General Information
Tour Route: Negombo - Dambulla - Kandy - Bandarawela - Udawalawe - Mirissa - Colombo
Duration: 12 days/ 11 nights
Departure Date: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Start/ End: Negombo/Colombo
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interests
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Negombo
Day 02: Dambulla (B)
Day 03: Dambulla (B)
Day 04: Kandy (B)
Day 05: Kandy (B, D)
Day 06: Bandarawela (B)
Day 07: Bandarawela (B, L)
Day 08: Udawalawe (B, D)
Day 09: Mirissa (B)
Day 10: Mirissa (B)
Day 11: Colombo (B)
Day 12: Colombo (B)
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka! Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ this beautiful island is home to palm-fringed beaches, lush plantations, and sacred sites rich in history and spirituality. Your journey begins in Negombo, where you’ll attend a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your local leader and fellow families joining the trip. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city at your own pace or consider booking an Urban Adventures day tour. In the evening, you might like to join your group for dinner and get a taste of Sri Lanka’s flavorful cuisine.
Day 02: Dambulla (B)
Your journey truly begins today as you travel to Dambulla, home to some of the world’s most stunningly adorned cave temples. Upon arrival, you have the option to visit the bustling vegetable wholesale market - a maze of stalls showcasing the diverse produce cultivated across Sri Lanka.
Later, explore the remarkable Dambulla cave temples, where prehistoric Sri Lankans once resided. These ancient caves are adorned with thousands of murals and statues depicting the Buddha, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich spiritual heritage.
Day 03: Dambulla (B)
Today's journey takes you from Dambulla to Sigiriya, home to a towering rock fortress and a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. Let the kids expend some energy as you climb to the summit, pausing to admire ancient murals and hidden caves along the way. If the weather is clear, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the dense forests below before making your descent. Back in Dambulla, take the family on a scenic bike ride through the countryside. After an action-packed day, everyone will be ready for a well-earned rest by nightfall.
Day 04: Kandy (B)
Transfer to Kandy, often regarded as Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. The scenic hills surrounding the city and its central lake provide a stunning backdrop for family photos, while its charming old shops and restaurants offer plenty to explore. In the afternoon, wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens, where over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants, thrive beneath towering palm trees. Later, visit the Spice Gardens to discover the rich aromas and uses of Sri Lanka’s native herbs and spices.
Day 05: Kandy (B, D)
This morning, visit Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, which enshrines Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic - believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims have flocked to this revered site since the 16th century, offering a unique opportunity to introduce children to one of the world’s oldest and still-practiced religions. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner with a local family and take part in a Kandyan dance lesson, learning traditional steps from skilled performers.
Day 06: Bandarawela (B)
After breakfast, journey to Nuwara Eliya, a former hill station established in the 19th century. With its colonial architecture, the town resembles an English village, blending Victorian-era buildings with tea plantations and roaming water buffalo. From here, board a train to Bandarawela and take in the stunning views of rolling hills and lush tea estates. Tonight, relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings from your accommodation.
Day 07: Bandarawela (B, L)
After several active days, today offers a more relaxed pace. Bandarawela, a tranquil hill town, primarily serves the tea plantation workers and their families. The town retains its colonial charm with well-preserved buildings like the Bandarawela Hotel and the old supermarket.
Start your day with a leisurely countryside walk, passing tea workers carefully plucking leaves and placing them in baskets on their backs. Later, enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family. The afternoon is yours to unwind, take another stroll, or explore at your own pace.
Day 08: Udawalawe (B, D)
After a filling breakfast, set off for Udawalawe National Park, home to an incredible variety of wildlife and the largest elephant herds in Sri Lanka.
After lunch, climb into a jeep for an exciting safari through the park, where you may encounter macaques, larger monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles, and possibly even a leopard. This is an authentic safari experience, offering a glimpse of animals in their natural habitat. After a thrilling day of exploration, arrive at your campsite around 6 pm to settle in for the night.
Day 09: Mirissa (B)
After breakfast, say goodbye to the camp and travel west toward the coast, arriving at the historic town of Galle Fort. The kids will have the chance to uncover the town’s fascinating past while exploring the remnants of the ancient walled fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, enjoy a hands-on experience as they craft and fly their own kites - a beloved pastime for local families. If visiting in summer, expect to see the coastline dotted with colorful kites soaring in the sky. Later, continue to the relaxed beach town of Mirissa, where you’ll unwind for the next two nights.
Day 10: Mirissa (B)
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s top coastal destinations, and today you and your family have a full free day to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront or gather the family for a short tuk-tuk or bicycle ride to nearby Weligama, where you can watch vibrant fishing boats unloading their daily catch along the shore. Savor freshly caught seafood for lunch, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Laccadive Sea, or simply unwind on the golden sandy beaches.
Day 11: Colombo (B)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to Colombo. Upon arrival, take a stroll through the lively bazaar, immersing yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of the bustling market. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore Sri Lanka’s commercial capital at your own pace. With plenty to see and do, there’s something to entertain the whole family. The waterfront is a great place to start, offering a lively atmosphere and scenic views. In the afternoon, reunite with your group and head to Galle Face Green, a sprawling five-hectare oceanfront park perfect for relaxation and fun.
Day 12: Colombo (B)
Your Sri Lankan family adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. There are no scheduled activities today, and you are free to check out anytime before 12 pm. If you have a later departure, the hotel can arrange luggage storage for your convenience.Your Sri Lanka Local Tour ends here! Thank you for choosing us!
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