Tour Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday

Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the party however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. In the National Park we are normally split into two or three jeeps depending on the size of the group.

Others

Explore the lost city fortress of Sigiriya Relax on palm-fringed tropical beaches The ancient cave temple of Dambulla A game drive in Yala National Park Cycling through lush green rice paddy fields Game drive to see elephants in their natural habitat

Accommodation

You will spend 12 nights in hotels all with en suite facilities. The hotel at Sigiriya, where you will be spending 3 nights is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. The hotel features a swimming pool and a luxury sauna. Single accommodation (available on request).

Meals

All breakfasts and 1 lunch included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$20) per day per adult for lunch and dinner (less if you are sharing dishes as a family). You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Not included:

Optional

Whale Watching – please note if you choose to enjoy this excursion on your free day we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your leader. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more cost effective it will be. We do not recommend the larger, commercial boats, they may be cheaper but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how to book a private charter. Whale watching is only possible between November – April. The whale watching trip by private boat should cost between £40 and £80 (approx. US$50-100) per person depending on the number of participants. Boat ride in Koggala lake visiting Cinnamon Island & Temple - £10 per person Watch sunset from Dutch fort in Galle - £5 per person Train Ride to Galle and back - £5 per person Stilt fishing - £3 per person Surfing - £20 per person Diving - £40 per person Snorkelling - £5 per person

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

Flights are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start In Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start In Negombo

We arrive in the afternoon at Colombo’s Bandaranaike Airport and transfer to our hotel in Negombo overlooking the lagoon, approximately 20 minutes drive from the airport. Those not flying with the group will join us at the hotel in time for the evening welcome briefing. Accommodation: Amagi Aria Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Relax By The Pool (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Relax By The Pool (Breakfast)

Today we drive out to Sigiriya. The journey can take approximately three and a half hours but there will be breaks along the way. Passing by the impressive 5th century rock fortress of Kurunegala city, rising 600 feet from the plains we stop nearby at a lake to take a comfort break and stretch out our legs before continuing on to our hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town of Sigiriya or relax at the hotel and jump in the pool! Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Explore Ancient Polonnaruwa; Game Drive At Minneriya National Park (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Explore Ancient Polonnaruwa; Game Drive At Minneriya National Park (Breakfast,Lunch)

Sigiriya is our base for the next two days. After breakfast we take a short drive to the 10th century capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here there are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. Your mini-explorers can roam around discovering ancient ruins and feeling like raiders of the lost... something or other! We stop for lunch at a local hotel in Giritale. There is plenty of time here before the afternoon activities for you all to relax and even take a dip in the hotel pool to cool off so don’t forget to bring swimmers. This afternoon, we head off on a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants in their natural habitat. As well as elephants, keep a look out for monkeys, deer and plenty of bird life. Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Climb To The Top Of Lion Rock And Cycle Through Local Villages (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Climb To The Top Of Lion Rock And Cycle Through Local Villages (Breakfast)

Today we will climb ‘Lion Rock’ in the morning whilst its cooler (the return trip usually takes around three hours). Once used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. Crowning the flat summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and will take a lot less time. Please make sure that your children are accompanied at all times as there are some steep drops on this climb. It is of course optional and you may not wish to climb to the top of the fortress itself. In the afternoon we hop on local bikes to cycle gently through local villages and soak up the atmosphere, always a fun experience for everyone. If you do not wish to cycling, your Leader will assist you with hiring a tuk tuk locally for approximately 4000 rupees (US$ 12) per tuk tuk and follow the group. Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Kandy; En-Route Visit The Cave Temples At Dambulla; A Spice Garden & Traditional Rope Making Experience (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Kandy; En-Route Visit The Cave Temples At Dambulla; A Spice Garden & Traditional Rope Making Experience (Breakfast)

This morning we leave Sigiriya and begin our journey to Kandy. Our first stop along the way we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, considered the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, and very well preserved, paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. After lunch we’re back on the road and break up the drive with a visit to a spice garden near Matale where we can smell the various spices and herbs growing and the resident expert explains their uses. It’s a fun and interactive experience for the kids to discover how spices start as different plants before being turned into the powder they may be more familiar with! There is a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines for those keen in natural remedies. Our final stop before arriving in Kandy we drop into a local home for a short demonstration in the traditional rope making technique from coconut husks. Kids will be able to see how interesting masterpieces are created using a machine that strings out ropes of all colors and sizes. We continue onto Kandy for an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Kandy Sightseeing; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth. (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kandy Sightseeing; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth. (Breakfast)

