Discover Sri Lanka's amazing history of early Buddhism, lush green jungle, cool highlands, ornate temples and wonderful food on this two-week itinerary.
This family activity holiday in Sri Lanka allows for plenty of interaction with the local people, enabling you to learn about their culture, dance, clothes, customs, religion and food. The children will love watching Asian elephants on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Oh, and dont forget those palm-fringed, uncrowded beaches with their outrigger canoes and stilt fishermen. Its paradise – what more could you want?
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Colombo.
Arrive Colombo and meet at the group hotel. Enjoy free time to relax after the flight in the hotel or on the beach.
Delve into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle – an area defined by the former capitals of Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where the island’s major historical and cultural monuments are found.
Your journey today will take you past the the ancient city of Kurunegala, picturesquely set against the backdrop of Aetha Gala (Elephant Rock). Further on you will stop to visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now an important place of pilgrimage for those who come to see the modern giant gold Buddha - said to be one of the biggest in the world.
This morning you'll visit a typical Sri Lankan village, an incredible opportunity to be immersed in the local culture. The journey includes a walk, catamaran tour and ride on a tractor.
In the afternoon, visit Pollonaruwa, another World Heritage Site and residence of the Sinhalese kings who ruled from Anuradhapura. Here you can explore the ancient walled city and see a 14-metre long reclining Buddha.
Morning cycling tour through the countryside around the giant Minneriya reservoir, stopping along the way to visit local villagers who will prepare a delicious Sri Lankan lunch for you. This is a great way to meet local people and see how they live.
Transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya and see the ruins of the Summer Palace on the summit. Then visit a spice garden in Matale and learn about the culinary and medicinal uses of the common spices before transferring to Kandy.
Visit Kandy’s Botanical Gardens, renowned for a collection of a variety of orchids. Have the afternoon at your leisure before an early evening city tour of Kandy and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth.
Take a gentle train ride with incredible views through the hills to Nanuoya and onwards to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon there will be a visit to a tea plantation to visit tea fields and see a tea factory.
Visit the characterful village of Ella and enjoy superb views as far as the south coast. See the spectacular Rawena Ella Waterfall and then transfer by vehicle down from the hills to Udawalawe National Park
The following day you set off on a wildlife safari to spot elephant, buffalo and fantastic birdlife. In the afternoon, visit an elephant sanctuary where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild.
Transfer down the coast to Unawatuna, your beach base on the southern tip of the island, stopping along the way to visit a turtle hatchery.
Head out on a special whale watching excursion to spot whales and dolphins (seasonal – November to April), relax on the beach and take an optional scenic train ride along the coast to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transfer from the south coast to Colombo Airport in time for your flight back to the UK.
You should note: Our August departure coincides with Perahera, the Festival of the Tooth which is celebrated in Kandy. Enjoy large processions of elephants, dancers, jugglers and musicians in elegant costumes.
Child prices apply for ages 11 and under at the time of travel.
All prices are per person and include:
Cookery class
Cycling
Safari
Scenic train
Whale watching
You can typically expect to pay from £1,080 for an adult, and from £850 for a child aged 11 and under.
Flight prices are subject to change, and prices tend to be higher during peak periods or when booking late.
For peace of mind, we recommend that you book your flights with us. If you choose your own flights, please ask us to confirm all arrangements first.
Choose your preferred departure date from the 6 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum of just four participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary dates | Prices per person from (exc. flights) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum of four participants, so is guaranteed to run. | ||||||
| 2018 | 23 Dec | 4 Jan | £1,759 | £1,699 | Guaranteed** | Book or Enquire |
| 2019 | 7 Apr | 19 Apr | £1,399 | £1,349 | Guaranteed** | Book or Enquire |
| 2019 | 7 Jul | 19 Jul | £1,299 | £1,249 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2019 | 28 Jul | 9 Aug | £1,299 | £1,249 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2019 | 11 Aug | 23 Aug | £1,349 | £1,299 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2020 | 5 Apr | 17 Apr | £1,459 | £1,399 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
