Overview
Eleven days that work for the children as well as the adults
To experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of a child is to discover an island of magic, where real-world adventures beat any digital screen. The Family Escapade in Paradise is an itinerary engineered to deliver a perfect balance of education, continuous excitement, and relaxation for all generations.
The journey begins in the cultural heartlands of Habarana, where the jungle air is warm and filled with the calls of wild birds. The excitement reaches a peak during an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park. Sitting high up in your open-top 4×4, the children’s eyes go wide as you round a bend and see a massive herd of wild Asian elephants grazing along the water’s edge. Watching tiny baby elephants playing in the mud and splashing water under the watchful eye of the matriarch is a powerful, real-world encounter with nature that binds a family together.
The family narrative transitions from the jungle to the historic streets of Galle Fort. Here, history becomes a living playground. Walking along the thick coral-and-granite ramparts, your Chauffeur Guide tells exciting stories of old pirates, colonial battles, and hidden treasures that capture the imagination of young minds. The air is fresh and breezy, filled with the scent of street snacks and sea salt. The children watch local daredevils jump from the high ramparts into the deep blue ocean below, a thrilling sight that provides constant conversation as you explore the narrow, cobblestone alleyways.
The adventure concludes along the golden sands of Bentota, a coastal paradise built for family fun. The environment is vast and bright, with wide beaches that offer endless opportunities for building sandcastles or playing beach cricket. The ultimate highlight unfolds during a morning visit to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. The children stand around shallow pools, watching tiny, day-old turtle hatchlings swim vigorously through the water. Getting to gently hold a baby green turtle before watching it crawl across the sand and swim into the vast Indian Ocean is an emotional, educational moment that creates a lifelong love for nature and wildlife.
Tour highlights
What you will actually do
- Wild elephant herds at Minneriya from an open 4x4
- Climbing Sigiriya at a pace that suits children
- A catamaran ride across a lotus-covered lake
- Kandyan drumming and fire-dancing
- The mountain train through tunnels and over viaducts
- Two full days of beach and water sports at Bentota
- Releasing baby turtles at the Kosgoda hatchery
Route map
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 · Arrive Colombo - Negombo
Met at Bandaranaike International and taken twenty minutes up the coast to a family resort with good pools. Swim, eat, sleep.
Overnight — Negombo
Day 02 · Pinnawala and Habarana
Inland, stopping at the Pinnawala Open Zoo to see Sri Lankan species in large natural enclosures, then on to Habarana in the Cultural Triangle.
Overnight — Habarana
Day 03 · Sigiriya and a village catamaran
Climb Sigiriya early, before the heat, taking it in stages — the lion’s paws at the terrace are the part children remember. In the afternoon, a traditional catamaran across a lake covered in lotus.
Overnight — Sigiriya
Day 04 · Minneriya
An afternoon 4×4 safari on the reservoir bed among large herds of wild elephants, including calves. Open-sided vehicle, roll cage, and the driver keeps a respectful distance.
Overnight — Habarana
Day 05 · To Kandy via Dambulla
The rock cave temples on the way south — hundreds of statues in five caves, which holds attention better than most temples — then up into the hills.
Overnight — Kandy
Day 06 · Kandy
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, then a cultural show in the evening with Kandyan drummers, dancers and fire-walking.
Overnight — Kandy
Day 07 · The mountain train
The scenic railway up into the hill country, which is consistently a highlight for children: open windows, tunnels, viaducts and tea terraces. An afternoon in Nuwara Eliya.
Overnight — Nuwara Eliya
Day 08 · To Bentota
Down out of the mountains to the south west coast, the longest drive of the trip, broken with stops.
Overnight — Bentota
Day 09 · Bentota
A full beach day. Banana boat rides, a gentle Madu River boat safari, swimming, and as much sandcastle building as required.
Overnight — Bentota
Day 10 · Kosgoda and Colombo
A morning at the Kosgoda sea turtle conservation project, where the children can watch day-old hatchlings released into the surf. On to Colombo for an open-top jeep city tour and dinner.