Kandy is a picturesque hill town situated on a lake and home to Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic. We begin with a visit to the temple during the ceremony. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are normally hundreds of worshipers who visit the temple each day and it is open to the public. The rest of the day is free to wander round Kandy, by the lake or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for wonderful views over the town or to the Royal Botanical gardens. Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Visit A Tea Plantation In Nurawa Eliya And Have A Go At Tea-Picking. Continue Onto Ella (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Visit A Tea Plantation In Nurawa Eliya And Have A Go At Tea-Picking. Continue Onto Ella (Breakfast)

Today we make the spectacular drive through the tea plantation district to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station for the British during the colonial era, situated in the cool highland air at 1890m, it has a very British feel to it. Known locally as ’Little England’ it is dotted with British style houses, hotels and even a racecourse. The area is famous for its high quality tea and we visit a working plantation where we will try our hand at tea picking (depending on the weather condition). Continuing on, we head to a popular spot within the hill country staying overnight in Ella. There are some great local restaurants and viewpoints in Ella so check with your Leader for their recommendations on where to head this evening. Accommodation: Heavens Edge Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Drive To Yala National Park Via Ella Gap; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Drive To Yala National Park Via Ella Gap; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)

This morning we depart Ella and driving out through Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible. We then continue south out of the hills to Kataragama down on the plains, which is our base for visiting Yala National Park. This afternoon we have a game drive; the park is known for its elephants but we may also see deer, monkeys, buffalo and a wide range of bird life. If you are lucky you may also see a leopard as Yala has one of the highest concentrations of these beautiful animals in the world. Please note that the sanctuary is closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually the Udawalawe National Park. Accommodation: Mandara Rosen (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Transfer To Ahangama Via Tissamaharama; 3 Nights By Beach To Relax And Explore (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Transfer To Ahangama Via Tissamaharama; 3 Nights By Beach To Relax And Explore (Breakfast)

This morning we leave for the coast and its beautiful palm fringed bays. On the way we stop at Tissamaharama and walk through rural farmland to a village where you can try some unusual local delicacies such as boiled manioc served with coconut and a spicy mixture of chilies, onions, peppers and lemon. You will see daily life and may even take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games. We then head back to our bus in little tractors used by the farmers. We will arrive at Ahangama in the afternoon where you can finally relax for a few days on the beach sinking your toes into the sand or a dip in the pool! Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10-11: Beach Break In Ahangama; Optional Visit To Weligama For Surfing & Snorkelling (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10-11: Beach Break In Ahangama; Optional Visit To Weligama For Surfing & Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Over the next two days your time here is free with a chance to do any one of numerous optional activities that your leader can assist to organise for you. Your Leader will arrange an optional return transfer to spend the day Weligama Beach (on day 10), a great spot for surf lessons or snorkelling with plenty of beach front bars and restaurants to stay hydrated and refueled. During November to April there is also the opportunity to go whale watching but as public boats are not recommended, the more of you keen to go, the lower the cost for the private boat hire. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 11 Day 12: To Colombo Via The Old Dutch Fort At Galle (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: To Colombo Via The Old Dutch Fort At Galle (Breakfast)

We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens. Late afternoon we continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Fairway Colombo (or similar)
Day 12 Day 13: End Colombo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: End Colombo (Breakfast)

We have a relaxed breakfast before those flying on the group flight transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight. Arrangements for those not flying with the group will end after check out.

13 days tour

Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday

Day 1: Start In Negombo

Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Relax By The Pool (Breakfast)

Day 3: Explore Ancient Polonnaruwa; Game Drive At Minneriya National Park (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 4: Climb To The Top Of Lion Rock And Cycle Through Local Villages (Breakfast)

Day 5: Drive To Kandy; En-Route Visit The Cave Temples At Dambulla; A Spice Garden & Traditional Rope Making Experience (Breakfast)

Day 6: Kandy Sightseeing; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Visit A Tea Plantation In Nurawa Eliya And Have A Go At Tea-Picking. Continue Onto Ella (Breakfast)

Day 8: Drive To Yala National Park Via Ella Gap; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)

Day 9: Transfer To Ahangama Via Tissamaharama; 3 Nights By Beach To Relax And Explore (Breakfast)

Day 10-11: Beach Break In Ahangama; Optional Visit To Weligama For Surfing & Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Day 12: To Colombo Via The Old Dutch Fort At Galle (Breakfast)

Day 13: End Colombo (Breakfast)

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