Family trip to Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon your arrival at Colombo Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Known as the "Little Rome," this port city is home to one of the largest fishing communities on the island, mostly of Catholic faith. Along the coastline, you will find many churches where fishermen anchor their catamarans. Every morning (except Sundays), fishermen auction their catch on the beach sand. After checking into your hotel, you will have free time to relax. Enjoy a restful night at the hotel.

Head towards Pinnawala for a fascinating visit to the elephant orphanage. You will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close, as they are bottle-fed and consume up to seven liters of milk four times a day. You will also witness their refreshing bath in the river, providing a memorable spectacle. You can watch the elephants from a terrace set up along the river. This orphanage was established in 1975 by the government to protect elephants hunted by humans or abandoned by their parents. Once adults, some of these elephants are employed in tea plantations or participate in religious ceremonies alongside Buddhists. After this enriching experience, you will have lunch by the river with the four-legged residents. Next, you will take a walk through the countryside, allowing you to discover authentic rural life in Sri Lanka. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Habarana and check into your hotel. Enjoy a pleasant night in this enchanting setting.

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to climb the Lion's Rock fortress, where you can admire the splendid frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens, creatures halfway between goddesses and princesses. It is important to note that the Sigiriya citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 for its exceptional value. Your visit will also include exploring the palace of Kashyapa, a great patron who welcomed the most prominent artists of his time at his court. You will also have the chance to visit the ancient Vatadage site, a circular sanctuary, and five other religious buildings, forming a unique architectural ensemble in the world. A 2-3 hour bike ride will allow you to immerse yourself in these exceptional archaeological treasures. In the evening, you can enjoy a short elephant ride through the Sri Lankan countryside before returning to Habarana. You will spend the night at the hotel.

In the morning, your journey continues to Kandy. On the way, you will have the chance to visit the Dambulla Caves, which once served as a refuge for King Valagambahu when he was ousted from his capital, Anuradhapura. Inside, you will be amazed by a remarkable collection of Buddha statues, scattered across the five large caves that have been frequented by monks since the 1st century BC. Additionally, the view from the top of the rock is simply breathtaking. Next, you will explore the Nalanda Gedige sanctuary, a site blending Hindu and Buddhist influences, adorned with tantric sculptures. Your journey will continue towards Matale, where you will visit a beautiful spice garden located in the heart of a fertile agricultural region. You will witness the preparation of a Sri Lankan dish while learning about the healing properties of plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. Once you arrive in Kandy, a city built around an artificial lake, you will learn about its history as the former capital of Ceylon before the island became a British colony. Kandy is renowned for its Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic and is considered the religious capital of the country and an important site for Buddhism worldwide. You will check into your hotel and spend the night in Kandy.

On this day, you will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating temples of Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake, and Embekke, which belong to the exceptional artistic period known as "Gampola." Lankathilake, also called the "beauty mark of Lanka," is a magnificent royal temple that will captivate you with its grandeur and historical significance. Embekke Devale, built in the 14th century in honor of the protective god Kataragama, features remarkable architecture and ornaments. Finally, you will visit the Temple of the Tooth, the most famous in Kandy, which houses a sacred relic. You will also explore the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, located along the Mahaweli River, covering over 60 hectares and home to some of the most exquisite tropical species in the world. In the evening, you will stay in Kandy to rest and recharge.

In the morning, you will be driven to the station by tuk-tuk. From there, you will embark on a scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, passing through picturesque tea plantations along the way. Upon arrival, you will be charmed by the colonial British atmosphere that pervades this small town. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit a tea plantation and one of Ceylon's famous factories. Today, the tea produced in Sri Lanka is better known as "Ceylon tea," referring to the country's old name until 1972. The island specializes mainly in the production of black tea, which is easily recognizable by its beautiful amber color. After your explorations, you will check into your hotel and spend the night in Nuwara Eliya, where you can relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this mountain town.

In the morning, you will head towards Udawalawe, where you will have an exciting experience with a jeep safari in the national park. Udawalawe gets its name from the large reservoir built in the 1960s on the Walawe River, which remains the main source of water for elephants and other animals in the park, including jackals and deer. The park is also renowned for its remarkable bird diversity, including five species of eagles. After your safari adventure, you will check into a hotel located at the entrance of Uda Walawe, where you will spend the night.

In the morning, you will head towards Galle to enjoy the beautiful Sri Lankan beaches. During your visit, you will explore the old town and the Galle Fort, whose colonial architecture has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city was once a major stop on the spice route, and its history is marked by many foreign influences. After the Chinese and Arabs, it was mainly the Portuguese, Dutch, and English who contributed to giving this city its unique character. During your exploration, you will discover the bastions and their ramparts, the Dutch church, the lighthouse, and the old colonial homes that testify to this rich history. In Kosgoda, you will have the opportunity to visit a sea turtle hatchery, where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures and their conservation. In the late afternoon, you will check into your hotel to spend the night and fully enjoy your stay in Galle.

Today, you will have a free day to relax and enjoy the soothing sea. This is the perfect opportunity to recharge on the beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply bask in the sun. You can also explore the coastal area further, taste delicious local cuisine, or engage in water activities if interested. Whether you choose to relax on the warm sand, take a stroll along the beach, or participate in local activities, make the most of this free day to rejuvenate and appreciate the beauty of the Sri Lankan coastal environment.

Your family stay in Sri Lanka comes to an end. You will be transferred to Colombo Airport for your return flight. We hope you have had a memorable and enriching journey, filled with discoveries and unforgettable memories. Safe travels !