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Sri Lanka Family Holiday

12 Days | Discover exotic wildlife, ancient forts and captivating culture as a family

4.9

Excellent

36 reviews

12 days

Start

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Finish

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Trip Code

HHFL

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private bus, train, bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Camping (1 night)

From £1,634(12 days)

Trip Informations

Naturally gorgeous, culturally captivating and steeped in mysticism, Sri Lanka makes for a wonderful introduction to both travel and the Indian subcontinent for children and adults alike. Embark on a 12-day family tour and discover temples carved from cliffs, fortresses built on boulders and wildlife-rich parks. Expose your family to different ways of life while cycling through peaceful villages and touring working tea plantations. Wonder at wildlife when you go safari in search of wild elephants, deer and crocodiles. Chill out by the beach in Mirissa while the kids are playing with other young travellers on the tour. Educational, active and leisurely paced, this trip is everything you could want in a family getaway.

Why you’ll love this trip

The whole family will be impressed by the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya, from the massive stone lion paws at the entrance to the 200-metre climb to the top.

Spotting elephants in their natural habitat during a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park 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 a 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 a strategically scheduled beach break along the palm-fringed sands of Mirissa, where the kids can splash, and you can relax.

Is this trip right for you?

Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Please consider your family’s suitability to the season you wish to travel in.

Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit a number of temples on this trip and all members of your family will need to have clothes that cover from wrist to below the knee in order to access them. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers travellers palm-studded beaches, rolling plantations, and sacred sights steeped in spirituality. There are no activities planned today until your group welcome meeting at 5 pm.
Accommodation
Ruvisha Beach Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
For more information on the Spirit of Negombo day tour, speak to your booking agent or visit urbanadventures.com/Colombo-tour-spirit-of-negombo.
DAY 2
Dambulla
Begin the adventure by heading to Dambulla by private vehicle, located at the end of a moderate 4-hour drive from Negombo. This town plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. Upon arrival, choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market, a labyrinth of shops and stalls that offers a fascinating 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.
Accommodation
Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Dambulla - Cave Temples
DAY 3
Dambulla
Today’s adventure takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya, a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress. Let the kids burn off some energy with a climb to the top of enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way. If the weather is playing nicely, 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 pleasant bike ride around the countryside. After a day full of activity everyone should be nice and tuckered out by the time night falls.
Accommodation
Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Sigiriya - Bike ride
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
DAY 4
Kandy
Say farewell to Dambulla in the morning and make a 3-hour drive to beautiful Kandy, often called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The verdant hills surrounding the city, along with the tranquil lake in the centre, creates the perfect scenery for family photo opportunities, and the old shops and restaurants will keep you busy for hours. Spend the afternoon basking amongst 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. It’s a leisurely walk full of colour. Continue to the Spice Gardens to learn about Sri Lankan spice plants and herbs.
Accommodation
Hotel Senani or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Kandy - Botanical Gardens
Matale - Spice Garden
Add on activities
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Senani or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Special information
Family tip – When visiting the Temple of the Tooth you must remove your hats and shoes. Store them with the ‘shoe keepers’ for a small charge or put them in your rucksack, as if you leave belongings outside monkeys will run off with them.
DAY 6
Bandarawela
After breakfast hit the road by private bus past lush green hills to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours), a former colonial 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 board a train to Bandarawela (2 hours). Enjoy views across the hills and tea plantations from your accommodation this evening.
Accommodation
Orient Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Train ride from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela
Special information
If the local train is full the group will continue by private transport to Bandarawela.
DAY 7
Bandarawela
After a few busy days on the road, today unfolds at a slower pace. Bandarawela is an unhurried, unpretentious hill town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Another distinctive feature of Bandarawela is the colonial flavour still preserved in 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 your enjoyment.
Accommodation
Orient Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Bandarawela - Country side trek
Bandarawela - Tea Plucking Experience
DAY 8
Udawalawe
After a hearty breakfast and 8.30 am checkout, drive to Udawalawe National Park (approximately 3 hours). 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 – truly an adventure for all ages! Check into the campsite at around 6 pm after a full day of adventure.
Accommodation
Udewalawe Camping (with basic facilities) or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Udewalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Special information
Camping - Tents are fitted with a bedroom and an en suite bathroom with hot & cold water. The beds are raised and fitted with comfortable mattresses. Pillows, bed linen, towels, a flashlight, and basic bathroom amenities are provided.
DAY 9
Mirissa
Join your leader for an early morning, four-kilometre walk to a nearby lake which is home to lots of local birds. Head back to camp and fill up on a hearty meal before travelling to the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa. This is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will have some free time to explore it your way. Check out the stunning beach and splash around in the waves or ask your leader for a delicious dinner recommendation.
Accommodation
Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 10
Mirissa
Take free time today to relax around Mirissa’s lovely waterfront or take in some of the local sights. The waters are clear and inviting if you’d like to go for a splash in the Laccadive Sea, or you could grab a bite of fresh fish to share with the family. If you’re interested I the local fishing industry, consider gathering the family heading to nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bring the day’s catch to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look. In the evening, visit the Dutch Fort in Galle for a spot of kite flying. If the colours of the kites don’t get you excited, the kaleidoscopic hues of the sunset surely will.
Accommodation
Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Mirissa - Kite Flying
Add on activities
Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) - USD70
Special information
Family tip – Mirissa is a great place to go whale and dolphin watching during the months from November to April. Ask your leader for details.
DAY 11
Colombo
Check out of the hotel and head towards Colombo. Once you arrive, take a bit of time to wander through the bazaar and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. Afterwards, 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 (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 12
Colombo
Your Sri Lankan family holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to 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. Additional accommodation is available through your agent at the time of booking, subject to availability.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private bus, train, bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Camping (1 night)

