Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days

Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days

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13 Days From

$1625

Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - 13 days

13 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Haputale, Tissamaharama, Beruwala

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $1625

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a 13-day family adventure through the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka with the "Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families" tour. Experience the thrill of jeep safaris in Yala and Minneriya National Parks, where you can spot Asian elephants, leopards, and more. Discover the cultural treasures of Dambulla's Rock Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the vibrant city of Kandy, including a tuk-tuk ride and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Relax on the golden beaches of Beruwala, enjoy a scenic train journey through the Hill Country, and immerse yourself in local traditions in Hambantota Village. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of cultural and wildlife experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable family holiday in Sri Lanka.

Highlights

  • Yala National Park - Go on a jeep safari in search of Asian Elephants, Sri Lankan krait, crocodiles, and elusive leopards.

  • Minneriya National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a jeep safari in this haven for wild Asian elephants.

  • Beruwala - Relax by the Golden Mile beach and swim in the Indian Ocean at this popular holiday resort on Sri Lanka's West Coast.

  • Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple.

  • Kandy - Ride a Tuk Tuk into the hills, explore the Temple of the Tooth, and enjoy a cultural performance.

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th-century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens.

  • Polonnaruwa - Explore the ancient capital city of Ceylon, with its impressive temple of Gal Vihara and 12th-century Royal Palace.

  • Ella - Marvel at the Ravena Ella Falls, one of the wildest waterfalls in the country with a 30-foot drop.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arie Lagoon

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city of Negombo. Here you will have the rest of the afternoon to settle in and explore the highlights at your own leisure.



Day 2: Sigiriya

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Negombo - Sigiriya. After breakfast we bid farewell to Negombo and set off for the town of Sigiriya, home of the famous Sigiriya ancient rock fortress and near to the Dambulla cave temples. Spend the rest of the afternoon getting better acquainted with this lovely town. Sit back, relax and try some of the local traditional foods including pittu.

Day 3: Sigiriya

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sigiriya Rock and Village. Our first stop this morning is to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress of the 5th Century King Kasyapa, undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights of Sri Lanka. Let the kids’ burn off some energy with the climb up to the ruins of the palace and penthouse. Once we reach the ruins we have time to wander through some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and revel in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding jungles.





After descending from the ruins we make our way along the village path to a typical village lake, known as a “Wewa”, passing by homes surrounded by green woods and watch huts which the locals use at night to keep a lookout for wild elephants and boar. Here we cross the lake by canoe arriving at a local farm where we meet the owners and spend some time watching them share the secrets of Sri Lanakan cuisine before we sit down to enjoy the delicious meal which has been prepared using a traditional hearth.

Day 4: Sigiriya

Location: Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Paradise Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya. After breakfast we make our way to the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here we take time to wander along the shimmering waters of the man-made lake, the Parakrama Samudra and uncover intricately carved lotus pillars, meditative halls, ceremonial towers, as well as magnificent royal baths and palace ruins before stopping at the famous Gal Vihara Temple.





This afternoon we head to Minneriya National Park where we search for wildlife by Jeep Safari. Despite its relatively small size there is an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands and grasslands found here which is home to elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears and if we are incredibly lucky we may spot a leopard on our game drive. Every year from July to November, hundreds of elephants migrate to a man-made watering hole in Minneriya, which is one of the few water sources not to dry up in the hot weather. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to be seen anywhere in the world.

Day 5: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we discover the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. Boasting over 2000 sq meters of painted walls and ceilings and a 14 meter Buddha made from rock.





Our next stop of the day is to a spice garden in Matale to get a better understanding of the process of growing the various different spices Sri Lanka is famous for before finishing our day in Kandy, the city of colonial architecture.



Day 6: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Topaz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore the last capital of Sri Lankan kings by tuk tuk. We start our tour driving around and taking a dip in the lake built by the last Sinhala King in 1798 before going back into the town and exploring the Bazaar, the gem museum and a local lapidary.





After freshening up at our hotel we end our day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where it is said that whoever holds the relic holds control of the country, for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.

Day 7: Haputale

Location: Haputale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Melheim Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy - Haputale. Today we board the scenic train passing through tea plantations and amazing waterfalls until we reach the town of Haputale, on the southern edge of the Hill Country. After checking in and freshening up at our hotel we have the rest of the day to explore our spectacular surroundings. Go hiking in the Thangamale woodland or visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout where Master Lipton planted the first seeds for what is now Sri Lanka’s most popular tea – Lipton Tea. For those looking to relax, the hotel pool offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 8: Tissamaharama

Location: Tissamaharama

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Chaarya Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Happutale - Ella - Tissamaharama. This morning we venture through the clouds to the village of Ella where we meet our local guide before making our way to our first stop - Ravena Ella Falls, one of the wildest falls in the country with a 30 foot drop. It is said the king who kidnapped princess Sita from India hid her behind the falls.





Returning to our hotel, there's time to relax before we embark on a jeep safari through Yala National Park where we search through the thorny scrubs and dense forests in hopes to see the resident elephants, leopards and bear. If we’re lucky we also get the chance to see the feathered King Fisher and migrant birds being protected from Predator Eagles.

Day 9: Bentota And Beruwala

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tissamaharama - Hambantota - Beruwala. This morning we travel just outside of Tissamaharama to a local village called Hambantota. Here we wander through the farm and taste some home grown tea in a fresh coconut shell and play some traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. After an afternoon of fun we return to our bus in tractors used on the farm and set off to our last point of call for the day, Beruwala where we have the evening at leisure to spend on the beach.



Day 10-11: Beruwala Beach

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast

The next two days are at leisure to explore Beruwala. Take a stroll along the beach known as the "Golden Mile" or go for a walk through the lively fish market. You can meet the local fishermen and taste some of the days catch. Those looking for something different may wish to visit the water sports centre or sea turtle hatchery. Here you can learn all about the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches here. You even get to meet some of the baby turtles!

Day 12: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beruwala - Colombo. After breakfast we make our way to Colombo, originally known as "the garden city of the east”. Meet our guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of highlights including the old clock tower and the impressive Gangaramaya Temple. Our tour ends with a spot of souvenir shopping in Paradise Road and Lakmedura. We then have the rest of the evening to continue exploring Colombo’s streets or sit back, relax and watch the world go by.



Day 13: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your holiday!

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star hotels

  • Breakfast daily

    Enjoy a daily breakfast included in your tour package.

  • 12 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 12 nights during your tour.

  • Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Happutale, Ella and Colombo

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Happutale, Ella, and Colombo.

  • Jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park

    Participate in thrilling jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park.

  • Scenic train journey from Kandy and Tuk Tuk trips

    Enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy and exciting Tuk Tuk trips.

  • Escorted by an English speaking national guide

    Be accompanied by an English-speaking national guide throughout your tour.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13

    Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last days of your tour.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

    Benefit from all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tips for your tour guide are not included.

    A suggested amount is USD$25 – 35 per adult for the entire tour.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees amounting to USD$220-$240 per person, paid in USD, are not included.

Age Policy

Child: 5 - 11.99yrs. 12 - 18 yrs book as adult.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of modern comfort and cultural charm with stays at the Goldi Sands Hotel, Sigiriya Jungles, Hotel Topaz, Melheim Resort, Chaarya Resort, and The Palms. Enjoy amenities like private balconies, outdoor pools, spas, and diverse dining options, all set against stunning Sri Lankan landscapes.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation. Enjoy scenic train journeys and tuk-tuk trips, along with thrilling jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, ensuring a seamless and adventurous exploration of Sri Lanka.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can we expect to see during the jeep safaris in Sri Lanka?

    During the jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Asian elephants, sambar, spotted deer, macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys, sloth bears, and possibly leopards. Minneriya is particularly known for the large gatherings of elephants, especially from July to November.

  • What activities are available for families in the village of Hambantota?

    In the village of Hambantota, families can enjoy wandering through the farm, tasting home-grown tea in a fresh coconut shell, and playing traditional Sri Lankan games with the villagers. The visit concludes with a tractor ride back to the bus.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour of Kandy?

    In Kandy, the tour includes a tuk tuk ride around the city, a visit to the lake built by the last Sinhala King, exploration of the Bazaar, the gem museum, and a local lapidary. The day ends with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic for an evening of traditional entertainment and dancing.

  • What can we expect during the visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress?

    At Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you will climb to the ruins of the ancient palace and penthouse, explore some of the oldest landscape multi-tiered gardens in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding jungles. The visit also includes a walk along a village path to a local farm where you can learn about Sri Lankan cuisine and enjoy a traditional meal.

  • What are the highlights of the scenic train journey from Kandy to Haputale?

    The scenic train journey from Kandy to Haputale offers views of tea plantations and amazing waterfalls. Upon arrival in Haputale, you can explore the Thangamale woodland, visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout, or relax at the hotel pool with views of the surrounding landscape.

  • What leisure activities are available at Beruwala Beach?

    At Beruwala Beach, you can stroll along the 'Golden Mile', visit the lively fish market, meet local fishermen, and taste fresh seafood. There are also options to visit a water sports center or a sea turtle hatchery where you can learn about turtles and meet baby turtles.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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