October - March10 hoursGMT +6Over 8yrs Sri Lanka Family HolidaysThis tiny island jewel lies between the southern tip of India and the northern islands of the
Maldives in the middle of the
Indian Ocean. For centuries this island has been an important player in the spice and gem trades and the riches this has brought it are evident in some of the beautiful sites and monuments that are still visible on the island today.
Sri Lanka has also had a troubled past, but the resilience and optimism of its people form the backbone of the wonderful warm welcome that they give to their overseas visitors. Here you will find something for everyone! From its palm fringed beaches to the temples and fortresses of the cultural triangle, wonderful wildlife and stunning scenery, Sri Lanka really is the perfect destination for a memorable family holiday.
Our Recommended Itinerary Secrets of CeylonDestination Highlights:- Welcoming locals
- Elephant orphanage
- World Heritage sites
- Temple of the Tooth
Day 1Fly from London to Colombo.
Day 2Arrive and transfer to the
Galle Face Hotel.
Day 3After a leisurely morning you will visit the
Dehiwela Zoo.
Day 4Enjoy a visit to the enchanting elephant orphanage at
Pinnawala, see them bathe and feed before continuing to the impressively situated
Kandalama Hotel.
Day 5 Today you will enjoy an elephant ride through the surrounding jungle discovering rural villages and a wide variety of bird life. This afternoon is free and children may have the opportunity to play cricket with the hotel staff!
Day 6This morning you may wish to visit a nearby school and take the opportunity to interact with the students.
Day 7The
Sigiriya rock fortress is your destination today. This citadel is a World Heritage Site and rises 200 meters from the jungle. Your visit will include the renowned water gardens and frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya. Later you may wish to walk around the lake at the
Kandalama experiencing the surrounding jungle and the bird life.
Day 8Go "on safari" in
Minneriya National Park to spot wild elephants and some of the 160 species of birds, nine species of amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly.
Day 9Today you will be driven to
Kandy and the
Earls Regency Hotel. In the evening you will visit the
Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.
Day 10After breakfast take a city tour of this World Heritage Site by trishaw! You will visit the town and bazaar, the arts & crafts centre, a gem museum, a lapidary and the
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Day 11After breakfast transfer by sea plane to
Bentota and on to
Ahungalla and the
Heritance Ahungalla.
Day 12Enjoy a day at leisure at the
Heritance Ahungalla hotel.
Day 13After breakfast you will go on a river safari in open boats to see local villages, water monitors, monkeys and a variety of birds. There may be the opportunity to participate in a local wedding ceremony and enjoy a typical local lunch! The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 14After breakfast visit the Tsunami project in
Kosgoda before continuing to a Turtle Hatchery. Here you will learn about the life and survival of the turtle.
Day 15Enjoy a morning at leisure. Before taking the train to the
Galle Face Hotel in
Colombowith the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon on the beach.
Day 16Today you will fly back to the UK.
You may also wish to extend your stay with a few days on a tented safari in southern Sri Lanka.
The cost of the above itinerary is from £1,800 per adult and from £1,400 per child. This price includes international flights, all transfers, accommodation with breakfast, sightseeing with an English speaking driver/guide and entrance fees.
Would You Like to Know More?
For further information please call any of our consultants on 01285 880 980 or email enquiry@steppestravel.co.uk.
