A Family Journey Beyond the Ordinary
14 Days | 13 Nights
From mist-covered mountains and ancient kingdoms to untouched wilderness and the turquoise shores of Sri Lanka’s east coast, this thoughtfully curated family journey has been designed for travellers who wish to experience the island at a gentler pace.
Rather than constantly moving from one destination to another, this itinerary allows time to truly connect with each place. It combines iconic highlights with lesser-known experiences, introducing families to authentic local traditions, extraordinary wildlife and beautiful landscapes that remain untouched by mass tourism.
Perfectly suited for families travelling during the European summer, this journey concludes with an extended stay on Sri Lanka’s spectacular east coast, where calm seas, golden beaches and warm sunshine create the perfect setting to relax before returning home.
Things to Do
- Explore Colombo and Galle Face Green
- Discover Ella and Sri Lanka’s hill country
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Experience the Flying Ravana Zipline
- Take a scenic train journey
- Enjoy a boat ride and breakfast at Sorabora Lake
- Visit a traditional Vedda Village
- Safari at Maduru Oya National Park
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Safari at Minneriya National Park
- Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park
- Go whale and dolphin watching by catamaran
- Visit Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick
- Relax on Trincomalee’s beaches
- Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding or scuba diving
Where to Stay
- Galle Face Hotel – Colombo
- Shangri-La – Colombo
- 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Ella
- Nine Skies – Ella
- Kevans Casa – Mahiyanganaya
- Mapakada Village – Mahiyanganaya
- Water Garden Sigiriya – Sigiriya
- Aliya Resort – Sigiriya
- Uga Jungle Beach – Trincomalee
- Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Trincomalee
- Jetwing Blue – Negombo
- The Wallawwa – Negombo
Day 1 | Arrival – Welcome to Sri Lanka
Airport – Colombo
Approx. 45 minutes drive
Accommodation Options
• Galle Face Hotel – Heritage Room
• Shangri La Hotel – Deluxe Room
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Your Sri Lankan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private chauffeur-guide awaits to accompany your family throughout the journey.
Travel into Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital, where colonial architecture, colourful temples, bustling markets and modern city life blend seamlessly together.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely introduction to the city with a walk along Galle Face Green, browse local boutiques or simply relax at your hotel after your international flight.
Tonight is intentionally unhurried, allowing everyone to settle into the island’s relaxed rhythm before your adventure truly begins.
Day 2 | Into Sri Lanka's Hill Country
Colombo – Ella
Approx. 4-5 hours drive
Accommodation Options:
• 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Grand Executive Suite
• Nine Skies – Luxury Room
Basis: Bed & Breakfast/ All-Inclusive
Leaving the city behind, travel into Sri Lanka’s breathtaking central highlands where winding mountain roads reveal endless tea plantations, waterfalls and charming hill villages.
The journey itself becomes part of the experience as the scenery changes dramatically from tropical lowlands to cool mountain landscapes.
Upon arriving in Ella, settle into your boutique retreat overlooking rolling tea estates and dramatic valleys.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying a gentle walk through the surrounding tea plantations or simply relaxing with panoramic mountain views.
Day 3 | Discovering Ella
Little Adam’s Peak • Nine Arch Bridge • Flying Ravana Zipline
Accommodation Options:
• 98 Acres Resort & Spa – Grand Executive Suite
• Nine Skies – Luxury Room
Basis: Bed & Breakfast/ All-Inclusive
Wake to crisp mountain air before setting off to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque destinations.
Begin with a leisurely hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a family-friendly trail rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.
Continue to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmarks, beautifully hidden amongst tea plantations and jungle. Watching the iconic blue train slowly cross the bridge is a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Take a short train journey from Demodara to Ella or vice versa.
For those seeking a little adventure, experience the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline, soaring above the lush green valley while taking in breathtaking views of the hill country.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel or explore Ella’s charming cafés and boutique shops.
Day 4 | A Journey Into Sri Lanka's Hidden Heart
Ella – Mahiyanganaya
Approx. 2 hours drive
Accommodation Options:
• Kevans Casa – Deluxe Room
• Mapakada Village – Deluxe Room
Basis: Half Board
Today you leave the cool mountains behind and journey towards one of Sri Lanka’s most authentic and least-visited regions.
Mahiyanganaya offers a side of Sri Lanka rarely experienced by visitors, a peaceful landscape of forests, lakes, farming communities and ancient traditions.
Unlike the island’s more popular tourist destinations, this region invites families to slow down and discover everyday rural life while enjoying the tranquillity of untouched nature.
