ACTIVE FAMILY TOUR OF SRI LANKA

Polonnaruwa city ruins Sigiriya

Dambulla

13 NIGHTS / 14 DAYS

Negombo Colombo

Bentota

Galle

Kandy Tea plantations

Nuwara Eliya

Yala

Families will love all that Sri Lanka has to offer . On this active family tour we have chosen hotels that are very welcoming to families . You can spot elephants in the wild or ride on elephant-back through a lake , mess about on the beach , visit a turtle hatchery , or go on a whale-watching trip .

Day 1 Arrive Negombo On arrival in Colombo , you will be met by your Englishspeaking chauffeur guide who will accompany you throughout your journey . Drive to Negombo , a town which is set amid lush groves of coconut palms , breathes the spirit of the sea , and shows its interesting colonial past with many historical buildings .

Day 2 Negombo to Sigiriya Today , depart for the Cultural Triangle ( 4 hours ), a melting pot of heritage , culture , and wildlife , and home to four of Sri Lanka ’ s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Between them they tell a fascinating story of Sri Lanka ’ s civilisation . En route , you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage . Pinnawala is a government-run elephant orphanage , where abandoned or injured elephants are reared . They live in a large enclosed area and are herded to the river twice a day for bathing . The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 , with 25 babies born as a result of the breeding programme .

Day 3 Sigiriya and local village visit This morning , set off to climb the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya , with its views and water gardens . This is one of the island ’ s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites . It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance on the summit of the 600ft high rock . On one of the stairways , the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survives in the form of frescoes of 21 life sized women . To fully appreciate Sigiriya , you have to climb a series of steep , sometimes narrow , steps taking you up one side to the summit . At the top you get majestic views of the surrounding jungle and access to the foundations of the palace , replete with bathing pool . Part-way up the rock , you can divert to climb a spiral iron staircase to view the famous Sigiriya frescoes . Later this afternoon , you will be driven the short distance from Sigiriya to Hiriwaduna Village , where you will have the opportunity to meet the villagers . You can help in their daily tasks , such as farming and cooking , or even be taken on a bullock cart ride through a banana plantation , tasting the ripe bananas along the way .

Day 4 Polonnaruwa and Dambulla After breakfast , leave for Polonnaruwa via Habarana , Minneriya , and Giritale ( 2 hours ’ drive ). In the 12th Century AD , the mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa was one of the great urban centres in South Asia . Today , the well preserved ruins give you the chance to experience the grandeur of this period and marvel at the artistry of the island ’ s early craftsmen . Highlights are the Royal Palace and Council Chamber , and the graceful Buddha statues at Gal Vihara . The site also hosts many South Indian-style Hindu temples . Set among woodland , with monkeys , giant lizards , and bird life in abundance , the site is reached by car and then on foot ; or else hire a bike and cycle around . On your return journey , as you pass through Minneriya , it is likely that you will see wild elephants , sometimes in large herds . This is the site of the ‘ Elephant Gathering ’ between July and October , where up to 300 elephants can be seen gathering around the tank in the late afternoon .

Day 5 Sigiriya to Kandy After breakfast , head south towards Sri Lanka ’ s hill country . En route , you will visit the beautiful cave temples of Dambulla . Used as a refuge since the 1st Century BC , each cave is filled with murals and frescoes depicting scenes from the Buddha ’ s life and no less than 150 gilded statues . This visit will include a 10-15 minute uphill climb on foot , but you are rewarded with the most fantastic views overlooking the plain . You will then continue on your journey to Kandy , the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom , and still an important cultural and spiritual centre today . On the way , visit a famous spice garden and authentic arts and crafts centre . Explore this picturesque lakeside city with its antique and gemstone shops , bustling market , and numerous restaurants .

Day 6 Kandy This royal capital of the hill country is a UNESCO world heritage site , built beside a lake surrounded by hills . Thanks to these natural fortifications , the Kandyan kingdom held out against colonial invaders for centuries . It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese , Dutch , and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement . To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the World , Kandy is a most sacred site as it is the home of the “ Dalada Maligawa ” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha . This tooth of the Lord Buddha is said to have been brought from India in the third century and there are three daily ceremonies of homage by white-robed pilgrims . In the evening , join the crowds to visit this famous temple and enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance show .

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