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Sri Lanka Family Holiday

Naturally gorgeous, culturally captivating and steeped in mysticism, Sri Lanka makes for a wonderful introduction to both travel and the Indian subcontinent for children and adults alike. Embark on a 12-day family tour and discover temples carved from cliffs, fortresses built on boulders and wildlife-rich parks. Expose your family to different ways of life while cycling through peaceful villages and touring working tea plantations. Wonder at wildlife when you go safari in search of wild elephants, deer and crocodiles. Chill out by the beach in Mirissa while the kids are playing with other young travellers on the tour. Educational, active and leisurely paced, this trip is everything you could want in a family getaway.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1.Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. The trip begins with an important welcome meeting at 5pm. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

5. These trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you in order to book.

6. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

7. Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.

Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Number Of Days
12
Price From
RRP: $2,770 Our price: $2,078
Start Location
Negombo, Sri Lanka
End Location
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Family
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1: Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers travellers palm-studded beaches, rolling plantations and sacred sites steeped in spirituality. Your adventure begins in Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other families travelling with you. If you arrive early, why not go out an explore at your own pace or book yourselves into the Urban Adventures day tour. After the meeting, maybe join your group for dinner and get to know the delicious local cuisine.
Day 2: Dambulla
Today you’ll officially start your adventure by heading to Dambulla – this town plays home to some of the world’s most spectacularly decorated cave temples. When you arrive, you can choose whether to join an optional excursion to the vegetable wholesale market – a labyrinth of shops and stalls that offers a look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. Later, explore the Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans lived thousands of years ago and thousands of ancient murals and statues depicting the Buddha are on display.
Day 3: Dambulla
Today’s adventure takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya – a colossal stone monument hosting a ruined fortress and an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Let the kids burn off some energy with a climb to the top of the enormous rock, checking out the murals and caves along the way. If the weather is playing alone, you should be able to take in sweeping views of the thick forests from the summit before descending. Once you return to Dambulla, take the family for a bike ride around the countryside. After a day full of activity everyone should be nice and tuckered out by the time night falls.
Day 4: Kandy
Say farewell to Dambulla this morning and drive to Kandy, often called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The hills surrounding the city, along with the lake in the centre, creates the perfect scenery for family phots, and the old shops and restaurants will keep you busy for hours. Spend the afternoon soaking in the rows of flowers and towering palm trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens – home to more than 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and various trees. After, continue to the Spice Gardens to learn about Sri Lankan spice plants and herbs.
Day 5: Kandy
This morning, visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic – a tooth said to belong to the Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century and they still come in droves today, making it a fascinating place to teach kids about one of the world’s oldest religions still being widely practiced. This evening, join a local family for dinner and learn the steps to a traditional Kandayan dance during some lessons from local performers.
Day 6: Bandarawela
After breakfast, hit the road to Nuwara Eliya – a former hill station built entirely during the 19th century. The old world architecture reflects what you might expect to find in an English village and the town is a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses and tea plantations. From here, you’ll all board a train to Bandarawela. Soak up the views across the hills and tea plantations from your accommodation this evening.
Day 7: Bandarawela
After a few busy days on the road, today will be at a slower pace. Bandarawela is a quiet hill town that exists to supply the needs of the tea plantation workers and their families. Another distinctive feature of Bandarawela is the preservation of the many old buildings, including the Bandarawela Hotel and the old supermarket. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the countryside, past tea workers plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets on their backs, before settling in for a local home-cooked lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax, go for another walk or explore at your own pace.
Day 8: Udawalawe
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to Udawalawe National Park. This park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife, with more herds of wild elephants than anywhere else in Sri Lanka! Following lunch, hop in a jeep for a safari inside the park. Other wildlife regularly spotted here includes macaques and larger monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles and sometimes even leopards. This is a real safari experience, nothing like a zoo or safari park. Check into the campsite at around 6 pm after a full day of adventure.
Day 9: Mirissa
After breakfast this morning it's time to farewell the camp and head west towards the coast and the town of Galle Fort. The kids will be able to learn about the interesting history of the town and see the remains of the walled fortress – now one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. After lunch, they’ll love getting hands-on and making their very own kites to fly. Kite flying is a fun and popular pastime activity for local families and if you’re visiting in summer, you're likely to see skies filled with colour along the coastline. After, it's time to head to the chilled-out beach town of Mirissa, where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 10: Mirissa
Mirissa is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka and you and your family will enjoy a full free day to explore it your way. Wander around the scenic waterfront or consider gathering the family together to head to the nearby Weligama by tuk-tuk or bicycle to see colourful fishing boats bringing in the daily catch to sell along the shore. Enjoy some fresh fish for lunch and perhaps go for a splash in the clear waters of the Laccadive Sea or relax on the sandy beaches.
