Sri Lanka Family Holiday

Welcome to Sri Lanka! After you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, your private driver guide will warmly greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the well-selected hotel in Negombo which is close to the airport. It takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you could relax at the hotel or step out to explore the city.

► Money Exchanging in Sri Lanka
The most convenient place to exchange Sri Lankan rupee (LKR or Rs) is at the airport because the counters there are usually open 24 hours a day and the exchange rates are similar to local banks. Some hotels also offer money exchanging service but their exchange rate is often low. You can withdraw money from ATM machines by VISA or MasterCard, and it’s better to compare the exchange rates and be aware of a foreign exchange transaction fee. We suggest you not pay by cards as there may be card frauds.

► Tips on Packing Luggage
Your Sri Lanka holiday packages include activities such as visiting the temples, exploring the beach and hiking on a plain, so comfortable sandals and walking shoes are necessary. Weather in Sri Lanka is hot and humid all year round, so light and cotton clothes work well. Remember to take modest clothes that can cover your shoulders and knees. Wear thick socks to protect your feet from hot surfaces as you’ll need to remove your shoes at most religious sites.

► Recommendations for Early Arrival in Negombo
After checking in, you may take a break at the hotel or get to know the surroundings by yourself. You could enjoy your leisure time on the beach, or take a walk in this peaceful town. Have a taste of Negombo at TukTuk Wine & Dine (No 52, St Joseph Mawatha, Ethukala, Negombo 11500), which serves pizza, seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine. If you want to try some local food, the crab and fish curries are recommended. The cost is about USD 12 per person. Live music every evening may bring you a nice vibe for dining. You can get there by a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute tuk-tuk from the hotel.

Accommodation: Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo (4 stars)

Today, your private driver guide will first lead you to Negombo Fish Market, the second largest fish market in the country. If you are an early riser or a photography lover, you won’t want to miss the lively scene that fishermen are returning from the sea with their catch, and colorful vessels are being pulled on the beach at about 6:00 every morning. Fresh fish from the ocean and crabs and lobsters from Negombo Lagoon are directly hauled to the market, and small fish are sun-dried right on the beach. The market is thriving and bustling with fishermen handling the fish and venders shouting the price. You might choose to wear short bottoms and sandals due to unavoidable strong smells and dirty water in the market. After that, you will visit the nearby Lellama Fishing Village and get a further knowledge of the local life and fishing culture of Negombo. Next, your private driver guide will lead you to visit Dutch Canal, or “Hamilton Canal”. This historic colonial canal was once over 120 km long (74 mi.) to serve for Negombo’s cinnamon trade. Now it’s used for irrigation and boat ride. Rows of cottages and farm fields are lined by the canal bank. 

Say goodbye to Negombo and we will drive approximately 3 hours to Dambulla Cave Temple. Also known as Golden Temple of Dambulla, this temple complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. At the entrance of Dambulla Cave Temple, your eyes will definitely be caught by the 30-meter-tall (98 ft.) golden Buddha statue. Embedded in a 160-meter-tall (525 ft.) hill, the 5 main caves of the temple house 153 Buddha statues and religious murals that cover an area of 2,100 m2 (23,000 ft2). You may be marveled at the 14-meter (45 ft.) reclining Buddha statue in the first cave and the well-preserved bright-colored murals on the walls and ceilings. Immerse yourself in the stunning art works from over 2,200 years ago and get into the spirit of Sri Lanka’s religious heritage.

★ Travel Different with Us: Enjoy a Special Night in Forest
After visiting the temple, you will be sent to your hotel in Sigiriya. We specially arranged this hotel for you to get away from the noise of the city and get close to nature. It’s not hard to feel Sri Lankan’s respect and love for nature in this Buddhist country when you see animals confidently walking in the streets or villages. Surrounded by green trees, you may easily encounter monkeys, frogs or lizards. The Tree Tops restaurant in the hotel could also bring you a unique dining atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars)

Today we will head for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most important cultural heritages in Sri Lanka. You will visit the ruins of palaces, ancient frescoes and gardens built on a massive rock over 1,000 years ago. In Sri Lankan history, there was a king who killed his father for the throne. For fear of his brother’s revenge, he built this fortress in a remote forest. The fortress was initially carved like a lion which represents braveness and fearlessness, and that’s why it gets the name “Lion Rock” and why you will see 2 huge lion’s paws at the entrance. Imagine how the king climbed the steps on the rock as you do, and how he admired the frescoes of his concubines on the walls. There was even a Mirror Wall for the king to see his reflection as he walked by. When you climb up to the top of the rock, you may be impressed by the ruins of the banquet hall, meeting hall, king’s palace, and pools and ponds, and get a deep understanding of their glorious past. Looking down to the well-designed water gardens below and the surrounding forest, you might be attracted by the spectacular landscape.

