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The Perfect Family Holiday to Sri Lanka

16 days from £10,350 for 2025 per person

This itinerary features in our Top 10 Family Holidays.

Sri Lanka’s cultural charms, gorgeous looks and laid-back vibe make her the perfect island for a family holiday. This tour takes in Sri Lanka’s many highlights – the Dutch walled fort town of Galle, leopard safaris in Yala National Park, lake safaris in Gal Oya National Park, the stunning central Tea Country and Cultural Triangle – whilst staying in family-friendly villas and boutique hotels with room configurations that are perfect for a family.

Start in Galle at 20 Middle Street, a beautifully styled private villa with a swimming pool and lots of space to stretch out and relax, plus a great team of staff to take care of you. Formerly a Dutch merchant’s house built in 1750, the villa is perfectly located for sightseeing the galleries, shops and restaurants within the fort by foot. Other family activities include mangrove safaris in Balapitiya or whale watching trips – Sri Lanka has some of the best whale sightings in the world (December to April). Next head to the beautiful beaches of Tangalle and The Last House, a breezy 5-bedroom boutique hotel which was the last villa legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa designed.

Next it’s time to head into the jungle… Nothing compares to getting close to nature on a safari and Leopard Trails is the most exclusive safari camp in Sri Lanka. Sharing an elegant canvas tent will make it all the more fun! Yala is an enchantingly beautiful National Park teeming with wildlife, including about 35 leopards, 400 wild elephants, as well as wild buffalo, musk deer, mongoose, pangolins, black bears, macaques, jackals and an incredible number of bird species. From here, you’ll head to one of Sri Lanka’s most undiscovered beauties, Gal Oya National Park, to enjoy boat safaris on lakes where you can spot swimming elephants! Next, head to the staggering mountain topography of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country to cosy up at Clingendael, a luxurious home built in a Dutch Sri Lankan style with old-world decor and superb staff.

Finally, experience some of the most extraordinary temples in the world at Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Ulagalla Resort is an eco-friendly luxury resort within reach of the Cultural Triangle and the family activities range from cookery courses, archery, cycling, kayaking, horse riding and swimming in the enormous swimming pool. Enjoy day trips to visit the legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya, dubbed the “Lion Rock”, the Dambulla Cave Temples, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the huge granite monoliths of Ritigala and the impressive temple complex of Mihintale.

This is purely a suggested itinerary so can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Epic Journey and Family Holiday collections; as well as our favourite itineraries for Active, Beach, Boat, Surfing and Fly & Flop holidays.


Itinerary details

16 days from £10,350 for 2025 per person

SRI LANKA - Kids at Dambulla SRI LANKA - Kids at Dambulla
SRI LANKA -  Locals Galle SRI LANKA -  Locals Galle
SRI LANKA - fishermen SRI LANKA - fishermen
20 Middle Street, Galle Sri Lanka 20 Middle Street, Galle Sri Lanka
20 Middle Street, Galle, Sri Lanka 3 20 Middle Street, Galle, Sri Lanka 3
20 Middle Street, Galle, Sri Lanka 1 20 Middle Street, Galle, Sri Lanka 1
SRI LANKA - Galle Fort Overhead 2 SRI LANKA - Galle Fort Overhead 2
SRI LANKA - beach SRI LANKA - beach
The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 7 The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 7
The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 5 The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 5
SRI LANKA - Yala National Park - leopard SRI LANKA - Yala National Park - leopard
Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 1 Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 1
Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 3 Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 3
Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 12223 Leopard Trails Yala National Park Sri Lanka 12223
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 2 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 2
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 6 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 6
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 13 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 13
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 5 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 5
Sri Lanka - tea pickers Sri Lanka - tea pickers
CLINGENDAEL Kandy Sri Lanka 7 CLINGENDAEL Kandy Sri Lanka 7
CLINGENDAEL Kandy Sri Lanka 2 CLINGENDAEL Kandy Sri Lanka 2
SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Overhead SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Overhead
Sri Lanka -Dambulla Caves Sri Lanka -Dambulla Caves
SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Monks Lion Rock SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Monks Lion Rock
Ulagalla Resort 1 Ulagalla Resort 1
Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 26 Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 26
Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 15 Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 15
Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 5 Ulagalla Anuradhapura SRI LANKA 5
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

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