Private Travel
Sri Lanka
Private
Private Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 12 Days
The Sri Lanka Family Discovery Tour is a 12 day trip for families who want to explore, relax and have time together. From the beaches of Negombo you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy the ocean before heading inland to the cultural city of Kandy. There you’ll visit temples, gardens and learn about Sri Lanka’s heritage. Then you’ll head to Sigiriya to climb the ancient rock fortress and stop at Dambulla’s amazing cave temples.
Next you’ll travel to the peaceful town of Trincomalee for four days of fun by the sea. Go snorkelling at Pigeon Island, try whale watching and enjoy the sun and sand. The tour ends in Colombo where you’ll visit temples, colonial buildings and bustling local markets. With family friendly hotels, a mix of history, wildlife and beach time this tour is perfect for families who want both fun and learning.
BEACH RELAXATION: Start your family holiday in Negombo with two days of beach time. Enjoy the warm sea, pool and spa at a luxury resort. Watersports and beach games keep the kids entertained while adults can rest and enjoy sunsets and fine dining in a calm seaside setting.
MARINE ADVENTURES: Spend time in Trincomalee enjoying the clear blue water and rich marine life. Go snorkelling at Pigeon Island and see coral reefs and colourful fish. Head out early one morning for a whale watching trip and see dolphins or even blue whales in the wild — a true family highlight.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION: In Kandy explore Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, see Kandy Lake and walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens. Take a tea factory tour and learn about spices at a local garden. These hands on visits make culture fun and interesting for all ages.
ANCIENT FORTRESS: Climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and take in the views from the top. See ancient paintings and explore the ruins of a royal palace. Later enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park where you might see wild elephants — a special experience for both kids and adults.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Moderate
Premium
The Sri Lanka Family Discovery Tour is a 12 day trip from Negombo to Colombo with beach time, wildlife and culture. Perfect for families who want to relax and explore with kid friendly experiences, nature and history all in one amazing journey across Sri Lanka’s most beautiful places.
Arrive at Colombo International Airport where your guide will meet you and take you to Negombo, a charming beach town just 20 minutes away. Check in at Jetwing Beach Resort located right on the beach. After your journey spend the rest of the day relaxing. Enjoy the pool, take a gentle walk on the beach or try a spa treatment to unwind. As the evening arrives watch the sunset over the sea and enjoy dinner at the resort’s restaurant. A perfect way to start your Sri Lankan family holiday in comfort and style.
Spend the day enjoying the peaceful surroundings of your beach resort. Kids can have fun at the Kids Club with supervised games and activities while adults can unwind at the spa or by the pool. Try watersports or simply relax by the sea. Visit nearby markets or a local church if you wish. In the evening treat the family to a seafood barbecue on the beach or fine dining at Black Coral. Whether you want excitement or calm this day is all about making special memories by the ocean with time for everyone to relax.
After breakfast drive through scenic countryside to Kandy, a beautiful hill city in central Sri Lanka. On the way enjoy the views of tea covered hills and small villages. Once in Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth — one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Walk around peaceful Kandy Lake and take in the colonial buildings and gardens. Check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening you might watch a cultural dance performance or simply enjoy the calm surroundings of this historic and spiritual part of the island.
Start the day with a visit to the Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary, once part of the royal palace grounds. Enjoy a peaceful nature walk and look out for birds and monkeys. Later visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya to see orchids, giant palms and exotic plants. In the afternoon visit a tea factory in the hills to learn how Ceylon tea is made. Then stop by a spice garden like New Ranweli to see local herbs and spices. Return to your hotel in the evening to rest and enjoy dinner with views of the hills.
Leave Kandy and drive north to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. On the way stop at Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Buddhist statues and colourful murals. Take time to explore the five caves and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After lunch continue to your hotel in Sigiriya and relax for the afternoon. If time allows take a dip in the pool or enjoy the natural surroundings. This area is rich in history and offers a perfect blend of culture and calm, preparing you for the exciting exploration of Sigiriya the next day.
Wake up early to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress before it gets too hot. Climb the ancient rock, stop to see the frescoes, the mirror wall and the lion’s paw gateway. From the top enjoy the views of the forests and villages. After descending return to your hotel for breakfast and some rest. In the afternoon go on a safari in Minneriya National Park. During dry months you may see the Great Elephant Gathering — one of the largest wild elephant events in Asia. Watch them roam freely in their natural habitat, a highlight for both kids and adults.
After breakfast drive to the quiet coastal town of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s east coast. The drive takes about 90 minutes and offers changing scenery from dry plains to ocean views. Check into your beachfront hotel such as Nilaveli Beach Hotel or Jungle Beach Resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea or pool, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Trincomalee is famous for its calm, clear waters and golden beaches, perfect after days of travel. In the evening enjoy dinner by the sea and look forward to the fun marine adventures over the next few days.
Take a short boat trip to Pigeon Island, a marine park with colourful fish and coral reefs. A great spot for snorkelling — even beginners can enjoy the calm, shallow waters. The island is also home to nesting rock pigeons and a quiet natural setting for a family day out. After the trip return to your resort and enjoy time by the pool or beach. Kids can explore rock pools, build sandcastles or simply splash in the waves. End the day with a relaxed dinner under the stars, listening to the sound of the ocean.
Wake up early for a whale watching trip. The waters around Trincomalee are known for blue whales, sperm whales and playful dolphins. The boat trip lasts a few hours and offers a chance to see these amazing creatures in the wild. Return to shore and spend the afternoon at your resort. Enjoy free time with your family — read a book by the beach, swim or take a stroll along the shore. For dinner you might choose a beach café or stay at the hotel and enjoy local Sri Lankan dishes with fresh seafood and tropical fruit.
Visit Fort Frederick, an old colonial fort built by the Portuguese. Walk through the gates and enjoy the views of the bay. Next visit the Koneswaram Temple, a colourful Hindu temple on a cliff known as Lover’s Leap. The temple is peaceful and offers great photo opportunities and views of the sea. You can stop by local markets or return to your hotel for a swim. The day is a good balance of culture and relaxation, with options to be as active or restful as you like.
After breakfast leave the coast and drive back to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The drive takes several hours with rest stops along the way. Once in Colombo check into your hotel and if time allows take a short city tour. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka, famous for their beautiful setting by the lake. Walk around the Fort area to see colonial buildings or browse local shops and markets for souvenirs. End the day with a walk along Galle Face Green, a popular seaside promenade where families enjoy snacks, kites and sunset views of the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your journey home. Depending on your flight time you may have time for a final stroll or visit a nearby café. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure. Your Sri Lanka Family Discovery Tour comes to an end, full of memories of beaches, wildlife, culture and fun. From climbing ancient rock fortresses to seeing whales in the wild and relaxing by the sea, this trip has something for every family member — a holiday of adventure, learning and togetherness.
This tour was inspired by the desire to craft a family-oriented exploration of Sri Lanka, showcasing its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse wildlife.
The heart of this expedition lies in offering families the flexibility to immerse in the beauty of Sri Lanka at their own pace, from the serene beaches of Negombo and Trincomalee to the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura and the cultural richness of Kandy.
The decision to include ample leisure time alongside structured visits ensures a balanced journey, allowing for both adventure and relaxation.
This tour is ideal for those intrigued by activities, nature, culture, and wildlife, providing a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka’s treasures.
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
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