Captivating Lanka

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your Lush Country Expeditions representative. Transfer to your seaside hotel in Negombo and settle into your comfortable family-friendly rooms. Spend your first evening strolling along golden beaches, exploring the historic canal network, or sampling fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Children can enjoy the lagoon’s shallow waters, while adults relax with a welcome drink by the water.

Drive to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital. Take a family-friendly bike tour through sprawling ruins, towering stupas, and sacred ponds. Guides bring history alive with storytelling suitable for all ages, helping children visualize life in this ancient kingdom. Stop for a picnic lunch under shade trees and explore local markets where families can pick up traditional handicrafts.

Explore the stone-carved city of Polonnaruwa, walking among intricately sculpted statues and ancient palaces. In the afternoon, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with colorful murals and golden Buddha statues. Children can enjoy interactive storytelling about the temple’s legends, while adults admire the architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, pausing to admire the 5th-century frescoes, mirrored wall inscriptions, and terraced gardens. The summit provides sweeping views of emerald paddy fields and nearby villages. Afterward, drive to Kandy, stopping en route to enjoy scenic hills and perhaps a spice garden tour. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important site of devotion, before settling into a comfortable family hotel for the evening.

Embark on a leisurely trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, exploring misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and forested trails. Guides share insights into local flora and fauna, pointing out endemic birds and wildlife along the way. Families can enjoy nature photography, picnic lunches by streams, and interactive educational sessions on conservation. Overnight in a hillside retreat surrounded by cool mountain air.

Visit Ramboda Falls, stopping to admire the cascading waters and take family photographs. Continue to a tea plantation, where children can try plucking tea leaves and learning about the processing journey from leaf to cup. Explore Nuwara Eliya’s colonial town, stroll around Gregory Lake, and enjoy high tea at a charming estate. Evening at leisure in the cool, tranquil hills.

Take a guided morning hike to World’s End, a cliff offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Spot sambar deer, endemic birds, and unique plant species along the trails. After descending, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Nuwara Eliya, allowing children to play in open gardens while adults unwind with refreshments and scenic views.

Board the scenic hill-country train to Ella, passing through tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush valleys. Upon arrival, take a brief stop at Ravana Falls before driving to Udawalawe for an overnight stay near the national park. Families can enjoy an evening stroll, dinner at the lodge, and storytelling sessions about Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Embark on a morning safari in Udawalawe National Park, spotting elephants, water buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. After the safari, drive to the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for an afternoon guided nature walk. Learn about endemic species, medicinal plants, and the ecological importance of the rainforest. Overnight at a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by tropical forest.

Spend a full day exploring the rainforest with a naturalist guide. Enjoy gentle treks suitable for all ages, listen for the calls of exotic birds, and discover hidden waterfalls and streams. Children can participate in educational scavenger hunts, while adults admire the pristine biodiversity. Evenings include storytelling sessions and locally prepared meals using fresh, organic ingredients.

Drive to the southern coast and explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the ramparts, visit colonial-era buildings, and shop for souvenirs. Families can rent bicycles to explore surrounding streets, participate in interactive history tours, and enjoy coastal views. Evening free to relax at your family-friendly resort.

Enjoy two full days of beachside relaxation and optional excursions. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, sandcastle building, guided kayak trips, and sunset boat rides. Families can take part in cooking workshops, cultural performances, or nature walks. Evenings are perfect for unwinding together on the beach, sharing stories, or stargazing.

Transfer back to Colombo for your departure flight. Depending on flight timing, stop for a quick city tour, shopping, or a farewell meal. Conclude a journey that blends history, wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, leaving families with lasting memories of Sri Lanka.