Sri Lanka is a perfect island for parents seeking a little adventure with their children.
You can visit tea country, striking beaches and historic towns with only short drives between them, and there is a wide choice of calm bays ideal for novice snorkellers.
This itinerary focuses on the wildlife and will take you to hotspots for turtles, elephants and whales and includes an authentic safari as well – which can be removed for very young children who might not have the patience for it. It also offers lots of opportunities for the whole family to get a taste of Sri Lankan culture and history.
This tour has been carefully designed to ensure a well paced holiday and only short car journeys. We can tailor the tour to suit you and your family so get in touch with our Sri Lanka specialists Carly and Steffi at srilanka@fleewinter.com or by calling 0207 112 0019 to discuss.
For more inspiration, take a look at our other Toddler Tour of Sri Lanka for an alternative ten day tour visiting the cultural city of Kandy and staying on a working tea estate!
Land at Colombo International Airport where you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to Wattura Resort & Spa. Just 45 minutes from the airport this hotel is an oasis, sandwiched between the ocean and the Gin Oya river. Settle in to your 2 storey villa with private garden and plunge pool set just back from the beach, and relax after your flight.
Have a gentle start to the day, and head off for the afternoon safari to Wilpattu National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. You can hope to see crocodiles, countless birds, elephants as well as being in with a chance to see the more elusive sloth bear and leopards. The safaris allow an unhurried opportunity to view the animals in their natural habitat.
For younger children, a shorter trip to one of the closer elephant protection projects would be a good alternative.
Enjoy the beach, the main pool and the separate children’s water park and games room today.
Your villa butler will be able to help you plan any local excursions and provide food service in the villa if you would like.
Transfer to your new home on the south coast today, stopping in Bentota to break the journey, have some lunch – and you could even head out for some watersports. Bentota is the best spot for watersports in Sri Lanka, and a glass-bottomed boat trip is a great way to spot sea turtles.
From Bentota, you could ride the scenic rail for around 1 hour into Galle and your driver will follow with your luggage and collect you at the other end.
Arrive in time for dinner in the garden at Why House, your home for the rest of the holiday.
Why House is a tranquil, family-friendly hideaway and just a short distance from the beach. A pair of small friendly dogs live here.
There is a large pool and dining area clustered around the main house with other rooms nestled around the garden. You have the option to sit out in the evening while the children sleep.
Journey into Galle today to visit the UNESCO Heritage protected fort town.
Enjoy lunch at one of the historic hotels such as Galle Fort Hotel and take a guided or self guided walk of the key sights including the famous lighthouse.
Visit Koggala Lake today and take a boat safari to see the birds and have lunch on the island in the middle. There is also a temple you can visit here and an interesting cinnamon plantation you can tour.
Have a restful day today with a short trip out to the nearby turtle hatchery and hospital.
You could also or alternatively visit a tea plantation and learn about the fascinating process that takes tea leaves from bush to cup. Sri Lanka remains one of the largest exporters of tea in the world despite the relatively small size of the island.
Head along the coast today to see the famous stilt fishermen and then hop on a group or private whale watching tour. This is available December – April.
Head to the beach today for snorkelling and a calm last day in Sri Lanka before you head home tomorrow.
All prices correct at the time of writing and based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 children under 16 years) sharing a 2 bedroom family room/villa. The price excludes peak season (15th Dec – 10th Jan). Please call us or email us at srilanka@fleewinter.com to discuss prices for your exact dates and occupancy requirements.
Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.
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