Wildlife, nature and culture trips

Bite-sized trips

Wildlife, nature & culture

Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka is packed with exciting wildlife experiences and cultural adventures for families. From ancient temples to lush tea plantations and incredible wildlife, there’s something to spark curiosity in every age group. Whether your little explorers want to spot elephants and leopards on safari, discover historic fortress ruins, or learn how to pick tea, Sri Lanka is full of unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re hiking in the cool hills, exploring ancient cities, sharing a home-cooked meal with a local family, or watching wildlife in the national parks, there’s always something to discover. Our bite-sized trips have been carefully designed to help families immerse in Sri Lanka’s incomparable culture, nature, and wildlife, at a pace that suits your family.

If you're not sure where to start, take a look at our full itineraries. Or simply get in touch and our travel specialists will talk you through the options.

Immersive local experiences
Hand-picked & family-friendly hotels
24/7 in-destination support

Emma Family Travel Specialist

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1
Wildlife Encounters in Yala
Itinerary:
Yala National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From £349
Elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and maybe even a leopard or two – this is how to persuade the kids that Sri Lanka is the place to go. Welcome to Yala National Park!
2
Hike Through the Hills of Ella
Itinerary:
Ella
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £250 per adult (excluding flights)
From £209 per child (up to 11 years)
Ella is a popular, small town located in-between tea plantations amidst the mountains. You and your family will spend a few days here taking in the beauty of the area, with stunning green landscapes with lush hilltop views all around you
3
Rock Up to the Lion Fortress
Itinerary:
Sigiriya
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £164 per adult (excluding flights)
From £109 per child (up to 11 years)
Climbing up to the top of Lion Rock will require quite a bit of effort, but it’s a fun walk up as you’ll pass cheeky monkeys, countless frescoes, and Buddha images.
4
Treehouse experience near Sigiriya
Itinerary:
Sigiriya
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £255 per adult (excluding flights)
From £205 per child (up to 11 years)
For a unique family experience in Sri Lanka, sleep among the trees in a hand-built wooden treehouse perched above the forest floor near Sigiriya Rock, and listen to the sounds of nature buzzing all around. While here, you’ll hop on a bike and pedal along the dusty paths, before climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock.
5
Elephants and temples in Buddha’s garden
Itinerary:
Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £295 per adult (excluding flights)
From £259 per child (up to 11 years)
This trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. You’ll climb Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, pedal around the ruins of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital – Polonnaruwa, and spot elephants on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
6
Cycle Through the Ancient Kingdom
Itinerary:
Polonnaruwa
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £199 per adult (excluding flights)
From £139 per child (up to 11 years)
Prepare to feel like a time-traveller in Polonnaruwa, where the time seems to have stopped centuries ago. Hop on bikes and peddle through the maze of crumbling temples and ancient ruins. Stop along the way to sample some freshly made local food if you are feeling peckish, the city is famous for its cuisine!
7
Spotting wildlife in Wilpattu
Itinerary:
Wilpattu National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From £349 per adult (excluding flights)
From £279 per child (up to 11 years)
This bite-sized trip will take you to Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. The kids will love heading out on an adventurous jeep safari in search of leopards and sloth bears. You’ll stay in an atmospheric safari tent and enjoy an evening BBQ at the campfire.
8
On safari in Udawalawe National Park
Itinerary:
Udawalawe National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From £249 per adult (excluding flights)
From £199 per child (up to 11 years)
If you love elephants then you need to include a visit to Udawalawe National Park in your Sri Lanka itinerary. As well as a jeep safari in the park you’ll also visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for.
9
Kandy’s Cultural Treasures
Itinerary:
Kandy
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £199 per adult (excluding flights)
From £149 per child (up to 11 years)
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. Visit the Temple of the Tooth and watch a traditional show of colourful dancers, rousing drumming, fire breathers and men walking on hot coals!
10
Kitulgala: Rafting in the Rainforest
Itinerary:
Kitulgala
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From £279 per adult (excluding flights)
From £199 per child (up to 11 years)
For an adventure your family won’t forget, head to Kitulgala for a thrilling rafting experience on the Kelani River. Winding through lush rainforests, you’ll tackle a range of rapids, from the gentle rolling waves to the more lively splashes that will have everyone grinning from ear to ear.
11
Wild elephants and emerald lakes
Itinerary:
Gal Oya National Park
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £559 per adult (excluding flights)
From £395 per child (up to 11 years)
Gal Oya is a real treat for wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Set on the shores of the largest lake in Sri Lanka, this undiscovered paradise teeming with wildlife will give you a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Choose to stay in glamping accommodation or a comfortable eco-lodge.
12
Uncover Galle’s colonial past
Itinerary:
Galle
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £284 per adult (excluding flights)
From £189 per child (up to 11 years)
A beautifully preserved port town sitting on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle is well known for its multi-cultural heritage. Explore the Fort’s entangled, UNESCO-protected streets with a charismatic local guide, who keeps the kids engaged with a historical treasure hunt.
13
Colombo’s Tuk-tuks and Temples
Itinerary:
Colombo
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From £149 per adult (excluding flights)
From £109 per child (up to 11 years)
Colombo may not be the place you’re most excited about in Sri Lanka, but the country’s capital has plenty to offer and is a real eye-opener for kids to see daily life in a big working city. We’ll arrange a fun city tour by tuk tuk.
14
Back to nature at The Mudhouse
Itinerary:
Anamaduwa
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £399 per adult (excluding flights)
From £350 per child (up to 11 years)
Immerse yourself in rural Sri Lanka and live amongst nature at The Mudhouse. It’s a unique property in an off-the-beaten track setting, with a dedicated sustainability ethos. It’s one for the more adventurous traveller, but a stay here is magical and kids will love it!