Travel Kuoni

Island Explorers - A Sri Lanka Family Adventure

This one’s for the families looking for a slice of culture, a pinch of adventure and a bit of us time by the ocean.

But most importantly, it’s perfect if you’re looking for places to stay where, as a family of three or four, you can all bundle in together in one suite, villa or connecting rooms. You’ll get to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka together from the Cultural Triangle to the coast via the Hill Country and a wildlife-rich national park.

Suggested itinerary
Family

Itinerary overview

Day 1

Negombo

The first stop off on your crew’s adventure is a night in Negombo. It’s close to the airport so y...

Days 2 to 5

Sigiriya

It’s time to head inland to Sri Lanka’s heritage-packed heartland. You’ll base yourself within vi...

Day 6

Kandy

You’ll all then head south (and perhaps making a pit stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples on the way...

Days 7 to 8

Hatton

The breathtaking Hill Country is your family’s next stop, and we’ve picked a hotel in Hatton wher...

Days 9 to 10

Udawalawe

The focus switches to wildlife over the next couple of days as you head back down to earth from t...

Days 11 to 13

Hambantota

This itinerary is rounded off by the beachy destination of Hambantota on the glorious south coast...

Extend your stay

Hambantota

Spend a few more nights on Sri Lanka’s southern shores to totally peace out after your busy trip ...

Extend your stay

Maldives

The picture-perfect atolls of the Maldives are a metaphorical hop from Colombo so while you’re ov...

Day 1

Negombo

The first stop off on your crew’s adventure is a night in Negombo. It’s close to the airport so you can reset and regroup after your flight before setting off on your trip. There’s a spa for jet lag weary muscles, a pool for some refreshing splashes and poolside sun loungers for snoozes.

Days 2 to 5

Sigiriya

It’s time to head inland to Sri Lanka’s heritage-packed heartland. You’ll base yourself within view of an island icon – Sigiriya Rock – and spend a couple of days soaking up all the region has to offer. We’ve included an early morning ascent of the rock to see the ruins of a former kingdom’s capital and the 360 views which are a bit of a jaw-dropper. The rest of your time is free to do with as you choose but there are a few optional out-and-back experiences that you could add to your holiday like elephant seeking in Minneriya or a visit to some epic ruins at Polonnaruwa.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Anuradhapura

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, Sigiriya Rock is a sight to behold, towering 200 metres above the surrounding jungle. Formed from magma of an extinct volcano, the fortress was created over 1500 years ago by King Kashyapa and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, discover the vast history of the plateau at the onsite museum before making the climb up the vertiginous staircases to the summit passing impressive frescoes and the famed Mirror Wall and colossal Lions Platform as you go. From the top, explore the ruins of the ancient civilisation through the remnants of the palace and vast gardens and soak up the panoramic vistas of the jungle covered central plains.

Good to know
For the most pleasurable experience we recommend organising this excursion first thing in the morning or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day. While suitable for all, the climb to the summit requires a good degree of physical fitness.

Minneriya Jeep Safari

Anuradhapura

If observing elephants in their natural habitat is on your to do list while in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park should be top of your list. While elephants can be spotted all year round in huge numbers, during the dry season, between April and October, the park plays host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world: The Great Elephant Gathering. As the Minneriya Tank dries up and gives way to a lush grass plain, 300 or more elephants gather in the late afternoon to feed offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle. Home to a host of other wildlife from two endemic monkey species to the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, the endangered Grey Slender Loris and elusive Sri Lankan Leopard can also occasionally be spotted.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 3pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Kandy

Good to know
Depending on the time of year, guests may be taken to the Hurulu Eco-park (Jan to May) or Kandulla National Park (Nov to Dec) as elephant migrations interchange between all three parks.

Polonnaruwa Kingdom Ruins

Anuradhapura

Brush off your explorer hat as you traverse the ancient second capital of the island and discover the monumental ruins of this glorious garden-city. Dating back to 1070 A.D, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with history and the on-site museum will soon have you up to speed. The ancient compact city is easy to navigate and filled with impressive architectural structures from the enormous Royal Palace that stands seven stories tall to more personal relics such as the King’s private swimming pool. During this five-hour tour you’ll have the opportunity to explore many of the city’s highlights including the beautiful white Kiri Vihara Dagoba which archaeologists found when clearing the area from jungle in perfect condition after 700 years. From evocative temples and shrines to the serene Sea Of Parakrama, this is one of the best -preserved sites in Sri Lanka and sure to create lasting memories for years to come.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama, Passikudah and Trincomalee hotels

Good to know
Legs and shoulders must be covered, and shoes will need to be removed when exploring the temples.