Day 11: Colombo
Check out of the hotel and head towards Colombo. When you arrive, take a bit of time to wander through the bazaar and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. After, enjoy a bit of free time. You’re in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, so there’s more than enough things to occupy the whole family. The waterfront is full of life and makes for an excellent starting point. Regroup in the afternoon and head to Galle Face Green – five hectares of ocean-side park bliss – with your fellow families.
Day 12: Colombo
Your Sri Lankan family holiday ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the hotel at any time after check out at 12 pm. If you are departing later in the day, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. IF you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions Expand
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners.
Transport: Private bus, train, bicycle.
Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights), Camping (1 night).
Dambulla - Cave Temples.
Sigiriya - Bike ride.
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit.
Kandy - Botanical Gardens.
Matale - Spice Garden.
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth.
Train ride from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela.
Bandarawela - Country side trek.
Bandarawela - Tea Plucking Experience.
Udewalawe National Park - Wildlife safari.
Mirissa - Kite Flying.
Departure dates Expand
Start End Availability Price AUD
06 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 6 $3,090
$2,781
08 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025 2 $3,080
11 Apr 2025 22 Apr 2025 13 $2,770
$2,078
13 Apr 2025 24 Apr 2025 3 $3,280
15 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025 3 $3,090
28 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 7 $2,995
29 Jun 2025 10 Jul 2025 8 $2,795
03 Jul 2025 14 Jul 2025 1 $3,090
05 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 16 $2,770
08 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025 1 $3,230
12 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 9 $2,830
19 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025 8 $2,830
26 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 4 $3,080
02 Aug 2025 13 Aug 2025 2 $3,060
12 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025 5 $3,050
16 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 16 $2,770
26 Sep 2025 07 Oct 2025 12 $3,080
19 Dec 2025 30 Dec 2025 16 $2,880
21 Dec 2025 01 Jan 2026 16 $2,880
23 Dec 2025 03 Jan 2026 16 $2,880
26 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 16 $2,880
28 Dec 2025 08 Jan 2026 13 $2,880
30 Dec 2025 10 Jan 2026 13 $2,880
02 Jan 2026 13 Jan 2026 16 $3,045
06 Jan 2026 17 Jan 2026 16 $3,045
09 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 16 $3,045
28 Mar 2026 08 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
29 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 16 $2,770
31 Mar 2026 11 Apr 2026 16 $2,770
01 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 16 $2,770
02 Apr 2026 13 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
03 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 16 $2,770
04 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
05 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
07 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
08 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 16 $2,770
10 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 16 $3,045
27 Jun 2026 08 Jul 2026 16 $3,045
28 Jun 2026 09 Jul 2026 16 $2,770
30 Jun 2026 11 Jul 2026 16 $2,770
02 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 16 $3,045
04 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 16 $3,045
06 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 16 $2,770
07 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 16 $3,045
09 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 16 $2,770
22 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 16 $2,770
25 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 16 $3,045
01 Aug 2026 12 Aug 2026 16 $3,045
04 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 16 $2,770
08 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 16 $3,045
11 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 16 $3,045
15 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 16 $3,045
19 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 16 $3,045
22 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 16 $2,770
25 Sep 2026 06 Oct 2026 16 $3,045
01 Oct 2026 12 Oct 2026 16 $2,770
12 Dec 2026 23 Dec 2026 16 $2,770
18 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 16 $3,170
20 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 16 $3,170
22 Dec 2026 02 Jan 2027 16 $3,170
27 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 16 $3,170
29 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 16 $3,170
01 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 16 $2,910
05 Jan 2027 16 Jan 2027 16 $2,910
08 Jan 2027 19 Jan 2027 16 $2,910
27 Mar 2027 07 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
28 Mar 2027 08 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
30 Mar 2027 10 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
31 Mar 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
01 Apr 2027 12 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
02 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
03 Apr 2027 14 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
04 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
06 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
07 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
09 Apr 2027 20 Apr 2027 16 $2,910
26 Jun 2027 07 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
27 Jun 2027 08 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
29 Jun 2027 10 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
01 Jul 2027 12 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
03 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
05 Jul 2027 16 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
06 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
08 Jul 2027 19 Jul 2027 16 $2,910
21 Jul 2027 01 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
24 Jul 2027 04 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
31 Jul 2027 11 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
03 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
07 Aug 2027 18 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
10 Aug 2027 21 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
14 Aug 2027 25 Aug 2027 16 $2,910
18 Sep 2027 29 Sep 2027 16 $2,910
21 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 16 $2,910
24 Sep 2027 05 Oct 2027 16 $2,910
30 Sep 2027 11 Oct 2027 16 $2,910
11 Dec 2027 22 Dec 2027 16 $2,910
17 Dec 2027 28 Dec 2027 16 $2,910
19 Dec 2027 30 Dec 2027 16 $2,910
21 Dec 2027 01 Jan 2028 16 $2,910
26 Dec 2027 06 Jan 2028 16 $2,910
28 Dec 2027 08 Jan 2028 16 $2,910

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