Meals

All breakfasts and three lunches and three dinners are included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this, you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the party; vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. The train ride to Ella will be in the second-class carriage, an authentic experience and great chance for some fun local interactions. Due to the Sri Lanka rail booking system, all train tickets must be pre-booked no later than 30 days in advance and full passport information will be submitted to secure your ticket. Please Note: Should you book your trip with Exodus within 30 days prior to travel, we will endeavour to secure train tickets from Watawala to Ella as per the itinerary, this may be as late as on the day purchasing from the station. If tickets are no longer available, you will travel by road to Ella railway station and then enjoy a train ride from Ella to Badulla which passes over the world famous Nine Arch bridge, and takes approximately one hour so you won’t miss out on experiencing the Sri Lankan train on this trip. In the national park, we are normally split into two or three 4x4s depending on the size of the group.

Others

Monuments and attractions entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary Afternoon Game Drive White water rafting Local Cooking Class (one of the included lunches)

Accommodation

On this family adventure, we spend 11 nights in hotels and one night in a lodge in Kitulgala. Most of the properties are in quiet village areas with limited local restaurants and shops, so many of your evening meals are in the hotels, typically buffets with a mix of international and local cuisines. Where possible, the tour leader can recommend local places to eat but often these will be small establishments where the service is relaxed. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel (nights 2-3) The hotel at Sigiriya is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. It is styled in a traditional village theme and has a swimming pool and wellness centre for rest and relaxation after days out sightseeing. Kitulgala: Kithulgala Rest House (night 5) Kithulgala Rest House is a historic property on the Kelani River with a tropical backdrop. Rest houses have a long history in Sri Lanka, dating to the 18th century when they were introduced to host European traders and families. The guestrooms at our rest house are simply decorated with dark-wood furniture, clean, comfortable facilities, and private bathrooms. The area is also home to a bird sanctuary, where you can see a variety of rare birds. Ahangama: Insight Resort (nights 8-10) Insight Resort is right on the beach, where it is possible to swim in the sea most of the time. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the quiet fishing village is an easy walk for those wishing to explore the local community. We also offer the opportunity for a day trip to Weligama just down the coast, which is a great spot for snorkelling and well-known as a top surf spot for beginners. On the evening of Day 10, the hotel hosts a beach barbecue exclusively for our group, with sundowners and local cuisine cooked over the grill. Worth knowing Almost all the hotels have swimming pools except the one-night stay in Kitulgala and the last night in Colombo. Triple rooms are available on request but may be limited in some locations. While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put. You can add a beach extension to your trip by staying on at Insight Resort in Ahangama for your chosen number of nights departing from the main group on Day 11 of the itinerary.

Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country. Our family groups are designed to accommodate on average four to five families per trip with a mix of children aged nine to 12 years old but it’s not uncommon for older siblings (13 - 16 years old) travelling too.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start In Negombo (Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start In Negombo (Dinner)

The adventure begins at our start hotel, which is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo. This evening, we have a welcome briefing and group dinner at the hotel – a great chance to meet your travel companions. The tour leader will advise on the time and location. Accommodation: Amagi Aria Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Afternoon Village Cycle To Stretch And Enjoy Fresh Air After The Long Drive (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Afternoon Village Cycle To Stretch And Enjoy Fresh Air After The Long Drive (Breakfast)

We leave the coast and head to Sigiriya, the journey takes around 3hr 30min but there are breaks en route. Passing the impressive Elephant Rock in Kurunegala city, which rises 1,037ft (315m) from the plains, we stop at a nearby lake for a comfort break and to stretch our legs before continuing to our hotel. In the afternoon, we hop on bikes for a gentle cycle through paddy fields, quiet villages and landscapes enveloped by the grandeur of the Sigiriya fortress. With the help of our tour leader, we can interact with local people along the way and learn about their daily routines and lifestyles. If you prefer not to cycle, there’s no need to miss out. You can hire a tuk tuk to follow the group and explore the same sites by motor. The tuk tuk ride can be arranged through your leader for 4,000 rupees (US$13) per tuk tuk. Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Climb To The Top Of The Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Game Drive To Spot Elephants (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Climb To The Top Of The Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Game Drive To Spot Elephants (Breakfast)

After an early breakfast, we climb up the rock fortress at Sigiriya, a giant ruin-topped granite peak high above the jungle. Now a UNESCO site, it was once used as a haven from invaders; crowning the flat summit are the extensive remains of the fifth-century Summer Palace, from where we can enjoy breath-taking views of the countryside. The route to the top is via a series of steep steps and gangways. The descent is much easier and takes a lot less time. Please make sure your children are always accompanied as there are some steep drops. It is, of course, optional and you may not wish to climb all the way to the top of the fortress itself. This afternoon, we enjoy a family-favourite activity: spotting elephants on safari! To give us the best experience, we visit one of three parks: Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park. The park we visit is determined by our local knowledge of where the elephants are congregating, giving us the best chance of spotting big herds! Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Drive To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Drive To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

