Family Highlights of Sri Lanka - Private Tour
Family Highlights of Sri Lanka - Private Tour
Family Highlights of Sri Lanka - Private Tour
9 Days Starting and ending in Negombo
Visiting: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PTFSS
Group Type:
Private
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Medium, Moderate
Age range:
7-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take an action-packed family adventure across this spiritual island. Search for leopard in Wilpattu National Park, stay overnight in a fixed tent 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Trip In Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel, J
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive in Negombo, the famous coastal town famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. This relaxing beach resort is a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city, and is the perfect place to spot locals bringing in the day's catch and watch the sunset.
You will be met on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by a local driver-guide, and taken to your hotel, approximately a 45 minute drive away. There are no activities planned today, so feel free to arrive in Colombo at any time. For those booking their own flights, you will just need to let us know your flight details no later than three weeks prior to departure, in order to be met on arrival.
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
Accommodation: Big Game Safari Camp Wilpattu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel north following the coastal road to Wilpattu National Park. Leave the car 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.
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
Accommodation: Giritale Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Heading inland, drive two hours to Habarana, the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Tuk tuks are the transport of choice here, and you'll switch out your car 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 your traditional Sri Lankan lunch. Watch as delicious curries and fluffy rice are prepared and try out creating a traditional spicy sambar. After sharing the meal, there is a chance to take a serene canoe ride on the village lake. After sharing the meal and spending time in the village, continue onto Polonnaruwa, just under an hour's drive
This afternoon, 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. Drive on to Sigiriya for your overnight stay.
Day 4: Climb To The Top Of Sigiriya's Dramatic Lion's Rock And Explore Kandy's Markets
Accommodation: Mahaweli Reach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's an early transfer this morning to 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) there are some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the remains of what is left of the palace of King Kassapa.
Leaving Sigiriya, drive to Kandy located just outside the city. Wander through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens, which boasts more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, medicinal plants and palm trees. Join a local guide 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.
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. Buddhists from all over the world come to this delightful old highland town specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. There is the option to visit the temple, should you wish.
Late afternoon, transfer to your hotel located 18km outside of Kandy overlooking the waters of Victoria reservoir, 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 overlooking the reservoir.
Day 5: Drive To Kitulgala, Adventure Capital Of Sri Lanka. White Water Rafting And Jungle Walks. Stay In A Jungle Lodge
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive 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 are the perfect combination of fun and excitement, as you spend the afternoon rafting down the river towards the eco lodge accommodation in the jungle outside Kitulgala.
The rafting covers a seven kilometre stretch of river, through eight rapids. It will usually take approximately one to two hours to cover the section but this depends on water levels. This evening there will be a chance to join an optional hike across the river and through the jungle to a hidden waterfall.
The night spent at Kitulgala is more basic with ten eco lodge tree houses roofed with palm leaves set two meters above ground level. Huts are open to the forest, providing a close to nature feeling, and the sounds of the river running close by only adds to the feeling of being in the wilderness. All beds are fitted with mosquito nets.
Day 6: Continue To The Indian Ocean Town Of Hikkaduwa, Free Afternoon On The Beach And Marine Park
Accommodation: Coral Rock by Bansai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to the sounds of birds in the jungle. After breakfast head to the coast to Hikkaduwa. The hotel is located on the beach in Hikkaduwa, which is famous for its marine sanctuary, wide palm dotted beach and coral sanctuary. Turtles and other marine life are occasionally seen just off the beach.
Day 7: Morning Surf Lesson In Hikkaduwa. Rest Of The Day Free To Enjoy The Beach
Accommodation: 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 some time here.
In the morning, take a surf lesson. Hikkaduwa is one of the premier surfing destinations in Sri Lanka. The 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
Accommodation: Hotel J
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning on the beach. This afternoon, drive from Hikkaduwa to Negombo, passing fine views of the Indian Ocean as you make your way up the west coast. If seats are available, you have the option to travel by train instead, winding up the coast on a rail network that was introduced during British Colonial rule and has changed little since. Your driver-guide will help purchase tickets if you wish (and if they are available). If travelling by train, you'll descend at Colombo and be picked up for your short ride to Negombo for the final night in Sri Lanka.
Day 9: Trip Ends In Negombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip ends today, and you will be taken to the airport to meet your international flight. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at any time - it's approximately 45 minutes from the hotel. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable -
Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
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 60 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 60 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 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 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.
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