Inspiration Itinerary | Sri Lanka

A Family Journey

Bring the 'brood' along!

A priceless family foray

Is it any wonder Sri Lanka has been dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ with its wealth of endemic wildlife, endless scenic beauty and no less than eight World Heritage sites? It is the ideal destination for your next family foray as it literally offers something for everyone….

Whether your family are active adventurers, water babies, culture vultures, mad ‘foodies’, wildlife warriors, budding artists or avid shoppers Sri Lanka ticks all the boxes.

Hikers can climb Lion Rock in the ancient city of Sigirya or summit sacred 2,243m Adam’s Peak whilst Sri Lanka’s 1600km of palm-fringed coastline offers some seriously impressive snorkelling and diving, and an abundance of marine life.

On land there are 26 National Parks to explore, home to an incredible variety of animals including leopard, monkeys, a vast number of elephants and an impressive array of birds. Sri Lanka’s vibrant and unique cultural heritage is celebrated throughout the year with colourful religious festivals and you will be awestruck by the country’s impressive forts and ancient temples adorned with colourful mural paintings.

Whether you fancy street food or fine dining you can indulge in Sri Lanka’s signature spice infused delicacies – from creamy coconut curries to sensationally fresh seafood. And then there’s the shopping. Vibrant markets can be found all over Sri Lanka and are a great way to mingle with locals, sample local delicacies and support local arts and crafts, whilst larger towns such as Kandy, Galle and Colombo are peppered with budding designers and boutique stores.

For some priceless time with your family Sri Lanka cannot be beaten and this inspiration itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferences – all you need to do is ask!

15 MEMORY MAKING DAYS

DAY 1 | KOTUGODA | 1 NIGHT

Arrive in Sri Lanka and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure after your journey to this magical teaar drop island.

DAY 2 | SIGIRIYA | 3 NIGHTS

Hello Sri Lanka! Travel the backroads and villages of the Cultural Triangle to Sigiriya enjoying your first introduction to the beauty of the landscapes and people that you will call home over the coming weeks.

DAY 3 | SIGIRIYA

Climb the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress today. Theis massive column of rock, nearly 200 metres high, is a site of historical and archaeological significance that dominates the landscape. Enjoy the ancient frescoes in the caves aas you climb the views out across the lush landscapes from its lofty height.

DAY 4 | SIGIRIYA

This morning visit the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa by tuk tuk or bike. This city reached the height of its glory during the 12th century and is filled with a rich collection of ancient buildings and monuments including the magnificent ruins of its Royal Palace and the curious Circular Relic House. This afternoon enjoy a Jeep drive in Minneriya National Park to view elephants, 160 species of birds and, with luck, sloth bears and leopards.

DAY 5 | KANDY | 2 NIGHTS

On your journey to Kandy today visit the UNESCO caves at Dambulla. These remarkable caves are filled with images of the Buddha and sculptures of the Hindu gods that date back to the 1st Century BC. The caves are an important pilgrimage site for thousands of faithful who come to worship statues of the Buddha. Continue to Kandy where you can settle in to your hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 6 | KANDY

The ancient capital of Sri Lankan kings Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s cultural jewels. Enjoy a tour of the city today and be amazed by the collection of orchids on your guided visit to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, accompanied by a Botanist. Wander the street markets and this evening visit the world renowned Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine.

DAY 7 | HATTON | 2 NIGHTS

A beautifully scenic train journey carries you from Kandy to Hatton today. On arrival you will be collected and transferred to a colonial era tea plantation bungalow where you have the afternoon at leisure to explore your lush surroundings in the heart of Sri Lanka’s verdant tea country.

DAY 8 | HATTON

Your day is at leisure to participate in any of the activities on offer from your lodge. Enjoy a scenic walk, bike ride, swim or spa treatment. Today you will also be hosted on a tour of local tea factory where you will gain a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka’s age-old tea making process.

DAY 9 | YALA | 2 NIGHTS

Swapping the green hills of tea for the green jungles of Yala National Park you will depart Hatton this morning (approx 6.5 hours stopping for lunch enroute). On arrival in Yala you will have time for an evening jeep drive in the park.

DAY 10 | YALA

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations boasting one of the largest populations of leopards in the world. Enjoy jeep drives in the park today with the opportunity to hopefully also cross paths with elephants and a rich diversity of birds.

DAY 11 | GALLE | 3 NIGHTS

Rise early for a final morning jeep drive in Yala National Park, before a road transfer to the city of Galle, stopping as you wish enroute to explore the Southern Coast beaches.

DAY 12 | GALLE

A wonderful fusion of Dutch colonial architecture and traditional Sri Lankan markets Galle is fascinating to explore on foot. Set out today on a walking tour of this UNESCO site that includes a traditional cooking class where you can learn the art of combining spices before dining on your culinary creations. The afternoon is at leisure to wander, shop or simply relax in your hotel.

DAY 13 | GALLE

Venure just outside of Galle today to visit a cinnamon plantation this morning. Learn the history of one of Sri Lanka’s major exports. how it is harvested and how it is used not only in every day cooking, but also for its medicinal purposes. Your afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 14 | COLOMBO | 1 NIGHT

Road transfer from Galle to Colombo (approx 2.5 hours) and enjoy a sightseeing drive through this quintessentially cosmopolitan city. Bustling with tuk tuks you will weave your way past The Fort and through Pettah, one of the older districts, passing the green parks and canals that interject the city. Your evening is at leisure to prepare for departure.

. Enjoy a short sightseeing drive around Colombo city and check into your hotel, right on the Galle Face Green.

DAY 15 | END OF ITINERARY

Your itinerary ends today with a transfer to the airport to commence your journey home, or to undertake a new adventure!

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection of recommended accommodation

The Wallawwa – near Colombo airport

Just outside Colombo, amongst three acres of manicured gardens, The Wallawwa is a 200 year old colonial manor house, lovingly restored to provide 17 beautifully furnished bedrooms and suites. Original features have been brought right into the 21st century with luxuriant interiors and a glamorous pool to name a few. Read More

Water Garden – Sigiriya

Water Garden Sigiriya is located just 6 km away from the historic Sigiriya Rock and within easy reach of the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle. The hotel’s design is inspired by the 2000 year old water garden of Sigiriya Rock fortress, sitting serenely amongst still lakes and tranquil water streams. Read More

Kings Pavilion – Kandy

Nestled in the heart of the once mighty Kandyan Kingdom, Kings Pavilion is just 1.5km from the bustling heart of Kandy yet remains isolated and tranquil with breathtaking views over the Hunnasgiriya Mountain. Surrounded by misty mountains and verdant greenery it evokes the serene majesty of royal eras gone by. Read More

Ceylon Tea Trails – Hatton

Ceylon Tea Trails comprises four luxurious colonial era tea planters' bungalows, connected by walking trails through beautiful Ceylon tea gardens. They offer a taste of gracious living thanks to butler service & period furnishings, accompanied by gourmet meals. Venture out and enjoy the hikes, local villages and tea plantations. Read More

Leopard Trails Yala Camp – Yala National Park

Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safaris offers the true essence of ‘safari’ – elegance, romance and adventure. Their small and intimate mobile safari camps can be found in the buffer zone of Sri Lanka’s exotic jungles. Join Leopard Trails for an authentic back to nature experience in search of leopard, crocodile, elephant and more. Read More

Why House – near Galle

Why House is a beautiful home situated within a lovely landscaped three acre private walled garden of tropical plants, fruit and spice trees, and is only a short walk from the pretty beach of Wijaya and a fifteen minute drive to the world heritage site Galle Fort. Serene and secluded, Why House is a much sought after tropical oasis. Read More

Galle Face Hotel – Colombo

The Galle Face Hotel is located in the heart of the City of Colombo overlooking the Galle Face Green. Enjoy superior levels of comfort whilst reveling in the elegant and sophisticated ambience of a bygone era. The Regency has a wide range of eateries including Sea Spray - hang out with a drink and evoke thoughts of yesteryear. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

15 nights of Family Fun!

Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences

START: Colombo, Sri Lanka | Finish: Colombo, Sri Lanka

This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for an all encompassing family foray through Sri Lanka & can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season & dates of travel which may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!

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