Sri Lanka Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.8

20 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Naturally gorgeous, culturally captivating and steeped in mysticism, Sri Lanka makes for a wonderful introduction to the Indian subcontinent for both kids and adults.

Highlights

See the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya – from the massive stone lion paws at the entrance to the 200-metre climb to the top, this UNESCO World Heritage site will impress the whole family!
Spot elephants in their natural habitat during a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park – this is something your kids (and you) will never forget.
Share dinner with a Sri Lankan family before sealing the friendship with an informal lesson in traditional Kandyan dance.
Explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.
Soak up some sun during your beach break along the palm-fringed sands of Mirissa, where the kids can splash, and you can relax.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private bus,train,bicycle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Negombo , Sri Lanka

Finishes

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers travellers palm-studded beaches, rolling plantations and sacred sites steeped in spirituality. Your adventure begins in Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other families travelling with you. If you arrive early, why not go out an explore at your own pace or book yourselves into the Urban Adventures day tour. After the meeting, maybe join your group for dinner and get to know the delicious local cuisine.

Accommodation:

Corundum Breeze Negombo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Dambulla

Today you’ll officially start your adventure by heading to Dambulla – this town plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. When you arrive, you can choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market – a labyrinth of shops and stalls that offers a look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. Later, explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and thousands of ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.

Included Activities:

Dambulla - Cave Temples

Accommodation:

Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Dambulla

Today’s adventure takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya – a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress and an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Let the kids burn off some energy with a climb to the top of the enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way. If the weather is playing alone, you should be able to take in sweeping views of the thick forests from the summit before descending. Once you return to Dambulla, take the family for a bike ride around the countryside. After a day full of activity everyone should be nice and tuckered out by the time night falls.

Included Activities:

Sigiriya - Bike ride
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

Accommodation:

Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Kandy

Say farewell to Dambulla this morning and drive to Kandy, often called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The hills surrounding the city, along with the lake in the centre, creates the perfect scenery for family phots, and the old shops and restaurants will keep you busy for hours. Spend the afternoon soaking in the rows of flowers and towering palm trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens – home to more than 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and various trees. After, continue to the Spice Gardens to learn about Sri Lankan spice plants and herbs.

Included Activities:

Kandy - Botanical Gardens
Matale - Spice Garden

Optional Activities:

Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance (7 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel Senani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kandy

This morning, visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic – a tooth said to belong to the Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century and they still come in droves today, making it a fascinating place to teach kids about one of the world’s oldest religions still being widely practiced. This evening, join a local family for dinner and learn the steps to a traditional Kandayan dance during some lessons from local performers.

Included Activities:

Kandy - Temple of the Tooth

Accommodation:

Hotel Senani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Bandarawela

After breakfast, hit the road to Nuwara Eliya – a former hill station built entirely during the 19th century. The old world architecture reflects what you might expect to find in an English village and the town is a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses and tea plantations. From here, you’ll all board a train to Bandarawela. Soak up the views across the hills and tea plantations from your accommodation this evening.

Included Activities:

Train ride from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela

Accommodation:

Orient Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Bandarawela

After a few busy days on the road, today will be at a slower pace. Bandarawela is a quiet hill town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Another distinctive feature of Bandarawela is the preservation of the many old buildings, including the Bandarawela Hotel and the old supermarket. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside, past tea workers plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets on their backs, before settling in for a local home-cooked lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax, go for another walk or explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Bandarawela - Country side trek
Bandarawela - Tea Plucking Experience

Accommodation:

Orient Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Udawalawe

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to Udawalawe National Park. This park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife, with more herds of wild elephants than anywhere else in Sri Lanka! Following lunch, hop in a jeep for a safari inside the park. Other wildlife regularly spotted here includes macaques and larger monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles and sometimes even leopards. This is a real safari experience, nothing like a zoo or safari park. Check into the campsite at around 6 pm after a full day of adventure.

Included Activities:

Udewalawe National Park - Wildlife safari

Accommodation:

Udewalawe Camping (with basic facilities) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Mirissa

After breakfast this morning it's time to farewell the camp and head west towards the coast and the town of Galle Fort. The kids will be able to learn about the interesting history of the town and see the remains of the walled fortress – now one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. After lunch, they’ll love getting hands-on and making their very own kites to fly. Kite flying is a fun and popular pastime activity for local families and if you’re visiting in summer, you're likely to see skies filled with colour along the coastline. After, it's time to head to the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa, where you will spend the next 2 nights.

Included Activities:

Galle - Kite Flying

Accommodation:

Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will enjoy a full free day to explore it your way. Wander around the scenic waterfront or consider gathering the family together to head to the nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bringing in the daily catch to sell along the shore. Enjoy some fresh fish for lunch and perhaps go for a splash in the clear waters of the Laccadive Sea or relax on the sandy beaches.

Accommodation:

Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Colombo

Check out of the hotel and head towards Colombo. When you arrive, take a bit of time to wander through the bazaar and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. After, enjoy a bit of free time. You’re in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, so there’s more than enough things to occupy the whole family. The waterfront is full of life and makes for an excellent starting point. Regroup in the afternoon and head to Galle Face Green – five hectares of ocean-side park bliss – with your fellow families.

Accommodation:

Fairway Colombo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Colombo

Your Sri Lankan family holiday ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the hotel at any time after check out at 12 pm. If you are departing later in the day, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. IF you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,910

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Naturally gorgeous, culturally captivating and steeped in mysticism, Sri Lanka makes for a wonderful introduction to the Indian subcontinent for both kids and adults.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Bronwyn

Traveled, March 2024

04/06/2024

What an incredible journey and insight into beautiful SriLanka. All the families were wonderful and Upul was outstanding. Don’t wait! Take this trip !

5.0

Tania

Traveled, January 2024

01/24/2024

Highly recommend this family tour - great introduction to a new culture with authentic experiences and fun along the way. Everything was so easy with a guide and we learnt so much.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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