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14 Night Sri Lankan Family Adventure

Highlights

  • Explore the cultural triangle - a must see
  • Enjoy Safaris to spot elephants and leopards
  • Get off the beaten path discovering paddy farms, forests and villages
  • Visit the temple of the tooth
from £1813 pp*
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Children
2 -11
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14 Nights

Trip Dates
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Guests

Room #
Adults
12+
- +
Children
2 -11
- +
Add room
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What you'll do

Overview

On this once in a lifetime holiday explore Sri Lanka's diverse nature and culture with a packed itinerary featuring rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and history. It has a great mix of adventure, culture relaxing at the beach - perfect for families! his itinerary has been planned to make the most of the weather in the Summer months between April and October when the central and eastern part of the island usually has blue skies and sunny weather.

Tour Summary:
Day 1 Chilaw
Day 2 & 3 Wilpattu National Park
Day 4-6 Nilaveli Beach Resort
Day 7- 9 Sigiriya
Day 10 & 11 Gammaduwa
Day 12 & 13 Kandy
Day 14 Departure

Sri Lanka is popular holiday destination because it has so much to offer in a relatively small country, so the travelling time is comparatively short between the amazing cultural, historical, scenic and wildlife attractions. Amidst all the amazing historical sites (including eight Unesco sites) the diverse unique landscapes and the relaxed culture, it is the friendliness of the people you meet that will be your stand out memory.

The weather in Sri lanka is seasonal, and this itinerary has been chosen to make the most of the climate during the Summer months between April and October. You will start with a big game safari staying in traditional safari tents and taking game drives to spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears and others before staying at an amazing beach resort for some real R&R, swimming in the turquoise ocean and lazing on the white sand beach.  You will visit the most famous historical sites in the cultural triangle climbing spectacular Lion rock, meeting the monkeys that live and play in Dambulla, embark on  a comfortable trek in hill country and take in the spectacular views of tea country. In Kandy you will see the ancient  temple of the tooth and stay in a luxury guesthouse where you can try cooking local dishes with your host and take a fun tuk tuk ride! After packing in so much, but at a leisurely pace, the whole family will be left in awe of this spectacular small island; its wildlife, history, food, culture, and of course, its people.

*pp from price based 4 people in a family room between 1st March until 30 April 2025. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

*Please note*
All accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

 

Arrival Day

Arrive into Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be met by your driver/ guide and transferred to Chilaw for your first night in Sri Lanka.

Chilaw is a lovely coastal town in the north west of sri lanka with a palm fringed sandy beach, perfect for your first dip after a long flight!

Tonight you will stay in Anantaya Resort and Spa, the perfect place to relax and unwind, with the Mangrove lagoon on one side and the ocean front sandy beach on the other.

Accommodation: Anantaya Resort

Meals: none

 

 

Wilpattu National Park Safari

Today you will transfer to Wilpattu National Park where you will spend the night in an African style safari camp.

Wilpattu has a dense forest landscape interspersed with scrub, sand dunes and the unique Villu wetlands. It is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka and you will embark on an evening game drive in search of elephants and leopards, which are drawn here by the many lakes. You may also spot sloth bear, crocodiles and more.  

Accommodation: Big Game Camp

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

 

 

Morning Game drive in the park

This morning you will have the opportunity to return to the park in search of leopard, elephant, crocodile and sloth bears to name just a few of the animals calling this park home.

Your driver is an expert in seeking out the best spots to viewing and photographic these amazing animals. In the afternoon you can relax and enjoy the camp. At sundown, after a rewarding safari, sit by a roaring campfire with a chilled beer while lighting is supplied by flame torches, hurricane lamps, and the moon.

Nightfall brings new excitement; the thunder crack of ‘Elephant Crackers’ in the distance lit by farmers as a warning to elephants wandering too close to their harvest, an occasional hoot of an exotic owl, the soft purr of a jungle cat… you don’t quite realise you’re in the middle of an adventure until you live it!

Accommodation: Big Game Camp

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Relax at Nilaveli Beach Resort

Today after breakfast at the camp you will head to the beach resort of Nilaveli with its white sand beach, calm turquoise waters ideal for paddling and swimming or more adventurous watersports.

Enjoy three nights at your beach side resort.

Accommodation: Nilaveli Beach Resort

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Dambulla Cave Temple

After breakfast you will head to Dambulla and its Cave Complex, the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO world heritage site. There are more than 80 documented caves on this impressive site. You will spend the afternoon exploring the cave complex, and its many statues and brightly coloured frescoes, watching the playful monkeys that live in and around the temple. Watch out for them as they will have an eye on your snacks and other belongings !

Late afternoon, you will head back to the hotel for dinner.

Accommodation : Hotel Sigiriya

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock

Though you may have see many pictures of ‘Lion Rock’, nothing can quite prepare you for the real thing.

Sigiriya, the 5th century “Fortress in the Sky” is perhaps the most jaw-dropping single wonder on the island. It’s known as Lion Rock because it was said there was a huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace, on the summit of the 600-foot high rock.

The walk to the summit leads you on paths and staircases through some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, past pools, statues, carvings and caves with ornate frescoes. There are plenty of stopping places on the ascent where you can admire the stunning panoramic views.

Once you reach the summit you can still find the foundations of the Royal Palace, which you will explore with your guide and learn the many fascinating stories about what took place in this incredible location.

This evening climb up Pidurangala Rock to view the wonderful sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Cycling and Monkeys

Today you’ll visit another World Heritage Site, the capital of Sri Lanka from 11th–13th Centuries, Polonnaruwa.

The city contains splendid and spectacular statues and the medieval capital was fortified with inner & outer moats and walls.

Explore royal palaces, audience halls and other spectacular examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture by bike, the best way to see as much of possible of the city.

This evening, head out on a guided walk of the ruins with a local primatologist. You’ll learn about the different monkey species that make the ruins their homes, an atmospheric tour you’re sure to remember.

Accommodation : Hotel Sigiriya

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Easy Hike to Gammaduwa (8 kms)

Today you will be driven to Andawala, where you will begin your guided hike (8 kilometres) to the remote village of Gammaduwa, a spot where you’ll get a taste of true Sri Lankan culture.

You suitcases will be transported to your hotel and you will take the rest of the journey on foot.

Your hike starts on tiny village paths and then leads you across small paddy farms, you will walk along narrow irrigation streams for the first 2 kilometres before turning off into the forest. The trek continues through patches of forest interspersed with pepper farms until you reach the village of Hanguranketa. Here you will take a short break and refill your water bottles before the next stretch through this lush green landscape to reach the forest bungalow where you will spend the night.

You’ll stay at Gammaduwa Heritage Bungalow, a beautiful building on an old tea plantation, and a great base from which to start your journey to Riverstone tomorrow.

Accommodation: Gammaduwa Bungalow

Melas: Breakfast and dinner

At Leisure or Hike to Riverstone

Today your optional hike starts from the remote Gammaduwa village, in total it is around 12 kilometres, winding along trails to an extremely remote village named Kargastene. Getting properly off the beaten track, you’ll then hike with a local guide across wide open grassland, before heading back into the jungle.

Stop at Puwakpitiya, a village with beautiful waterfall in the jungle, where you can swim and help to prepare a lunch of delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Your afternoon trek takes you to Riverstone, through jungle where elephants are often seen freely roaming.

Your guide can tailor the hike to your ability or how much you want to walk on the day so they can pre-plan your route.

In the afternoon you will return to your hotel to shower and relax after your amazing day of wonderful jungle trekking.

Alternatively you can spend the day at the tea plantation, 7 acres of land with glorious views where you can enjoy leisurely walks, and mountain biking on the trails, or join in the hands on tea making experience learning the secrets of how tea is grown, plucked, withered, rolled and oxidised on the plantation today, to make their own Monkeytail tea. You will learn the art of the connoisseur tea taster and how to distinguish the flavour and aroma of different teas.

