Family Luxury Adventure Travel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, once known as the “Resplendent Isle” is truly full of splendor. It is a jewel of a destination, with ancient monuments, temples, blankets of tea plantations and wonderful beaches. It also has amazing wildlife, and is one of the best places to spot leopards anywhere in the world, along with elephants, and the elusive sloth bear.

We like to think of Sri Lanka as a kind of “India Lite” – easier to travel in, due to the far smaller population, but still with many of the exotic flavors that India offers.

Destination Highlights

Adventures in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, off the coast of Southern India, is a spectacular destination in its own right. It is an easy transition into South Asia, and so is very suitable for families, especially those with young children. It is uncrowded and English-speaking, with easily manageable cities and sights. With some of the best beaches in the world, spectacular tea plantations, great wildlife with leopards and elephants, and ancient cities including the Royal City of Kandy, Sri Lanka offers a huge variety of adventures in a small country.

view of sri lanka

Beaches

For many, the beach is the main reason they come to Sri Lanka. Hundreds of wonderful palm fringed golden beaches surround the island, and whether you are looking for a quiet and totally empty beach or for a party beach, you will find it all.

girls at beach in sri lanka

Culture and Food

Sri Lankan food is less well known than Indian food but as delicious. It tends to be less spicy, and it’s most recognizable culinary creation is the “hopper” – a rice and coconut pancake that often includes eggs as well. Rice and curry are found everywhere, as are many Western dishes for the international traveler.

Tea is synonymous with Sri Lanka. Often referred to by its colonial name of Ceylon, Sri Lankan tea is famous worldwide, and spending time on a tea plantation is one of the great joys of any visit to Sri Lanka.

The culture and heritage of Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, and the country is dotted with ancient temples and rock caves, as well as many colorful modern temples.

Nature and Wildlife

Sri Lanka is a wonderful safari destination. One can spot leopards, bears and elephants in their hundreds. Sri Lanka is also a great whale watching destination and even blue whales pass by at certain times of year.

Highlights

  • Take a spectacular train ride through the never-ending tea plantations.
  • Take a jungle safari in search of leopards and elephants!
  • Explore the hundreds of wonderful beaches located all around the island.
  • Climb to the of Sigirya Rock, with its ancient temples and views over the plains.
  • Go see a cricket match in Galle, a colonial city dating back to the Dutch and British.
woman smelling spices in india

Sri Lanka Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Colombo and overnight at a beach hotel.

Day 2
Free day. City tour this evening including dinner at a restaurant very often frequented by Sri Lanka’s cricket team.

Day 3
Travel to the Sigiriya area, in the Cultural Triangle, home to many ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Days 4 & 5
Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient cities, monasteries, temples and a National Park to see hundreds of elephants!

Day 6
Travel to Kandy, the former capital. See the Temple of the Tooth and many fascinating markets.

Day 7
Exploring Kandy.

Day 8
Travel by train to Tea Country. Stay in a luxury colonial tea planters residence.

Day 9
Tour a tea factory. This afternoon enjoy hiking or boating or mountain biking.

Day 10
Travel to Galle, a fascinating old colonial town founded by the Dutch. Tour the highlights.

Day 11
Travel to either Mirissa or Bentota for a last few relaxed beach days.

Days 12 & 13
At the beach.

Day 14
Departure from Colombo.

Sri Lanka Trip Tips & FAQ's

What time of year is best to travel to Sri Lanka?

The main tourist season runs from September – April. Most of the country is dry and temperatures are comfortable.

From May-August the rains come in, except on the eastern coast, which has long and unspoilt beaches.

Is Sri Lanka a good place for a family vacation?

Absolutely. In fact families make up one of the biggest groups of travelers to Sri Lanka. Its an amazing destination during the school vacation.

What is there to do in Sri Lanka?

Enjoy the beaches, go on a safari, hike the hills and mountains of the beautiful interior, attend a cricket match, explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, and eat the traditional Hopper!

What is the food like in Sri Lanka?

If you like curry and rice you will love Sri Lankan food, but you can also get any international dish you crave as well!

Where to stay on an Sri Lanka luxury travel package?

Sri Lanka has beautiful hotels in some of the most spectacular locations you can imagine. You can stay in a colonial -style luxury bungalow on a tea estate, or in a boutique coastal hotel designed by one of the world’s great architects.

Are luxury tours of Sri Lanka expensive?

They can be. But Sri Lanka can offer great value, especially if you travel in the shoulder or low season.