Sri Lanka: Family Safari & Beach

Today you'll depart from home to the airport and onwards to Colombo airport, Sri Lanka. It is likely you're flight is overnight and you'll be landing tomorrow.

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our airport representative before beginning your journey into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The scenic drive inland introduces you to the island’s changing landscapes, from coastal plains to lush countryside.

If everyone is OK and not too tired, en route, visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most important religious landmarks. Climb approximately 350 steps to explore five ancient cave temples adorned with vibrant frescoes and over 150 Buddha statues, culminating in breathtaking views across the surrounding plains.

After the visit, continue to your hotel in Dambulla, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.

Activities Included: Meet & assist on arrival Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple

Optional: None

Accommodation Amaya Lake, Dambulla ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Signature Family Suite

Meals Dinner

Approximate Driving Time Airport → Dambulla: 4.5 – 5.5 hours

After breakfast, set out on a short drive to Sigiriya, home to Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmark. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises dramatically from the surrounding plains and offers one of the most memorable cultural experiences in the country.

Climb approximately 1,500 steps past water gardens, ancient frescoes and the famous Lion Paws to reach the summit, where panoramic views reward your efforts. The visit is both educational and adventurous, making it especially engaging for families with older children.

Return to Dambulla in the afternoon, with the option to enhance your day with a rural village experience or further heritage exploration.

Activities

Included: Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Optional: Hiriwadunna Village Trek with cooking demonstration & traditional lunch – USD 15 per person Polonnaruwa Ancient City excursion – USD 32 per person

Accommodation Amaya Lake, Dambulla ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Signature Family Suite

Meals Breakfast & Dinner

Approximate Driving Time Dambulla ↔ Sigiriya: 20 – 25 minutes each way

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey south towards Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination, Yala National Park. The drive passes through rural villages, dramatic landscapes and lesser-seen regions of the island.

Arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch and some rest before heading out on an afternoon jeep safari. Yala is famed for its diverse wildlife and boasts the highest density of leopards in the world, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. The safari is a thrilling yet safe experience, ideal for families.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Activities

Included: Afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park

Optional: None

Accommodation Leopard Nest, Yala ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family Nest

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Approximate Driving Time Dambulla → Yala: 6 – 7 hours

An early start rewards you with a morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, when wildlife is most active. Enjoy another opportunity to spot leopards, elephants and a variety of bird species in the cooler hours of the day.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon. A selection of optional, locally inspired experiences is available, allowing families to tailor the day to their interests without long travel times.

Activities

Included: Morning jeep safari in Yala National Park

Optional: Lake Fishing Tour – USD 65 per person Village Tour by Tuk-Tuk – USD 30 per person Chena Farm Experience – USD 15 per person Traditional Curd Making Experience – USD 30 per person

Accommodation Leopard Nest, Yala ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family Nest

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Approximate Driving Time Safari drives only (short internal park transfers)

After breakfast, depart Yala and travel west along the coast towards Ahungalla. En route, stop at some of Sri Lanka’s most photographed coastal viewpoints.

Visit Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa for panoramic ocean views framed by swaying palms, followed by Parrot Rock, a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the southern coastline. Continue to Ahungalla and check in to your beachfront resort.

These days are dedicated to relaxation and flexibility on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast. Enjoy time at leisure at your resort or choose from a range of optional excursions suitable for families, from gentle boat rides through mangroves to wildlife encounters and cultural tours.

Each day allows you to balance activity with downtime, making this the perfect end to an adventure-filled holiday.

Activities

Included: Visit Coconut Tree Hill Visit Parrot Rock viewpoint

Optional: None Madampe Mangrove Boat Ride – USD 30 per boat (1–6 pax) Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – USD 5 per person Whale Watching (Mirissa) – USD 65 per person Galle City Tour by Tuk-Tuk – USD 65 per person Yala or Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari – USD 65 per person

Accommodation Heritance Ahungalla ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Luxury Family Room

Meals Breakfast & Dinner

Approximate Driving Time Yala → Mirissa → Ahungalla: 5.5 – 6 hours (including stops)

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out. You will then be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight, bringing your Sri Lankan family adventure to a memorable close.

Activities Included: Airport transfer

Meals Breakfast

Approximate Driving Time Ahungalla → Airport: 2 – 2.5 hours