Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Families
Ideal time to visit
December - September
This is an action-packed holiday, perfect for families with a sense of adventure, with an exciting mix of off-the-beaten-path places and touches of luxury.
Made for travellers who enjoy pushing the boundaries a little and want to experience the ‘real’ Sri Lanka (while staying in some lovely hotels along the away). Your transport with one of our fantastic team of chauffeur guides is part of your holiday. Local guides will be available when you need them, and there is space for you to explore a little yourself.
Family Adventure in Sri Lanka
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
Day 2
The Notary's House
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, meet your private chauffeur-guide and transfer to your gorgeous boutique hotel for a two-night stay. Ease into your holiday with a splash in the pool, a stroll through the beautiful grounds, or unwind and savour the warm hospitality.
Days 3 - 4
Wilpattu National Park
Head north to Wilpattu National Park. Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the wilderness, venturing on safaris to spot leopards, sloth bears, and a rich array of birdlife. Wilpattu’s peaceful trails and lack of crowds offer a serene and authentic wildlife experience ideal for families.
Days 5 - 7
Jim's Farm
Travel to Jim’s Farm, located between the Cultural Triangle and Kandy. En route, you can explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the cave temples of Dambulla— or save these for a day trip during your stay.
At Jim’s Farm, enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside with plenty of opportunities to explore. Take a guided farm tour to learn about the region’s exotic crops, meet local farming families, and indulge in delicious home-cooked meals. A farm walk is an excellent way to experience Sri Lanka’s rural life up close.
Days 8 - 9
The Knuckles Mountains
Continue to Eagles Crest Lodge in the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range. The Knuckles Range to the north of Kandy is a remote haven untouched by modern life. Immerse yourself in this wilderness with a two-day stay at Eagles Crest Lodge, a cosy homestay run by the warm and welcoming Kusume and Sira.
On treks in the area, you’ll gain insight into traditional farming practices and local culture and explore spectacular trails through verdant forests, serene mountain paths, and cascading waterfalls.
With charm and breathtaking views, Eagles Crest supports the local community and fosters sustainable tourism in this unspoiled region.
Days 10 - 11
AMBA and the Hill Country
Head south to Badulla station to board the train for an unforgettable ride to Ella through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to AMBA Tea Estate, a unique social enterprise in the hills.
Stay in a family suite and enjoy various activities, including a tea-making workshop, guided treks to hidden waterfalls, and Sri Lankan cooking classes using fresh, organic ingredients grown on-site.
During your stay, explore a scenic section of the Pekoe Trail with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll pass the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, surrounded by lush green tea plantations, and meet local tea pluckers and farmers who will share stories and insights into their craft.
Days 12 - 15
Tekanda Lodge and the coast
On your journey from Ella to Tekanda Lodge, stop at the Elephant Transit Camp in Uda Walawe. Here, young elephants are cared for and rehabilitated before returning to the wild.
Continue to Tekanda Lodge. You have 4 days to swim in the pool, join a yoga class, or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the vibrant beachside communities of Ahangama and Weligama. These coastal towns are perfect for embracing Sri Lanka’s surf culture, with surf schools catering to all skill levels.
For non-surfers, explore local cafes, boutiques, or seasonal whale-watching excursions from Mirissa or Weligama. Dive into Sri Lankan history with a guided tour of Galle Fort, or join a hands-on cooking class for a flavorful memory to take home.
Day 16
Fly home
Bid farewell to Sri Lanka as you catch your flight, taking home memories of an unforgettable family adventure.
Travelled with teenage kids to experience a taste of Sri Lanka
Stayed in beautiful boutique hotels and enjoyed everything from snorkelling among the coral reefs of Trincomalee to riding in tuk tuks through Colombo.
The Moore Family
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Lynsey’s love for Sri Lanka began during her travels across the island, where she was captivated by its warm people, diverse landscapes, and mouthwatering food. Her expertise lies in creating itineraries that balance relaxation and adventure, with a special focus on ethical travel and supporting local communities.
“This is for you if you have teens who crave more than just beach days and hotel pools. It’s a brilliant mix of wildlife adventures, cultural fun, and adrenaline-pumping activities, made for families who want to get stuck into Sri Lanka, not just scratch the surface.“
Lynsey
Sri Lanka Specialist
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.