Accommodation: Gammaduwa Bungalow

Melas: Breakfast and dinner

Travel to Kandy & Visit the Botanical Gardens

After breakfast you will depart for Kandy where you will visit one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, the Temple of the Tooth, believed to hold one of the Buddha’s teeth.

You’ll have chance to wander round the Botanical Gardens which has more than 4000 species of plants and a renowned collection of orchids, before checking in to your hotel.

Accommodation: Kandyan Manor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Village Walk, TukTuk Ride, Market Visit and Cooking Class

Today your guided village walk will take you through a local village near Kandy, allowing you to observe daily life in a rural setting. Interacting with locals, discovering traditional homes, and learning about local customs and traditions.

Back in the kitchen, you’ll have the chance to learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes under the guidance of a local chef.

Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in many Asian countries, known for their open-air design and agility in navigating through narrow streets, and you will have the opportunity to take this fun mode of transport to go a little further afield, with your local driver, see the local countryside and the rural community here in Kandy.

Accommodation: Kandyan Manor

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hundira

Today, after breakfast you will transfer to Negombo (approximately 3 hours) so you are close to the airport for your flight home tomorrow, and can spend your last night on the coast.

Accommodation: Villa Hundira

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Departure

Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation for 14 nights with breakfast and dinner included
  • 1 night Chilaw
  • 2 nights Wilpattu
  • 3 nights Nilaveli
  • 3 nights Sigiriya
  • 2 nights Gammaduwa
  • 2 nights Kandy
  • 2 lunches
  • All transfers
  • Game drives at Wilpattu
  • Guided visit to Visit Dambulla Cave Temples
  • Guided visit to climb Sigiriya rock
  • Guided walk to explore Polonnaruwa
  • Guided hike to Gammaduwa
  • Optional guided hike to Riverstone
  • Guided tour of Kandy and the temple of the tooth
  • Village Walk, Tuk Ride, Market Visit and Cooking Class in Kandy

Accommodation

Anantaya Resort and Spa (or similar)

Located on the sandy beachfront, Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw offers an outdoor pool.

Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa offer a sanctuary that is surreally positioned with a soft sandy beach on one side and a charming lagoon on the other. Cocooned in seductive seclusion unique among the myriad of Sri Lanka beach resorts.

Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and spa which offers revitalizing wellness treatments in our tranquil space.

The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine.

Big Game Camp (or similar)

The camp is set inside a flat and spacious bush forest overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National Park, surrounded by a bush forest, it is visited by elephants and  has a very rich birdlife. you can enjoy alfresco meals near the lake, surrounded by the serenity of nature and there is plenty of wildlife within the campsite wandering across from the Wilpattu National Park itself!

Tents are spaciously set up to ensure a great setting and maximum enjoyment of the breathtaking sunset in the bush. Within the campsites private forest is a lake teeming with pelicans, storks, and lapwings, and on the borders is a stunning rock cliff – frequented by elephants – with a part aerial view of Udawalawe National Park.

Nilaveli Beach Resort (or similar)

Nilaveli Beach Resort is set on the bronzed sands of Nilaveli Beach - situated on the eastern shores of Sri Lanka, the property is less than 50 metres from the beach and 300 metres from Nilaveli Lake.

This tranquil resort welcomes guests with a private beach area and swimming pool with terrace. The resort can organise activities such as diving and fishing. There are also barbeque facilities and bicycle rentals available.

Guests can enjoy a delectable spread of traditional Sri Lankan meals as well as international cuisines at the in-house restaurant.

Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)

Hotel Sigiriya is located within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring the best view of the Lion’s Rock, it has an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving buffet breakfast and international dishes and there are three on site bars. Massage services can be booked at the Ayurveda Spa.

Gammaduwa Bungalow (or similar)

The bungalow lies in 7 acres of tea estate land with glorious mountain views, with the opportunity for hill country tea trail walks or mountain biking.

The luxurious guest house accommodation offers superb Sri Lankan food cooked in traditional ways within a tranquil rural village environment.

The property features a garden and inner courtyard with views, outdoor dining area, guests can relax in the on-site bar or lounge or play darts at the guest house.

Kandyan Manor (or similar)

Kandyan Manor is a traditional Kandyan home located just 4.5km away from the noisy city. Listen to the chirps and songs of the amazing variety of rare and colourful birds. Experience the warmth and uniqueness of a family’s own house, get to know local habits and culture as you participate in the daily life of the locals. Eat local food, and perhaps learn how to cook a complete meal on firewood in a traditional kitchen.

A trip to the Kandyan Manor is an opportunity to feast on its delicious, melting- pot cuisine, prepared by Suzy and her team.

Villa Hundira (or similar)

Located just half an hour away from the airport but situated beside a tranquil lagoon lined with palm trees, Villa Hundira is an exceptional stylish villa with excellent food and service. There are two pools, spa, bar and views out to sea and thoughtfully designed corners to sit and relax.

The perfect quiet slice of paradise for your last day in Sri Lanka.

Your local host

Prateeque

Hi! My name is Prateeque, your host. I grew up in India, in Bangalore and after completing an engineering degree, I decided to not actually follow this path and chose to follow my passion of travel. I quickly got a job as an actual tour guide in the wonderful southern region of Kerala, India, for a few months and ended up staying for 2 years.

An opportunity opened up to go to Sri Lanka to become manager for the country, so when I was offered it, I jumped at the chance. During my time working in travel, I’ve travelled the majority of both India and Sri Lanka and discovered almost place you could possibly explore in these crazy, yet amazing countries.

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and exploring, even as a kid. ... Read All

Hi! My name is Prateeque, your host. I grew up in India, in Bangalore and after completing an engineering degree, I decided to not actually follow this path and chose to follow my passion of travel. I quickly got a job as an actual tour guide in the wonderful southern region of Kerala, India, for a few months and ended up staying for 2 years.

An opportunity opened up to go to Sri Lanka to become manager for the country, so when I was offered it, I jumped at the chance. During my time working in travel, I’ve travelled the majority of both India and Sri Lanka and discovered almost place you could possibly explore in these crazy, yet amazing countries.

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and exploring, even as a kid. I would go out on my bike and get lost and then try to find my way back. I grew up in an urban setting, so any chance I could get I was out exploring. The feeling of release you get from the outdoors, is completely different to anything you can feel.

The one thing that inspired me to work in travel and pursue it as a long term career, is the feeling of pure amazement when discovering something new or seeing something spectacular for the first time. It’s an indescribable feeling, but you’re just totally immersed in this place and you just forget about everything else for a while.

And seeing this look on people’s faces and being with them when they’re doing this, is something I found out very quickly when I was tour guide I absolutely loved and just had to pursue this further.

Another thing is, you always learn in travel, there’s always something new that comes up, whether it be an experience, untapped location, or new people, you’re always learning and this pushes me to find new things to do.

It’s fair to say that Sri Lanka is oversaturated, there are plenty of companies here offering the same tours to the same places. We however, like to go off the beaten track. It’s unbelievable how much there is to see in this wonderful country away from the main sights. For example, the busy national parks e.g. Udawalawe National Park can have up to 600 jeeps a day on it’s roads. But if you go just 2 hours away at Gal Oya national park, it’s much less busy and you can get much closer to the wildlife.

Prateeque image

Location

Your adventure starts on arrival at  Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be met by your driver/ guide and transferred to Chilaw for your first night in Sri Lanka.

From there you will travel to Wilpattu National Park and go on safari to spot elephants and maybe even leopards! Enjoy relaxing by the beach for the next three days before heading to Sigiriya and the amazing Unesco heritage sites of the cultural triangle. Your next stop is Gammaduwa where you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of Matale district, with its  picturesque landscape and temperate climate. Your final stop will be in Kandy renowned for its temples, gardens and natural reserves.

Day 1 Chilaw
Day 2 & 3 Wilpattu National Park
Day 4-6 Nilaveli Beach Resort
Day 7- 9 Sigiriya
Day 10 & 11 Gammaduwa
Day 12 & 13 Kandy
Day 14 Departure

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