Sri Lanka Family Tour 18 Day

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Negombo, a lively coastal town known for its fishing traditions, colonial heritage and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Visit the Negombo Fish Market and nearby fishing areas to observe local fishermen, traditional boats and everyday coastal life.

Continue with a short city tour, passing historic landmarks such as the remains of Negombo Dutch Fort and the Hamilton Canal, both reflecting the town’s colonial past.

Depending on timing and local conditions, an optional visit to the Muthurajawela wetland area may also be arranged for nature and birdwatching opportunities.

Later, visit St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, an important Catholic landmark in the Negombo area.

Spend the afternoon at Negombo Beach, where families can relax, enjoy a walk along the shore or spend some free time by the sea.

In the evening, meet with your guide to review the following day’s program.

Overnight: Negombo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Negombo and travel inland toward Habarana, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

As the scenery changes from coastal landscapes to dry-zone countryside, enjoy views of rural villages, farmland and forested areas along the way.

Upon arrival in the Habarana region, an optional visit to Ritigala Forest Monastery can be arranged. Hidden within a forest reserve, this ancient monastic site offers a peaceful combination of history and nature. Walk along shaded paths and discover stone-paved walkways, meditation areas, ancient ponds and archaeological remains associated with the monastic complex.

Later, embark on an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park or another nearby wildlife park, depending on seasonal conditions and elephant movements.

Explore grasslands, wetlands and forested areas while looking for Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar and a variety of birdlife. During the dry season, the region is especially known for seasonal elephant gatherings, although wildlife sightings always depend on natural conditions.

After completing the safari, transfer to your hotel in Habarana and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore the ancient water gardens, frescoes, Mirror Wall and the impressive Lion’s Paw entrance as you make your way through the archaeological complex. Those continuing to the summit can enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding plains and discover the remains of the former royal complex.

Later, continue to a nearby village for an authentic introduction to Sri Lankan rural life. Depending on local conditions, the experience may include:

• Bullock Cart Ride

• Traditional Canoe Ride

• Walk through Paddy Fields & Farmland

• Traditional Cooking & Village Life Experience

You will also visit a local wood carving workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional techniques used to create Sri Lankan handicrafts.

For guests seeking an additional adventure, an optional climb of Pidurangala Rock can be arranged. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and an excellent perspective of Sigiriya Rock.

After completing the day’s activities, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Habarana / Sigiriya Area
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Habarana and travel to Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore the ancient city and discover impressive archaeological remains that reflect the island’s medieval royal and religious heritage. Highlights may include:

• Royal Palace Complex

• Gal Vihara

• Vatadage

• Hatadage

• Shiva Devalaya No. 2

• Parakrama Samudra

Learn about the history of King Parakramabahu I, the development of the ancient city and the remarkable irrigation systems that helped shape the region.

For guests seeking a more active experience, an optional cycling tour can be arranged through the archaeological area, offering a relaxed way to move between the main monuments and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

After completing the day’s cultural exploration, return to Habarana and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most important ancient cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the sacred city and discover its remarkable Buddhist heritage, including the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, along with ancient stupas, monastery ruins and archaeological remains that reflect centuries of Sri Lankan history and religious tradition.

Continue your journey in the afternoon toward Dambulla and visit the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.

Explore the temple’s five main cave sanctuaries, filled with historic Buddha statues, colorful murals and religious artwork. After climbing to the cave complex, enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Following the visit, transfer to your hotel in Dambulla and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dambulla
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Dambulla and travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s historic hill-country capital and a UNESCO World Heritage City.

En route, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, known for its impressive collection of tropical plants, orchids, palms and landscaped avenues. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the gardens before continuing to Kandy.

Upon arrival, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Learn about its religious and cultural significance while exploring the historic temple complex.

Continue with a guided Kandy city tour, including a walk around Kandy Lake and a visit to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and surrounding hills.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural show, featuring regional dance, music and drumming performances.

After the show, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Kandy and travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic hill-country landscapes toward Kitulgala, a lush rainforest region known for nature and adventure experiences.

Upon arrival, settle into the peaceful surroundings before beginning your exploration of the Kelani River and nearby rainforest.

Enjoy a guided walk through the local village and surrounding forest trails, discovering tropical vegetation, birdlife and the natural beauty of the river valley. Depending on the program, you may also cross a traditional suspension bridge and enjoy a canoe or boat crossing on the Kelani River.

Kitulgala is also known for its connection to the classic film The Bridge on the River Kwai, adding a cultural note to the region’s natural appeal.

For guests seeking additional adventure, optional activities may include:

• White-Water Rafting – depending on season and river conditions

• Jungle Trekking

• Birdwatching

• Additional Nature Walks

After completing the day’s activities, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening surrounded by the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.

Overnight: Kitulgala
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya and travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic Central Highlands, surrounded by tea plantations, misty hills and mountain landscapes.

Along the way, enjoy photo stops at Devon Falls and St. Clair’s Falls before continuing to the hill-country town of Nuwara Eliya.

Visit a traditional tea plantation and factory to learn about the production of Ceylon tea, from freshly picked leaves to the final brewing process.

Continue your sightseeing with visits to Seetha Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its colorful plants and peaceful mountain setting.

Later, spend time at Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or an optional boat ride.

Finish the day with a short Nuwara Eliya city tour, including the historic Old Post Office and local market area.

After sightseeing, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin the day with an early departure from Nuwara Eliya, taking a packed breakfast with you as you travel toward Horton Plains National Park.

Upon arrival, begin a guided trek through the park’s distinctive landscape of montane grasslands, cloud forests and mountain streams.

Continue to World’s End, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous viewpoints, where the dramatic escarpment offers sweeping views across the surrounding highlands on clear days.

The trail also leads to Baker’s Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Along the way, keep watch for endemic birdlife and other native species found within this unique highland ecosystem.

After completing the trek, continue through Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country, passing tea plantations and mountain landscapes.

Later, visit Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, set within a peaceful forested environment.

After the visit, continue your journey to Ella, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ella
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, begin your day exploring Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic hill-country destinations.

Start with a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and tea-covered hills. Enjoy time for photographs and take in the peaceful railway landscape.

Continue with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a popular trail offering panoramic views across Ella’s valleys, mountain scenery and surrounding countryside.

After the hike, enjoy some free time for lunch at a local restaurant in Ella.

In the afternoon, guests seeking an additional adventure can experience the Flying Ravana Zipline, offering a thrilling ride above the hill-country landscape.

Later, enjoy a short Ella town tour and leisure time to explore the local streets, cafés and viewpoints at your own pace.

After completing the day’s activities, return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Ella
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lunch: Optional / depending on packageVisit Nine Arch Bridge

After breakfast, depart from Ella and travel south toward Tissamaharama.

En route, visit Bundala National Park, a coastal wetland reserve known for its lagoons, grasslands and rich birdlife. Enjoy a safari game drive with opportunities to observe waterbirds, crocodiles, elephants and other wildlife, depending on natural conditions.

Continue to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka’s most important pilgrimage towns. Visit the Kataragama Temple, a sacred site associated with several religious traditions and an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Nearby, visit Kiri Vehera, a revered Buddhist stupa set within a peaceful spiritual setting.

After completing the day’s visits, continue to Tissamaharama, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

In the evening, meet with your guide to review the following day’s Yala National Park safari.

Overnight: Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin the day with an early departure from Tissamaharama for a full-day safari in Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations.

Travel through the park’s diverse landscapes of dry forest, grasslands, scrub and lagoons while searching for Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and a wide variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a packed breakfast during the morning safari, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a designated rest area inside or near the park, depending on operational arrangements.

Continue the game drive through the afternoon, with opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching across Yala’s different habitats.

After completing the safari, return to your hotel in Tissamaharama. Enjoy a refreshing drink and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lunch: Traditional Sri Lankan lunch during the safari

After breakfast, travel to Udawalawe and begin your wildlife experience with a safari in Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known destinations for observing wild elephants.

Explore the park’s open grasslands, reservoir surroundings and forested areas while looking for Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and a variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

After the morning safari and lunch, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a conservation center dedicated to caring for orphaned and injured young elephants before their eventual release back into the wild. Depending on the schedule, you may have the opportunity to observe one of the feeding sessions and learn more about the center’s rehabilitation work.

Later, continue with an afternoon game drive in Udawalawe National Park for additional wildlife viewing.

Depending on timing, you may also stop near the Udawalawe Reservoir to enjoy the surrounding scenery before returning to your hotel.

Spend the evening at leisure and review the following day’s program with your guide.

Overnight: Udawalawe
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lunch: Depending on package

After breakfast, depart from Udawalawe and travel toward Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular southern coastal destinations.

Along the way, stop in Weligama to observe the traditional stilt fishing practice, one of the most recognizable cultural sights along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Continue to Coconut Tree Hill, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Indian Ocean and Mirissa’s palm-fringed coastline.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Relax on Mirissa Beach, enjoy a swim, unwind by the pool or simply take in the tropical coastal atmosphere.

In the evening, meet with your tour guide to review the following day’s activities. A whale and dolphin watching excursion may be arranged depending on the season, sea conditions and availability.

Overnight: Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin the day early with an optional whale and dolphin watching excursion in Mirissa. Cruise into the Indian Ocean with opportunities to observe whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life depending on the season and sea conditions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After returning to shore, continue your journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coast toward Balapitiya.

En route, visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic ramparts, colonial architecture and atmospheric streets.

Continue to Kosgoda and visit a local turtle conservation project to learn about efforts to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles.

Later, stop at Meetiyagoda to discover the area’s traditional moonstone mining and gemstone craftsmanship.

Enjoy a relaxing Madu Ganga boat safari, travelling through mangrove-lined waterways and peaceful natural surroundings with opportunities to observe local birdlife and other wildlife.

Before reaching Balapitiya, visit Ambalangoda, known for its traditional mask-making heritage. Explore a local workshop or museum and learn about the cultural significance of these colorful handcrafted masks.

After completing the day’s activities, continue to your hotel in Balapitiya and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Balapitiya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Whale Watching: Seasonal and subject to sea conditions

After breakfast, depart from Balapitiya and travel along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast toward Colombo.

En route, stop in Bentota, one of the island’s best-known coastal destinations. Visit Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya, a historic Buddhist temple reflecting the area’s cultural and religious heritage.

Continue your scenic coastal journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and a vibrant city where historic architecture, modern developments and local culture come together.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your interests, you may explore local shopping areas, visit Laksala for Sri Lankan handicrafts and souvenirs, or enjoy some free time in the city.

Return to your hotel and relax before the final day of your journey.

Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy your final breakfast in Colombo and spend the morning at leisure, depending on your flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

Your 18-day journey through Sri Lanka concludes with memorable experiences of the island’s cultural heritage, wildlife, scenic landscapes and southern coastline.

Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour