Trip Info
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Private Air Conditioned Coach
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3 to 4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing, Half-Board Basis) "8 Nights"
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8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
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All entrance fees to attractions included
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GOVT Accredited National Tour Guide Lecturer or Chauffeur Guide
Overview
Experience the vibrant culture, lush natural landscapes, and diverse wildlife of Sri Lanka with our “9-Day Sri Lanka Family Tour.” This carefully tailored journey is perfect for families looking to explore the island’s rich heritage and stunning environments together. From the tranquil beaches of Negombo to the historic city of Kandy, and the lively waters of Bentota, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo, typically a 20-minute drive. Spend your first day relaxing at this laid-back beach town, perfect for easing into your Sri Lankan adventure.
After breakfast, journey approximately 2 and half hours to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning murals and statues spanning centuries of artistic heritage. In the afternoon, unwind at your hotel nestled amidst vibrant green paddy fields, offering a serene rural setting.
• Experience:
Scenic view of Kurunegala lake
Visit the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla.Explore the unique caves and learn about Sri Lankan Buddhist art and history
Head to Minneriya National Park, a 30-minute drive from Dambulla. Embark on an elephant safari in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park. These parks are famous for the "Elephant Gathering," where hundreds of elephants converge by the water during the dry season, providing a spectacular wildlife viewing experience.
• Experience:
Witness 'The Gathering'- largest Asian Elephant gathering - Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a leisurely day at your hotel or choose an optional village tour to engage with local villagers. This cultural immersion allows families to experience traditional Sri Lankan village life, learning about local crafts and cuisine.
• Experience:
Relax and take in the scenery at the hotel
Optional village tour
Travel to Kandy, a scenic 2.5-hour drive. Visit a spice garden along the way to learn about the island's famed spices and receive a complimentary herbal massage—a soothing introduction to the uses of local medicinal plants. Explore Kandy in the late afternoon, a city that buzzes with history and culture, nestled among forested hills.
• Experience:
Visit a Spice Garden in Mathale, learn about herbs, and get a free massage
Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This visit provides insight into the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, highlighted by the daily puja ceremonies. Spend the afternoon at leisure, possibly visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens, known for its vast collection of orchids and colonial history.
• Experience:
Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Optional visit to Royal Botanical garden
Depart Kandy for a 3-hour drive to Bentota via Pinnawala. At the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Pinnawala, participate in unique activities like elephant bathing and feeding. This interaction offers a deeper understanding of elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.
• Experience:
Elephant bathing and feeding
Visit a local turtle hatchery to learn about and contribute to sea turtle conservation. Enjoy optional water sports in Bentota, known for its broad sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, or leisurely river cruises offer thrilling family fun.
• Experience:
Visit a turtle hatchery
Optional water sports
Wrap up your journey with a 1.5-hour drive to Colombo. Enjoy a city tour exploring key landmarks like the Independence Hall and the bustling Pettah Market. Delve into the city's rich history and vibrant cultural tapestry before heading to the airport for your departure.
Inclusions
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- 3-4 Star hotel accommodation
- Twin-sharing accommodation on Half Board basis throughout the tour on hotels specified in your itinerary, or similar properties.
- Transfers by an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur OR National Guide Lecturer throughout the tour (depending on pax count).
- Entrance fees and activities include.
- • Dambulla Cave Temple,
- • Minneriya National Park/Jeep Safari
- • Spice Garden Visit
- • Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic,
- • Millenium Elephant Foundation visit - Pinnawala
- • Turtle hatchery visit – Bentota
- Covers Western Province, North-western Province, North Central Province, Central Province
- All applicable government taxes.
Exclusions
- • Lunch and other beverages throughout the tour unless specified in your itinerary.
- • Peak period and festive supplements indicated specifically in your itinerary.
- • Expenses of a personal nature.
- • Tips & Gratuities.
- • Video Camera and Still Camera permits.
- • Any other services not specified in your itinerary.
- • Optional excursions as specified in your itinerary.
Hotels Offered
Day 1: Arie Lagoon or Similar
Day 2:Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar
Day 3:Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar
Day 4: Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar
Day 5: Hotel Thilanka or Similar
Day 6: Hotel Thilanka or Similar
Day 7: Ekho Surf Bentota or Similar
Day 8:Ekho Surf Bentotaor Similar
Day 9: Departure
FAQs
- Airport Transfers: Convenient pick-up and drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Guided Tours: Explore major cultural and historical sites including the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
- Wildlife and Nature Excursions: Enjoy an elephant safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, known for the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants, and hands-on experiences at the Millennium Elephant Foundation.
- Cultural and Recreational Activities: Engage in a variety of family-friendly activities such as village tours, visit to the Golden Cave temple, temple of the Tooth Relic, spice garden visits, and optional water sports in Bentota.
- Accommodation and Meals: Stay in family-friendly hotels with breakfast and dinner provided.
- Transportation: Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
You will visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. These sites offer a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The tour features several wildlife activities including an elephant safari at Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park, where you can witness large herds of elephants in their natural habitat. Additionally, visit Pinnawala’s Millennium Elephant Foundation for a closer interaction with elephants.
Families can relax at the hotel, explore local villages, or enjoy water sports in Bentota. Optional activities like a boat safari on the Madu River are also available.
Yes, daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels are included in the tour package. Lunches are generally on your own to give families the flexibility to explore local cuisine.
Accommodations are family-friendly, typically 3-4 star hotels known for their comfort and convenient locations, offering twin-sharing rooms with the possibility of adjusting for family needs.
You can book the tour through our website or contact our customer service for direct assistance. A 10% deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Please review the cancellation policy on our website for detailed information.
Additional costs may include lunches, beverages, personal expenses, tips, and optional excursions not included in the itinerary. Please refer to the Tour Exclusions.
This tour is ideal for families with children, suitable for anyone who can engage in activities like climbing stairs, moderate hiking, and participating in safari adventures.
This tour is specifically designed with families in mind, offering a balance of cultural, historical, and recreational activities that cater to both adults and children. The itinerary includes engaging activities like elephant safaris where kids can witness majestic wildlife up close, visits to interactive spice gardens with herbal massages that provide a sensory experience, and leisure days that allow for rest or free exploration suitable for family members of all ages. The inclusion of hands-on activities, such as elephant bathing and feeding at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, offers unique learning experiences that are both educational and fun for children. Additionally, the choice of family-friendly hotels ensures that the accommodation is comfortable for kids, making this tour a perfect choice for families looking to explore Sri Lanka together.
This tour provides numerous educational opportunities that enrich children’s understanding of the world. As part of the itinerary, kids will have the chance to learn about the livelihoods of local villagers through interactive village tours. These experiences offer insights into daily routines, traditional farming practices, and local crafts, allowing children to compare and contrast their lifestyles with those of the villagers in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the spice garden visits not only teach children about the cultivation and uses of various spices but also their importance in Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine, enhancing their appreciation for botanical science and cultural uses of natural resources. The guided tours through historical sites like Dambulla and Kandy provide a tangible history lesson on ancient civilizations and architectural ingenuity.
Moreover, the wildlife safaris and the Millennium Elephant Foundation introduce children to conservation efforts and the significance of respecting and protecting wildlife. These activities collectively offer a comprehensive educational experience that broadens children’s horizons, making learning fun and memorable while fostering a deeper respect for different cultures and the environment.