Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in Summer
This example itinerary takes you to Sri Lanka’s most famous cultural sites and also includes a safari and plenty of activities. Spend a few days on the east coast beaches which are ideal for a visit during the European summer holidays when there should be plenty of sunshine. You explore the country with a driver/guide and a wide range of different accommodation types are available. We can adapt any aspect of this itinerary to ensure that it is suitable for the ages of your children and your travel dates.
Highlights
Climb the lion fortress of Sigiriya
See elephant at Minneriya
Visit ancient ruins at Polonnaruwa
Go on safari to spot leopard
Relax on the beach in the east
Explore the alleys of Galle Fort
15 days from £3,870 pp
Plus international flights from £800.
A two-week holiday in Sri Lanka for a family of four usually costs from £15,500 plus flights.
Sri Lanka in Summer day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Coconut plantation / Negombo
Arrive at the airport in Colombo, where you are met by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on budget, we can either arrange for you to stay in a hotel in the beach resort of Negombo or you can upgrade to a hotel in a beautiful coconut plantation.
Day 2, Coconut plantation / Negombo
A full day to relax. If you are staying in Negombo, we can arrange a local cookery class or a morning excursion to the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, where you can take a boat ride on the canals. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife and, if you are lucky, the occasional crocodile.
If you are staying on the coconut plantation, you may prefer to stay put and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is a chance to take a bullock cart ride around the coconut estate or you can join the chef in the kitchen to learn some of the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Day 3, Coconut plantation / Negombo – Dambulla Caves
Head through picturesque countryside of coconut plantations and lush green paddy fields, en route to the ‘cultural triangle’. Join local pilgrims for the climb up to a series of caves that are covered in brightly-coloured frescoes that date back more than 2,000 years. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is very impressive. Along the way, the children will enjoy watching the playful monkeys that live in and around the temple, although keep a close eye on your belongings, as they are quite keen on cameras or any snacks that you might have on you!
In the late afternoon, if you’re feeling active, you have the option to visit Pidurangala, a hill located opposite Sigiriya. You can climb to the top for sunset for sensational views over the Lion’s Rock. The top part of the climb involves a bit of scrambling up a couple of boulders, but the views from the top are stunning.
Day 4, Polonnaruwa ancient city – Minneriya National Park
This morning, you visit the fascinating site of Polonnaruwa, where you can explore the magnificent remains of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. The ruins are quite extensive and include a number of exquisite temples, giant Buddhist carvings and huge lakes which formed the basis of a remarkable irrigation system. If your children are old enough, we can arrange for you to cycle around the site; younger children will love a game of hide and seek amongst the extensive ruins.
In the afternoon, you will take a safari in Minneriya National Park. The park is famous for its large herds of wild elephants as well as deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackals. This is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants and you can get remarkably close to large numbers of the animals; the herds are sometimes 150-200 strong.
Day 5, Sigiriya – Northern Hill Country
Rise early to climb Sigiriya, a huge rock fortress built in the 5th century on top of an enormous, sheer-sided rock. It is quite a steep climb up to the top but the views are immense.
Younger children will enjoy walking between the giant lion’s paws on the way up the stairs, the last remnant of a giant lion’s head that visitors used to have to climb through to reach the fortress. There are also further ruins, gardens and caves around the base of the rock that the children can explore. Older children might then be sidetracked by the souvenir market, the perfect place to hone their haggling skills!
Afterwards, drive to the heart of some of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque tea plantation scenery, where you will base yourselves for three nights as you explore the area. If you are feeling active you can follow peaceful trails through the tea fields or just relax by the pool.
Read More Day 6, Northern Hill Country If you prefer, you can keep the days free to laze by the pool, take part in a cookery demonstration or wander down to the local village, explore the temple and meet the locals. Day 7, Northern Hill Country – Passikudah Beach Days 8-10, Passikudah Beach Perhaps take a morning boat trip including snorkelling – we can book an excursion in advance for you if you would like, or you can decide once you arrive what you would like to do. Day 11, Passikudah Beach – Yala Later return to camp for dinner around the campfire. Day 12, Yala National Park Perhaps stroll around Kocchipathana Wewa, a man-made reservoir home to an array of birdlife and reptiles, or even take kayaks out onto the water. You could also take a jeep ride to one of the nearby historic temples, head out on a guided ‘jungle walk,’ or simply take some time to relax and enjoy the views. Day 13, Yala – Galle Later, head towards Galle, situated in the very south east of the country. Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most charming towns; the narrow streets of the Dutch Fort (a World Heritage Site), entice you in to follow your nose through the labyrinthine alleyways, past small restaurants and shops with wonderful views over the ocean. Day 14, Galle Day 15, Departure
A full day to enjoy the area. If you are interested, we can arrange a local guide to accompany you on a hike into the countryside. The duration can be tailored to your energy levels on the day but whichever direction you head in the views are gorgeous.
Leaving the hill country behind, you will drive to the east coast of the island. The coastal village of Passikudah is deservedly well-known for its scenic, golden beach, gently sloping out to meet warm, sparkling water. Shelving gradually and staying shallow up to 50 metres out, conditions here are ideal for paddling or just taking a dip to freshen up. Here there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beach.
Three full free days to enjoy the beach. There are a number of activities available in Passikudah, including windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, snorkelling and diving. Clear waters mean that visibility is superb, and the reef and wreck sites here are home to masses of vibrant tropical fish, rays, sea slugs and gorgeous coral formations, making it perfect for families to discover the underwater world.
This morning, drive inland to Yala National Park, where you will stay the night in an African-style safari camp. In the afternoon, take a safari in the park in search of wildlife. Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest national parks, and a wonderfully scenic landscape of rocky outcrops, dense jungle and tropical forest. The park is home to a significant leopard population and the highest concentration in Sri Lanka. Many of our travellers have been very lucky and have spotted leopards, wild elephants and more.
Rise early for a freshly brewed coffee before setting off on an early morning game drive when the animals are at their most active. Keep your eyes peeled for solitary leopard or small herds of elephant as they pass through the forest. After breakfast back at camp, the rest of the day is free to enjoy some of the activities on offer.
If you didn’t get to spot a leopard or a sloth bear yet, there is the opportunity to return to Yala this morning.
The perfect way to discover the countryside around Galle – today you will venture out on two wheels on a loop ride suitable for all the family. Passing through a bird sanctuary, paddy fields and cinnamon plantations, you’ll also follow a beautiful section alongside the shores of Koggala Lake. Stop for a refreshing king coconut break halfway through, relaxing in the shady jungle gardens to cool off. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to explore Galle.
After checking out of your hotel, transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
Sri Lanka in pictures
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