Summer Family Adventure
This Summer Family Adventure includes loads of options for different ages and energy levels, ensuring a really special experience for everyone. With hands-on activities, fuss-free relaxation, engaging cultural highlights, eye-popping wildlife experiences and chilled-out beach time, you’ve got all the ingredients for creating some unique, grin-inducing family memories.
At a glance
- Get hands-on at a working coconut farm
- Drive through Wilpattu at dusk as leopards wake to hunt
- Spot for elephants on a Minneriya safari
- Feast on coconut roti with locals in the Cultural Triangle
- Explore unspoilt beaches and tantalising caves
- Watch dolphins and whales in coastal waters
- Pick tea high in the hills & learn the science behind the brew
Wadumunnegedara - 2 nights
Deep within rural Sri Lanka, between fertile fields and dense forest, sits the sleepy village of Wadumunnegedara, where traditional farming life remains strong. Spend a couple of nights at the area’s extraordinary Horathapola Coconut Estate resort, which seamlessly combines top-class luxury with the daily life of a working coconut farm, allowing guests to get a hands-on taste of Sri Lankan farming life. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, meet the ponies and buffalo that live on the estate, bump through the farm on the back of an ox cart, and explore the village trails by bike.
Day 1 - Arrive Colombo, drive to Horathapola Coconut Estate
Includes:
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to the Horathapola Coconut Estate in Wadumunnegedara.
Welcome to Selective Asia! This level of personal service (such as private transfers, private tours etc) is what you can expect throughout your trip. A few services (eg boat cruises) will be shared, but we'll always make sure you're aware of these.
Day 2 - Relax & explore
Includes:
Your day is at leisure to explore the coconut estate, visit nearby rural villages or simply relax by the pool. Kids will enjoy the ox cart ride around the estate and there is plenty of space within the grounds for them to play.
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Wilpattu National Park - 1 night
Dozens of vulnerable species are known to live in the vast, varied forests of Wilpattu National Park, including Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, wetland birds (including the White Ibis), and a dense population of Sri Lankan sloth bears: a highly threatened sub species that exist solely on the island. Head out with your guide for a dusk drive through the park - one of the best places in the world to see leopards - just as the elusive big cats wake to find food. Return to camp to enjoy a fireside dinner and share stories of the day's sightings.
Day 3 - Drive to Wilpattu National Park, dusk safari
Includes:
Morning departure for Wilpattu - the largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks and home to a wide array of wildlife, including leopards, and a dense population of Sri Lankan sloth bears that exist only on the island. Having checked into your camp there will be time to freshen up before joining your guide and tracker for a dusk drive through the park.
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Cultural Triangle - 2 nights
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle stretches from Anuradhapura at its northern point, to Polonnaruwa in the east and Kandy in the south, covering about a thousand square miles. Five of the country’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites are within the region, with the Sigiriya rock fortress and the cave temple of Dambulla at its heart. Explore scores of temples, ruins and dagobas scattered throughout the region, and roam through the Minneriya National Park, which hosts the largest annual gathering of Asian elephants in the world, finding wonder in a new wilderness
Day 4 - Dawn safari, drive to the Cultural Triangle
Includes:
Rise early to join your guide for a last dawn drive through Wilpattu, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as the park's inhabitants noisily greet the day. After breakfast, head for your Cultural Triangle hotel; a cosy base for exploring the region. Having arrived, the remainder of your day will be at leisure.
Day 5 - Sigiriya Rock, Rural Experience, Minneriya National Park safari
Includes:
After an early breakfast visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya – one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. This immense rock dominates the surrounding landscape, rising 650 feet above the ground, and the view from the flattened summit is spectacular. Those without a head for heights can stroll around the ramparts and pleasure gardens, or take in the famous Sigiriya frescoes found partway up the rock, as your guide tells you some of the legends surrounding the site. In the late morning you will have the chance to experience traditional, rural life, away from the ruins and try your hand at preparing Sri Lankan food. In a small village close to Sigiriya Rock you will be welcomed into the modest, mud-walled home of one of the families, where you will assist your host in the preparation of a typical Sri Lankan lunch, using authentic cooking methods and traditional clay pots. Late afternoon take a safari through the stunning Minneriya National Park, famous for its 200-strong elephant population, keeping your eyes peeled for some of the park’s 24 species of mammal, including sambar, spotted deer, those elusive leopards, sloth bears and toque monkey as well as water monitors, swamp crocodiles and over 160 species of bird.