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Hill Country, Sri Lanka,
Amba Estate
Rustic charm nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Enjoy an authentic stay in the highlands whilst supporting a wonderful initiative.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Solos
Couples
Friends
Good to know
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Colombo, Negombo & Around, Sri Lanka
The Notary’s House
The Notary’s House is a charming six-bedroom boutique hotel set amidst beautifully manicured gardens and a coconut grove. Bordering a lake, it offers a calm and serene stay, complete with wonderful facilities and scenery. Located just a 45-minute drive away from Colombo’s international airport, it is an ideal place to ease into your Sri Lankan holiday.
Highlights
Highlights
Lakeside setting
Infinity pool
Relaxed atmosphere
Best for
Couples
Families
Honeymooners
Good to know
Ideal for first or last night stays
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The South Coast, Sri Lanka
Tekanda Lodge
A hilltop retreat made from natural materials and surrounded by 10 acres of organic tea and coconut plantations.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Family
Couples
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Puttalam & the North West, Sri Lanka
The Ibis Wilpattu
A small property situated on the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park with lovely gardens and friendly staff.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Wildlife lovers
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Sri Lanka
Eagles Crest
Tucked away deep in the Knuckles mountain range of central Sri Lanka, Eagles Crest is a unique, homely mountain lodge. It’s a very special spot with plenty of natural beauty surrounding it.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic spot,
Special atmosphere,
Unusual experiences
Best for
Couples,
Solo Travellers
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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.
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Cultural Triangle, Sigirya
Sigiriya and Village Farm Experience
Travel by tuk tuk and tractor as you explore a few local farms. Learn firsthand about the life and work of the villagers, who grow a variety of crops including sweet potato, manioc and finger millet. Meet the farmers and their families, and try your hand at some of the agricultural techniques they use each day.
Finally, sit down to a home-cooked lunch made entirely from ingredients grown on the land. As this experience sits well off the beaten tourist trail, you’ll likely attract as much curiosity from the locals as you feel yourself – expect a warm welcome and a truly authentic taste of rural life.
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Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Pidurangala Rock
Located just north of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock is a site of spiritual and historical significance in its own right. The small temple at the base is thought to date back to the 6th century AD, and legend suggests King Kassapa used this forested hillside as both a place of worship and a strategic retreat while under threat from his brothers.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Lunuganga & Brief Garden
Set beside tranquil Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, Lunuganga was once a colonial-era plantation. Geoffrey Bawa transformed it into a 15-acre garden estate that fuses tropical beauty with subtle modernist design—reflecting his signature “tropical modernism” philosophy. Pathways wind through symmetrical lawns, dense foliage and carefully framed vistas. Sculptures and hidden pavilions surprise at every turn.
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Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, from the 11th – 13th Century. Unlike in the first capital, Anuradhapura which is mainly composed of Buddhist religious sites, here you’ll find the remains of multi-storey palaces, royal pavilions and bathing ponds complete with changing rooms – all standing testament to the luxurious lifestyle of the royalty – alongside Buddhist and Hindu temples with flawless craftsmanship and artistry.
Half a day cycling through Polonnaruwa will bring the splendours of the city closer to you, transporting you to another time.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Market, Cooking and Galle Fort
Begin your day at a lively local fish market, where the catch of the day arrives fresh and flapping. With the help of your host, you’ll choose fish, vegetables and spices before heading to a nearby home kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.
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Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Kayaking & Elephant Watching in Kalawewa National Park
Set within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Kalawewa National Park is centred around a manmade reservoir built in the 5th century by King Dathusena. Now a protected area, this peaceful park remains one of the country’s lesser-known gems, perfect for eco-tourists seeking space and silence.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Essence of Galle
Galle is the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast, where seafood markets buzz at dawn and the centuries-old Fort hides layers of history and life. This experience offers a window into its soul.
For those keen to venture beyond the Fort, there’s the option of a gentle cycling tour through nearby villages. Ride past checkerboard paddy fields and gurgling streams, stopping to try your hand at making “hoppers” – a much-loved Sri Lankan tea-time snack.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle Cycling, Boat Ride and Cooking Tour
Explore inland from Galle on this exciting morning tour by bike and boat finally culminating in a cooking lesson.
The boat ride is accompanied by a naturalist with a specialist knowledge of the plant, aquatic and birdlife around.
The cycle ride is very relaxed and you can go at your own pace, should you rather drive through the villages by tuk tuk this can also be arranged. It’s only a short journey to your cookery lesson which is led by a local villager. Try your hand at making hoppers and have them for your lunch – a delicious end to the first part of your day.
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Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle
Climbing Sigiriya and Cycling Tour
Visitors to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle visit or climb Sigiriya Rock. This trip will give you an alternative perspective on the region as you explore the rock itself followed by a cycle ride around the surrounding countryside that lies in its shadow.
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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.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka
Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
