Sri Lanka with teenagers
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Negombo
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, we’ll transfer you and your family directly to the relaxed coastal town of Negombo – just 20 minutes from the airport. Your accommodation is within walking distance of the beach and local restaurants, so you could take a gentle stroll or hop in a tuk-tuk to explore the town – it’s completely up to you. It’s a peaceful spot to kick start your Sri Lanka holiday.
Day 2 – Climb Sigiriya’s rock fortress
After breakfast, your private driver will take you from the seaside Negombo to the ancient capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. The journey will take around 5 hours. As you get closer, you’ll see Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress rising from the ground. In earlier times, this rock fortress was covered with hundreds of frescoes and the grand palace of King Kasyapa stood atop. If you’re feeling active you can climb to the top of the rock, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the wild green jungle. Then continue onto your hotel where you have time to relax and refresh in the swimming pool.
Day 3 – Cycling in Polonnaruwa and free time
This morning you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa by bike. The town was once the capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and there are many interesting relics leftover from this period. After you’ve pedalled your way through the ancient ruins, it’s time for lunch in a small authentic restaurant.
The rest of your day is free for you to do as you please – wander around the town or laze by the pool at your hotel.
Optional – safari in Minneriya National Park
If your family love elephants we can arrange a jeep safari into nearby Minneriya National Park. The park is home to large herds of wild elephants, which are easy to spot and observe, due to the wide, open landscape. Between the drier months of June and September in particular, hundreds of elephants can be seen gathering around the park’s lakes in search of water. Ask your Travel Specialist to add this into your travel plan.
Day 4 – Polonnaruwa to Kandy
Positioned right in the heart of central Sri Lanka and nestled in the lush green ‘hill-country’, you’ll find the historical city of Kandy – which is the next stop on your itinerary. Settle into your family-friendly hotel, relax and take a dip in the swimming pool. The hotel is a short tuk-tuk ride from town if you want to explore or have dinner in a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, a refreshing breeze starts to roll in off the hills so it’s an ideal time to join the locals and take a stroll along the shores of the lake.
Day 5 – Kandy guided bike tour & cultural show
After breakfast you will be heading out on a guided bike tour, pedalling through small villages and along rice terraces, via country roads. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks, a picnic lunch and photos along the way.
This evening, you will head into the city for a cultural show at the Temple of the Tooth. This is one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world, and tonight you and your family will get to see the rituals and traditional cultural practices up close. There is drumming, acrobatics, fire-eaters, and even walking over hot coals to marvel at, which should amaze all ages!
Day 6 – Rafting in Kitulgala
Today, you will be collected early and driven to Kitulgala, where you will join an exhilarating rafting adventure. Once you’re kitted out with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets, there will be a safety briefing before you hit the water, accompanied by an expert local guide. You’ll glide along the picturesque Kelani River for around six kilometres, surrounded by lush rainforest and misty hills. The rapids range from gentle, beginner-friendly ripples to more exciting splashes that will send your heart racing, but as this experience is tailored to all levels, your guide will make sure it’s a fun experience for all the family. After the excitement on the water, you will be taken to your comfortable accommodation, which is tucked away in the middle of the dense rainforest.
Day 7 – Take the train into the tea hills of Ella
Next, it’s time to head into the hills. Known for its breathtaking mountain views and endless rolling hills, Ella is a popular small town nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. The journey to Ella will include a two-hour drive to Nanu Oya, where you’ll catch the train for a scenic ride through rolling, green countryside. This train journey is known among travellers as one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, so it’s well worth giving up your private car and driver for this part of your trip. Seats are not guaranteed, and it’s a popular journey, so you may have to stand. But it’s a great way to meet local people and enjoy the spectacular landscape around you. When you arrive at Ella station, you’ll see your driver giving you a wave on the platform to take you to your hotel.
On arrival in Ella, you’ll check into your hotel, located high in the hills, offering stunning views. Time for a dip in the pool.
Day 8 – Ziplining in Ella
Today your family will be taking to the skies on a ziplining experience. You’ll start at mini Adam’s Peak and fly over tea estates and lush greenery overlooking the famous Ella Gap. The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.
If you’re not feeling so adventurous we can arrange a mountain bike experience instead. With your guide leading the way, you’ll cycle through breathtaking (and sometimes slightly challenging) landscapes, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and lookout points with panoramic views. Let your Travel Specialist know if you’d prefer the biking activity to be included.
Day 9 – Elephant spotting in Udawalawe National Park
Today you’ll drive towards Udawalawe National Park stopping off en route at the Elephant Transit Home where injured and orphaned elephant calves are cared for. You’ll visit around feeding time and watch as the young elephants wait patiently at the gate and jostle for position for the first sip of milk.
Afterwards, you’ll continue to Udawalawe National Park where you’ll take a jeep safari. Udawalawe is home to hundreds of Asian elephants so you’re (almost) guaranteed a sighting as the herds roam across the flat grasslands. Besides elephant, the park is home to sambar deer, monkeys, water buffalo and various species of bird. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera at hand. After an exciting afternoon, you’ll leave the park and drive the short distance to a safari camp, where you’ll be spending the night in a unique glamping tent surrounded by nature.
Day 10 – To the beach in Weligama
The next stop on your Sri Lanka holiday is the laid-back, surf haven of Weligama Bay. As you travel along the south coast, keep your eyes towards the ocean as you may be lucky to spot a group of stilt fishermen balancing on wooden poles. You’ll be staying in a family-friendly hotel located directly on the beach. Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll along the golden sandy beach and stop for a fresh coconut in one of the beachfront cafes. When it comes to dinner, you’re spoilt for choice as there are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 11 – Surfing in Weligama Bay
If you’re a family of budding surfers, the shallow bay of Weligama is a great place to learn or perfect your skills, and we will arrange a 90-minute lesson with a local surf instructor. It’s great fun for all the family, as you get to grips with how to stand on your board before learning how to paddle out to sea and surf back to land! All abilities and levels of confidence are taken into account, and everything you’ll need is included.
Optional: Whale watching in Mirissa
If your family are wildlife lovers, the nearby coastal town of Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Between the months of November and April, we can arrange a morning boat trip in search of these mighty marine giants. You’ll have a good chance of spotting the whales as they are drawn to the sea trench just off the coast to feed. You may also see dolphins. Ask your Travel Specialist to include this in your travel plan.
Day 12 – Free time in Weligama Bay
Today is free to do as you wish. Time to kick off your flip-flops and soak up the slow-paced coastal atmosphere, play some beach volleyball and enjoy a refreshing smoothie from one of the beach bars.
Day 13 – To the bustling capital of Colombo
After a leisurely breakfast and a final walk along the beach, your driver will collect you and drive you to Colombo for your last night. This afternoon you’ll be picked up by a local guide who’ll take you on a unique city tour by tuk-tuk! It’s an exhilarating way to explore the city and get the true feel for what the capital’s all about. As the sun sets you may wish to head down to Galle Face Green – a grassy promenade full of street food, local people strolling along and children playing cricket and football.
Day 15 – Departure from Sri Lanka
Sadly, your Sri Lanka holiday has come to an end, and today your private driver will transfer you to Colombo airport to catch your international flight home. If you would like to extend your holiday or make any adjustments, speak to your Travel Specialist.
Accommodation
