Sri Lanka Family Holiday - 8 Days

Sri Lanka Family Holiday - 8 Days

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8 Days From

$1065

Sri Lanka Family Holiday - 8 Days

8 Days Starting in Negombo, Sri Lanka and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Colombo

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2041/FSFH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Family tours: For children aged 5 & over. Under 12 yrs pay the child rate.Teenager tours: For 12 - 18 years. All pay the adult price.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1065

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day family adventure through the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. This small group tour takes you from the golden beaches of Negombo to the bustling streets of Colombo, with stops at iconic sites like the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress and the ornate Dambulla cave temples. Experience the thrill of a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, where you might spot elephants and other wildlife. Discover the rich history of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital, and enjoy a scenic tuk-tuk ride in Kandy, visiting the Temple of the Tooth. Learn about Sri Lanka's famous tea at the Giragama Tea Factory and explore the spice gardens of Matale. With guided sightseeing, comfortable 3-4 star accommodations, and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation for the whole family.

Highlights

  • Minneriya National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a jeep safari

  • Dambulla - Marvel at this spectacular ornate rock temple

  • Kandy - Go on a city tour including Tuk Tuk ride, Temple of the Tooth and cultural performance

  • Giragama Tea Factory - Learn about this working tea factory with a long history

  • Sigiriya - Explore this remarkable 5th century fortress ruins

  • Colombo - Visit the Fort area, Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple

  • Polonnaruwa - Explore the ancient capital city of Ceylon

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation Name: hotel in the city of Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Negombo. Here you will have the rest of the afternoon to settle in and explore the highlights at your own leisure.

Day 2 : Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Meals Included: Breakfast

Negombo- Dambulla. After breakfast we bid farewell to Negombo and set off for the town of Dambulla, home of the famous Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya ancient rock fortress. Spend the rest of the afternoon getting better acquainted with this lovely town. Sit back, relax and try some of the local traditional foods including pittu.

Day 3 : Dambulla

Location: Sigiriya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Dambulla. Sigiriya Rock & Village. Our first stop this morning is to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress of the 5th Century King Kasyapa, undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights of Sri Lanka. Let the kids’ burn off some energy with the climb up to the ruins of the palace and penthouse. Once we reach the ruins we have time to wander through some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and revel in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding jungles. After descending from the ruins we make our way along the village path to a typical village lake, known as a “Wewa”, passing by homes surrounded by green woods and watch huts which the locals use at night to keep a lookout for wild elephants and boar. Here we cross the lake by canoe arriving at a local farm where we meet the owners and spend some time watching them share the secrets of Sri Lanakan cuisine before we sit down to enjoy the delicious meal which has been prepared using a traditional hearth. Upon our return to Dambulla we have the evening at leisure to spend however we wish.

Day 4 : Dambulla

Location: Polonnaruwa

Accommodation Name: hotel in Dambulla

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Dambulla. After breakfast we make our way to the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here we take time to wander along the shimmering waters of the man-made lake, the Parakrama Samudra and uncover intricately carved lotus pillars, meditative halls, ceremonial towers, as well as magnificent royal baths and palace ruins before stopping at the famous Gal Vihara Temple. This afternoon we head to Minneriya National Park where we search for wildlife by Jeep Safari. Despite its relatively small size there is an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands and grasslands found here which is home to Elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears and if we are incredibly lucky we may spot a leopard on our game drive. An adventure for all ages! After an exciting day we return to our hotel in Dambulla for a relaxing evening.

Day 5 : Kandy

Location: Kandy

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dambulla - Kandy. This morning we discover the famous Golden Cave Temple; one of the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. Dating back to the 1st Century BC, this stunning complex of 5 caves contains over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre statue carved out of the cave rock. The afternoon finds us at a local spice garden where we can wander through the fields and learn about the countries famous spices.

Day 6 : Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings is ours to unravel today. We start our tour with a tuk tuk ride around the scenic artificial lake made by the last king of Kandy and the Bazaar. This afternoon we find ourselves at a local tea plantation and factory in Giragama to learn about the secrets of making one of the worlds’ most famous hot drinks. After freshening up at the hotel we end our day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, to watch some traditional Sri Lankan dancing – a highlight for the whole family!

Day 7 : Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy - Colombo. All aboard the train to Colombo this morning where we continue our day with a sightseeing tour of the capital stopping at some of the cities highlights including the 100 year old clock tower, Pettah bazaar and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall – a gift to Sri Lanka from the people of China. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is at leisure to take a stroll along the beach or Paradise Road for some souvenir shopping.

Day 8 : Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we check out of our hotel and make our way to the airport to head home. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 - 4 star hotels

  • Breakfast daily

    Enjoy a daily breakfast included in your tour package.

  • 7 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 7 nights during your tour.

  • Guided sightseeing

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Gem Mine, and Colombo.

  • Scenic tuk tuk tour in Kandy

    Take a scenic tuk tuk tour in the city of Kandy.

  • Escorted by an English speaking national guide

    Be accompanied by an English-speaking national guide throughout your tour.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfer

    Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tips for your tour guide are not included.

    It is suggested to tip USD$25 – 35 per adult for the entire tour.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees ranging from USD$150-$170 per person, paid in USD, are not included.

Age Policy

Child: 5 - 11.99yrs. 12 - 18 yrs book as adult.

Accommodation

Experience the charm of Sri Lanka with stays at the Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo, Sigiriya Jungles, Hotel Topaz, and Radisson Hotel Colombo. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and cultural experiences at these well-appointed hotels, each offering unique features like rooftop pools, spa services, and local cuisine.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation, including airport arrival and departure transfers. Enjoy a scenic tuk-tuk tour in Kandy and a train journey to Colombo, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout Sri Lanka.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can we expect to see during the jeep safari in Minneriya National Park?

    During the jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears, and if you're lucky, a leopard.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Sigiriya?

    In Sigiriya, you will explore the ancient rock fortress, climb to the ruins of the palace, wander through the multi-tiered gardens, and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. You will also visit a local village, cross a lake by canoe, and enjoy a traditional meal at a local farm.

  • What can we expect during the city tour in Kandy?

    During the city tour in Kandy, you will enjoy a tuk tuk ride around the scenic artificial lake, visit a local tea plantation and factory in Giragama, and end the day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic to watch traditional Sri Lankan dancing.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in 3-4 star hotels such as the Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo, Sigiriya Jungles in Sigiriya, Hotel Topaz in Kandy, and the Radisson Hotel Colombo. These hotels offer modern amenities, scenic views, and various facilities like pools, spas, and restaurants.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8 are included in the tour package.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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