Island Trails & Family Tales

Uncover the wonders of Sri Lanka with your loved ones on this 12-night family adventure. From golden beaches and misty hills to ancient cities and thrilling safaris, this journey blends relaxation, culture, and excitement. Perfect for families, each stop offers engaging experiences, kid-friendly activities, and unforgettable memories along the island’s scenic trails.

Tour Overview

Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days

Start: Colombo

End: Colombo

Arival and Departure Transfers: Provided

Tour Guide: Provided

Meals Included: All 3 Meals

Hotel Rating: 4 Star or Above

Way of transport

Tour Highlights

Explore ancient cities: Anuradhapura and culturally rich Jaffna
Visit sacred landmarks: Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Enjoy jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks
Experience the scenic train journey through tea country to Ella
Discover Nuwara Eliya: tea plantations, Gregory Lake, and colonial charm
Admire Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, and mountain landscapes
Relax on Bentota Beach with optional water sports
Family-friendly pace with a mix of culture, adventure, and leisure

Included

Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo
Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or fewer)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Colombo

Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where a zeelanka Travels executive will welcome you and introduce your private chauffeur. Enjoy a comfortable 45-minute transfer to Colombo and check in to your hotel.
After your long flight, no sightseeing is planned today—take this time to rest and recover from jet lag. In the evening, savor delicious spicy seafood at one of Colombo’s vibrant restaurants.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
Colombo, located on Sri Lanka’s west coast, is the commercial capital—a lively city blending modern energy with rich cultural heritage. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge before your upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Transfer to Jaffna

After breakfast, enjoy a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour of Colombo city. Then, board the express train departing from Colombo Fort Railway Station at 11:30 AM for a scenic 6–7 hour journey to Jaffna.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Jaffna.
Jaffna, located on Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula, is a vibrant destination rich in culture and adventure. Known for its warm local hospitality, unique traditions, and authentic cuisine, it’s a fantastic choice for a memorable family holiday.

Day 3: Explore Jaffna Peninsula

Today, embark on an exciting exploration of the Jaffna Peninsula. Visit vibrant Hindu and Buddhist temples, stroll along sunny beaches, and explore the historic Jaffna Fort, among other fascinating sites.
Your tour leader will tailor the day with the most engaging family-friendly adventure activities to ensure a memorable experience for all.
Overnight stay in Jaffna.

Day 4: Transfer to Anuradhapura

After a leisurely breakfast in Jaffna, depart for Anuradhapura on a scenic 5-hour journey. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura, known as the cradle of Sinhalese Buddhist civilization, is a historic city rich with ancient monuments, royal palace ruins, Buddhist monasteries, and towering stupas. It showcases remarkable ancient engineering and advanced hydrology—an ideal destination for family adventure holidays in Sri Lanka.

Day 5: Explore Anuradhapura Sacred City & Transfer to Habarana

After breakfast, visit the Anuradhapura Sacred City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient temples and monuments.
Following lunch, check out from your hotel and depart for Dambulla. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a thrilling jeep safari at Minneriya National Park from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier safari destinations and the largest gathering site for Asian elephants. Home to hundreds of animal and bird species, it offers an unforgettable wildlife experience—perfect for family holidays.

Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Transfer to Kandy

Rise early for an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure—an exciting highlight for your family holiday in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Check out from your hotel and depart for Kandy (approximately 2 hours). En route, stop at a spice garden and a batik factory in Matale for a glimpse into local crafts and traditions.
Arrive in Kandy and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a captivating cultural dance performance.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Kandy, the Hill Capital and former stronghold of Sinhala kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient royal heritage. Nestled among hills with a serene lake at its heart, Kandy offers a mesmerizing blend of history and natural beauty.

Day 7: Explore Kandy & Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Start your day with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary and breeding center for Asian elephants, home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. The orphanage was established to protect injured and abandoned elephants from the wild.
Next, visit traditional pottery works in Kegalle before returning to Kandy for sightseeing. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, originally a royal pleasure garden, now renowned for its vibrant flowers, manicured lawns, and elegant pavilions.
Complete the day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a significant cultural and religious site.
Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 8: Kandy to Ella by Train

After breakfast, board the train for a scenic journey from Kandy to Ella—renowned as one of the most beautiful train rides in Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing day with no scheduled activities.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Ella, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, offers stunning landscapes and a refreshing climate. It remains one of the island’s best-kept secrets and a top destination for adventure holidays.

Day 9: Explore Ella

After breakfast, visit a tea estate and tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea. Embark on a scenic hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Stop by the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and chase the refreshing waterfalls at Ravana Falls.
Marvel at the stunning vista of Ella Gap and, if time permits, enjoy a swim in the natural pools of Diyaluma Falls.
In the evening, unwind with a rejuvenating herbal oil massage.
Overnight stay in Ella.

Day 10: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

If you missed anything in Ella yesterday, take the morning to explore before departing for Nuwara Eliya.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this charming hill station. Don’t forget to savor a chilled beer at one of the city’s famous colonial-era pubs.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, offers soothing scenery and endless natural beauty. Often called ‘Little England’ due to its cool climate and colonial heritage, it’s a refreshing retreat surrounded by lush greenery.

Day 11: Horton Plains National Park & Transfer to Kitulgala

Start your day early with a visit to Horton Plains National Park, a stunning montane grassland and cloud forest in the Central Highlands. Explore iconic spots such as World’s End, Mini World’s End, Baker’s Falls, and the peaks of Kirigalpoththa and Totupola Kanda.
Return to your hotel by 10:30 AM, then check out and depart for Kitulgala.
In Kitulgala, enjoy an optional nature walk along the scenic Kelani River.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kitulgala.

Day 12: Kitulgala Adventure Activities & Transfer to Mirissa

Begin the day with an early morning nature walk in Kitulgala’s lush surroundings. After breakfast, enjoy a range of thrilling adventure activities in this renowned outdoor sports destination.
Check out from your hotel and embark on a 4-hour journey to Mirissa. Upon arrival, check in to your beach hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Kitulgala, nestled along the Kelani River and dense jungle, is perfect for nature trails, bird watching, and is Sri Lanka’s only destination for rafting and other water-based adventures.
Mirissa is famous worldwide for whale watching, offering easy access to Blue Whale habitats just six to nine nautical miles from the harbor—a must-visit for your family adventure.

Day 13: Whale Watching at Mirissa, Galle Dutch Fort & Departure

Rise early for an exciting whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa. Return to your hotel by 10–11 AM, depending on the sightings.
After checking out, depart for the airport via Galle and Colombo along the highway (approximately 3 hours).
En route, explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a delicious spicy seafood lunch within its charming walls.
Continue your journey to Colombo International Airport (around 2 hours) for your departure.
Leave Sri Lanka with unforgettable memories from your 12-night family adventure holiday. Thank you for traveling with us!

Hotels

Radisson Hotel Colombo

Contemporary hotel located in Havelock Town, known for its excellent service.

Granbell Hotel Colombo

Features modern amenities and is centrally located near major attractions. (The Times, Hotels.com)

Radisson Hotel Kandy

Modern hotel offering scenic mountain views and upscale comfort.

Amaya Hills Kandy

Located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. (Radisson Hotels)

Grand Hotel

A colonial-era hotel set amidst lush gardens, offering elegant rooms, high tea service, and a blend of old-world charm with modern amenities in the "Little England" of Sri Lanka.