Sri Lanka family holidays must always strike a balance between plenty of activity and adventure to keep the children entertained as well as rest and recuperation so that the family can recharge.

Asia Travel Specialist has crafted this tour with those reasons front and centre. In addition, the routing and locations have been chosen in order to make the most of the summer climate which is perfect in the eastern half of  Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Family Adventure  – Tour Highlights

• Search for swimming elephants by safari boat at Gal Oya National Park.

• Thrilling hot air balloon flight at sunrise in the Cultural Triangle.

• Enjoy one of the worlds most scenic train journeys up to Ella in Tea Country.

• Scenic sea plane flight coast to coast across Sri Lanka.

• Enjoy the white sands and calm seas on the east coast at Passikuda.
  
  

Suggested itinerary – we will customize this for you

Day 1 – Colombo airport to Kotugoda

Upon arrival, your clients are warmly welcomed by our local representatives. Your clients will no doubt be tired after the long flight and so we transfer them to a beautiful boutique hotel at nearby Kotugoda village to relax and unwind.

Meals: None

Hotel: The Wallawwa (Family Suite)

The Wallawwa

Relax and recharge after the flight at The Wallawwa, a boutique hotel inhabiting a former 18th century manor house. Explore the 200-year-old tropical gardens and enjoy the stunning swimming pool surrounded by jungle and exotic bird life.

Day 2 – Kotugoda to Sigiriya

This morning your clients will meet their driver/guide who will be looking after them throughout their Sri Lanka family holiday. Transfer approximately 4, 1/2 hours to Sigiriya in the cultural triangle. Check into Water Garden Sigiriya which will be the client’s base for three nights while they explore the highlights of the cultural triangle.

This afternoon is at leisure in order to relax after the long drive.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Water Garden Sigiriya (Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool)

Water Garden Sigiriya

Centrally located in the Cultural Triangle area, Water Garden Sigiriya features fabulous views of famous Sigiriya Rock which is only 4 miles away. Water Garden’s design and landscaping is inspired by the 2000 year old water garden atop of Sigiriya Rock. Water Garden is where nature, history and luxury intersect. There are a total of 30 luxurious and spacious villas, all with views of Sigiriya Rock. The Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool is perfect for families. Honeymooners often choose the Superior Deluxe Villa with plunge pool. Deluxe Villas are equally as spacious and luxurious, but with a sundeck rather than a plunge pool.

Day 3 – Sigiriya

Just before sunrise, take off on a thrilling hot air balloon flight. Rise through the early morning mist and float silently on the breeze over stunning landscapes. Your client’s lofty vantage point will allow them to see villagers going about their morning, water buffaloes standing in paddy fields and if they are lucky, herds of elephants roaming.

After breakfast back at their resort, your clients will visit Dambulla Cave Temples. The complex consists of five sanctuaries that are the largest and best-preserved cave-temples in Sri Lanka and so are well worth the climb up the steps. Your clients will be impressed by the Buddhist mural paintings that adorn the cave walls which house the 157 Buddha statues.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Water Garden Sigiriya (Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool)

Water Garden Sigiriya

Centrally located in the Cultural Triangle area, Water Garden Sigiriya features fabulous views of famous Sigiriya Rock which is only 4 miles away. Water Garden’s design and landscaping is inspired by the 2000 year old water garden atop of Sigiriya Rock. Water Garden is where nature, history and luxury intersect. There are a total of 30 luxurious and spacious villas, all with views of Sigiriya Rock. The Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool is perfect for families. Honeymooners often choose the Superior Deluxe Villa with plunge pool. Deluxe Villas are equally as spacious and luxurious, but with a sundeck rather than a plunge pool.

Dambulla Cave Temples.

Day 4 – Sigiriya

After breakfast, your clients will climb to the top of nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The word Sigiriya means the Lion’s Rock. Clients will climb up 1200 steps before they reach the palace ruins on top of the imposing 200-metre-high granite rock. Many of the steps are steel staircases attached to the rock itself and so this climb is not for those who fear heights! Along the climb they will come across beautifully detailed and well-preserved frescoes. The lions’ paw is a good place to have a rest before the final ascent. Previously a lion statue with steps leading into the lion’s mouth, these days only the paws and steps remain. It will take a total of around 2-3 hours to climb up and back down.

