Sri Lanka: A Family Adventure

Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka. Transfer to your luxury manor house hotel at Negombo, Uga Riva, a restored 180-year-old manor house set on a five-acre coconut plantation. Enjoy time at leisure to settle in and relax.

Uga Riva | Meals: D

This morning you are driven north into the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Your first stop is Dambulla where you’ll find Sri Lanka’s greatest cave-temple complex — just one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Marvel at the walls and ceiling of this important Buddhist site, resplendent with frescoes and seek out some of the hundreds of statues of Buddha, Hindu kings and deities housed within.

Ulagalla | Meals: BD

Rise early for your visit to the magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through picturesque water gardens, past boulders, pools and fountains and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-metre-high staircase. From the summit, take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Pause during your descent to admire the mirror wall and the famous Sigiriya frescoes.

Later swap ancient history for wildlife inside the forests and grasslands of Minneriya National Park where you get up close to Asian elephants. The park is particularly impressive when the herds come together near the ancient reservoir during the migration known as ‘the Gathering’ (June – September). Keep your camera handy as you spot chattering macaque monkeys, deer, water buffalo and abundant birdlife.

Ulagalla | Meals: BD

Drive to Anuradhapura and explore the ancient ruins by bicycle. Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first Capital Kingdom dating back to the 4th-century BC. For a thousand years it lay in ruins, covered by a thick blanket of jungle and wildlife; today it is a UNESCO site, unfolding fascinating truths about Sinhalese history and the spread of Buddhism through South Asia. The giant white domed dagobas and the Buddha tell of the extraordinary skill of ancient engineers and stonemasons. Ride along the streets, byways and green lawns of Anuradhapura, and imagine what this city would have been like during its glory days. Finish with a holy blessing at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the oldest recorded tree planted by man.

Ulagalla | Meals: BD

Drive into the highlands to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and the southern point of the Cultural Triangle. Having resisted colonial forces for longer than other parts of the country, Kandy retains its unique customs and artistic traditions. Today it is considered the country’s most significant cultural and religious centre.

Arrive in Kandy and check into your boutique accommodation. Later, visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth. Stay to witness an auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic — an unforgettable ritual of drums, incense and chanting. Or, you may choose to be entertained by traditional music and dance at a Kandyan Cultural Show, after which you can meet the dancers for a photo.

Kings Pavilion | Meals: BD

Take to the rails today on a train trip to the hill station of Ella. This journey is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Roll past the emerald-green tea estates that blanket the mountains and breathe in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. The train’s sedate pace allows you to really appreciate the passing scenery with each twist and turn, revealing yet another panoramic vista. On arrival into Ella you’ll be met at the station by your chauffeur and driven to Nine Skies, a refurbished tea bungalow hotel.

Nine Skies | Meals: BLD

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail on an ascent of Little Adam’s Peak. The summit affords spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards visit the Nine Arches Bridge. This impressive viaduct which extends 24 metres from the valley floor is also known as the Bridge in the Sky, and is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka.

This afternoon, learn the secrets of the famed Ceylon tea, following the process from plant to cup on a tour of a local tea factory.

Nine Skies | Meals: BLD

Today is a full day at leisure enjoying the property, or exploring the surrounding countryside. There are numerous hiking trails which lead to impressive waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, while thrill seekers can experience the rush of zip-lining, abseiling or a quad bike adventure.

Nine Skies | Meals: BLD

Today you’ll travel southeast to your wilderness lodge located on the border of Yala National Park. Fronting Sri Lanka’s southeastern coastline, Yala spans some 1,300 square kilometres of beach, forest, bushland, savannah and lagoon, affording a wealth of ecosystems and diverse wildlife.

After lunch, head out on a late afternoon game drive and discover why this national park is a haven for nature lovers. Led by your expert tracker, keep your eyes open to see magnificent animals, including leopard, sloth bear and elephant in their natural habitat. Return to your accommodation, relax and enjoy dinner.

Chena Huts | Meals: BLD

Rise early for a morning game drive, and see the park come to life. As well as the thriving leopard and elephant populations, keep your eyes open for herds of spotted deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, langur, crocodile, peacock, and over 200 bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a day at leisure. As the day moves towards dusk head back out for another thrilling safari drive.

Chena Huts | Meals: BLD

Leaving the park behind, transfer west along the southern coast towards Galle. On the way you’ll stop at a village house to meet a local who will share with you the secret to making the area’s traditional, creamy dessert — curd and treacle. Continue to your seaside villa, featuring spacious rooms and water views.

The Six | Meals: B

Take the short drive to nearby Galle and discover a unique blend of the exotic and colonial in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Uncover the fascinating architectural legacies of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside traditional Sri Lankan structures. Stroll through the Galle Fort and learn about the Dutch East India Company, which operated from within. Visit the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, Sun and Moon bastions, and more.

The Six | Meals: B

Today is at leisure. Relax by the pool or on the beach. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the south coast, head out to catch sight of whale and dolphin, discover how cinnamon is farmed or explore some of the coastal temples.

The Six | Meals: B

Take a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B