Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Families
Ideal time to visit
April - September
This itinerary balances exploration, downtime, and sheer, unadulterated family fun. It is perfect for families seeking a unique adventure from Easter through the summer holidays that will keep older kids and teens entertained and inspired.
You’ll travel across the island to Sri Lanka’s east coast, which has a different climate from the rest of the country and works well during the Easter holiday.
From wildlife safaris to exploring ancient ancient ruins hidden by jungle, we’ve designed this trip at a pace that works for a family holiday, blending adventure with relaxation. Carefully selected accommodation, with family-friendly rooms and facilities, ensures everyone feels at home in Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Sri Lanka Summer Family Adventure
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
Days 2 - 3
The Notary's House
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred to your boutique hotel, Notary’s House, 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. This is the perfect spot to relax and adjust to holiday mode.
Days 4 - 5
Wilpattu National Park
Head north to Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Over two days, enjoy thrilling safaris in search of elusive leopards, sloth bears, and a dazzling variety of birds. Wilpattu’s quiet trails make it an excellent choice for families seeking a more peaceful wildlife experience without large crowds.
Days 6 - 8
The Cultural Triangle
Travel into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle for three days of discovery. With your guide, explore ancient cities and rural villages and enjoy the area’s rich history and culture.
Take a cycling tour along Sigiriya’s backroads, climb the neighbouring Pidurangala Rock for an unforgettable sunset, and explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Beyond the famous sites, immerse yourselves in the rhythms of village life, sampling traditional dishes.
Days 9 - 11
The East Coast Beach
Journey east to a tranquil stretch of Sri Lanka’s lesser-explored coastline, where you’ll settle into a luxury-tented beach property for three nights. This serene spot in Kalkudah Bay offers pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.
Relax by the saltwater pool, lounge on the beach, or watch local fishermen at work in the mornings. The calm seas in summer make it an ideal family getaway.
Days 12 - 13
Gal Oya
Travel to Gal Oya National Park from the coast for a two-night stay in a beautifully designed eco-lodge. The park is home to Sri Lanka’s largest lake, and boat safaris here allow you to spot Asian elephants and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitats.
Days 14 - 15
AMBA Tea Estate
Continue westward to AMBA Tea Estate, a stunning social enterprise in the hills near Ella. Stay in a spacious family suite and enjoy onsite and nearby activities. Explore the estate with a farm tour, learn about tea production during an interactive experience, or cool off in nearby rivers and waterfalls.
A highlight is walking a portion of the Pekoe Trail with a knowledgeable guide. This scenic trek includes visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, which has breathtaking views of lush greenery and tea plantations. Along the way, you might meet tea pluckers and farmers eager to share stories or demonstrate their craft.
Days 16 - 17
Train Journey to Kandy and Arrival at Ellerton
Begin the day with one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, travelling from Ella towards Kandy. This iconic route takes you through lush tea plantations, misty hills, and vibrant villages, offering stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Upon arrival, you’ll head to Ellerton in the Kandy Hills. Spend time exploring the countryside on bike trails, taking nature walks, or simply relaxing by the pool. Venture into Kandy for a tuk-tuk tour with your guide to discover the charm of Sri Lanka’s second city.
Day 18
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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850 Reviews
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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
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 is the perfect blend of discovery and downtime, designed to delight every generation. Imagine going on wildlife safaris together, exploring ancient temples like Sigiriya and the Cave Temples, and zigzagging through lush tea country aboard the iconic Kandy–Ella train. “
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.
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.
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.
