Family Safari, Surf and Turf in Sri Lanka

This suggested two-week itinerary is an unusual and immersive holiday idea for families visiting Sri Lanka, avoiding the more traditional route in favour of an adventurous approach.

It takes in the beautiful tea county with a gentle walking experience along the recently opened Pekoe Trail, hiking through rural villages and expanses of rich green tea bushes. You'll stay at some beautiful hotels, such as Kaduruketha, an eco-luxury, rustic hotel with mountain views.

The beach part of the stay is split between Arugam Bay, as much for its access to extraordinary wildlife as the impressive surf breaks, before finishing in a more traditional style at Galle with its impressive culture and heritage.

Highlights

Get immersed in Sri Lanka's most epic scenery on a privately guided trek along the Pekoe Trail.
Head to Surf and safari on the east coast and hit the surf at Arugam Bay.
Search for safari birds, monkeys, reptiles and elephants in the wilds of Kumana National Park.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch today and find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your adventure.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 Depart UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo

Day 2 & 3 Negombo

On arrival in Colombo, meet your chauffeur-guide, who will transfer you to your hotel, Jetwing Lagoon. Escape the buzz of the city and spend the rest of the day recovering from your flight.
Recharged, spend your first full day with a tour of Negombo, where you will stop at the fish market along the way. Here you can see the day's catches and fishermen hard at work selling a variety of fish from big to small!

Day 4 & 5 Kandy

From Negombo, your chauffeur-guide will drive you to the city of Kandy, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capital’s. Check-in at Jetwing Kandy Gallery with views over the Mahaweli River.

Spend your time in Kandy, seeing the famous sites and whizzing around the city by tuk-tuk. Finish the day at a viewpoint overlooking the city with some well-earned traditional Sri Lankan' short eats'

Day 6-9 – The Hill Country & The Pekoe Trail

Continue on from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Here you will stay at Jetwing Warwick Gardens, a hotel restored to its former glory as a Scottish planter's mansion. You'll have a chance to explore a section of the Pekoe Trail with your private guide. From Hanthana to Galaha, walk through the rich tea plantations and secluded hills, and look out for the odd tea plucker at work. The following day, take part in the hotel's artisan tea experience and see the process behind Sri Lanka's famous tea industry.

On day 8, take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella. On one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, you will see the tea country, mountain peaks and plenty of locals rushing around each platform. Look out for Pattipola station along the way, Sri Lanka's highest train station. From Ella station, your guide will drive you to your next hotel, Jetwing Kaduruktha. Spend two nights here with a slice of rural life in eco-luxury with mountain views, from your hotel cycle to the nearby Ellawala waterfall for a refreshing dip.

Day 10-12 Arugam Bay

Today set off for your stay on the east coast. Here, have a go at some surfing or for a bit of culture, head to the nearby Okanda temples or Kudumbigala monastery. On your final day here, leave your surfboard and head out on a safari at Kumana National Park, looking for various bird species, monkeys, reptiles and elephants.

Day 13 & 14 – Galle

For your final destination, you'll travel back along the south coast to Galle – a contrasting side of the Sri Lankan coastline. There is time to explore the streets of nearby Galle Fort with an expert. As you wander the World Heritage Site, take a break for tea at a traditional Dutch house with a local family that has lived in the fort for years.