Arrive at your lakeside retreat and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Day 5 | Ancient Traditions & Untouched Wilderness
Mahiyanganaya
Accommodation Options
• Kevans Casa – Deluxe Room
• Mapakada Village – Deluxe Room
Basis: Half Board
Begin the morning with a peaceful boat ride across Sorabora Lake, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest man-made reservoirs.
As the morning mist rises from the water, enjoy a beautifully prepared breakfast served on the lakeshore while surrounded by birdsong and spectacular scenery, an unforgettable start to the day.
Continue with a visit to a traditional Vedda Village, home to Sri Lanka’s indigenous community.
Meet members of the community and learn about customs, hunting traditions, forest knowledge and a way of life that has been preserved for generations through respectful cultural interaction.
Later this afternoon, venture into the remote wilderness of Maduru Oya National Park.
Far less visited than Sri Lanka’s famous safari parks, Maduru Oya offers an intimate wildlife experience where you’ll explore vast forests, grasslands and reservoirs in search of wild elephants, crocodiles, deer, buffalo and a rich variety of birdlife.
Return to your lodge surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.
Day 6 | Into the Ancient Kingdoms
Mahiyanganaya – Sigiriya
Approx. 3.5 hours drive
Accommodation Options:
• Water Garden Sigiriya – Duplex Villa
• Aliya Resort – Deluxe Family Room
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Journey north towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient kings built magnificent cities that still stand proudly today.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your resort or perhaps take a village walk through the surrounding countryside.
As the sun begins to set, Sigiriya Rock rises dramatically above the jungle, a reminder of tomorrow’s unforgettable adventure.
Day 7 | Sigiriya & The Wild Kingdom
Sigiriya Rock Fortress • Minneriya National Park
Accommodation Options
• Water Garden Sigiriya – Duplex Villa
• Aliya Resort – Deluxe Family Room
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Rise early to climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Asia’s most extraordinary archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the ancient royal palace, admire the famous frescoes and enjoy spectacular views across Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland.
During the afternoon, continue to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari.
If travelling during August and September, witness the remarkable Elephant Gathering, where hundreds of wild elephants congregate around the ancient reservoir, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Asia.
Day 8 | To Sri Lanka's East Coast Paradise
Sigiriya – Trincomalee
Approx. 2.5 hours drive
Accommodation Options:
• Uga Jungle Beach – Jungle Cabin
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Beach Chalet
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Today the landscape transforms once again as you travel east towards Sri Lanka’s spectacular coastline.
Blessed with calm turquoise waters, wide sandy beaches and glorious sunshine during the European summer, Trincomalee is the perfect destination for families.
Unlike the busier southern beaches, the east coast remains peaceful, spacious and wonderfully authentic.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon swimming, relaxing or enjoying your beachfront resort.
Day 9 | Beneath the Waters of Pigeon Island
Accommodation Options
• Uga Jungle Beach – Jungle Cabin
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Beach Chalet
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Discover one of Sri Lanka’s finest marine ecosystems with a morning excursion to Pigeon Island National Park.
A short boat ride brings you to crystal-clear waters filled with colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
The calm conditions make this one of the island’s best snorkelling experiences for families.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach or your resort facilities.
Day 10 | Sailing the Indian Ocean
Accommodation Options
• Uga Jungle Beach – Jungle Cabin
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Beach Chalet
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Board a shared luxury catamaran with Sail Lanka and spend the morning exploring the beautiful waters off Sri Lanka’s east coast.
Depending on the season, you may encounter magnificent blue whales, sperm whales or playful dolphins while enjoying one of the island’s most memorable marine experiences.
Later, explore the historic city of Trincomalee, visiting the spectacular Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically above the Indian Ocean, the colonial Fort Frederick, and colourful local markets.
Day 11 | A Day to Simply Enjoy Paradise
Accommodation Options
• Uga Jungle Beach – Jungle Cabin
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Beach Chalet
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Board a shared luxury catamaran with Sail Lanka and spend the morning exploring the beautiful waters off Sri Lanka’s east coast.
Depending on the season, you may encounter magnificent blue whales, sperm whales or playful dolphins while enjoying one of the island’s most memorable marine experiences.
Later, explore the historic city of Trincomalee, visiting the spectacular Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically above the Indian Ocean, the colonial Fort Frederick, and colourful local markets.
Day 12 | One Last Day by the Ocean
Accommodation Options
• Uga Jungle Beach – Jungle Cabin
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Beach Chalet
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy another leisurely day on Sri Lanka’s beautiful east coast.