Day 6

Kandy

You’ll all then head south (and perhaps making a pit stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples on the way) to Kandy, a buzzing city surrounded by rolling hills, that was once the core of the Kandyan Kingdom. City highlights such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Botanic Gardens are included on an introductory tour.

Kandy’s Highlights

Sri Lanka

Whether time is of the essence or you’re after an introduction to this vibrant city that’s brimming with history and culture, this half day excursion will ensure you don’t miss any of Kandy’s major attractions. Discover one of Buddhism’s most sacred shrines at the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth, where the relic tooth of Buddha is housed and explore the spectacular Royal Palace complex – the perfect backdrop for some holiday snaps.

Dating back to 1821, finish your trip with a meander through the delightful Royal Botanical Garden where you’ll find over 100 endemic plants before exploring the rest of the city at leisure or returning to your hotel to unwind.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Anuradhapura

A fantastic stopping off point when travelling between Habarana or Kandalama and Kandy, the famous cave complexes of Dambulla are a haven for those interested in Sri Lanka’s rich history. Dating back to the first Century BC, this ancient cave temple has been a pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus for 22 centuries and is still a place of holy importance to this day. There are over 80 documented caves at the site, but with around an hour to explore, this excursion will guide you through the major highlights which are spread over just five of them. Adorned with statues of Gautama Buddha and ornate ceiling paintings, the iconic temple is brimming with artefacts depicting the island’s glorious past and is not to be missed.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama, Kandy and Passikudah hotels
• Available as a day trip for guests staying at hotels in Negombo

Good to know
Legs and shoulders must be covered, and shoes will need to be removed when exploring the temples.

Days 7 to 8

Hatton

The breathtaking Hill Country is your family’s next stop, and we’ve picked a hotel in Hatton where you can combine a suite with a second bedroom – perfect to keep everyone under one roof. Your time here can be as packed or as relaxed as you choose. The hotel stay includes a tea factory visit and there are scenic trails around the hotel you can follow. Alternatively, you can head out to explore the surrounding area with the hotel’s naturalist who can help you to spot birds and wildlife.

Days 9 to 10

Udawalawe

The focus switches to wildlife over the next couple of days as you head back down to earth from the hills. On the way to your home for the next two nights, pop in to see the residents of the Elephant Transit Home – always a popular stop with both kids and parents. This haven for orphaned elephants is a hands-off experience but you’ll get to see the cheeky youngsters eat their lunch, and discover how one day be returned to the national park. Speaking of the park, your day here includes a three-hour safari searching for wild ellies, birds, deer and buffalo.

Udawalawe Jeep Safari & Elephant Transit Home

Yala & Udawalawe

Founded in 1995, the Elephant Transit Home is a haven for orphaned or injured elephant calves who are rehabilitated back to full health before being returned to the wild. Great lengths are taken to minimize contact between the baby elephants, their caregivers and visitors but you can enjoy watching them stamp their feet impatiently as they wait for their food and relish in the fact that once old enough to survive alone, they’ll be free to roam the national park once more. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, hop into your private jeep and get ready to explore the Udawalawe National Park, a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of nearby Udawalawe Reservoir. Infamous for its large population of elephants, have your camera at the ready as you spot herds of these majestic creatures feeding, playing and bathing in waterholes as well as an abundance of other mammals, reptiles and birds.

• Duration: half day
• Time: midday to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Udawalawe, Hambantota, Tangalle and Yala
• Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle, Hambantota, Galle, Koggala and Weligama

Good to know
This unforgettable trip is suitable for all ages.

Days 11 to 13

Hambantota

This itinerary is rounded off by the beachy destination of Hambantota on the glorious south coast. The time is all yours so you can soothe in the spa, let the kids go wild in the water park or tee off at the country club.

Extend your stay

Hambantota

Spend a few more nights on Sri Lanka’s southern shores to totally peace out after your busy trip hopping around the island.

Extend your stay

Maldives

The picture-perfect atolls of the Maldives are a metaphorical hop from Colombo so while you’re over this way, why not find your own personal paradise.

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