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The Perfect Family Holiday to Sri Lanka
16 days from £6,550 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 £6,550 per person
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Day 1 -
20 Middle Street
- Galle
Arrive in Colombo and drive to Galle. Afternoon sightseeing in Galle Fort. -
Day 2 -
20 Middle Street
- Galle
Day at leisure. -
Day 3 -
20 Middle Street
- Galle
Day at leisure. -
Day 4 -
The Last House
- Tangalle
Drive to The Last House. Afternoon at leisure. -
Day 5 -
The Last House
- Tangalle
Day at leisure. -
Day 6 -
Leopard Trails, Yala
- Yala National Park
Drive to Yala National Park. Afternoon game drive. -
Day 7 -
Leopard Trails, Yala
- Yala National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. -
Day 8 -
Gal Oya Lodge
- Gal Oya National Park
Drive to Gal Oya National Park. Afternoon boat safari. -
Day 9 -
Gal Oya Lodge
- Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya safari/trek and private picnic lunch at the waterfalls. -
Day 10 -
Clingendael
- Kandy
Drive to Clingendael. Day at leisure for golfing or walks in the hills. -
Day 11 -
Clingendael
- Kandy
Day at leisure. -
Day 12 -
Ulagalla
- Anuradhapura
Drive to Anuradhapura. On route visit Sigiriya and climb the famous rock fortress. -
Day 13 -
Ulagalla
- Anuradhapura
Sightseeing around the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Mihintale & Ritigala. -
Day 14 -
Ulagalla
- Anuradhapura
After breakfast take a cooking class. In the afternoon go on a bike tour of the local area, both with Ampersand’s compliments. -
Day 15 -
The Wallawwa
- Negombo
Drive to The Wallawwa. Afternoon at leisure. -
Day 16 -
In transit.
Transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationTo my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson
