Sri Lanka
Private
13 days from £6,965
Private Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 13 Days
This carefully crafted family adventure through Sri Lanka blends cultural discovery, wildlife encounters, and beachside relaxation. This Sri Lanka Family Holiday is designed as a family adventure holiday, offering a mix of activities and experiences tailored for all ages. Beginning in Colombo, the journey introduces children and adults alike to the country’s colonial past, vibrant temples, and bustling local markets. Travel through the Cultural Triangle to climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, go on safari in Minneriya National Park, and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Each stop has been selected for its educational and interactive appeal, keeping young travellers engaged while offering enriching experiences for parents. Please note, there is a minimum age requirement for children participating in this trip.
The itinerary continues into the lush rainforests of Kitulgala, where optional white-water rafting adds a touch of thrill. The journey also takes you through the scenic tea plantations and the cool, picturesque hill country, offering unique landscapes and insight into Sri Lanka's tea heritage. The final stretch in Bentota invites the whole family to unwind with beach time, water sports, and visits to turtle hatcheries and colonial Galle. With a balance of activity and relaxation, this 13-day journey offers a memorable and meaningful escape for families seeking adventure with comfort.
Sri Lanka is a year round destination, making it an ideal choice for families planning their holiday at any time of year.
SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS & CULTURAL TRIANGLE: Explore the ancient heart of Sri Lanka with a family-friendly climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover impressive views, royal gardens, and cave frescoes. This UNESCO site introduces children to history in an active and memorable way, forming the centrepiece of your time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
ELEPHANT SAFARI IN MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK: Experience the thrill of a jeep safari in Minneriya, home to the largest gathering of Asian elephants. Watch these majestic creatures up close, along with other wildlife such as monkeys and deer. Sri Lanka’s national parks are renowned for their rich biodiversity and unforgettable wildlife encounters. A highlight for animal-loving families, this safari brings Sri Lanka’s wild side to life.
KANDY’S SACRED TEMPLE & HILL SCENERY: Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered sites. Set against a backdrop of forested hills, it’s an ideal way for families to learn about Buddhism and Sri Lankan traditions. Optional golf, walking trails, and monastery visits add further variety.
BENTOTA BEACH TIME & TURTLE CONSERVATION: Relax in the coastal town of Bentota with soft sands and calm waters along the Indian Ocean coast, perfect for children. Try watersports or visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project to learn about marine protection. It’s a balanced mix of beach fun and eco-awareness, closing your Sri Lanka family adventure on a high.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
This 13-day Sri Lanka Family Adventure blends culture, wildlife, and beach relaxation. This trip is ideal for family holidays and can be customized as a private family holiday experience to suit your family's preferences. From ancient forts and elephant safaris to rainforest rafting and coastal escapes, it offers engaging experiences for all ages. A perfect mix of discovery and downtime, designed for families seeking a meaningful, active, and comfortable journey together.
Arrive in Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka and start of your family journey. Check in to your hotel and take an evening stroll around the city. See the grand colonial buildings and historical landmarks that tell the story of Colombo’s past. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming and this is a great introduction to what Sri Lanka has to offer. Let the kids explore the streets and sights, take in the sounds, colours and culture. Experience the local culture and customs of Colombo, from traditional dress codes at temples to the unique community traditions that shape daily life. It’s a chill start to your adventure and gives everyone time to adjust and look forward to the days ahead. At the end of the day, join a welcome meeting where families are briefed on the itinerary, important travel information, and any requirements for visiting different countries during your trip.
Maniumpathy
Paradise Road Tintagel
Maniumpathy is a luxurious boutique hotel, set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Colombo city. Passed down through five generations of the accomplished Hallock family, this charming home is now a stylish retreat: colonial style architecture, grand entrance and old-world charm. Situated in an affluent area in the heart of the city, it is within walking distance to many of the city’s highlights including Victoria Park, the National Museum and the Town Hall.
Paradise Road Tintagel is a boutique hotel, situated in one of Colombo's most fashionable districts. Named after the castle in Cornwall where King Arthur was purportedly born, it has been redesigned by Colombo trendsetter Shanth Fernando. Having founded Paradise Road, the design and lifestyle brand, he soon added a hospitality element to his style empire. Today, Tintagel is his vision of Colombo as a cosmopolitan capital, filled with artwork and stylish elements.
Start the day with a visit to Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important temples. It’s a peaceful place with beautiful statues and sacred spaces. Then head to Seema Malakaya Temple, a temple on a lake and reached by a small bridge. Next, take a tuk tuk ride to the local markets where the stalls are filled with traditional crafts and souvenirs for an authentic experience. While exploring the markets, you can observe local children and families going about their daily routines, adding to the vibrant market scene. Visit the National Museum to learn more about the country's rich history. Finally visit the Fort area, famous for its colonial buildings and past. After a full day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Colombo and drive for about 4 hours to Sigiriya, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. This region is famous for its ancient cities and archaeological wonders. On the way, you may pass through lush landscapes and even a tea plantation, offering a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s scenic tea-producing regions. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is free. Surrounded by countryside and green landscapes, Sigiriya is a great base to explore Sri Lanka’s heritage. Spend time by the hotel’s swimming pool, a family-friendly amenity, or enjoy the views before the next day’s adventure. It’s a calm transition from city life to nature and history and gives your family time to unwind and recharge.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Water Garden Sigiriya
Jetwing Vil Uyana sits on its own man-made eco-reserve which boasts a wetland, secondary monsoon forests and paddy lands. What was formerly a barren patch of land has now emerged into a nature lover's paradise with more than a hundred varieties of wildlife inhabiting the area. Amongst one of the eco-friendliest hotels in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka the Jetwing Vil Uyana is surrounded by nature on all sides with an environment full of animals and birds that live there.
Water Garden Sigiriya is a boutique nature resort, set about 8 km north of Sigiriya in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Inspired by the ancient water gardens of the nearby Sigiriya rock fort, Channa Daswatte, a renowned Sri Lankan architect and protégé of the late Geoffrey Bawa, created a unique luxurious resort providing an oasis of peace and serenity. Situated in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, it serves as a perfect base from which to explore its surrounding cultural and heritage sites.
Get up early and head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. Take your time walking up the steps, spot the mischievous monkeys and enjoy the views from the top. The fortress is full of history from ancient frescoes to beautiful gardens below. It's a great climb for kids and adults. In the afternoon head back to your resort and relax. Swim in the pool, lounge in the shade or simply enjoy the surroundings. It's a day of balance of exploration, learning and relaxation for the whole family.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for a wildlife adventure with jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park. This is the place of the “Gathering” – the largest group of Asian wild elephants in the world, where you can observe wild elephants in their natural habitat. During dry season you might see over a hundred elephants gathered around the water. Keep your eyes open for other animals like spotted deer, water buffalo, monkeys and many birds. It’s a fun experience for kids and adults. The open landscape, peaceful reservoir and excitement of spotting wildlife makes for an unforgettable day. Sri Lanka's national parks are renowned for their biodiversity. Head back to your hotel in the evening with stories and memories from the wild.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive from Sigiriya to Kandy, a beautiful city surrounded by hills and forest in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, about 2 hours from Dambulla. Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and is a cultural treasure. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, where a sacred relic of Buddha is kept. When visiting religious sites like this, it is important to respect local laws and local culture, including dress codes and customs. The temple is an important pilgrimage site and a place of peace and devotion. Spend time exploring the city’s heritage and calm atmosphere. With its cool climate and spiritual sites, Kandy is a change of pace and a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s traditions and religious life.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kings Pavilion Kandy
The Kandy House
Kings Pavilion is a boutique hotel, set outside the town of Kandy in Central Sri Lanka. Situated on a hill overlooking the lush valley below, it offers a serene oasis with great vistas of the Hunnasgiriya and Knuckles mountain ranges. Spread across 3-acres of luscious gardens in the residential area in the suburbs of Kandy, this resort offers a perfect base from which to explore the historic Kandy town and the fascinating region of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
The Kandy House is an ancestral manor house, set in the hills on the edge on the historical city of Kandy. Built in 1804 by the Chief Minister of the Kandyan Kingdom, this palatial villa has been converted into a designer boutique hotel incorporating modern facilities for 21st-century guests. Situated outside Kandy's town centre, it is well placed for guests to explore a broad selection of Sri Lanka’s primary destinations in and around Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and Tea Country.
Start the day at Bahirawakanda Monastery where you’ll learn about the daily routines and beliefs of Buddhist monks. It’s a quiet place high up on a hill with great views of Kandy. In the evening head back to the Temple of the Tooth to see it all lit up – a magical sight your family will never forget. If you’re into golf there’s a full course nearby, others can choose tennis, horse riding, swimming or nature walks. You can also take an optional excursion to Horton Plains National Park for dramatic landscapes and hiking. Whatever you want to do today in the hills of Kandy, there’s something for everyone, with a variety of fun activities available for families.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today drive 90 minutes into the tropical rainforests of Kitulgala for a night of adventure in nature. The area is lush and green, perfect for outdoor fun. The monsoon season shapes the landscape and river conditions here, making the rainforest even more vibrant and affecting the flow of the Kelani River. Choose between an exciting white-water rafting trip on the Kelani River or a peaceful canoe ride through the jungle. End the day at Borderlands camp where you’ll sleep on stilted platforms above the river. It’s simple but special with the sound of the river and the stars above. A unique experience your kids will love, combining comfort, fun and a connection with nature.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Borderlands
Drive 3 hours south to Bentota, a charming beach town on the west coast of Sri Lanka, famous for its golden sand and peacefulness. Check into Heritance Ahungalle or Saman Villas for a 5 night coastal stay, where families can enjoy the hotel's swimming pool as a relaxing amenity. This part of your holiday is all about rest and time together. The warm sun, gentle waves and peaceful surroundings invite you to slow down. Whether it’s reading by the pool or playing on the beach, today marks the beginning of a more relaxed phase of your journey. Settle in and enjoy the easy pace of life by the sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saman Villas
Club Bentota
The Villa Bentota
Saman Villas is one of most luxurious small hotels in Bentota, Sri Lanka. Set upon a rocky outcrop between two gold-sand beaches, it has 27 suites on the ground and first floor, each providing breathtaking sea views. The hotel facilities include, dining and living areas and infinity-edge pool, all designed to maximize its stunning location and the amazing sunsets.
Located on the western coast between Colombo and Galle is Aluthgama, near Bentota. Between the sea and Aluthgama, lies Paradise Island, a narrow spit of land beautifully sandwiched between the choppy waters of the Indian Ocean and the calm waters of the Bentota lagoon. The lagoon formed by the tranquil Bentota Ganga that provides the setting for Sri Lanka’s biggest range of watersports, along with interesting boat trips up the river.
The Villa Bentota is a stylish beachside villa, set outside the town of Bentota, on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. Originally a `Mohotti Walauwa’, a beautiful manor house, it was renovated by iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa into a gorgeous boutique hotel. Now owned by design guru Shanth Fernando, it has been transformed into a chic, seaside retreat but without diluting its original charm. It is ideally located close to a sandy strip known as Paradise Island.
Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project where you’ll learn about the rescue and protection of endangered sea turtles. You might even see baby turtles being released into the ocean – an exciting and emotional moment for all ages. This hands-on experience helps children understand nature and the importance of conservation. Afterwards head back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a walk along the beach or cool off in the pool. Optional excursions for dolphin watching and whale watching are available from the Bentota area, offering the chance to observe marine life such as whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Meals included are part of the holiday package for your convenience. A day of meaningful learning and relaxation adding another layer to your Sri Lanka experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most historically significant destinations, just 90 minutes away. Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1600s by the Portuguese and Dutch, reflecting Sri Lanka's colonial history. Walk through the cobblestone streets, see the lighthouse and admire the old buildings that bring the past to life. Lunch at the stylish Lighthouse Hotel where the design tells the story of colonial times and seafarers. A day of history and culture but still easy-going and family friendly with something for everyone. Sri Lanka tours often include Galle as a highlight for its rich heritage and unique charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make the most of your last full day with some fun in the Indian Ocean. Bentota is perfect for water sports with activities like banana boat rides, jet skiing, windsurfing and more. There are English speaking instructors so it’s safe and fun for the whole family. Whether you try something new or just float in the warm sea the day is yours to enjoy. The perfect mix of excitement and relaxation to let everyone play and laugh before the journey ends. Enjoy the sunshine, the sea breeze and the freedom of the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your last morning with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast full of local flavours and spices. Depending on your flight time you may have time for a short swim, a stroll in the gardens or just relax one last time by the sea. When it's time to leave your driver will take you to Colombo airport. As your family journey through Sri Lanka comes to an end you'll take with you wonderful memories of wildlife, culture, adventure and beach time. It's been a holiday of discovery and connection – one you'll never forget.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This tour was inspired by the desire to offer families a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka, blending cultural insights, natural beauty, and adventure.