As the Sigirya climb can be hot and tiring we recommend the afternoon at leisure so that your clients can enjoy their resort. Perhaps they could embark on a nature walk on the property or enjoy the pool. There is also an option to embark on an Elephant safari this afternoon at nearby Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks (extra cost applies). These parks can be busy with jeeps but this is one of the very best places in the world to see large herds of elephants.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Water Garden Sigiriya (Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool)

Water Garden Sigiriya

Centrally located in the Cultural Triangle area, Water Garden Sigiriya features fabulous views of famous Sigiriya Rock which is only 4 miles away. Water Garden’s design and landscaping is inspired by the 2000 year old water garden atop of Sigiriya Rock. Water Garden is where nature, history and luxury intersect. There are a total of 30 luxurious and spacious villas, all with views of Sigiriya Rock. The Duplex Villa with Plunge Pool is perfect for families. Honeymooners often choose the Superior Deluxe Villa with plunge pool. Deluxe Villas are equally as spacious and luxurious, but with a sundeck rather than a plunge pool.

Day 5 – Sigiriya to Kandy

This morning drive 3 1/2 hours to Kandy.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, if not the world and so is a must see in Kandy. The temple houses the tooth of Buddha nestled in a golden chamber located within the premises of the royal palace complex.

Later today your clients will explore the Botanical Gardens. Spread over 60 hectares, your clients will find a huge range of fascinating flora and fauna in this immaculately landscaped open space. Visit the Orchid House and the 40-metre-high Burmese bamboo, often inhabited by many mischievous monkeys. The gardens are also home to a great variety of bird life and fruit bats.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Kings Pavilion (Two Junior Suites)

Kings Pavilion

Kings Pavilion is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the quiet neighbourhood of Anniwatte offering nine tastefully designed rooms and suites. Manicured outdoor spaces let you enjoy the natural environment while the staff complement the ambience with their friendly and attentive service. After a hot day exploring Kandy, enjoy a dip in the secluded infinity pool overlooking the mountains or indulge in a spa treatment fit for a King or Queen.

Day 6 – Kandy to Tea Country

After breakfast, your client’s driver/guide will drop them off at nearby Peradeniya train station. Clients will enjoy the scenic train journey up into the cooler tea growing region in either first class or the observation carriage. The 6 hour journey to Demodara station near Ella is renowned as one of the most scenic in the world and so your clients will be able to take some amazing photos along the way. Their driver/guide will meet and transfer them the very short distance from Demodara station to Nine Skies. Because Nine Skies has such a fantastic pool with panoramic views, we suggest a free afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, all drinks including alcohol

Hotel: Nine Skies (Nine Skies Bedroom and Demodara Bedroom)

Nine Skies

Named after the nine skies that can be seen under the nine arch bridge, this stunning tea bungalow enjoys a panoramic view of the Ella region of tea country. Many guests arrive or depart by train as quaint Demodara station is walking distance to the bungalow. Nine Skies bungalow dates back to the colonial era and features five stylish bedrooms each of which open onto a garden terrace. Enjoy fine wines, quality cuisine and of course a fresh pot of tea before an afternoon revitalizing in the garden’s infinity pool.

Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara stations

Day 7 – Tea Country

The south eastern Hill Country region surrounding Ella is a great destination for exploring the great outdoors. The tea estates that surround the bungalow can be explored by clients on their own or with a butler guide. At nearby Finlay’s Tea Factory your clients can learn about the tea production process on an absorbing guided tea factory. Further afield there are some wonderful walks in the area such as Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Gap and Ravana Falls. Your client’s driver/guide is available to take them wherever they decide to go.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, all drinks including alcohol

Hotel: Nine Skies (Nine Skies Bedroom and Demodara Bedroom)

Nine Skies

Named after the nine skies that can be seen under the nine arch bridge, this stunning tea bungalow enjoys a panoramic view of the Ella region of tea country. Many guests arrive or depart by train as quaint Demodara station is walking distance to the bungalow. Nine Skies bungalow dates back to the colonial era and features five stylish bedrooms each of which open onto a garden terrace. Enjoy fine wines, quality cuisine and of course a fresh pot of tea before an afternoon revitalizing in the garden’s infinity pool.

Day 8 – Tea Country to Gal Oya National Park

This morning transfer approximately three hours to Gal Oya Lodge.

After lunch, your clients will join a resident naturalist for a walk around the lodge. There is abundant bird life and beautiful scenery and so this is a great place for a wildlife walk. The walk offers a number of possible routes through the trees and around the nearby lake, to observe a wide range of bird species such as Kingfishers, Eagles, Kites and many aquatic birds.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge (Two Bedroom Villa)

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge is a rustic eco lodge spread over 20 acres of jungle, close to the remote and rarely visited Gal Oya National Park. The nine spacious open plan bungalows offer a very comfortable nights’ sleep after busy days experiencing the remarkably varied wildlife of the area. Enjoy boat safaris, jungle drives and local wildlife walks with knowledgeable rangers.

