Family Highlights of Sri Lanka
Family Highlights of Sri Lanka
Family Highlights of Sri Lanka
9 Days Starting and ending in Negombo
Visiting: Negombo, Kitulgala, Nuwara Eliya, Pasikuda Beach, Habarana, Wilpattu National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FSS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 20
Age range:
7-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Join us on an action-packed family adventure across this spiritual island. Search for leopard in Wilpattu National Park, staying overnight in a tented safari camp; cycle the backroads to discover ancient Buddhist cities in ancient Polonnaruwa and raft the white waters of the Central Highlands. Blessed with sun soaked beaches and a breadth of fun activities, its little surprise that Sri Lanka is one of our most popular family holiday destinations.
Wildlife - search for groups of Asian elephants, leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, buffalo, sambar and mongoose
Beach time - relax on the tropical beaches of the Indian Ocean and take a surfing lesson (west coast version only)
Get active - White water rafting on the Kelani River, ideal for beginners or intermediate rafters
We offer an east and west coast version of this family holiday to benefit from the best weather conditions on each coast, staying on the east coast over the summer holidays and October half term and switching to the south west coast over Christmas, February and Easter.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Trip Starts In Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel, Beacon Beach
Accommodation Name: Earls Regent Hotel
Arrive in Negombo, a beach resort a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city situated on the Indian Ocean.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International airport (airport code CMB), which is 14km, 40 minutes from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day there is the option to head to the beach or make use of the hotel facilities which features a swimming pool and gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 2: Take A Jeep Safari In Search Of Leopards In Wilpattu National Park, Overnight Tented Camp.
Location: Kitulgala
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat
Accommodation Name: Big Game Safari Camp Wilpattu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Negombo we travel north following the coastal road to Wilpattu National Park, a journey of around 4.5 hours including stops. Here we will leave our bus and change to jeeps for an afternoon safari through the park hoping to spot Sri Lanka's most elusive resident, the leopard. Despite Wilpattu National Park's location in Sri Lanka's dry zone, it boasts nearly 60 lakes and is renowned for leopard, elephant and sambar deer sightings.
Tonight we stay in a large fixed tented camp located close to the Southern boundary, on the boundary of a lake surrounded by bush forest. Each tent is well appointed with raised beds and comfortable mattresses, there is plenty of space to move around; en-suite private bathrooms are located in adjoining individual tents. Pillows, bed linen, towels, a flashlight and an umbrella are also provided. In the evening guests are invited to retire to the campfire after dinner.
Day 3: Share A Meal With Locals In Habarana, Travelling By Canoe And Tuk Tuk; Cycling Tour Of Ancient Polonnaruwa.
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Heaven's Edge
Accommodation Name: Acme Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Heading inland we drive two hours to Habarana, the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Tuk tuks are the transport of choice here, and we'll switch out the bus for a tuk tuk ride to the community's vegetable garden. Walk around and help the villagers select a choice of homegrown vegetables, which will all go into preparing our traditional Sri Lankan lunch. Watch and join in if you like as delicious curries and rice are prepared. After sharing the meal, we have the chance to take a serene canoe ride on the village lake. After spending time in the village we make our way back to our bus and onto Polonnaruwa, just under an hour's drive.
This afternoon we visit the ancient city by bicycle and on foot, taking in the spectacular ruins of the Royal Palace and its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle - a wonderfully compact collection of ruins. We stay overnight close to Polonnaruwa.
Day 4: Climb To The Top Of Sigiriya's Dramatic Lion's Rock And Explore Kandy's Markets.
Location: Pasikuda Beach
Accommodation: Marina Passikudah
Accommodation Name: Mahaweli Reach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early transfer this morning takes us to the start of our ascent up the imposing Lion Rock for the climb to the redoubtable Sky Fortress, soaring dramatically up from the flat central plains. The ruins of this 5th century World Heritage site fortress are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions. A switchback series of steps (sometimes very steep and somewhat precarious) ascends to the top and half-way up, tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous Sigiriya Damsels. These frescoes, their ancient colours still glowing, once covered an area of some 140 metres in length and are the only ancient non-religious paintings to have survived into modern times. On arriving at the summit (200m) we are presented with some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the remains of what is left of the palace of King Kassapa.
