Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
13 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Haputale, Tissamaharama, Beruwala
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
5-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 13-day family adventure through the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka with the "Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families" tour. Experience the thrill of jeep safaris in Yala and Minneriya National Parks, where you can spot Asian elephants, leopards, and more. Discover the cultural treasures of Dambulla's Rock Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the vibrant city of Kandy, including a tuk-tuk ride and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Relax on the golden beaches of Beruwala, enjoy a scenic train journey through the Hill Country, and immerse yourself in local traditions in Hambantota Village. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of cultural and wildlife experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable family holiday in Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arie Lagoon
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: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Negombo - Sigiriya. After breakfast we bid farewell to Negombo and set off for the town of Sigiriya, home of the famous Sigiriya ancient rock fortress and near to the Dambulla cave temples. 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: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sigiriya Rock and 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.
Day 4: Sigiriya
Location: Polonnaruwa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Polonnaruwa and Minneriya. 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. Every year from July to November, hundreds of elephants migrate to a man-made watering hole in Minneriya, which is one of the few water sources not to dry up in the hot weather. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to be seen anywhere in the world.
Day 5: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we discover the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. Boasting over 2000 sq meters of painted walls and ceilings and a 14 meter Buddha made from rock.
Our next stop of the day is to a spice garden in Matale to get a better understanding of the process of growing the various different spices Sri Lanka is famous for before finishing our day in Kandy, the city of colonial architecture.
Day 6: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the last capital of Sri Lankan kings by tuk tuk. We start our tour driving around and taking a dip in the lake built by the last Sinhala King in 1798 before going back into the town and exploring the Bazaar, the gem museum and a local lapidary.
After freshening up at our hotel we end our day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where it is said that whoever holds the relic holds control of the country, for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.
Day 7: Haputale
Location: Haputale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Melheim Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Haputale. Today we board the scenic train passing through tea plantations and amazing waterfalls until we reach the town of Haputale, on the southern edge of the Hill Country. After checking in and freshening up at our hotel we have the rest of the day to explore our spectacular surroundings. Go hiking in the Thangamale woodland or visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout where Master Lipton planted the first seeds for what is now Sri Lanka’s most popular tea – Lipton Tea. For those looking to relax, the hotel pool offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 8: Tissamaharama
Location: Tissamaharama
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Chaarya Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Happutale - Ella - Tissamaharama. This morning we venture through the clouds to the village of Ella where we meet our local guide before making our way to our first stop - Ravena Ella Falls, one of the wildest falls in the country with a 30 foot drop. It is said the king who kidnapped princess Sita from India hid her behind the falls.
Returning to our hotel, there's time to relax before we embark on a jeep safari through Yala National Park where we search through the thorny scrubs and dense forests in hopes to see the resident elephants, leopards and bear. If we’re lucky we also get the chance to see the feathered King Fisher and migrant birds being protected from Predator Eagles.
Day 9: Bentota And Beruwala
Location: Beruwala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tissamaharama - Hambantota - Beruwala. This morning we travel just outside of Tissamaharama to a local village called Hambantota. Here we wander through the farm and taste some home grown tea in a fresh coconut shell and play some traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. After an afternoon of fun we return to our bus in tractors used on the farm and set off to our last point of call for the day, Beruwala where we have the evening at leisure to spend on the beach.
Day 10-11: Beruwala Beach
Location: Beruwala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next two days are at leisure to explore Beruwala. Take a stroll along the beach known as the "Golden Mile" or go for a walk through the lively fish market. You can meet the local fishermen and taste some of the days catch. Those looking for something different may wish to visit the water sports centre or sea turtle hatchery. Here you can learn all about the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches here. You even get to meet some of the baby turtles!
Day 12: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beruwala - Colombo. After breakfast we make our way to Colombo, originally known as "the garden city of the east”. Meet our guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of highlights including the old clock tower and the impressive Gangaramaya Temple. Our tour ends with a spot of souvenir shopping in Paradise Road and Lakmedura. We then have the rest of the evening to continue exploring Colombo’s streets or sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Day 13: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
Breakfast daily
Enjoy a daily breakfast included in your tour package.
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12 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 12 nights during your tour.
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Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Happutale, Ella and Colombo
Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Happutale, Ella, and Colombo.
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Jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park
Participate in thrilling jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park.
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Scenic train journey from Kandy and Tuk Tuk trips
Enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy and exciting Tuk Tuk trips.
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Escorted by an English speaking national guide
Be accompanied by an English-speaking national guide throughout your tour.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13
Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last days of your tour.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Benefit from all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
A suggested amount is USD$25 – 35 per adult for the entire tour. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to USD$220-$240 per person, paid in USD, are not included.
Age Policy
Child: 5 - 11.99yrs. 12 - 18 yrs book as adult.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of modern comfort and cultural charm with stays at the Goldi Sands Hotel, Sigiriya Jungles, Hotel Topaz, Melheim Resort, Chaarya Resort, and The Palms. Enjoy amenities like private balconies, outdoor pools, spas, and diverse dining options, all set against stunning Sri Lankan landscapes.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation. Enjoy scenic train journeys and tuk-tuk trips, along with thrilling jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, ensuring a seamless and adventurous exploration of Sri Lanka.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can we expect to see during the jeep safaris in Sri Lanka?
During the jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Asian elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears, and possibly leopards. Minneriya is particularly known for the large gatherings of elephants, especially from July to November.
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What activities are available for families in the village of Hambantota?
In the village of Hambantota, families can enjoy wandering through the farm, tasting home-grown tea in a fresh coconut shell, and playing traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. The visit concludes with a tractor ride back to the bus.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour of Kandy?
In Kandy, the tour includes a tuk tuk ride around the city, a visit to the lake built by the last Sinhala King, exploration of the Bazaar, the gem museum, and a local lapidary. The day ends with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.
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What can we expect during the visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress?
At Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you will climb to the ruins of the ancient palace and penthouse, explore some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding jungles. The visit also includes a walk along a village path to a local farm where you can learn about Sri Lankan cuisine and enjoy a traditional meal.
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What are the highlights of the scenic train journey from Kandy to Haputale?
The scenic train journey from Kandy to Haputale offers views of tea plantations and amazing waterfalls. Upon arrival in Haputale, you can explore the Thangamale woodland, visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout, or relax at the hotel pool with views of the surrounding landscape.
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What leisure activities are available at Beruwala Beach?
At Beruwala Beach, you can stroll along the 'Golden Mile', visit the lively fish market, meet local fishermen, and taste fresh seafood. There are also options to visit a water sports center or a sea turtle hatchery where you can learn about turtles and meet baby turtles.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.