The story behind designing “Island Adventure: A Family Journey from Colombo to Bentota” lies in showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions—from ancient monuments and spiritual sites to exhilarating outdoor activities and serene beaches.
It’s crafted for those interested in activities, nature, culture, and wildlife, ensuring a rich and varied experience that caters to every family member’s interests and curiosities.
For further information about the trip itinerary, booking details, or policies, please refer to our dedicated resources or contact our team.
YOUR TRIP DESIGN, PACE & FLEXIBILITY: This privately operated Sri Lanka family adventure is designed to feel effortless for parents and genuinely engaging for children, with a rhythm that balances discovery and downtime. The trip tends to work best when days are kept elegantly simple—one strong experience, then time to relax—rather than trying to “fit everything in”. If you would like the journey to feel calmer, an extra night in the hill country or on the coast often transforms the flow: fewer repacks, more pool time, and space for spontaneous moments. Touring can be timed for cooler hours and quieter windows, keeping the experience civilised for all ages.
PRIVATE SERVICE, GUIDES & FAMILY-FRIENDLY SUPPORT: Private transport and the right local experts are what make a family trip in Sri Lanka feel smooth. A discreet driver-guide keeps transitions easy and can adjust the day naturally around energy levels, weather and traffic. Where specialist insight adds value—wildlife days, heritage sites, or gentle walking—experts can be introduced without making the experience feel “managed”. If you are travelling with younger children, we can shape days around earlier dinners, shorter touring blocks and reliable breaks, while still preserving the signature highlights that make the journey special.
ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS & DINING: Accommodation is curated to a premium, family-suitable brief, prioritising space, quiet, good service and facilities that matter—pools, gardens, and room configurations that keep family life comfortable. In Sri Lanka, the feel of a trip changes dramatically with the right room categories and positioning; family suites or interconnecting options can be particularly valuable in peak seasons. Dining is kept flexible and easy, with child-friendly options available alongside excellent Sri Lankan cuisine. Dietary needs are usually straightforward to accommodate with advance notes, and we can curate a few standout dining experiences while keeping most meals relaxed.
WILDLIFE, ACTIVITY LEVEL & PRACTICAL COMFORT: Sri Lanka is ideal for “adventure in comfort”—wildlife viewing, scenic walks, train or landscape moments, and cultural encounters that can be tailored to your family’s appetite for activity. Safari experiences are most enjoyable when paced gently and timed well, and we keep physical activity optional and enjoyable rather than demanding. Climate and seasonality matter: the island’s weather patterns vary by coast and by elevation, so we plan days to avoid peak heat and maximise comfort. If you prefer a more beach-led rhythm, the itinerary can be weighted accordingly without losing the cultural thread.
COSTING, PAYMENTS, CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS: This tour is priced to deliver a high-comfort family experience—premium accommodation, private transport, and expert support that protects your time and energy. Costs are most influenced by travel season, family room categories (often limited in number), and any upgrades that increase privacy or add standout experiences. Peak periods can be inventory-sensitive, so early confirmation typically improves choice materially. Once services are secured, refinements may affect hotel terms and transport availability; any implications are explained clearly before changes are actioned, with documentation that keeps deadlines and conditions transparent.
Prices From
Tour: Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Tour reference: SRIL105/2026
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
Prices From
Tour: Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Tour reference: SRIL105/2027
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014