DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Colombo
Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo to Sigiriya 
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred approx. 3 1/2 hrs to Sigiriya to spend 3 nights in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle at Roo Mansala. Relax by the pool after your journey and enjoy views of the Sigiriya Rock as you settle in to this incredible country. Welcome to Sri Lanka! 

Day 3: Sigiriya
This morning you will be driven approx. 90 mins to the UNESCO capital of Polonnaruwa to enjoy a cycling tour of the ancient capital. Keep an eye out for all of the different Buddha statues as you cycle around! Next, you’ll stop for lunch and a well earned rest, before you head off for your exciting safari in Minneriya National Park. As well as a wide range of animals, Minneriya National Park is most famous for elephants – July is the best time to go to catch the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. 

Day 4: Sigiriya
Today you’ll enjoy an early breakfast before you are collected by your driver and taken to the UNESCO Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Burn off your delicious breakfast with a hike to the top – an incredible view of the surrounding scenery awaits! Head back to Roo Mansala this afternoon to enjoy some down time by the pool after your hike today. 

Day 5: Sigiriya to Kandy
Today you will be driven approx. 2 1/2 hours to Kandy, where for the next 2 nights you will stay at Villa Rosa. This is a real Sundowner favourite, with stylish rooms and one of the best views in Kandy! The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax by the pool, or explore under your own steam. You could take part in cooking classes at Villa Rosa so you can recreate a Sri Lankan dish at home, or if you want to get out and explore, the hotel can help you to arrange market tours and hikes.

Day 6: Kandy
You will enjoy a visit to the UNESCO Temple of the Tooth and Royal Palace today. The Buddhist Temple is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, and the Temple is a great part of Sri Lankan culture. For the foodies in the family, you could also head out on a street food tour, or take in the sights of the city on an Old Kandy walking tour. Like the sound of the food tour? Talk to us about making sure you get this booked into your trip!

Day 7: Kandy to the Tea Country (Ella)
This morning you will be transferred to the train station to board your train for a scenic journey to Ella through dramatic scenery up into the tea plantations. On arrival, you will spend 2 nights at the elegant 98 Acres, surrounded by a beautiful landscape, you’ll experience true serenity. Spend the rest of the day enjoying this part of Sri Lanka – take a tour of the 98 Acres tea estate and enjoy a tea tasting session, hire bikes to explore the area on two wheels, or enjoy an archery lesson – a fun activity for the kids to try!

Day 8: Ella
A full day to enjoy this beautiful region of Sri Lanka! Rise early for a morning climb of Little Adam’s Peak – it is over 1,000 metres tall, but has a fairly easy route to the top (taking approx. 2-3 hours up and down). For the adventurous members of the family, there is a thrilling Flying Ravana Zip Line to enjoy – this exciting journey offers a bird’s eye view of the beautiful hills as you fly over iconic tea estates. Want to pick up the pace? Call us on 01273 923 100 to discuss adding in another stop.

Day 9: Ella to Yala
You’ll be collected by your driver this morning and head approx. 3 1/2 hours to the border of Yala National Park where you will spend 2 nights on safari at Cinnamon Wild – enjoy spectacular views from your chalet and you might get lucky enough to catch an elephant drinking from the pool! This afternoon you will head out into Yala National Park for your first private safari – home to a variety of environments, Yala National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Sri Lanka and has a diverse range of animals to spot! 

Day 10: Yala National Park 
A day of private safari awaits – keep an eye out for elephants, monkeys and maybe even a leopard! After a busy day wildlife spotting, you’ll head back to Cinnamon Wild to rest and enjoy a dip in the pool. Want to visit an elephant orphanage? Call us to discuss adding this into your stay in Yala. 

Day 11: Yala to Tangalle  
This morning you will be driven approx. 1 1/2 hours along the coast to Tangalle where you will spend the next 3 nights relaxing on the beach at Buckingham Place – this unique beachside property offers stylish accommodation and spectacular views as far as the eye can see! 

Days 12&13: Tangalle – beach time!
Two full days to enjoy some time on the beach as a family. The breathtaking Rekawa Beach is just a short stroll away from the hotel – whilst sea bathing is not advised, a nearby rock pool and safer beaches are easily accessible! Rekawa Beach also has a great turtle conservation project to learn more about turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. Do the kids want to see some more wildlife? Talk to us about adding in day trips from Buckingham Place, including trips to Uda Walawe National Park and Bundala Reserve. 

Day 14: Tangalle to Galle 
Early this morning you will head out on a whale watching catamaran trip. A light breakfast will be served on the boat as you search for whales and dolphins – an incredible way to make memories as a family! Later, you will be taken to spend your last 2 nights in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Galle at the elegant Yara Galle Fort. This is a great base for exploring the city if you want to head out this evening, or stay in and rest after your busy day. 

Day 15: Galle
Today you’ll head out with your driver for a walking tour of the city. Head to Galle Fort, the city’s centre piece and a hive of activity with a bustling population. If the kids are keen to take something home with them from Sri Lanka, then you could also go souvenir shopping – soak up the atmosphere of the market as you look around! Prefer to spend more time on the beach? Call us on 01273 923 100 to miss Galle and extend your stay in Tangalle. 

Day 16: Galle to UK
Today you will be transferred approx. 2 hrs to Colombo airport for your flight back to the UK. Welcome Home!