Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days
13 Days Starting and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Haputale, Tissamaharama, Beruwala, Bentota, Beruwala Beach Hotel
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
Family tours: For children aged 5 & over. Under 12 yrs pay the child rate.Teenager tours: For 12 - 18 years. All pay the adult price.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This exciting journey travels through Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle and offers something for the whole family. Discover the wildlife that waits in the Minneriya and Yala National Parks, walk along the sandy Golden Mile and bathe in the crystal waters of Beruwala beach in this amazing adventure for all ages. This holiday is perfect for families with children aged 5 years and over.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arie Lagoon
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Negombo. Here you will have the rest of the afternoon to settle in and explore the highlights at your own leisure.
Day 2 : Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Negombo - Dambulla. After breakfast we bid farewell to Negombo and set off for the town of Dambulla, home of the famous Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya ancient rock fortress. Spend the rest of the afternoon getting better acquainted with this lovely town. Sit back, relax and try some of the local traditional foods including pittu.
Day 3 : Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sigiriya Rock and Village. Our first stop this morning is to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress of the 5th Century King Kasyapa, undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights of Sri Lanka. Let the kids’ burn off some energy with the climb up to the ruins of the palace and penthouse. Once we reach the ruins we have time to wander through some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and revel in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding jungles.
After descending from the ruins we make our way along the village path to a typical village lake, known as a “Wewa”, passing by homes surrounded by green woods and watch huts which the locals use at night to keep a lookout for wild elephants and boar. Here we cross the lake by canoe arriving at a local farm where we meet the owners and spend some time watching them share the secrets of Sri Lanakan cuisine before we sit down to enjoy the delicious meal which has been prepared using a traditional hearth. Upon our return to Dambulla we have the evening at leisure to spend however we wish.
Day 4 : Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Polonnaruwa and Minneriya. After breakfast we make our way to the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here we take time to wander along the shimmering waters of the man-made lake, the Parakrama Samudra and uncover intricately carved lotus pillars, meditative halls, ceremonial towers, as well as magnificent royal baths and palace ruins before stopping at the famous Gal Vihara Temple.
This afternoon we head to Minneriya National Park where we search for wildlife by Jeep Safari. Despite its relatively small size there is an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands and grasslands found here which is home to elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears and if we are incredibly lucky we may spot a leopard on our game drive. Every year from July to November, hundreds of elephants migrate to a man-made watering hole in Minneriya, which is one of the few water sources not to dry up in the hot weather. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to be seen anywhere in the world.
Day 5 : Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dambulla - Kandy. This morning we discover the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. Boasting over 2000 sq meters of painted walls and ceilings and a 14 meter Buddha made from rock.
Our next stop of the day is to a spice garden in Matale to get a better understanding of the process of growing the various different spices Sri Lanka is famous for before finishing our day in Kandy, the city of colonial architecture.
Day 6 : Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the last capital of Sri Lankan kings by tuk tuk. We start our tour driving around and taking a dip in the lake built by the last Sinhala King in 1798 before going back into the town and exploring the Bazaar, the gem museum and a local lapidary.
After freshening up at our hotel we end our day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where it is said that whoever holds the relic holds control of the country, for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.
Day 7 : Haputale
Location: Haputale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Melheim Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Happutale. Today we board the scenic train passing through tea plantations and amazing waterfalls until we reach the town of Happutale, on the southern edge of the Hill Country. After checking in and freshening up at our hotel we have the rest of the day to explore our spectacular surroundings. Go hiking in the Thangamale woodland or visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout where Master Lipton planted the first seeds for what is now Sri Lanka’s most popular tea – Lipton Tea. For those looking to relax, the hotel pool offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 8 : Tissamaharama
Location: Tissamaharama
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Chaarya Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Happutale - Ella - Tissamaharama. This morning we venture through the clouds to the village of Ella where we meet our local guide before making our way to our first stop - Ravena Ella Falls, one of the wildest falls in the country with a 30 foot drop. It is said the king who kidnapped princess Sita from India hid her behind the falls.
Returning to our hotel, there's time to relax before we embark on a jeep safari through Yala National Park where we search through the thorny scrubs and dense forests in hopes to see the resident elephants, leopards and bear. If we’re lucky we also get the chance to see the feathered King Fisher and migrant birds being protected from Predator Eagles.
Day 9 : Bentota And Beruwala
Location: Beruwala, Bentota
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Earl’s Reef, Bentota and Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tissamaharama - Hambantota - Beruwala. This morning we travel just outside of Tissamaharama to a local village called Hambantota. Here we wander through the farm and taste some home grown tea in a fresh coconut shell and play some traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. After an afternoon of fun we return to our bus in tractors used on the farm and set off to our last point of call for the day, Beruwala where we have the evening at leisure to spend on the beach.
Day 10 : Beruwala Beach
Location: Beruwala Beach Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Earl’s Reef, Bentota and Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next two days are at leisure to explore Beruwala. Take a stroll along the beach known as the "Golden Mile" or go for a walk through the lively fish market. You can meet the local fishermen and taste some of the days catch. Those looking for something different may wish to visit the water sports centre or sea turtle hatchery. Here you can learn all about the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches here. You even get to meet some of the baby turtles!
Day 11 : Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beruwala - Colombo. After breakfast we make our way to Colombo, originally known as "the garden city of the east”. Meet our guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of highlights including the old clock tower and the impressive Gangaramaya Temple. Our tour ends with a spot of souvenir shopping in Paradise Road and Lakmedura. We then have the rest of the evening to continue exploring Colombo’s streets or sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Day 12 : Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!
Day 13: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3-4 star hotels
-
Breakfast daily
-
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Happutale, Ella and Colombo
-
12 nights 3-4 star hotels
-
Jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park
-
Scenic train journey from Kandy and Tuk Tuk trips
-
Escorted by an English speaking national guide
-
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13
-
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visa
-
Tip for your tour guide. We suggest USD$25 – 35 per adult for the entire tour. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture
-
Entrance Fees: USD$140-$150pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
Family tours: For children aged 5 & over. Under 12 yrs pay the child rate.Teenager tours: For 12 - 18 years. All pay the adult price.
Accommodation
Goldi Sands Hotel
The Goldi Sands Hotel is a modern resort style hotel nestled on the golden beaches of Negombo, and just 15 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International airport. Surrounded by colonial Dutch buildings, Negombo also offers a huge fish market, lagoon boat rides and water sports such as windsurfing or water-skiing. Guests can enjoy massages or beauty treatments at the Ayurveda Spa
The guestrooms and suites feature private balconies which overlook the beautiful Indian Ocean. All rooms are stylishly decorated and well equipped with a variety of amenities.
The on-site restaurant serves traditional Sri Lankan dishes and fresh seafood. Drinks and light refreshments can be enjoyed at the bar, and with regular theme nights and beach barbecues there’s plenty on offer for evening entertainment.
Sigiriya Jungles
Nestled amidst lush green landscapes and overlooking the iconic Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya Jungles is the ideal holiday resort for cultural explorations in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Spread across a picturesque 10-acre property with individual chalets, the resort offers three restaurants, two bars, free WiFi, and an array of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Each room offers a seating area, TV, minibar, and a private bathroom with a rainshower. The resort's unique 100 feet wooden bridge provides stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Monastery, adding to the enchanting experience.
Hotel Topaz
Hotel Topaz is a charming hotel with a stunning roof top view. The elegant rooms are spacious and accentuated with splashes of vibrant colour with private balconies and good facilities. The large outdoor pool is a lovely spot to unwind with far-reaching views of the surrounding hills. Buffet meals can be enjoyed at the hotel's restaurant with theme nights that include Chinese and Mexican cuisine. Guests can also relax in the spa or the TV lounge which stocks a large collection of DVDs.
Melheim Resort
Boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, this boutique resort is set on the slopes of Blackwood Mountain in the Beregala Hills. Each guestroom features an ensuite, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar, with a private deck opening out to the stunning mountain vistas. Other amenities include free bicycle rental, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi. The onsite restaurant offers both Eastern and Western cuisine, which you can enjoy seated inside or out on the terrace with uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.
Chaarya Resort
Surrounded by lush greenery, this charming resort offers a wonderfully peaceful escape from the bustle of Sri Lanka’s cities. Its cosy and elegantly designed guestrooms have an inviting ambiance, featuring a private balcony, tea and coffee making facilities and WiFi access. The landscaped garden is often visited by migratory birds and overlooked by an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and inviting bar. The restaurant also serves a delightful range of traditional Sri Lankan, Oriental and Western cuisine. And after your adventurous safari in Yala National Park, you can take time to rejuvenate at the Ayurveda spa.
The Palms
The Palms resort on Beruwala Beach offers sea-view rooms with modern amenities, including a TV, minibar, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including an open-air restaurant and a seafood venue. Conveniently located, the resort allows easy access to nearby attractions like Kande Viharaya Temple and Mirissa for whale watching. Day trips to Galle City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be arranged at the front desk, along with exciting activities such as deep-sea fishing and parasailing.
Radisson Hotel Colombo
The Radisson Hotel Colombo (formerly OZO Colombo) is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness centre and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. The hotel is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the maximum group size?
18
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3-4 star hotels
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Oct
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Saturday - Thursday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 09, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 19, 2025 - May 01, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 08, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 10, 2025 - May 22, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions