10-day Sri Lanka Family Tour

Ayubowan and a very warm welcome (quite literally) to Sri Lanka!

After touching down in Colombo, make your way to the laid-back coastal town of Negombo, just 20 minutes from the airport. Spend your first afternoon getting settled at the beachside hotel, relaxing by the pool, or (if you’re feeling up to it) taking a stroll along the sandy shoreline. Come evening, we recommend kicking things off in true Sri Lankan style: dive into a classic curry and rice or dive into a sizzling plate of Kottu (a local favourite made with chopped roti, veggies, and spice) – trust us, you (and the rest of the fam!) will be hooked from the get-go!

You’ll also meet your Adventure Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, where we’ll run through the trip plan, safety tips, and what to expect on your epic journey ahead. Otherwise, this peaceful intro to Sri Lanka is all about shaking off the jet lag and gearing up for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, kick off day two of your Sri Lanka family tour with an early trip to Negombo’s famous fish market, known locally as ‘Lellama’. Located right along the beach, this bustling market is the heart of the local fishing community! Witness fishermen haul in their catch, experience the lively morning auction, and soak up the energy of true Sri Lankan life.

Then, we’ll hit the road bound for Habarana (approx. 3.5 hrs) – a peaceful rural village surrounded by greenery, lakes, and paddy fields. Once we arrive, it’s straight into the good stuff with a guided village experience. Hop on a traditional agricultural tractor, paddle across the lake in a canoe, explore the fields, and meet the locals who bring this beautiful place to life.

After working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch! From field to fire, witness first-hand how traditional Sri Lankan meals are made with cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.

After breakfast, the morning is yours to take it slow – or if you’re up for it, opt for an adventure to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights: Sigiriya. Climb the towering rock fortress built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, complete with ancient frescoes and epic (like, really epic) panoramic views. Got little legs with you? Pidurangala Rock is right next door – with fewer steps and equally stunning scenery (plus, fewer crowds!).

In the afternoon, we regroup and head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s second-oldest kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll hop on bikes and explore the city’s sprawling ruins, from buildings and monuments to royal palaces and magnificent temples!

After a full-on day of exploration, it’s a one-hour transfer back to the hotel to relax, recharge, and get ready for more adventure tomorrow.

We’ll kick off the day with a visit to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple – a true gem among Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Step inside this ancient temple complex, where over 150 Buddha statues and vivid murals line the walls of caves that were transformed into places of worship nearly 2,000 years ago.

Afterwards, enjoy some well-earned downtime back at the hotel – whether that means a dip in the pool, kicking back with a book, or sneaking in a quick nap.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll head out for a safari in Minneriya National Park, home to wild elephants, deer, crocodiles, and a whole host of birdlife. It’s a proper wildlife adventure, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready!

The evening is yours to chill out and recharge however you like.

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road for a scenic drive (around 2.5 hours) to Kandy – Sri Lanka’s hill capital and second-largest city.

Brimming with a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern energy, this afternoon calls for none-other than a guided tour of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage city. We’ll wander through lively markets, stroll along the lakeside, and visit the one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights: the Temple of the Tooth. Once the royal palace of Sri Lanka’s kings, it’s now the country’s most sacred temple, home to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha himself.

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road for a scenic journey into the hills, heading towards the charming town of Ella. It’s around a 3-hour drive but trust us – it’ll soon fly by as we wind through Sri Lanka’s stunning highlands, with plenty of stops at epic viewpoints along the way.

Next up? Another unmissable experience on your Sri Lanka family tour – the train ride to Ella. This isn’t your average train journey. Winding through rolling tea plantations, misty mountain forests, and quiet countryside villages, this route is world-famous for a reason.

When available, it offers a wonderful window into the landscape of the hill country. However, it’s worth noting that train services – especially the popular tourist carriages – can be subject to seasonal changes, unexpected delays, or even last-minute cancellations. We’ll do our best to secure seats and confirm availability in advance, but flexibility may be needed depending on the day’s circumstances.

By late afternoon, we’ll roll into Ella, a relaxed hill country town with a slightly cooler climate (due to altitude), amazing hiking trails, and a laid-back vibe. You and the family can spend the evening however you like – grab a bite in town, explore a bit, or just enjoy the mountain air.

Day 7 of your Sri Lanka family tour kicks off early with a short (but, oh-so sweet) hike up Little Adam’s Peak. The trail is relatively easy, but with big rewards – think epic panoramic views over Ella’s stunning hills and valleys! Some would say, it’s the perfect family photo moment waiting to happen.

After a well-earned breakfast, we’ll hit the road for a near-3.5-hour journey down to the coast, with a key stop along the way: Handunugoda Tea Estate. You can’t visit Sri Lanka without stepping into the world of tea, and this family-run plantation gives you the full ‘T’ (get it? ?) – from field to cup.

We’ll stroll through the scenic tea fields, explore the working factory and museum, and see how Sri Lanka’s favourite drink is made. AND? The estate also grows coconut, cinnamon, and rubber, so you’ll get a full taste of southern Sri Lankan farming life.

From there, it’s a short transfer to the sunny shores of Hikkaduwa – our new beach base. With golden sand, laid-back cafes, awesome surf, and a coral sanctuary teeming with marine life, this coastal gem is the perfect spot to unwind for the next couple of days after our time in the hills.

After a few action-packed days, it’s time to switch gears and soak up Sri Lanka’s stunning coastline. In other words? Today is all about sun, sea, and some serious chill time in Hikkaduwa! Whether you’re kicking back with a fresh coconut (do it – you won’t regret it), splashing in the waves, or hopping between beachfront cafés, this laid-back surf town is the perfect place unwind and enjoy some chilled family time.

Still got a spring in your step? Fear not! Hikkaduwa’s got a ton of activities you can jump into. From surf lessons and snorkelling to glass-bottom boat rides and scuba diving, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the (active) fun going. Just chat to your Adventure Leader and we can get you booked in with 24 hours’ notice.

*Reach out to our team for full pricing details on these extra activities!

This morning (or afternoon, depending on the group vibe), we’ll head out for a walking tour of Galle Fort – another UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with colonial charm! Think cobbled streets, quirky little boutiques, and ocean views for days!

Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort is a stunning mash-up of European architecture and South Asian style. Its sturdy ramparts, iconic lighthouse, clock tower, and mix of churches and colonial buildings are beautifully preserved – but now play host to chic cafés, boutique stores, art galleries, and dreamy villas. It’s history but with a lot of modern style!

You’ll have some more free time to explore Hikkaduwa your way – whether that means more beach time, a scuba diving session, or grabbing some epic seafood!

And now for the grand finale – exclusive only on this departure date! That’s right, it’s New Year’s Eve, and we’re pulling out all the stops. Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a festive dinner, beachside fireworks, and plenty of awesome entertainment for you and the family. Let’s ring in the New Year, Dragon Trip style!

Sadly, today marks the end of your Sri Lanka family group tour, where we’ll transfer back to Colombo airport (roughly 2 hours). Or, if you’re planning on staying longer (we don’t blame you), we can help you arrange post-trip accommodation.