Whether you choose another swim in the warm Indian Ocean, a quiet walk along the beach at sunrise or simply quality family time together, today allows you to fully appreciate the peaceful beauty of Trincomalee before your journey home.
Day 13 | A Scenic Farewell Across the Island
Trincomalee – Negombo
Approx. 5.5–6 hours drive
or Optional Scheduled Flight with Cinnamon Air
Accommodation Options
• Jetwing Blue – Family Room
• The Wallawwa – Family Suite
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean before bidding farewell to Sri Lanka’s beautiful east coast.
For those who enjoy travelling overland, your private chauffeur will accompany you back to Negombo, offering one final opportunity to admire the island’s ever-changing landscapes as you journey from the tropical coastline through rural villages and lush countryside towards the west coast.
Alternatively, for a truly memorable finale to your Sri Lankan adventure, choose to travel on a scheduled Cinnamon Air domestic flight from Trincomalee to Colombo. Operating daily during the summer season, these scenic flights offer spectacular aerial views of Sri Lanka’s coastline, forests, reservoirs and countryside while significantly reducing travel time. Upon arrival, you will be met by your private chauffeur and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Flight schedules are seasonal and subject to availability.
Spend your final evening unwinding by the beach, enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the ocean or simply reflecting on the unforgettable memories created throughout your family journey.
Day 14 | Until We Meet Again
Negombo – Bandaranaike International Airport
Approx. 20 minutes drive
Basis: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
As your journey comes to an end, you’ll leave with far more than photograph. You’ll take home stories of ancient kingdoms, hidden villages, wildlife encounters, mountain adventures and days spent beside the turquoise waters of Sri Lanka’s east coast.
We hope this is not goodbye, but simply until next time.
Ayubowan — may you be blessed with a long life, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka once again.
Where to Stay
Galle Face Hotel – Colombo
Experience heritage luxury at Colombo's iconic Galle Face Hotel. Enjoy oceanfront dining, rich colonial history, and timeless elegance by the Laccadive Sea.
Shangri-La Colombo
Sri Lanka's premier urban luxury hotel situated along Galle Face Green, featuring lavish suites, world-class dining restaurants, a serene spa, and ocean view pools.
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Perched on a scenic tea estate in Ella, 98 Acres Resort & Spa offers eco-friendly chalets, stunning mountain panoramas, and access to iconic island hiking trails.
Nine Skies
A restored colonial tea bungalow in Demodara offering timeless butler-serviced luxury, private gardens, an infinity pool, and sweeping valley panoramas of Ella town.
Kevans Casa – Mahiyanganaya
Kevans Casa offers a comfortable stay in peaceful Mahiyanganaya, with modern rooms, warm hospitality, and easy access to nature, culture, and nearby attractions too.
Mapakada Village – Mahiyanganaya
Mapakada Village is a tranquil lakeside retreat offering comfortable rooms, scenic views, relaxed dining, and a peaceful setting for exploring Mahiyanganaya..
Water Garden Sigiriya
Surrounded by serene waterways and lakes, Water Garden Sigiriya features private villa sanctuaries, exquisite dining, and breathtaking panoramas of ancient fortress.
Aliya Resort
Inspired by majestic elephants, Aliya Resort offers dramatic views of Sigiriya Rock, lush green paddy fields, infinity pools, and authentic island luxury retreat.
Uga Jungle Beach
Nestled between dense coastal jungle and the Indian Ocean, Uga Jungle Beach features luxury eco-cabins, private beach access, and peaceful natural surroundings stay.
Jetwing Blue
Set along Negombo's golden coast, Jetwing Blue offers stylish beachfront rooms, expansive swimming pools, and fine dining for a serene, luxurious seaside getaway.
The Wallawwa
A restored 200-year-old manor house near Colombo airport, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering tranquil luxury suites, fine gourmet dining, and a serene spa
Wander Ceylon Signature Family Experiences
- Explore the breathtaking hill country of Ella
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak & visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Sunrise breakfast on Sorabora Lake
- Meet Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community
- Safari through the untouched wilderness of Maduru Oya National Park
- Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Witness the Elephant Gathering at Minneriya (seasonal)
- Snorkel amongst colourful coral reefs at Pigeon Island National Park
- Sail aboard a luxury catamaran in search of whales and dolphins
- Relax on Sri Lanka’s beautiful east coast beaches
- Sri Lanka through brid’s eye view
A journey that invites your family to discover not only Sri Lanka’s iconic highlights, but also the quieter corners where its true soul can be found.