Day 9 – Gal Oya National Park

Enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows clients to spot wildlife from the water and a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. A 2-3 hour safari by boat is the perfect way to explore the national park. With a little luck your clients will spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge, a highlight of a Sri Lanka family holiday.

The afternoon is at leisure for your clients to enjoy the pool and perhaps head out on another guided nature walk in the local area

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge (Two Bedroom Villa)

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge is a rustic eco lodge spread over 20 acres of jungle, close to the remote and rarely visited Gal Oya National Park. The nine spacious open plan bungalows offer a very comfortable nights’ sleep after busy days experiencing the remarkably varied wildlife of the area. Enjoy boat safaris, jungle drives and local wildlife walks with knowledgeable rangers.

Day 10 – Gal Oya National Park

This morning your clients will enjoy a jeep ride into the forgotten Nilgala section of the park, once the protectorate of ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic bird life unique to this ecosystem. Some of the more likely species to look out for include herds of elephants, four species of deer as well as many bird species. Later on in the safari, intrepid guests may also opt for the hike to the makara river mouth with an expert naturalist, to further experience the jungle and for the chance of seeing wildlife on foot.

The afternoon is at leisure for your clients to enjoy the pool and perhaps head out on another guided nature walk in the local area.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge (Two Bedroom Villa)

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge is a rustic eco lodge spread over 20 acres of jungle, close to the remote and rarely visited Gal Oya National Park. The nine spacious open plan bungalows offer a very comfortable nights’ sleep after busy days experiencing the remarkably varied wildlife of the area. Enjoy boat safaris, jungle drives and local wildlife walks with knowledgeable rangers.

Day 10 – Gal Oya National Park to Passikuda

When your clients are ready they will be transferred approximately three hours to Passikuda. After drop off their driver/guide will head home to Colombo as his services will no longer be required at the beach resort in Passikuda. The east coast of Sri Lanka enjoys fantastic calm, clear weather in the summer months and so is ideal for sea swimming and relaxing after an eventful Sri Lanka family holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Karpaha Sands (Two Bedroom Seed Suite)

Karpaha Sands

On Sri Lanka’s quiet east coast, Karpaha Sands features only 17 private tented suites shaded by the swaying palms of a former a coconut plantation. This luxurious beach resort enjoys an enviable location on a 10 mile empty crescent of fine sand and calm turquoise seas. Karpaha Sands is lovingly adorned with sculpures and paintings of local artists. Enjoy massages, ayurvedic treatments, fine food with tamil flair and a stunning infinity pool. Further afield, the cultural site of Polonaruwa is one hour’s drive. Batticaloa airport is also close by and so the seaplane service to and from Colombo means that although remote, Karpaha Sands is also very accessible.

Days 11 & 12  – Passikuda

Because your clients have had a busy few days, it is now time for them to relax and unwind under a patchwork of swaying palm trees.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Karpaha Sands (Two Bedroom Seed Suite)

Karpaha Sands

On Sri Lanka’s quiet east coast, Karpaha Sands features only 17 private tented suites shaded by the swaying palms of a former a coconut plantation. This luxurious beach resort enjoys an enviable location on a 10 mile empty crescent of fine sand and calm turquoise seas. Karpaha Sands is lovingly adorned with sculpures and paintings of local artists. Enjoy massages, ayurvedic treatments, fine food with tamil flair and a stunning infinity pool. Further afield, the cultural site of Polonaruwa is one hour’s drive. Batticaloa airport is also close by and so the seaplane service to and from Colombo means that although remote, Karpaha Sands is also very accessible.

White sands of Kalkudah near Passikuda.

Day 13 – Passikuda to Kotugoda

Karpaha Sands staff will transfer your clients to nearby Batticaloa airfield for the seaplane service across Sri Lanka to Colombo international airport. Your clients are met on arrival and transferred a short distance to The Wallawwa.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: The Wallawwa (Family Suite)

The Wallawwa

Relax and recharge after the flight at The Wallawwa, a boutique hotel inhabiting a former 18th century manor house. Explore the 200-year-old tropical gardens and enjoy the stunning swimming pool surrounded by jungle and exotic bird life.

Day 14 – Kotugoda to Colombo airport

Clients are transferred 30 minutes to the airport in plenty of time to catch their departure flight.