Family trip to Sri Lanka

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Colombo - Negombo

  

  Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Nicknamed the "Little Rome", this port city is home to one of the largest fishing communities on the island, mainly of Catholic faith. Along the shore, you will see many churches where fishermen moor their catamarans. Every morning (except Sunday), the fishermen sell their catch at auction on the beach sand. After your check-in at the hotel, you will have free time to relax. Spend a restful night at the hotel.

• day 2

  Negombo - Pinnawala - Habarana

  

  Heading to Pinnawela for a fascinating visit to the elephant orphanage. You will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close, who are bottle-fed and consume up to seven liters of milk four times a day. You will also witness their refreshing bath in the river, offering a memorable spectacle. You can observe these elephants from a terrace set up along the river. This orphanage was created in 1975 by the government with the aim of protecting elephants hunted by humans or abandoned by their parents. Once adults, some of these elephants are employed in tea plantations or take part in religious ceremonies alongside Buddhists. After this enriching experience, you will have lunch by the river in the company of the four-legged residents. Then, you will set off for a walk through the countryside, allowing you to discover the authentic rural life of Sri Lanka. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Habarana, then check in at the hotel. Have a pleasant night in this enchanting setting.

• day 3

  Habarana - Sigiriya - Habarana

  

  In the morning, you will have the opportunity to climb the Lion Rock fortress, where you can admire the splendid frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens, creatures halfway between goddesses and princesses. It is important to note that the Sigiriya citadel was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its exceptional value. Your visit will also include exploring the palace of Kashyapa, a great patron who welcomed the most eminent artists of his time to his court. Next, you will have the chance to discover the ancient site of Vatadage, a circular sanctuary, as well as five other religious buildings that form a unique architectural ensemble in the world. A bike ride of about 2 to 3 hours will allow you to immerse yourself among these exceptional archaeological treasures. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a short elephant ride through the Sri Lankan countryside before returning to Habarana. You will spend the night at the hotel.

• day 4

  Habarana - Matale - Kandy

  

  In the morning, your journey in Sri Lanka continues towards Kandy. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the Dambulla caves, which once served as a refuge for King Valagambahu when he was driven out of his capital, Anuradhapura. Inside, you will be amazed by a remarkable collection of Buddha statues, spread across the five large caves, frequented by monks since the 1st century BC. In addition, the view from the top of the rock is simply exceptional. Next, you will explore the Nalanda Gedige sanctuary, a place that blends Hindu and Buddhist influences and is adorned with tantric sculptures. Your journey will continue towards Matale, where you will have the chance to visit a magnificent spice garden located in the heart of a fertile agricultural region. You will be able to watch the preparation of a Sri Lankan dish while learning about the virtues of the plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. Once you arrive in Kandy, a city built around an artificial lake, you will discover its history as the former capital of Ceylon, before the island became a British colony. Kandy is renowned for its Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic, and it is today considered the religious capital of the country as well as an important place for Buddhism worldwide. You will check in at the hotel and spend the night in Kandy.

• day 5

  Kandy (Gampola temples - Peradeniya gardens - Temple of the Tooth)

  

  During this day, you will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating temples of Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake, and Embekke, which belong to the exceptional artistic period known as "Gampola". Lankatilake, also called the "beauty spot of Lanka", is a superb royal temple. It will charm you with its grandeur and historical significance. Embekke Devale, for its part, was erected in the 14th century in honor of the protective god Kataragama. Its architecture and ornaments are remarkable. Finally, you will have the chance to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the most famous in Kandy, which houses a sacred relic. You will also explore the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Garden, located along the Mahaweli River, covering more than 60 hectares and home to some of the most exquisite tropical species in the world. At night, you will stay in Kandy to rest and recharge.

• day 6

  Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

  

  In the morning, you will be taken to the station aboard a tuk-tuk. From there, you will embark on a journey towards Nuwara Eliya, passing through picturesque tea plantations along the way. Once you arrive at your destination, you will be charmed by the atmosphere reminiscent of the British colonial era that permeates this small town. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit a tea plantation and one of the famous Ceylon factories. Today, the tea produced in Sri Lanka is better known as "Ceylon tea," referring to the country's former name until 1972. The island mainly specializes in the production of black tea, which is easily recognizable thanks to its beautiful amber color. After your explorations, you will check in at the hotel to spend the night in Nuwara Eliya, where you can relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this mountain town.

• day 7

  Nuwara Eliya - Uda Walawe

  

  In the morning, you will set off towards Udawalawe, where you will have an exciting experience during a jeep safari in the national park. Udawalawe takes its name from the large reservoir built in the 1960s on the Walawe River, which remains the main water source for the elephants and other animals in the park, including jackals and deer. The park is also renowned for its remarkable bird diversity, notably hosting five species of eagles. After your safari adventure, you will check in at the hotel, located at the entrance of Uda Walawe, where you will spend the night.

• day 8

  Uda Walawe - Galle - Beach

  

  In the morning, you will head to Galle to enjoy the magnificent Sri Lankan beaches. During your visit, you will explore the old town and the Galle Fort, whose colonial architecture has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was once a major stop on the spice route, and its history is marked by many foreign influences. After the Chinese and the Arabs, it was mainly the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English who contributed to giving this city its unique character. During your exploration, you will discover the bastions and their ramparts, the Dutch church, the lighthouse, as well as the old colonial houses that bear witness to this rich history. In Kosgoda, you will have the opportunity to visit a sea turtle hatchery, where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures and their conservation. At the end of the day, you will check in at the hotel to spend the night and fully enjoy your stay in Galle.

• day 9

  Beach

  

  Today, you will have a free day to relax and enjoy the gentle sea. This is the perfect opportunity to recharge on the magnificent Sri Lankan beaches, swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply lounge in the sun. You can also further explore the coastal region, taste delicious local cuisine, or indulge in water activities if you are interested. Whether you choose to relax on the warm sand, stroll along the beach, or take part in local activities, make the most of this free day to recharge and appreciate the beauty of the Sri Lankan coastal environment.

• day 10

  Beach - Colombo

  

  Your family stay in Sri Lanka ends here. You will be transferred to Colombo airport for your return flight. We hope you had a memorable and enriching trip, filled with discoveries and unforgettable memories. Have a safe journey back!