Sri Lanka Family Holiday
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2069
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private bus,train,bicycle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHFL
Starts: Negombo , Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),Camping (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,500 ($208 /day)
Itinerary
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
Accommodation:
- Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Sigiriya - Bike ride
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Accommodation:
- Pelvehara Village Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens
- Matale - Spice Garden
Optional Activities:
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance (7 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Senani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Accommodation:
- Hotel Senani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Train ride from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela
Accommodation:
- Orient Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Bandarawela - Country side trek
- Bandarawela - Tea Plucking Experience
Accommodation:
- Orient Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Udewalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Udewalawe Camping (with basic facilities) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning it's time to farewell the camp and head west towards the coast and the unique town of Galle Fort. Kids will be able to learn about the interesting history of the town and see the remains of the walled fortress, now one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. After lunch kids will love getting hands-on and making their very own kites to fly. Kite flying is a fun and popular pastime activity for local families and if visiting in the summer you're likely to see skies filled with colour along the coastline. Kites in hand it's then time to head to our final destination for this evening, the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Included Activities:
- Mirissa - Kite Flying
Accommodation:
- Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Mirissa is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will enjoy a full free day to explore it your way. Wander around the scenic waterfront or consider gathering the family together to head to the nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bringing in the daily catch to sell along the shore. Enjoy some fresh fish for lunch and perhaps go for a splash in the clear waters of the Laccadive Sea or relax on the sandy beaches.
Accommodation:
- Paradise Beach Club – Mirissa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Bronwyn - Traveled, March 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 !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Tania - Traveled, January 2024
Highly recommend this family tour - great introduction to a new culture with authentic experiences and fun along the way. Everything was so easy with a guide and we learnt so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Jessie - Traveled, January 2024
Great way to see the south west of the country with tight time frames. All the hassle taken out of the trip. Our guide made the trip a real highlight. Thanks Pragee.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Martin - Traveled, December 2024
The family tour was excellent. You see many places and experience many things. Playing cricket with the kids and learning dancing and cooking in peoples houses really make this an immersive experience. Well done Yasi and Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Adam - Traveled, September 2023
All our family (including three young children) thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Itinerary is well planned with a mix of local experiences, cultural activities and pure fun. Hotels were great, with just the right amount of travel per day. Our guide and crew were fantastic and we'd highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Grady - Traveled, August 2023
Ranjan made us feel at home. He was the greatest tour guide of all time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Elijah - Traveled, August 2023
RanJan is the best tour guide on earth he is the goat .??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Kent - Traveled, July 2023
The intrepid family tour embraces the grass roots of Sri Lanka, including local home visits to better understand the local life and culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Lisa - Traveled, January 2024
Our family really enjoyed the Sri Lanka Family Holiday with the lovely Chamodi as our leader. Highlights were the meal with a local family in a rice paddy, the bike ride in Dambula and the hike through the tea plantations. We really enjoyed playing cricket with the kids in the village too. Unfortunately we lost the game but we had lots of fun. Overall it has been a wonderful experience which we will never forget and I would recommend this tour to any families wishing visit Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Annalissa - Traveled, January 2024
We had a really fun trip with our family in beautiful Sri Lanka. There was a lot to do and see and eat! The people were warm and welcoming, our transport and leader, Chamodi, were outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Doru - Traveled, December 2024
We had an amazing time on this familty tour. Our group was almost full: 11 people- 5 kids and 6 adults. Our family really appreciated both the amazing experiences that Sri Lanka had to offer and the great socializing we did on the tour with the other 3 families. By far one of the top trips we ever did as a family: Lots of fun for the kids, super easy on the parents and very interesting for both age groups. 10/10
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Mark - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was excellent for families. Driver, Co Pilot and Guide were awesome. Took in lots of sights. Could only be better if the stops for lunch were more reasonably priced options. I would much rather have had more opportunity to eat street food than tourist spot banquets. Highly recommend for families wanting a taste of Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Mohamed - Traveled, August 2023
extremely memorable trip with my five and six-year-old. really knowledgeable guide made us feel safe and welcome at all times. Really flexible. wonderful group dynamic. The transport was excellent, and the drivers were super helpful. A couple of the hotels, including the very first one little bit below the standard I would’ve hoped for. But this was made up for with the other positive aspects of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Sarah - Traveled, August 2023
We recently did a family trip of Sri Lanka. Intrepid were great. They organised our flights too. The trip itself was magical and excellently run by our guide, Ranjan. He went above and beyond to make us safe, happy and he ensured that we got the most out of our time in this country. The people, the sights, the food and the cultures were truly amazing. It surpassed my expectations and I'll be using Intrepid again, for sure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Reg - Traveled, July 2023
A great trip, really life changing. Well organised, varied, great tem leader and lovely driver, safe clean van. Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Benjamin - Traveled, December 2022
If you want to explore the many aspects of Sri Lankan life - this is the trip for you! We took our energetic and fussy 5-year-old, and he loved it! This trip was amazing! We will do it again, and bring our extended family! This is a great way to get to know this beautiful country and its wonderful culture and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2023
Melissa - Traveled, December 2022
I have already recommended Intrepid to everyone. I love Intrepid's policies and philosophies. The values and similar to my own, in term of humanity and animal rights. You can see how Intrepid values their customers, health safety and well-being in order to have a great trip. This is also reflected through the trip leaders and drivers they employ. Intrepid is second to none. I will not travel with any other company. Intrepid is second to none.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2023
Sharon - Traveled, September 2022
What a fabulous trip we've just had with our three teenage boys on the Sri Lanka Family Holiday. We had no concerns with our safety, the scenery was spectacular, the people are so friendly and the food was incredible. Such an amazing adventure which exceeded our expectations. We would recommend anyone thinking of taking this trip to just book it, you won't be disappointed - we're giving it 11/10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2022
Cupalika - Traveled, March 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Maisie - Traveled, March 2024
This was such a great trip and we met some lovely people! Our guide was so helpful and I would love to do a tour like this again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
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