Leaving Sigiriya we drive to Kandy located just outside the city. We wander through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens which boasts more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, medicinal plants and palm trees. Join our tour leader for a short walking tour of Kandy which will include visiting the town's narrow streets lined with old buildings and colourful and interesting markets. Buddhists from all over the world come to this highland town specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa and there is the option to visit the temple, should you wish. You may wish to continue shopping at the Kandyan Art Association's workshops, which has plenty of brassware, batik, lacquer work and other craft items which make excellent souvenirs or presents.
Late afternoon we transfer to our hotel located 4km outside of Kandy overlooking the Mahaweli River (Sri Lanka's longest), allowing easy access to Kandy without the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The hotel has beautiful gardens, an open air restaurant and swimming pool.
Day 5: Drive To Kitulgala, Adventure Capital Of Sri Lanka. White Water Rafting And Jungle Walk
Location: Pasikuda Beach
Accommodation: Marina Passikudah
Accommodation Name: Kitulgala Resthouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our drive this morning takes us to Kitulgala, a journey of around two hours. Set amongst the fertile and lush western highlands with towering cliffs and wild water, the Kelani Ganga provides some of the best white water rafting in the country. The grade 2-3 rapids provide us with the perfect combination of fun and excitement, as we spend the afternoon rafting down the river towards our eco lodge accommodation in the jungle outside Kitulgala.
We cover a six kilometre section of the river through several rapids. It will usually take approximately one hour to cover the section but this depends on water levels so may be a bit shorter or longer. Taking lunch en route, we should arrive at our simple hotel late this afternoon. This evening, if time allows, there will be a chance to join an optional trek across the river and through the jungle to a hidden waterfall. In dry season the falls may be smaller or dried up according to recent climate conditions.
Our night spent at Kitulgala is in a simple graded resthouse. The Kitulgala Resthouse Hotel has around 20 simply appointed en suite rooms with a fan in each room. It is located on the Kelani river front and surrounded by nature (ear plugs can come in handy!).
Day 6: Continue To The Indian Ocean Town Of Hikkaduwa, Free Afternoon On The Beach And Marine Park.
Location: Habarana
Accommodation: Hotel, Acme
Accommodation Name: Coral Rock by Bansai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast head to the coast to Hikkaduwa on a drive that should take about 4 hours. Our hotel is located on the beach in Hikkaduwa, which is famous for its marine sanctuary, wide palm dotted beach and coral sanctuary. If we're lucky we may get to see turtles and other marine life just off the beach.
Day 7: Morning Surf Lesson In Hikkaduwa. Rest Of The Day Free To Enjoy The Beach
Location: Wilpattu National Park
Accommodation: Camp, Big Game Safari Wilpattu
Accommodation Name: Coral Rock by Bansai
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next day and a half is free to enjoy the laid back ambience and turquoise waters of Sri Lanka's southern coast. Rich in colonial history and golden beaches, the region offers us a wealth of options to enjoy the most of our time here.
In the morning we have a surf lesson. Hikkaduwa is one of the premier surfing destinations in Sri Lanka. Our two hour lesson can be tailored for beginners or more advanced surfers to make the most of your time on the Indian Ocean. Other activities include snorkelling trips and for those wanting pure relaxation there are plenty of spots to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. You could also pay a visit to the city of Galle and its historic colonial fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains one of the best preserved examples of colonial fortification in the world.
Day 8: Free Morning On The Beach. Train Journey From Hikkaduwa To Colombo, Continue To Negombo.
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel, Beacon Beach
Accommodation Name: Earls Regent Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning on the beach. This afternoon we take a local train from Hikkaduwa to Colombo with fine views of the Indian ocean as we make our way up the west coast. With many Sri Lankans using the coastal network every day it is the perfect opportunity to meet local families.
We make the final part of our journey by bus, returning to the small town of Negombo for our final night in Sri Lanka.
Day 9: Trip Ends In Negombo
Location: Negombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Negombo.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Negombo at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Colombo's Bandaranaike International airport (airport code CMB), which is 14km, 40 minutes from the hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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1 lunch
1 dinner
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2 dinner
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Meals
Breakfasts: 8
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 2
Check out our Q&As
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.