Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The beautiful island of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wealth of scenic and cultural highlights. Home to the Sinhalese since the 6th century BC and steeped in the myths and legends of the Ramayana and the Buddha, the island is a stunning fusion of ancient traditions and staggering natural beauty. Little wonder then that Marco Polo called it the finest island in the world. But there is more to Sri Lanka than just Buddhist monuments and tea plantations. Its tropical wetlands, mountains and rainforest ...
The beautiful island of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wealth of scenic and cultural highlights. Home to the Sinhalese since the 6th century BC and steeped in the myths and legends of the Ramayana and the Buddha, the island is a stunning fusion of ancient traditions and staggering natural beauty. Little wonder then that Marco Polo called it the finest island in the world. But there is more to Sri Lanka than just Buddhist monuments and tea plantations. Its tropical wetlands, mountains and rainforest present some great opportunities for family adventure activities and priceless interaction. This stunning journey offers a chance to hike, ride, raft and canoe through one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. Beginning with a boat trip amongst the rich mangrove forests of the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, you’ll then learn how to make palm wine with the locals, climb to the sacred summit of Adam’s Peak and canoe along the idyllic waterways of the Kalu Ganga, before taking some time out to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE COLOMBO - NEGOMBO
Day 1 ARRIVE COLOMBO - NEGOMBO
Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival in Colombo, after clearing Customs and Immigration, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Negombo coast. The drive north will take approximately 1 hour, depending on road and traffic conditions. The afternoon is yours to recover from your flight on the beach.
Day 2 NEGOMBO - SALGALA MONASTERY - MAWANELLA - KITULGALA
Day 2 NEGOMBO - SALGALA MONASTERY - MAWANELLA - KITULGALA
After breakfast this morning we pay a visit to the Salgala Monastery Complex where you'll be able to watch, but not disturb, the meditating monks, before enjoying a locally prepared lunch. Continuing on to Mawanella this afternoon, we then take a trek up to the 'Saradiel Rock', to enjoy the views across the surrounding countryside and look for the monument to Saradiel, Sri Lanka's very own Robin Hood. Continuing on to Kitulgala we then enter a landscape made famous by the 'Bridge on the River Kwai', which was filmed on the nearby River Kelani.
Day 3 KITULGALA
Day 3 KITULGALA
Kitugala is best known for being the location of the award-winning film Bridge on the River Kwai, featuring the Kelani River, the second longest in Sri Lanka which flows into the Indian Ocean from the City of Colombo. You will see the suspension bridge that connects the villages and forest on today’s tour. Also walk 2 km through rubber plantation to the prehistoric cave of Belilena, where evidence of human settlement dating back over 30,000 years was discovered. Later you will transfer by catamaran to the other side of the river, to take part in a fascinating 7 km hike through the rice fields, jungles and villages around Kitulgala. The walk will take you through the shaded footpaths of Makandawa Rain Forest, where you can hopefully hear the calls of different bird species, and across a suspension bridge. There should be time to stop at a natural pool for a quick dip. You also may be welcomed into a villager’s home to enjoy a cup of tea with local sweets. Return via catamaran to your vehicle to travel back to the hotel.
Day 4 KITULGALA - LAXAPANA - DALHOUSIE
Day 4 KITULGALA - LAXAPANA - DALHOUSIE
Following breakfast this morning you'll depart for Dalhousie at the base if Adam's peak. Relax in the hotel before embarking on a mid-afternoon hike to Laxapana. After stopping off to view the Laxapana Falls, you'll then continue on to a local village, where you can watch the jaggery making process. One of Sri Lanka's most important cottage industries, you'll be able to join the villagers in producing the concentrated palm sap.
Day 5 DALHOUSIE - ADAM'S PEAK - BANDARAWELA
Day 5 DALHOUSIE - ADAM'S PEAK - BANDARAWELA
Your day will begin very early this morning, with a climb to the top of Adam's Peak, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims for over a thousand years. This tall, conical shaped mountain gets its name from the sacred 'footprint' found near the summit, which is believed to be that Lord Buddha by the majority Buddhists. As the sun rises over this stunning setting the views from the top are simply breathtaking, as the conical peak casts its shadow across the landscape below. Returning to the hotel for a late breakfast and a short rest, we then continue on to Bandarawela.
Day 6 BANDARAWELA - BELIHULOYA
Day 6 BANDARAWELA - BELIHULOYA
Transferring to the railway station this morning, you'll board the train on to Idalgashinna, where you will alight and begin a hike through tea plantations, rainforest and across the grasslands towards the main Colombo-Badulla Highway. Here you will meet your vehicle, to continue the rest of the journey to Belihuloya by road. After a chance to settle in, later this afternoon you'll enjoy a cookery demonstration arranged by the hotel, a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka's rich and diverse cuisine.