► Tip: At the bottom of the rock or during your climb, there may be some over-zealous “local guides” offering to guide you or help you. Please ignore them or just say no because they may ask for money at the end.

★ Cultural Immersion: Visit a Picturesque Village & Experience Rural Life
This afternoon, you will touch the real Sri Lanka in Hiriwadunna, a village of about 2,500 people. Have a look at the traditional mud-walled bungalows, paddy fields and vegetable gardens, and indulge yourself in the fresh air and rural scenery. Life here seems plain but peaceful. Although the villagers are not rich at all, they are friendly to every guest with their big smile on the face. You may be welcomed into their home and watch how they make handicrafts, pottery or textiles that sustain their life. A simple but delicious meal is arranged for you to have a taste of traditional local food. After lunch, you could explore the village further, communicate with the locals or watch the butterflies and birds in the woods. After that, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars)

Today, your private driver guide will take you to the historic city of Kandy by a 2.5-hour drive. We will make a stopover at a Spice Garden. With a planting history of over 3,000 years, Sri Lanka is one of the biggest spice exporters in the world. You will get close to a variety of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper and clove. It might be interesting to watch how to bark the cinnamon or how to grind the cardamom. You could also try essential oil of cinnamon and spiced snacks in the garden.

After arriving and checking in the hotel in Kandy, you will head for Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which the locals call “Sri Dalada Maligawa”. Housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, this temple is a world-famous Buddhist sanctuary and unquestionably one of the symbols of Sri Lanka. The temple has a history of over 400 years, and the sacred tooth was brought to the country as early as the 4th century. An Indian Princess secretly took it to Sri Lanka by hiding it in her hair so that it would not fall into the enemy’s hands. The tooth therefore became an emblem of royalty and was enshrined in temples during different kingdoms. Getting into the temple with bare feet, you may find it quite different with its plain white exterior. The main temple building is two-storied, splendidly decorated with lacquer, wood and ivory carvings. Elaborate murals and gold ornaments are on the walls and ceilings, and holy lotus blooms are neatly placed in front of the Buddha statue.

► Tips:
1. White, a symbol of purity, is a prominent color in Sri Lanka. It’s better to wear white clothes to visit the temple. Traditional clothes such as saree or sarong are good choices as well.
2. Photography is allowed in most parts of the temple. However, please remember not to take a photo with your back to the Buddha statues.

You will next watch a brilliant Culture Dance Show after visiting the temple. The traditional Kandyan dance, which was a kind of sacrificial dance in ancient times, has been the representative of Sinhalese culture. You might interestingly find that there is no body anxiety among the performers. Although they don’t have a slim figure, their powerful and enthusiastic movements perfectly follow the music and rhythm of “Geta Beraya” drum. Then, your driver guide will send you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars)

★ Special Experience: Take a Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class
After breakfast, you will step into a kitchen and learn to cook an authentic Sri Lankan lunch for yourself. Accompanied by a well-experienced local chef, your private cooking lesson might start from selecting fresh ingredients at the market. You will get insight into how to process the food and how to use different spices. Get ready to not only get an immersive cooking experience in a warm atmosphere, but also explore the country’s cooking culture and learn valuable culinary skills. Enjoy your self-made lunch and don’t forget to bring the taste of Sri Lanka home. After lunch, you will be sent back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to arrange.

► Free Time Recommendations in Kandy
If you are interested in arts and crafts, you could visit the Gem Museum & Lapidary to admire the glittering sapphires, opals and rubies. But it’s better not to buy because they may be overpriced. It’s also a good choice to go to Batik Factory, from which you can watch the process of making a piece of patterned fabric by repeatedly applying hot wax. If you want to get a glimpse of the local life, you may stroll around the stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, tea and souvenirs at Kandy Municipal Central Market

► Recommendation for Dinner (at your own expense)
Vito Wood Fired Pizza is a nice Italian restaurant located just across from your hotel. The wood-fired pizzas as well as calzone and lasagna are worth a try. From the restaurant you can also overlook the scenery of Kandy Lake.
Average Cost per Person: USD 8
Address: 56 Saranankara Rd, Kandy 20000

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars)

Today, your first stop is Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Situated west of Kandy, it is one of the best tropical botanical gardens in the world. People come here to learn something about plants, breathe fresh air and touch nature. There are over 4,000 native and overseas trees and flowers. Feast your eyes on colorful flowers in Orchid House where various species of orchids bloom all year round. Also don’t miss the giant Java Fig Tree and banyan trees which offer cool shade for family to have a picnic or lovers to date.

Then, we will proceed to Nuwara Eliya. On the way we will stop at Ramboda Falls. With a drop of 109 meters (358 ft.), it is one of the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Climb the steps for a while and you will reach the view point, from which you can better appreciate the natural splendor and take some good pictures. If time permits, we will make a stopover at Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple. This Hindu temple is located on a hill, with golden roofs and walls. From the outside you can overlook the serene surrounding forests and valley.

With its pleasant scenery and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya once attracted a lot of British to settle here and got the nickname of Sri Lanka’s “Little England”. This little town has suitable environment for tea trees and has become the most important growing region of premium Ceylon black tea in the world. After arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you will visit a Tea Plantation & Tea Factory. Have a taste of fresh black tea and learn about the tea planting history and tea varieties. Experience the joy of picking some tea leaves in the plantation and watch how they are fermented and dried in the factory. After that, we will drive you to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya (4 stars)

Put on your comfortable shoes and clothes, this morning you will go on an exciting hike at Horton Plains National Park! It is the only national park in Sri Lanka that visitors can explore by hiking. The plains are covered by montane grasslands and primeval forests. They are home to a variety of wild plants and animals, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trail is 9.4 km long (6 mi.), taking about 3 to 4 hours. During the hike, you will pass by World’s End - a cliff that drops 880 meters (2,887 ft.) and gives magnificent view of the surroundings. It may be exhausting but definitely worth when you are immersed in the natural beauty and surrounded by animals like monkeys, Sambar deer and squirrels.

► Tips:
1. We highly recommend you to rise up as early as 6 am because around 10 am the plains will be covered by thick fog, and you may not be able to enjoy the full views.
2. Due to high altitude and large temperature difference, it’s better to take a coat or a jumper.
3. Bring your sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses.
4. Take enough water and food to fuel your energy.

★ Visit a Local Market & Immerse in Local Life
In the afternoon, we will take you to visit a local market in Nuwara Eliya. Markets in every city and town are a microcosm of the everyday life and offer you a chance to interact with local people. Besides fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, there are also stalls of flowers, handicrafts and black tea. It may be an enjoyment to see all the items placed in order at every stall. Remember to bargain hard if you want to buy something. Afterwards, you will be escorted to your hotel.

► If you like hiking and want to climb the more challenging Adam’s Peak and enjoy a wonderful sunrise, don’t hesitate to contact us to tailor your itinerary and stay one more night in Nuwara Eliya.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya (4 stars)

★ Experience One of the Most Beautiful Train Journeys in the World
After breakfast, you will be sent to the train station to take a 3.5-hour train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella and enjoy one of the most picturesque sceneries in Sri Lanka. Going through green tea plantations and mountains as if you were in the scene from The Wizard of Oz. Relax and feel the breeze and the refreshing smell of tea bushes, and feast your eyes on the cloud and mist-covered forests and the rolling hills.

► Tips: We strongly recommend a second-class seat to sit on the train because the windows and doors can be wide open so that you are able to take photos without the glare of glass. Sit on the left side of the train to get better views of the scenery outside. For your safety, try not to lean out of the window or door to avoid getting injured by branches or signs by the track. If you prefer a quiet and comfortable environment, we are glad to offer you a free upgrade to first class depending on the ticket availability, so please book with us as early as possible.

When your train arrives in Ella, your private driver guide will send you to your hotel. After checking in, we will head for one of the landmarks of Sri Lanka - Nine Arch Bridge, which gets the name by its 9 arches. The bridge was constructed in the British colonial times in 1921. With a length of 91 meters (300 ft.) and a height of 30 meters (100 ft.), it is also called “Bridge in the Sky”. Nine Arch Bridge was made of stone, bricks and cement without a use of any steel. Marvel at its architectural beauty and the surroundings. If lucky enough, you may even watch a train slowly pass across the old bridge. Take some photos to keep this gorgeous moment. After that, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Heavens, Ella (4 stars)

Today, your first stop is Little Adam’s Peak - a 1,141-meter-high (3,740 ft.) mountain. The hike is relatively easy and it takes about 1 hour to the top. You will start your climb from some tea plantations surrounded by green forests. As you climb higher, the trail may be steeper and rougher but the scenery will be more stunning and delightful. From the top, you could get a panoramic view of Ella Gap and the town of Ella. Next, we will proceed to Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in the country. With a drop of 25 meters (80 ft.), the fall is particularly splendid during the rainy season with a look like an areca flower. Standing in front of the waterfall, you will be encompassed by fresh mist and the roaring sound of water. Don’t forget to capture the beautiful scene with your phone or camera.

After that, we will drive you for 2 hours to Yala for the jeep safari in Yala National Park. Set up in 1938, it is one of the largest and most popular national parks in Sri Lanka. Get ready to have a close up view of various wildlife. Your guide will give you a better understanding of the species and behaviors of wild animals in the park. Yala National Park has the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards. Luckily enough, you might spot a leopard preying or licking a paw. You may also see Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, wild peacocks, crocodiles and lizards in the park. Watching some birds can be another nice experience. Over 200 species of birds inhabit here including Malabar pied hornbill, the greater flamingo, and the black-necked stork. After the safari, you will be sent back to your hotel.

★ What Makes Us Different:
Different from other travel agencies, we specially arrange your jeep safari in the afternoon to avoid the morning rush and offer you a better experience. You don’t have to wait long in queue to get into the park. In addition, animals, especially leopards, will drink water and be more active around dusk. It could be easier to spot more animals. Also fresh watermelon is prepared for you to ensure a pleasant safari.

► Tips for Safari
1. Wild animals can be dangerous, so please follow your guide’s instructions and do not get off casually in the park.
2. To take some wonderful wildlife photos, you may take a camera with telephoto lens.
3. Remember to restrain your excitement when seeing animals. Don’t shout at them or feed them.
4. Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are recommended.

► Please note that the park closes for about two weeks around September every year. Avoid coming during the closing days, or you can contact us to tailor your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thaulle Ayurveda Resort, Yala (4 stars)

Today we will leave for Bentota, and in the midway you will have a stopover to witness a unique way of fishing - Stilt Fishing. In the past, fishermen couldn’t afford to buy a boat for fishing, so they had no choice but to invent a new method to make a living. They sit on a cross bar called petta fixed in the shallow sea, with one hand holding firmly and the other hand fishing. Unfortunately, this tradition has become a show for tourists now. You may have seen some impressive photos of these stilt fishermen, while actually few people in Sri Lanka do that for a living in recent years. If you want to be a “stilt fisherman” yourself, you can pay to climb on the stilt and take some photos. Be careful while climbing because the stilt may be unsteady and cause a fall.

Next, we will proceed to visit Galle Dutch Fort - a perfect fusion of European architectural art and South Asian styles. With a history of nearly 400 years, it’s one of the best-preserved coastal fortresses in Asia. Stepping into this small town, you will be attracted by the narrow but clean streets and centuries-old buildings. Many old houses have been transformed into cafés, boutique hotels, shops or restaurants. You can still feel the traces of history through the wooden window and door frames, peeling walls and vintage decorations on them. The old churches and lighthouse are still standing there, telling the stories of the past. Strolling around the fort, the nostalgic ambience may take you back to a medieval town in Europe. After the visit, we will drive you to Bentota and help you check in at the hotel.

► Recommendation for Dinner in Bentota (at your own expense)
Take a 5-minutes’ tuk-tuk from your hotel to Bamboos Garden Restaurant, from which you can enjoy the freshest local seafood such as lobsters, crabs and squids. The restaurant is close to the sea, and you may admire a sunset while having your dinner. You might even see a train passing by along the beach.
Average Cost per Person: USD 10
Address: Pitaramba Road, Bentota 80500

► If you want to stay another day to visit some spots or take some water sports in Bentota, please contact us to reserve one more night in the hotel for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort (4 stars)

Your holiday in Sri Lanka is coming to an end today. Your driver guide will drive you for about 1.5 hours from Bentota to the airport in Colombo and see you off. Wish you have had a great time with us!

► Free Time Recommendations in Colombo:
If you intend to explore Colombo for the last few hours, we can set out early from Bentota. Upon arrival, you may pay a visit to Colombo National Museum by yourself, which has a large collection of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritages including ancient textiles, coins, bronze statues, stone statues, and even the royal throne of the Kandyan king. Then, you could take a stroll in Viharamahadevi Park, opposite the museum. After that, please get to the airport by yourself.

► If you want to stay a night in Colombo and visit the attractions the next morning, we are glad to reserve a hotel for you. If you would like to extend your tour to other cities such as Trincomalee or Mirissa, or if you want to continue to explore the neighboring countries like India and Maldives, please contact our travel consultant to tailor a private itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast