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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sri Lanka Family Holiday

Sri Lanka Family Holiday

From $ 2,610 AUD

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Description

Naturally gorgeous, culturally captivating and steeped in mysticism, Sri Lanka makes for a wonderful introduction to both travel and the Indian subcontinent for children and adults alike. Embark on a 12-day family tour and discover temples carved from cliffs, fortresses built on boulders and wildlife-rich parks. Expose your family to different ways of life while cycling through peaceful villages and touring working tea plantations. Wonder at wildlife when you go safari in search of wild elephants, deer and crocodiles. Chill out by the beach in Mirissa while the kids are playing with other young travellers on the tour. Educational, active and leisurely paced, this trip is everything you could want in a family getaway.

Trip Name
Sri Lanka Family Holiday
Last Updated
2024-04-24
Days
12
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • The whole family will be impressed by the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya, from the massive stone lion paws at the entrance to the 200-metre climb to the top.
  • Spotting elephants in their natural habitat during a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park is something your kids – and you – will never forget.
  • Share dinner with a Sri Lankan family before sealing the friendship with an informal lesson in a traditional Kandyan dance.
  • Explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.
  • Soak up some sun during a strategically scheduled beach break along the palm-fringed sands of Mirissa, where the kids can splash, and you can relax.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers travellers palm-studded beaches, rolling plantations, and sacred sights steeped in spirituality. There are no activities planned today until your group welcome meeting at 5 pm.
Day 2 - Dambulla
Begin the adventure by heading to Dambulla by private vehicle, located at the end of a moderate 4-hour drive from Negombo. This town plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. Upon arrival, choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market, a labyrinth of shops and stalls that offers a fascinating look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. Later, explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and thousands of ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.
Day 3 - Dambulla
Today’s adventure takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya, a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress. Let the kids burn off some energy with a climb to the top of enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way. If the weather is playing nicely, you should be able to take in sweeping views of the thick forests from the summit before descending. Once you return to Dambulla, take the family for a pleasant bike ride around the countryside. After a day full of activity everyone should be nice and tuckered out by the time night falls.
Day 4 - Kandy
Say farewell to Dambulla in the morning and make a 3-hour drive to beautiful Kandy, often called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The verdant hills surrounding the city, along with the tranquil lake in the centre, creates the perfect scenery for family photo opportunities, and the old shops and restaurants will keep you busy for hours. Spend the afternoon basking amongst rows of flowers and towering palm trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to more than 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and various trees. It’s a leisurely walk full of colour. Continue to the Spice Gardens to learn about Sri Lankan spice plants and herbs.
Day 5 - Kandy
This morning, visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic: a tooth said to belong to the Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century and they still come in droves today, making it a fascinating place to teach kids about one of the world’s oldest religions still being widely practiced. This evening join a local family for dinner and learn the steps to a traditional Kandayan dance during some lessons from local performers.
Day 6 - Bandarawela
After breakfast hit the road by private bus past lush green hills to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours), a former colonial hill station built entirely during the 19th century. The old world architecture reflects what you might expect to find in an English village and the town is a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses and tea plantations. From here board a train to Bandarawela (2 hours). Enjoy views across the hills and tea plantations from your accommodation this evening.
Day 7 - Bandarawela
After a few busy days on the road, today unfolds at a slower pace. Bandarawela is an unhurried, unpretentious hill town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Another distinctive feature of Bandarawela is the colonial flavour still preserved in the many old buildings, including the Bandarawela Hotel and the old supermarket. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside, past tea workers plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets on their backs before settling in for a local home cooked lunch. The afternoon is free for your enjoyment.
Day 8 - Udawalawe
After a hearty breakfast and 8.30 am checkout, drive to Udawalawe National Park (approximately 3 hours). This park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife, with more herds of wild elephants than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Following lunch, hop in a jeep for a safari inside the park. Other wildlife regularly spotted here includes macaques and larger monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles and sometimes even leopards. This is a real safari experience, nothing like a zoo or safari park – truly an adventure for all ages! Check into the campsite at around 6 pm after a full day of adventure.
Day 9 - Mirissa
Join your leader for an early morning, four-kilometre walk to a nearby lake which is home to lots of local birds. Head back to camp and fill up on a hearty meal before travelling to the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa. This is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will have some free time to explore it your way. Check out the stunning beach and splash around in the waves or ask your leader for a delicious dinner recommendation.
Day 10 - Mirissa
Take free time today to relax around Mirissa’s lovely waterfront or take in some of the local sights. The waters are clear and inviting if you’d like to go for a splash in the Laccadive Sea, or you could grab a bite of fresh fish to share with the family. If you’re interested I the local fishing industry, consider gathering the family heading to nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bring the day’s catch to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look. In the evening, visit the Dutch Fort in Galle for a spot of kite flying. If the colours of the kites don’t get you excited, the kaleidoscopic hues of the sunset surely will.
Day 11 - Colombo
Check out of the hotel and head towards Colombo. Once you arrive, take a bit of time to wander through the bazaar and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of free time. You’re in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, so there’s more than enough things to occupy the whole family. The waterfront is full of life and makes for an excellent starting point. Regroup in the afternoon and head to Galle Face Green – five hectares of ocean-side park bliss – with your fellow families.
Day 12 - Colombo
Your Sri Lankan family holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time after check out at 12 pm. If you are departing later in the day, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Additional accommodation is available through your agent at the time of booking, subject to availability.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-06-202410-07-2024AUD $ 2,890-
30-06-202411-07-2024AUD $ 2,770-
04-07-202415-07-2024AUD $ 2,640-
06-07-202417-07-2024AUD $ 2,870-
13-07-202424-07-2024AUD $ 2,640-
27-07-202407-08-2024AUD $ 2,820-
29-07-202409-08-2024AUD $ 2,665-
03-08-202414-08-2024AUD $ 2,770-
10-08-202421-08-2024AUD $ 2,925-
11-08-202422-08-2024AUD $ 2,610-
17-08-202428-08-2024AUD $ 2,810-
22-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 2,730-
27-09-202408-10-2024AUD $ 2,730-
28-09-202409-10-2024AUD $ 3,050-
13-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 2,835-
20-12-202431-12-2024AUD $ 2,860-
22-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 2,835-
28-12-202408-01-2025AUD $ 2,835-
31-12-202411-01-2025AUD $ 2,820-
03-01-202514-01-2025AUD $ 2,755-
07-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 2,755-
10-01-202521-01-2025AUD $ 2,755-
29-03-202509-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
03-04-202514-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
05-04-202516-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
06-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
08-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
11-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
13-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
15-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 2,755-
28-06-202509-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
03-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
05-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
08-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
12-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
19-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 2,755-
26-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 2,755-
02-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 2,755-
09-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 2,755-
12-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 2,755-
16-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 2,755-
20-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 2,755-
26-09-202507-10-2025AUD $ 2,755-
19-12-202530-12-2025AUD $ 2,755-
21-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
23-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
26-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
28-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
30-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights),Camping (1 night)

Transport

Private bus,train,bicycle

Map

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