Day 7 BELIHULOYA - UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Day 7 BELIHULOYA - UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Driving on to the Udawalawe National Park this morning, you'll take a jeep safari through the reserve. A mix of grasslands, teak plantations, rainforest and scrub, the park is home to large herds of wild elephants, buffalo, jackal and leopard. It is also the headquarters of the Elephant Transit Home, a conservation project which has worked to reintroduce orphaned baby elephants back into the wild since 1995. It has been so successful that it now has a programme whereby interested enthusiasts can foster one of these animals to keep funding the project. Transfer to the hotel in Udawalawe.
Day 8 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK - BENTOTA
Day 8 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK - BENTOTA
After breakfast this morning you'll transfer to the start of your canoeing trip down the Kalu Ganga, one of Sri Lanka's four major rivers. After an orientation and briefing session you'll then begin the journey, gently paddling your way through a timeless landscape of lush forest and riverside villages. Along the way you might even spot the odd sand miner, or come across some illicit toddy brewing, before eventually reaching Bentota. Our day then ends at Bentota, beside the beautiful azure waters of the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka's south-western coast.
Day 9 BENTOTA
Day 9 BENTOTA
Swapping our canoes for bikes this morning, we continue our journey today through a landscape of small towns and villages, cycling past plantation of tea, rubber and cinnamon as we make our way through the surroundings of Bentota. A stop along the way provides an opportunity to visit the Buddhist shrine of Galapatha Rajamaha Viharaya, dedicated to Arahant Maha Kassapa Thera, one of Buddha's most respected and revered disciples.
Day 10 BENTOTA
Day 10 BENTOTA
Today has been left free for you to enjoy Bentota at your leisure, perhaps indulging in one of the resort's numerous choice of watersport activities. Other options include trips along the Bentota River, relaxing beneath the palms or a chance to explore the surrounding countryside by bike.
Day 11 BENTOTA - DEPART COLOMBO
Day 11 BENTOTA - DEPART COLOMBO
Drive back to Colombo today in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Jetwing Beach, Negombo
This stylish five-star hotel is set on a beautiful stretch of private beach, only 1.5 hours away from Colombo International Airport. On the journey to the Cultural Triangle and hill country, this is a perfect stop between recuperating after a long flight and starting to explore this fascinating country. Designed by famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, the property boasts 78 rooms and suites, all elegantly decorated in a minimalist design which captures the views from the private balconies or terraces. The Sand Restaurant serves local specialties on an open-air terrace overlooking the beach whilst the Tea Corner offers an array of world-famous teas and Black Coral offers a fine dining multi-cuisine menu. Wellness facilities include two swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym and a spa.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Uda Walawe
Only a 10-minute drive from the famous Udawalawe National Park, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is set within seven acres of land. All of the 79 air-conditioned rooms and suites are tastefully designed to create home away from home, and some also feature a balcony overlooking the gardens. Dine at the restaurant, surrounded by tall bamboo, serving national and international cuisines. There is also a pool bar beside the outdoor swimming pool where snacks can be purchased. A great option for families, the hotel has a cinema room for watching movies.
Belihuloya Rest House, Belihuloya
Belihuloya Rest House is set on the banks of the Belihuloya River, on the southern fringes of Horton Plains National Park. The comfortable en suite rooms are all blessed with the sounds of the river flowing and bird song, whilst some have views of the river. Not all rooms feature air conditioning. The restaurant has an open-air terrace and serves Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. Use this hotel as a base for hiking through the landscapes and villages of the area, including a hike to Bambarakanda Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Bandarawela Hotel, Bandarwela
Bandarawela Hotel is a charming heritage bungalow located in Bandarawela. The 33 rooms are decorated in a heritage colonial style and are well-appointed. The hotel has lovely gardens, where you can choose to have breakfast or high tea. The food in the bungalow at the main restaurant has a good selection of western and local cuisine, using local produces and fresh ingredients.
Centara Ceysands Resort and Spa, Bentota
Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka is a wonderful property to spend a few days relaxing and taking in your natural surroundings. Located between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, the range of rooms throughout the resort caters to single travellers, friends, couples and families, also offering spacious Family Residences. All guestrooms offer a host of in-room amenities and services, including complimentary wireless internet access, individually controlled air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, flat-screen TV with international channels, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe and IDD telephone line. There is a selection of cafes, bars and restaurants catering to all preferences, as well as in-room dining. The resort has a fabulous palm-fringed swimming pool located right on the beach, which also houses a substantial water sports centre offering snorkelling, jet skiing, and sailing, as well as a wonderful Kids' Club.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258