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East Coast Beach - 4 nights
Sri Lanka's relatively undeveloped east coast is a real tropical haven, especially between April and September, with Passekudah beach the favourite pick of the bunch. This reef-protected bay has ideal swimming conditions and is perfect for timeless days playing on quiet sands. If you’re visiting between May and October, head up the coast to Trincomalee: a top dolphin-watching hotspot and, more recently, a prime location for seeing whales further offshore. Whale sightings are sporadic, but spending a morning dophin-watching from the catamaran is pretty exciting nonetheless!
Day 6 - Explore Polonnaruwa by bike, drive to Passekudah
Includes:
Make a morning visit to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, built over a thousand years ago with carefully-engineered reservoirs that still provide the region's water. In its day, Polonnaruwa was a thriving commercial and religious centre and as you explore the ruins by bicycle, you’ll get a feel for what life was like back then. Late morning, depart the Cultural Triangle region, leaving the tourist trail far behind and heading east. Arrive at your beach resort by mid-afternoon to enjoy an afternoon at leisure settling into the area’s serene rhythms.
Days 7 to 9 - Family R&R time
Includes:
Spend the next few days at leisure: playing on the beach, splashing in the pool, and enjoying unhurried time together.
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Elkaduwa - 2 nights
Surrounded by steep-sided valleys peppered with rushing waterfalls, and backed by mist-shrouded mountains and piercing blue lakes, the landscape around Elkaduwa looks like it leapt straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. The heart of the region is the perfect place to hunker down and enjoy a little luxury, interspersed with treks through the tea plantations (learning to pick the tea itself), birdwatching from silent spots in the forest, and bike rides along winding trails to splash in waterfall pools. Return to base to snuggle up on squishy sofas, gorge on afternoon tea and help to cook more fragrant Sri Lankan dishes.
Day 10 - Drive to Ashburnham Estate, Elkaduwa
Includes:
Journey west through the hilly landscape of inner Sri Lanka to Elkaduwa (an hour north of Kandy) and the Ashburnham Estate, set in its own 100-acre tea plantation. Having been warmly welcomed, the remainder of your day is at leisure to investigate the range of activities on offer, including trekking out to discover the secrets behind tea production. The surrounding forests offer unbeatable bird-watching, and Ashburnham’s resident naturalist will be on hand to help you identify the species fluttering overhead.
Day 11 - Tea estate tour, Victoria Lake view walk
Includes:
Join Ashburnham’s estate manager for a guided tour of the tea fields, where you’ll learn about the growing process, and meet some of the pickers. Continue to the tea factory at Bandarapola to see the leaves being processed and appreciate the science behind the above-average cuppa! Explore a few scenic walks from a book of suggested routes that resort has put together - we particularly love heading up toward Hunasgiriya and the Knuckles mountain range, passing small villages and local temples, to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the mountains, tea plantations and Victoria Lake Reservoir. It’s the perfect spot for a well-earned picnic lunch too. Take time to rest tired legs and soak up the views, before walking back to Ashburnham Estate where the remainder of your afternoon will be at leisure.
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Kotugoda / Makandura - 1 night
Finish your Sri Lankan adventure with a night deep in the country's wild landscape at a choice of boutique resorts which, all being just a short drive from the airport, help make departure day transfers smooth and stress-free. Take a dip in a pool under tall palms at the Notary’s House, unwinding with tea on the terrace. Alternatively, enjoy a night at the Wallawwa, playing hide and seek in the secluded gardens and treating yourself to a relaxing hour or two at the spa. Stretch out a last, leisurely morning, before transferring to Colombo airport for your onward flight.
Day 12 - Drive to Kotugoda or Makandura
Includes:
After a leisurely breakfast descend from the hills in the direction of the west coast. Your destination is a boutique property, conveniently located within 45 minutes drive of Colombo airport, yet set within peaceful surrounds. Not your typical airport hotel!
Day 13 - Kotugoda / Makandura, depart Colombo
Includes:
Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward flight.
