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Off-The-Beaten-Track
17 Days Itineraries Sri Lanka The Maldives

Family Sri Lanka & The Maldives

Most suited for
Families
Ideal time to visit
December- September

Trip Highlights

leopard sri lanka

Head out on safari with your naturalist guide in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park

Cycle the backroads to Polonnaruwa, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and discover local life in the countryside

Swim and snorkel in The Maldives’ turquoise waters

Family Sri Lanka & The Maldives

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you. 

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Day 1

Your adventure begins

Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.

Days 2 - 3

The Hills around Kandy

On arrival at Colombo Airport, you will be welcomed by your local chauffeur-guide and then transferred to a family-run estate in the scenic rolling hills near Kandy. Spend the first two nights here, it’s an ideal location for discovering the tea plantations, rural life and the town of Kandy itself. Your time can be spent exploring, chilling by the pool, learning about Sri Lankan cookery or even venturing out on bike trails to a nearby waterfall.

Rock Villa Rosyth House
Days 4 - 8

The Cultural Triangle with a Twist

Journey to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle with your chauffeur guide. You’ll spend five nights split between two contrasting properties in different corners of the region. This combination is a great way to explore the region’s ancient sites and get a feel for rural life.

Relax on a family-friendly eco-farm an hour north of Kandy, where you can wander through spice gardens, learn about sustainable farming, or relax and enjoy the pool or spa. Then, head to a lovely property near Habarana, from which you can easily explore Sigiriya and Dambulla. Experiences include cycling along the quiet backroads to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, marvelling at Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise and embarking on a kayaking trip, where you may be lucky enough to see elephants in their natural habitat. We also include our signature Dambulla experience, where you meet locals and discover their traditions.

Days 9 - 10

Wilpattu National Park

Your driver will transport you to Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most important conservation areas. During your two-night stay, enjoy an authentic wilderness adventure, spotting leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of beautiful birdlife. Wilpattu is a lot less busy than other parks in the country, making for a much more peaceful location to explore on safari.

Days 11 - 14

The Maldives

Your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you’ll board a short flight from Colombo to the Maldives. On arrival, it’s a straightforward transfer to the boat jetty. Board a speedboat to the beautiful Oblu By Atmosphere resort, set on the white sands of Helengeli Island and fringed by turquoise waters. Your four-night all-inclusive stay will include plenty of relaxation time by the pool, in the ocean, or in your comfortable villa. The resort’s Family Beach Villas offer spacious two-bedroom accommodations with private pools, outdoor showers, and direct beach access. Amenities such as snorkelling gear, life jackets, and beach towels make exploring the stunning house reef easy and accessible for all ages, and families can bond over snorkelling adventures along the reef.

Day 15

Return home

Transfer to Male airport by speedboat for your flight back.

We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka

Best family holiday ever. A mixture of beach, temples, wildlife, quiet and fun. [ETG] understands us and we won't be using anyone else for our holidays to Asia.
The Reynolds-Maclean Family

Excellent850 Reviews

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Luxury houseboat in Kerala backwaters with guest enjoying morning view

Make
this yours.

It’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Start Planning

What’s included:

With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds. 

Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:

All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout

Pricing:

Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in. 

As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person. 

Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices. 

We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start. 

 

Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts

Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight ETG travellers.

“This holiday is ideal for families looking for adventure and comfort. From cycling through Sri Lanka’s countryside and spotting leopards on safari to relaxing in a villa with direct beach access in the Maldives, every moment is designed to be memorable and family-friendly

Holly
Regional Expert

Explore Our Hotels & Villas

Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Sri Lanka. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.

Rosyth House

Kandy - Deluxe

Rosyth Estate House

Taru Villas Maia Pool

Cultural Triangle - Deluxe

Taru Villas Maia

Thamaravila Wilpattu (3)

Puttalam - Superior

Thamaravila Wilpattu

North Male Atoll - Deluxe

OBLU Nature Helengeli

Experiences of Sri Lanka

Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.

Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya and Village Farm Experience

Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock

cyclist in sri lanka

Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour

Kandy, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Kayaking & Elephant Watching in Kalawewa National Park

Kandy

Contrasts of Kandy

Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Climbing Sigiriya and Cycling Tour

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Important FAQs about Sri Lanka

At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Sri Lanka holidays since 2006 long before the island became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.

Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in boutique hotels hidden in tea country, meeting local artisans, or exploring UNESCO heritage sites with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of Sri Lanka, not just the tourist highlights.

With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about Sri Lanka.

Let us show you the Sri Lanka we know and love.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re going. One of the best times to visit is between December and March. The summer month and September is also a great all-round option, with good weather and fewer crowds.

Every ETG holiday to Sri Lanka is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.

You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Sri Lanka specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.