Day 1 – Sigiriya and on to Habarana
Today you’ll travel towards Habarana and after a few hours’ drive, the giant Sigiriya rock will start to loom in front of you. In earlier times this rock fortress, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, was covered with hundreds of frescoes and a grand palace stood atop. An exciting climb along the winding stairways lies ahead, passing through the rock-carved lion’s paws to reach the summit. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the wild green jungle. Time for a family photo.
Back at base, continue to your hotel. You’ll stay in nearby Habarana, in a family-friendly hotel set amongst tropical gardens and surrounded by nature. The rest of your day is free to relax and swim in the pool.
Day 2 – Polonnaruwa cycling and …
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the beautifully preserved ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you’ll collect your hired bike and cycle around the ancient ruins at your family’s pace. The town was once the capital city of Sri Lanka and there are still many interesting relics left over from this period, from palaces and bathhouses to ancient temples. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history. After you’ve pedalled your way through town, you’ll head to a small farmers’ restaurant where you can refuel with some super-authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
Child bikes and seats for younger kids are available.
… jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
To avoid becoming ‘templed out’ in the Cultural Triangle, and keep the day exciting for all the family, this afternoon you’ll head into nearby Minneriya National Park on a jeep safari. 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.
The safari is great for children of all ages
Day 3 – Departure from Habarana
After breakfast today, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to the next stop on your family adventure.
If you’re heading south towards Kandy then you’ll stop off at the cave temples of Dambulla, located up in the hills with sweeping countryside views. Here, you’ll find caves crammed full of statues and paintings of the kings of Anuradhapura. You’ll wander through each cave and discover fascinating statues of the grand Buddha.
If your kids are history buffs, then you may be interested in our Leopards, Lakes and Royal Palaces trip that includes a night in another former capital, Anuradhapura.
Accommodation
