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Call usSri Lanka Family Adventure
Wildlife, Culture & Coast at a Family-Friendly Pace
12 Night / 13 Day Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure across Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” combining wildlife encounters, cultural treasures and relaxed coastal living at a pace designed for all ages. Begin with a gentle introduction in Negombo, before exploring Sigiriya’s ancient wonders, Kandy’s living traditions and the scenic train journey to Ella. Continue through Yala’s wild plains before ending with sun, sea and surf on the island’s south coast.
Families can look forward to spotting elephants and leopards in national parks, joining hands-on cooking classes, tuk-tuk rides and junior ranger programmes, all while enjoying carefully selected boutique hotels designed with family comfort in mind.
This 12 Night / 13 Day Itinerary Includes:
- 1 night in Negombo at Villa Hundira – Family Room, Bed & Breakfast
- 3 nights in Sigiriya at Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Attic Room, Half Board
- 2 nights in Kandy at Elephant Stables – Family Suite, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 nights in Ella at 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Family Chalet, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 nights in Yala at Tribe Yala – Family Tent, Half Board
- 1 night on the South Coast (Mirissa) at Niira Mirissa – Family Villa, Bed & Breakfast
- Private transfers and guided experiences throughout
- Experiences: Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb, Minneriya safari, village tour with cooking class, Temple of the Tooth, scenic hill country train, Yala safaris with junior ranger programme, turtle hatchery visit and surf lesson
- Direct return flights from London to Colombo
Prices From £2,594 per person
(Based on a family of 4 sharing family rooms/suites)
Day 1 – 2
Day 1 – Overnight Flight London to Colombo
Depart London on your overnight SriLankan Airlines flight to Colombo.
Day 2 – Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your beachside hotel in Negombo. Settle in beside the lagoon, enjoy the tropical gardens and unwind after your flight.
Overnight: Villa Hundira – Family Room, Bed & Breakfast
Day 3 – 4
Day 3 – Transfer to Sigiriya & Afternoon at Leisure
Travel inland to the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Settle into your resort surrounded by forest and open views of Sigiriya’s famed rock fortress. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring nearby villages.
Overnight: Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Attic Room, Half Board
Day 4 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya National Park
Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning for spectacular panoramic views. In the afternoon, embark on a private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, where herds of elephants gather by the ancient reservoir.
Overnight: Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Attic Room, Half Board
Day 5 – 6
Day 5 – Village Experience & Cooking Class
Join a local village tour by tractor and tuk-tuk, meeting farmers and learning about daily life. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class before sitting down to a delicious traditional lunch with your hosts.
Overnight: Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Attic Room, Half Board
Day 6 – Transfer to Kandy & Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Journey to the cultural capital of Kandy, surrounded by hills and home to the revered Temple of the Tooth. Visit the temple complex in the afternoon to witness Buddhist rituals and sacred relics.
Overnight: Elephant Stables – Family Suite, Bed & Breakfast
Day 7 – 8
Day 7 – Kandy Tuk-Tuk Tour & Kandyan Dancing Lesson
Take a family-friendly tuk-tuk tour through bustling Kandy streets, stopping at the lake and local markets. In the afternoon, enjoy a lively lesson in traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming.
Overnight: Elephant Stables – Family Suite, Bed & Breakfast
Day 8 – Scenic Train Journey to Ella
Board the train from Kandy to Ella, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Wind through emerald tea plantations and misty mountains before arriving in the hill-country haven of Ella.
Overnight: 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Family Chalet, Bed & Breakfast
Day 9 – 10
Day 9 – Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Enjoy a morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a gentle trail with rewarding views. Continue to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge to watch a train pass through the lush valley. Afternoon at leisure to explore local cafés or relax at your resort.
Overnight: 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Family Chalet, Bed & Breakfast
Day 10 – Transfer to Yala National Park
Descend from the hills to Sri Lanka’s southern plains and check into your safari lodge on the edge of Yala National Park. Spend the evening around the campfire listening to the sounds of the wild.
Overnight: Tribe Yala – Family Tent, Half Board
Day 11 – 13
Day 11 – Yala Game Drives & Junior Ranger Programme
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in Yala National Park with expert rangers. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards and abundant birdlife. Children can join a special junior ranger session for hands-on wildlife learning.
Overnight: Tribe Yala – Family Tent, Half Board
Day 12 – South Coast Beach Day
Transfer to Mirissa for your final day of relaxation by the sea. Visit a turtle hatchery to learn about conservation, then take part in a fun family surf lesson before enjoying a peaceful evening at your villa.
Overnight: Niira Mirissa – Family Villa, Bed & Breakfast
Day 13 – Departure from Colombo
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, filled with unforgettable family memories.
Additional Inspiration
Browse our other destination itineraries and blog posts for insider tips, personalised recommendations, and advice on avoiding tourist traps – helping make every journey smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
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Call us now on 020 8502 8300 and one of our team would be happy to help. Alternatively, send us an email to info@swifttravel.com or complete the enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.