Overnight — Colombo
Day 11 · Departure
Transfer to Bandaranaike International for your flight home.
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation in double or twin rooms, meal plan as specified
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur for 11 days
- Airport meet and greet, with parking and paging
- Vehicle and passenger insurance, highway tolls and GPS monitoring
- GST, VAT, service charges, fuel surcharges and all taxes
- Bottled water daily and a complimentary SIM card for the group
- Chauffeur meals and accommodation throughout
Exclusions
- International flights and ETA visa
- Entrance fees and site tickets
- 4x4 jeep hire for safaris, and train tickets
- Travel insurance, tips, laundry and personal expenses
Pricing
Essential Tour
Standard Hotels- 2-3 star
USD 670 pp
on double share basis
Premium Tour
Moderate Hotels – 3-4 star
USD 870 pp
on double share basis
Luxury Tour
Luxury Hotels – 4-5 star
USD 1225 pp
on double share basis
Complementary Included
- Visit the spice garden for complimentary herbal tea and drinks and a 15-minute head massage
- Visit a Tea Factory or Tea Plantation with a Cup of Tea. Each Person
- Free visit to the art and craft center
- Free Visit to the Gem Museum and Lapidary
- Free Visit to the Ceylon Batik Factory
- Free entrance to the strawberry farm
- Free Entrance to the Colombo Casino
Accommodation
10 nights across 11 locations. Three hotel standards are offered on this itinerary — Standard at 2-3 star, Moderate at 3-4 star and Luxury at 4-5 star — and you can move the standard up or down at any single stop rather than committing to one tier for the whole trip. Rooms are quoted on a double or twin share basis.
Transportation
One vehicle and one chauffeur-guide for all 11 days, air-conditioned and GPS-monitored, with vehicle and passenger insurance, highway tolls and airport parking included. Standard seating is three passengers plus luggage; larger groups move up to a van or micro-coach with no change to the route.
Questions
About this tour
Are the safari jeeps safe for young children?
Yes. The 4x4s have roll cages and secure seating, and drivers keep to safe speeds for families. Children must stay seated inside the vehicle at all times, which park rules require anyway.
Will there be food children will actually eat?
Yes. All the resorts we use run extensive international buffets and children’s menus with familiar options, and any curry can be made without chilli on request.
How long are the drives?
We cap driving legs at two to three hours and build in stops at fruit stalls, viewpoints and washrooms. The Nuwara Eliya to Bentota leg is the longest and is deliberately placed after a rest day.
Is babysitting available?
Yes. Most of our 4 and 5 star partner properties offer trusted in-house babysitting on request, best arranged a day ahead.
Is Sigiriya safe for children to climb?
Yes. The paths are secure with high railings. Go early before the heat, take frequent breaks, and note that the summit is optional — the frescoes and the lion’s paws are most of the experience.
Are child-sized life jackets provided?
Yes. Properly sized, approved life jackets are mandatory for all children on every water-based excursion.
What if someone needs a doctor?
Sri Lanka has good private hospitals in Kandy, Galle and Colombo, and your chauffeur-guide is trained to get you to the right one quickly.
Conditions
- The hotels mentioned above will only be confirmed on availability at the time of booking. If otherwise, suitable alternatives will be suggested before confirmation.
- The consumption of alcohol during “Poya Days” at bars, clubs, and other public areas of the hotel and the operation of similar forms of entertainment establishments is prohibited by law in Sri Lanka. It is recommended that clients contact reception to obtain their respective formalities during their holiday.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations within 01 to 06 days of the arrival date – 100% of the value of the booking
- Cancellations within 7 to 13 days of the arrival date – 50% of the value of the booking
- Cancellations within 14 to 28 days of the arrival date – 25% of the value of the booking
- Cancellations beyond 30 days of the arrival date – to be decided by the hotel on a case-by-case basis.
Important
- Hotel check-in time is 1400 hrs., and check-out is at 1200.
- All transfer times mentioned above are subject to variation depending on traffic flow and road conditions.
Visa requirements
Climate and seasons
Travel style: Family, First visit
Region: Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, South Coast