Activities

Dambulla - Cave Temples

Sigiriya - Bike ride

Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

Kandy - Botanical Gardens

Matale - Spice Garden

Kandy - Temple of the Tooth

Train ride from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela

Bandarawela - Country side trek

Bandarawela - Tea Plucking Experience

Udewalawe National Park - Wildlife safari

Mirissa - Kite Flying

Add on activities

Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7

Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) - USD70

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Dec 13, 2024

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,692

Friday Dec 20, 2024

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Sunday Dec 22, 2024

Thursday Jan 02, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Saturday Dec 28, 2024

Wednesday Jan 08, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,928

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024

Saturday Jan 11, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,821

Friday Jan 03, 2025

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£1,650

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025

Saturday Jan 18, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,650

Friday Jan 10, 2025

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,667

Saturday Mar 29, 2025

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,634

Thursday Apr 03, 2025

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,634

Saturday Apr 05, 2025

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£1,634

Sunday Apr 06, 2025

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,650

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,634

Friday Apr 11, 2025

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,634

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

Thursday Apr 24, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£1,650

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. The trip begins with an important welcome meeting at 5pm. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

4. These trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you in order to book.

5. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

Reviews (33)

5 stars

4 stars

Brian Cowan

Jul 21, 2024

Jenny Kilmartin

Jul 12, 2024

We so enjoyed our time in Sri Lanka, our tour leader could not have been more enthusiastic or helpful. Both adults and children alike absolutely loved our time in this fantastic country

John Harcombe

Jul 11, 2024

My first organised tour holiday - excellent - everything explained. I know more about Sri Lanka now than I ever thought I would. Brilliant people and passionate staff, who clearly love their country. To see Elephants up close, but roaming free - an experience ticked off my bucket list - thank you all.

Kristian Harper

Jul 11, 2024

We had a wonderful family tour, immersed ourselves into Sri Lanka and experienced all that this beautiful country has to offer. Highly recommended

georgina Burkett

Jul 11, 2024

This was an amazing trip of wild elephants, forts, shrines, home cooked food, local dancing, singing, culture and so much more. I would highly recommend this trip.

Erica Kim

Apr 19, 2024

This was an incredible experience - I came in with very little knowledge or expectations of Sri Lanka, but I was really amazed and impressed by everything we got to see, do, eat, learn, and enjoy! I loved how there was such a variety of experiences, from playing cricket with children to seeing the amazing Buddhist cave temples to having a delicious home cooked meal. I also had no idea how amazing Sri Lankan beaches and seafood can be. 100% recommend :)

Blake Stobie

Apr 15, 2024

Absolutely fantastic 12 day family tour with Intrepid through Sri Lanka. This tour had it all. Our tour guide Shameer was phenomenal. We were extremely well cared for throughout, and got to see so much of the country that we otherwise would never have managed. Can not recommend highly enough. The family trip of a lifetime.

Anthony Davies

Apr 14, 2024

I highly recommend the Intrepid Sri Lanka family trip. Beautiful and varied landscapes, breathtaking historical sites, fascinating glimpses of ordinary life, and excellent food. This is a real family adventure.

Cupalika Cugadasan

Apr 13, 2024

A great itinerary from mountain tops to the Safari to the sea. However, accomodation places could be better thought through by booking staff to include air conditioning in tropical climates for some relief at nights.

Bronwyn Quinn

Apr 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 !

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