Sri Lanka Family Holiday Adventure

Overnight on a direct flight to Colombo.

Upon arrival into Colombo you will be met by our representative. Transfer to Horathapola Estate for an overnight stay at this homestay property in a Family Suite. (Dinner).

After breakfast travel to the Cultural Triangle stopping off en route at Dambulla to visit the Cave Temples here. Continue after lunch to your hotel in Giritale. In the evening enjoy a night safari - witness a different side of the rainforest as it comes alive after dark. Stay 3 nights at The Deer Park(Breakfast).

After breakfast travel to Polonnaruwa an ancient city with a unique irrigation complex, ruins of palaces and the king's council chambers. Also found here are the Royal Citadel, Royal Pavilions and Relic Houses lavished with moonstones, guard stones and sculptured writings as well as exquisite statues of Buddha. It is possible to explore the site by bicycles which can be rented at the entrance to the site. (Breakfast). 

Today journey through Wasgamuwa National Park, home to herds of elephants as well as wild boar, buffalo and the elusive crocodile, sloth bear and leopard. This thriving oasis is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts. Return to your hotel late afternoon. (Breakfast).

After breakfast travel towards Kandy - stopping off en route to visit Sigiryia and climb to the top of the Lion Rock, the location of the 5th century fortress which rises over 500 feet, with its frescoes painted in brilliant colours on the rock. Continue by road to Kandy and stay 3 nights at Villa Rosa in a Family Suite (Breakfast).

Kandy is the old capital of Ceylon and the seat of the last Singhalese Kingdom. Visit the Temple of the Tooth where the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha is enshrined, which is best visited early evening when the religious ceremonies are at their most colourful. Included today is a visit to Pinawella Elephant Orphanage, which is an hour's drive from Kandy, and worth visiting for the elephants bath time. Make sure you get there in time to see the baby elephants been hand fed, and if lucky your little ones can help out! (Breakfast).

Today you'll have seats reserved for the Kandy Perahera Procession - good seats ensures that you have an excellent vantage point for the celebrations which go on throughout the day - see colurful dancers and drummers, fire eaters and elephants which have all been brightly decorated. (Breakfast).

Today continue up into the hill country, passing by tea plantations as the terrain becomes greener and steeper and the altitude becomes aparent in the drop in tempertaures. Stay 2 nights in Bandarawela at Kirchhayn Bungalow, an original 1920's planter cottage, on a working tea estate (Breakfast).

From Kirchhayn you can visit Horton Plains and World's End, for both easy strolls or more challenging treks. A visit to a tea factory can be organised, or biking, white water rafting and tennis can all be arranged. Otherwise Kirchhayn has a wonderful pool, tennis court and gardens in which to spend the day. (Breakfast).

Early breakfast and check out. Travel to Uda Walawe National Park, a short diversion to visit the Born-Free Foundation supported Elephant Transit Camp, which helps rehabilitate 15-30 orphaned babies. Aim to be at the park entrance by midday where you will be met by Kulu Safaris. After lunch you will have a jeep safari to see the herds of wild elephant. (Full Board and Game Drive).

An early morning jeep safari in one of the luxury 4x4 vehicles. On all game drives you will accompanied by an expert tracker and naturalist. As well as elephant, Uda Walawe is home to large herds of spotted and barking deer, as well as flocks of painted storks and raptors. Afternoon will be at leisure until you venture out once more for the late afternoon game drive. (Half Board).

After breakfast travel to Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, one of Sri Lanka's last viable areas of tropical rainforest. A guided walk in the forest with a hotel naturalist will be arranged for the afternoon. Stay 2 nights at Rainforest Edge. (Full Board).

Sinharaja has some excellent kayaking on the local riverways that flow through the reserve. Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you gentle paddle through this magical environment. A full days' excursion will be arranged today. For those looking for a bit more adrenalin there is white water rafting in the area too. (Full Board).

Travel by road to Bentota where you will stay 4 nights at Sri Villas - there are 3 villas with a shared pool, with 2,3 or 4 bedrooms. The car and driver will be at your disposal for any sightseeing you may want to do for the duration of your stay. The villas are completely staffed, so a houseboy will take care of any chores, and there will be an in-hoiuse chef who can prepare meals, as well as take you to local markets shopping. A great opportunity to also learn some Sri Lankan cooking. (Room Only). 

Early check out and depart by road in good time to reach Colombo Airport for your flight home.