Family Fun in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families. Remote villages to explore, national parks to visit and leopards to find, tuk tuks to take through ancient temples – the list is endless. Through this itinerary you’ll be able to experience all the highlights with a great combination of wildlife, adventure and culture before finishing up with some relaxing time on the beach, making sure that everyone is kept entertained.

1. Fly to Colombo

2. Days 1-3: Sri Lanka's West Coast

   Starting off, on arrival in Sri Lanka you will have two nights staying just outside Colombo. Your driver/guide will meet you at the airport and will be on hand throughout your journey in Sri Lanka making your trip through this beautiful country is as seamless as possible. No need for you to think about logistics, you can leave that to us!  After an international flight we want to give you some time to unwind so that you are starting your journey fresh for when the real adventure starts. Colombo is an interesting city to explore and one that is fast on the move. Spend one afternoon with your guide with a guided walk of Colombo full of beautiful shady boulevards, visiting some lovely cafes and stopping into the boutiques of Galle Road.

   Accommodation: The Wallawwa (2 nights)

3. Days 3-5: Wilpattu National Park

   Then it is up north to Wilpattu National Park where you will be spending the following two nights. From Colombo the drive to the park is just over five hours but numerous stops can be made along the way to break up the journey and to stretch your legs. On the edge of the park you’ll be staying under canvas for the full safari experience and we have included twice daily safaris for you so that you can venture out in search of leopards and the possibility of seeing the odd wild elephant congregating near a water-hole. Given that Wilpattu is a much lesser visited park in Sri Lanka, you’ll have a much more wild and true safari experience here as you explore the tropical jungles and forests of Sri Lanka.

   Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park (2 nights)

4. Days 5-6: Kandy and the Hill Country

   Next on the adventure after Wilpattu, you’ll head towards the Hill Country where you have a night to break the journey at Jim’s Farm. The journey in the car will take just over four hours, but again plenty of stops can be arranged along the way to make the journey more interesting. Located on the edge of the Cultural Triangle, in a small village near Matale you'll love the authentic feel of this home away from home.  The Farm has a great location allowing you to dip into the culture of the region but providing a base surrounded by nature and interesting activities to get involved in such as visits to local villages and a tour of the working farm. We know with teenagers that cultural highlights can be interesting but you don’t want to be spending your entire day wandering around ruins.

   Accommodation: Jim's Farm Villas (1 night)

5. Days 6-9: Hatton

   After one night here, you will head deeper in the Hill Country, as no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without at least a taste of this region famed for its emerald tea plantations. Over your three nights here you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular nature of the region as you take walks through the tea plantations and enjoy visiting local villages.

   Accommodation: Camellia Hills (3 nights)

6. Days 9-14: Thalpe, South Coast, Sri Lanka

   The whole family will then no doubt be wanting some beach time and have included five nights to finish at one of our favorite family properties Sri Lanka's south coast. A home away from home family oriented property set within a three acre walled garden a short walk from a beautiful swimmable beach this is the perfect spot to end your Sri Lankan family adventure. Spend your days either relaxing by the pool, on the beach or enjoying some of the many activities on offer such as cycling through the countryside, surfing, plantation tours and excursion into Galle. At the end of your trip, you will be transferred by car to Colombo in order to connect to your flight home.

   Accommodation: Why House (5 nights)

7. Fly home to Colombo

• A Southern Blend - Visit a Tea Plantation

  It is not just Sri Lanka's Hill Country that is home to tea plantations; not far from Koggala Lake is the South Coast's very own tea plantation. See the ladies plucking tea leaves and visit the tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka's most famous export.

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• Colombo Night by Bike

  Cycle through the charming city of Colombo at dusk, as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks.

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• Early Morning Visit to Kudawella Fishing Harbour

  Get up early (leave around 7am) to go to Kudawella Fishing Harbour. Take a walk around the small harbor packed full of fishermen selling their catch.

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• Explore Galle Fort

  While staying in the Galle Fort take the time to discover this fascinating colonial town, filled with history. Founded in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently occupied by the Dutch and the British, so there is plenty to explore.

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• Explore the Kapu Ela River by boat & Cycle through Rural Galle

  Enjoy a scenic and immersive tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Galle. Your journey will take you down the Kapu Ela River by boat and then by bike across the paddies, ending with a traditional Sri Lankan meal and a lesson in hopper making.

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• Galle Cooking Experience - Food for the Soul

  During your time in Sri Lanka you are sure to dine on some soul-stirring dishes, including the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Food lovers will love this cooking experience, from the vibrant market of Galle to cooking in a local village.

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• Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men

  Today head to the center of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colorful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.

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• Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens

  The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species

  and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.

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• Shared Afternoon Safari - Yala National Park

  Enjoy a evening safari in Yala National Park. Yala is a must for anyone wanting to spot the elusive leopard, and with over 250sqkm / 96sqm of land to explore, you will likely have some luck in spotting not only leopard, but sloth bear and elephants.

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• Temple of the Tooth

  This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.

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• Visit Tea Factory and Plantation

  Visit a working tea factory and plantation and witness how tea is grown and processed.

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• Visit to an Artist's Home in Kandy

  Meet with Ranju the artist during an intimate visit to his studio in Kandy. Gain an intimate insight into Sri Lanka's budding art scene and the artist behind some extraordinary pieces.

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• Wilpattu Jeep Safari

  Enjoy a jeep safari to Wilpattu National Park, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka.

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• Your Time at Jim's Farm Villas - Scott Dunn Suggests

  There's plenty to keep everyone entertained at Jim's Farm Villas. During you stay visit the local Buddhist temple, go on a farm tour, try some Tai Chi or play volleyball. There's even the chance to have a lesson in the art of sari dressing and cooking.

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Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Hill Country, Nuwara Eliya & Tangalle