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We only provide privately guided holidays - meaning that you will not be expected to share guides or transport for the duration of your visit. You can also start on any day you choose.
Please click on the hotel category buttons below to view hotel details. These are recommended properties only - we have many alternative options for you to choose from if you would prefer. You can mix hotel categories throughout your holiday.
| Hotel class | Price per family (based on total # travelling) | |||
| 2 Ad & 1 Ch | 2 Ad & 2 Ch | 2 Ad & 3 Ch | ||
| First Class | £5,152US$6,748 | £6,564US$8,598 | £8,631US$11,306 | |
Horathapola Coconut Estate A gorgeous tea plantation bungalow built in the 1900s and now converted into a stylishly comfortable boutique, Horathapola offers the wonderful chance... See more
Thamara Vila Concealed within peaceful forest near Wilpattu National Park, Thamara Vila’s raised tented chalets offer a serene base for exploring the Sri Lankan wilderness… See more
Hotel Sigiriya As you’re handed your welcome drink on the terrace of the Sigiriya Hotel, glance skywards and you'll know what your visit is all about…what a view. See more
Laya Waves Set on pristine Kalkudah Beach on Sri Lanka’s east coast, Laya Waves really does have an enviable location.... See more
Ashburnham Estate Staying at Ashburnham Estate (Ash to those in the know) feels a bit like visiting old friends, albeit friends who are lucky enough to live in a handsome 1930s Planters estate house with its own 100-acre tea estate! Around an hour north-east of Kandy... See more
The Notary's House Surrounded by well-tended gardens with views across the lake, The Notary’s House is just a short drive from Colombo airport, which makes this welcoming boutique an excellent first stop for reviving after a long flight… See more |
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| Superior | £5,867US$7,685 | £7,283US$9,540 | £9,795US$12,831 | |
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Horathapola Coconut Estate A gorgeous tea plantation bungalow built in the 1900s and now converted into a stylishly comfortable boutique, Horathapola offers the wonderful chance... See more
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Imagine experiencing Sri Lanka's wilderness from your very own safari camp. Expertly hosted and supervised by experienced rangers, eco-camping in Sri Lanka is one of those life adventures that move you.… See more
Aliya Resort & Spa With its astonishing view of Sigiriya Rock, this contemporary hotel is superbly placed for exploring what is known as Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle... See more
Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa Maalu Maalu is a boutique eco-friendly resort on Sri Lanka’s east coast, its intimate cluster of luxurious wooden villas inspired by a traditional fishing village... See more
Ashburnham Estate Staying at Ashburnham Estate (Ash to those in the know) feels a bit like visiting old friends, albeit friends who are lucky enough to live in a handsome 1930s Planters estate house with its own 100-acre tea estate! Around an hour north-east of Kandy... See more
The Notary's House Surrounded by well-tended gardens with views across the lake, The Notary’s House is just a short drive from Colombo airport, which makes this welcoming boutique an excellent first stop for reviving after a long flight… See more |
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| Deluxe | £6,311US$8,267 | £8,332US$10,915 | £11,407US$14,943 | |
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Horathapola Coconut Estate A gorgeous tea plantation bungalow built in the 1900s and now converted into a stylishly comfortable boutique, Horathapola offers the wonderful chance... See more
Leopard Trails Tented Safari Camp Blessed with a varied range of wildlife, Sri Lanka’s National Parks are a treasure trove for nature buffs, and these comfortable safari camps will get you right in amongst the action. See more
Vil Uyana It’s hard to know where to start with a resort such as Vil Uyana - it’s one of those properties that takes you by surprise and leaves you stumbling for words... See more
Karpaha Sands Sheltered by tall palms swaying over a pristine private beach, Karpaha Sands blends the immediacy of tented camp accommodation with premium hotel luxury… See more
Ashburnham Estate Staying at Ashburnham Estate (Ash to those in the know) feels a bit like visiting old friends, albeit friends who are lucky enough to live in a handsome 1930s Planters estate house with its own 100-acre tea estate! Around an hour north-east of Kandy... See more
The Wallawwa Opened in 2008, The Wallawwa is just 15 minutes by car from Colombo’s Bandaranaike Airport, making it the ideal stopover for your first or last night in Sri Lanka. In truth, however, you’d be happy to stay a week... See more |
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Solo travellers are always welcome - please contact us for a tailored quote.
