your hotel to drive you north to Sigiriya. On the way to Sigiriya you can stop visit the Dambulla caves. Sheltered under a huge rocky ledge, the site of Dambulla and its 5 caves contain countless Buddha statues lined against the walls and sublime murals. Continue onwards to your countryside hotel in Sigiriya where you will spend the next few nights.

Day 5

Climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Your driver will meet you late in the morning to take you to Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sigiriya Rock, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, is an ancient rock fortress and palace, built by King Kassapa during the 5^th century. Here you can explore the grounds of the ancient palace complex and see some of the most beautiful and celebrated relics that Sri Lanka has to offer. Climb the steps to the top of the Rock Fortress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. A highlight of you Sri Lanka family holiday!

Day 6

Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park

Enjoy a peaceful morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the surrounding countryside. After lunch, it’s time for some family adventure. Hop on a jeep and start looking for elephants in Mineriya National Park. Summer is the season to witness the elephant gathering in this national park, a very unique sight to behold! Try to spot some of the wild animals such as leopards, sloth bears and porcupines that inhabit this park. Feel at one with nature, discovering beautiful sites and creating wonderful memories with your family.

Day 7

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa

After breakfast your driver will take you to city of Polonnaruwa. Here, you will begin a tour of the ancient capital and step back in time to Sri Lanka’s medieval history. Polonnaruwa was declared the second capital of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu I after defeating the Chola invaders. Take your time discovering the ruins of ancient palaces, temples and Buddhist statues. Next, refuel with a delicious local lunch in the paddy fields, before continuing to Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka, where you will spend the next few days. Check in to your hotel and admire the sunset, lighting up the sky in beautiful colors before enjoying a beachside dinner.

Day 8

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

After an early breakfast you jump aboard a speed boat and set off towards Pigeon Island National Park. After meeting with the elephants, the biggest animals in Sri Lanka on the ground, you now explore the underwater world with your snorkeling gear. This national park is home to colorful schools of fish, corals, turtles and reef sharks. After a morning spent snorkeling you return to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon relaxing.

Day 9

Ancient Hindu temple visit

Enjoy a leisurely morning, taking advantage of the hotel facilities or relaxing by the beach. After lunch, you meet your driver and go to Koneswaram Temple, a beautiful and intricate temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The paintings here bring color to this striking Hindu temple which also offers a spectacular view on the surrounding bay. Return to your hotel in the evening or, if you prefer, enjoy dinner in one of the best restaurants in the town center of Trincomalee.

Day 10

Seaside relaxation

If you are an early riser, enjoy a walk on the beach before breakfast and meet the local fishermen bringing in their daily catch. There are many activities available in Trincomalee such as boat tours, scuba diving, snorkeling or dolphin- and whale-watching excursions which can be arranged. Otherwise, spend the day relaxing on the beach, listening to the sound of the gentle waves and playing in the sea. You can even enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan massage whilst on the beach! Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Sri Lanka’s first capital

In the morning after a leisurely breakfast, your driver will meet you to take you to Anuradhapura, the capital city of North Central Province. Anuradhapura is famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, which was the first capital of the island, established in the 4^th century during the reign of King Pandukhabaya. The ancient city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today you can discover and explore the beautiful ruins, transporting yourself back in time.

Day 12

Cruising in the wetlands

After breakfast at the hotel, you hit the road and drive south to Negombo where you can enjoy lunch on the seaside. In the afternoon, you set off for an exotic boat trip through the Muthurajawela Wetlands, nicknamed the "Supreme Field of Pearls", inhabited by 75 species of birds, crocodiles, monkeys and otters. The last excursion of your family trip to Sri Lanka, this cruise will allow you to discover the wonderful fauna and flora that this country has to offer.

Day 13

Airport transfer

Depending on your departure time, you may have the chance to go for one last dip in the sea or spend a leisurely morning relaxing at your hotel. If you prefer, your driver can take you to Negombo city centre earlier in the day to explore and buy some last-minute souvenirs. Your driver will then pick you up and bring you to Bandaranaike International Airport to board your international flight home. We bid you farewell and look forward to welcoming you to Asia again soon!

Travel conditions

Included in the price
Not included in the price

Government taxes and service taxes
Transfers by micro-van (5 passengers) with an English-speaking driver.
Accommodation as mentioned in the program in one double and one twin room (with twin beds where possible).
Meals: the price includes accommodation in half-board basis (breakfast and dinner at the hotel).
Activities: Elephant walk experience, traditional dances show in Kandy, Tooth temple, Sigiriya fortress, half-day jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, Polonnaruwa, snorkeling in Pigeon island, boat ride in Negombo.

Visa fees and bank charges.
International airport taxes.
International flights.
The services of a national guide. Rate varies according to the number of days and sites.
Tips.
Drinks and personal expenses.
Fees for optional entrances, excursions and activities.
Lunch during your entire stay (expect to pay around 2 to 3 € in a local restaurant for a local meal and from 8 to 20 € in an international restaurant per meal/person).
Repatriation assistance.
Anything that is not listed in the "Price includes" section.

Garance Travel Expert Sri Lanka Perfect for young and old alike! Parents will appreciate the various cultural visits included in this trip while children will be amazed by elephants and other wildlife they will encounter. From UNESCO sites to national parks this itinerary is the perfect Sri Lanka family holiday, designed to excite all ages.

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Duration

13 days

from

1480€

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Family Trip to Sri Lanka

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