These prices are shown in GBPUSD.
Selective Asia is a UK-registered company, but our client-base spans the globe, so we bank in both GBP and USD and can therefore provide a fixed price in either currency.
We also have payment facilities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the EU, and can typically offer better-than-bank exchange rates on the date of payment in these currencies (against a booking priced in GBP).
Itinerary additions
- Depending on the month of travel, you may wish to switch for an alternative beach resort to make the most of Sri Lanka's year round sunshine - your consultant will be happy to advise.
- If your kids are passionate about elephants then swap Wilpattu National Park for Uda Walawe National Park which boasts a large elephant population. It’s not unusual here to see whole herds feeding, bathing or simply playing in the water.
- If you're travelling with older, adventurous children then an overnight stay (or 2) at Borderlands Adventure Camp can be included. Activities here revolve around the nearby river and include white-water rafting and kayaking.
- Need more beach time? Our itineraries are completely tailor-made so the amount of time you spend at the beach is totally up to you.
Whilst many clients are happy with of our recommended itineraries in the current form (and at the price quoted), there are those that wish to personalise their holiday in some way, whether it be a change of hotel, an additional destination or even start from scratch. This is when our tailor-made specialists come into their own; with many years of experience both living and working in the region they are ideally equipped to advise on alternatives and to facilitate any necessary changes.
The important stuff
Please note: Sri Lankan hotel contracts are extremely seasonal in comparison to most of their Asian counterparts and therefore you should expect surcharges at various times of the year, not just festive periods. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.Please note: Family prices are based on the most cost effective option for the family size, be it a triple room, family suite or two rooms.
Inclusive:
- English speaking, local guide
- All accommodation listed
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned saloon car / minivan (for small group). Please ask for vehicle upgrade supplement if required.
- Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
- All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals listed
- International flight reconfirmation.
Exclusive:
- Flights to/from Asia. We are an ATOL bonded operator and can arrange flights for all our clients, regardless of whether you are departing from the UK or from almost any other worldwide destination.
- Entry visas
- International airport departure taxes
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, other than water on activity days
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
- Travel insurance
- All other services not listed in 'inclusive'
Please note
All prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are liable to change and can only be confirmed upon submitting an enquiry.
Extras
Flights
We will arrange all internal flights used within our holiday itineraries. We can also arrange discounted flights from all UK airports to Asia and we are a fully bonded ATOL operator. If you would like a quote for your international flights then please complete the required section on the enquiry form.Visa
You may require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Your consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.Passport
Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your return date. You will also need at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting.Insurance
You will require a comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. We offer our customers a specially discounted insurance policy, ideally suited to the needs that a trip such as this creates. Tick the insurance box in the enquiry form and we will send you a quote to suit your needs.Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention
You will undoubtedly require vaccinations for your visit to Asia. Please consult your doctor or a vaccination clinic for the most up-to-date advice. They will also be able to advise you of the most suitable anti-malarial medication if required. It is important that you do this well in advance of your departure date.Booking Procedure
Only once you are completely happy with any holiday itinerary we create for you will we ask for a payment. In order that we can secure availability for your booking we would typically require a deposit of 20%.Travelling Responsibly
We care about the places and the communities that you will travel through. It is important to us that we travel as responsibly as possible throughout Asia and that we are giving something back to the regions and the people that make these journeys so special. Full details on our approach to responsible travel can be found on a dedicated section of this website.
'Sri Lanka makes for truly mesmerising all-round family holiday experience. World class beaches sit alongside a plethora of National Parks whilst the country's seven UNESCO cultural sites are amongst the finest in Asia.'
Our tailor-made service costs you no extra
This itinerary is designed to work straight off the peg, but we'll happily tailor it until it's a perfect fit for you, to ensure we’re making the absolute best of your time and funds. All you need to do is ask...
Your own private guides
You'll typically have your own private guides throughout your trip. When you will be sharing a service (eg a boat cruise) with others, we'll always let you know.
Proud to be supporting the Leopard Guardian Project at Yala National Park - read more