This morning, we leave Sigiriya and journey to Kandy, the former capital of Sri Lanka. The drive takes approximately three hours with a comfort stop along the way. Kandy is a picturesque hill town on a lake and it’s home to the Temple of the Tooth, which holds the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka: the Tooth of Buddha. This was taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. The rest of the day is free to relax and cool off in the hotel pool. Alternatively, you could wander around Kandy, visit the Royal Botanical gardens, or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for wonderful views over the town. Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Relaxed Start To The Day Before Driving To Kitulgala And The Kelani Ganga River (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Relaxed Start To The Day Before Driving To Kitulgala And The Kelani Ganga River (Breakfast,Dinner)

It’s a slow start this morning, so enjoy a lie-in or spend time by the pool. Later, we travel down to Kitulgala (approximately three hours’ drive). Nestled amid forested hills, Kitulgala is bordered by the Kelani Ganga, a river that provides a stunning backdrop and white-water rafting opportunities (which we take full advantage of tomorrow!). Today, we may have time for an optional walk to Makul Ella waterfall in Makandawa, a lesser-known rainforest with a diverse range of plants and animals (some of the resident birds can only be found here). To get there, you can either cross the river using a bridge or take a hand-pulled ferry. The tour leader can advise on the best route and will accompany you on the walk. Please note, there is an entrance fee of 500 rupees (US$1.50) per person for the rainforest, payable locally. Accommodation: Kitulgala Rest House (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Morning White-Water Rafting; Afternoon, Drive And Train To Ella (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Morning White-Water Rafting; Afternoon, Drive And Train To Ella (Breakfast,Lunch)

After breakfast, we enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting session. Navigate the scenic Kelani Ganga, conquering five major rapids and four minor ones – a thrilling adventure tailored for adrenaline enthusiasts. The experience includes safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive briefing from our expert white-water rafting instructors. You have the flexibility to choose a distance ranging from 1.25mi-3mi (2km-5km); however, there may be some limitations on the route for children based on height/weight. Once we’ve dried off and packed up, we drive (approximately one hour) to Watawala, where we board the train to Ella. The journey takes approximately four hours. It’s not fast but it’ll be a ride to remember! During the journey, we enjoy a picnic lunch and breath-taking views of the remote hill country – you may want to bring additional snacks to keep you going along the way. Arriving into Ella station, we are transferred to the hotel and then have free time to explore this little hill town. It comes to life in the evenings with shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. Accommodation: MOI Ella by DBI (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Mid-Day Cooking Class; Afternoon Visit Nine Arch Bridge And Hike Up Mini Adam’S Peak (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mid-Day Cooking Class; Afternoon Visit Nine Arch Bridge And Hike Up Mini Adam’S Peak (Breakfast,Lunch)

We have an easy start to the day, leaving the hotel late morning to visit a local village house for a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. Our host talks us through traditional cooking methods and shows us how to create authentic Sri Lankan food, while also discussing the family’s values and culture. We then feast on our creations! An excellent chance to sample new and unique flavours. This afternoon, we visit the Nine Arch Bridge, an iconic construction also known as the Bridge in the Sky. The walk down to the tracks is approximately 30-minutes and if we’re lucky, we may even see a train roll over the arches and through the tunnel. Following that, we head to the trailhead for Mini Adam’s Peak (also known as Little Adam’s Peak) – named after the holy mountain Adam’s Peak (locally called Sripada) because of their similar shapes. Our Mini Adam’s Peak route is a relatively easy hike (approximately 1.2mi/2km) but the final ascent includes about 10 to 15 minutes of steps – save energy for that! At the top, we can enjoy 360-degree views with clouds rolling in; on a clear day, you can almost see to the south coast. The visit to Mini Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge will fill the afternoon – we return to Ella just before sunset; however, if you wish to skip the hike, you can relax at the hotel, enjoying the pool or just a little downtime. For adrenaline fanatics, Ella also has the Flying Ravana, the first-ever zip line in Sri Lanka, located amid the tea estates. The two-wire line stretches for more than 1,640ft (500m), slides at 50mph (80kph) and offers a bird’s-eye view over the beautiful hills. This is an optional activity, close to Mini Adam’s Peak which can be arranged through your tour leader for an additional cost (details in the Trip Notes). Accommodation: MOI Ella by DBI (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Transfer To The Coastal Village Of Ahangama Via The Elephant Transit Home (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Transfer To The Coastal Village Of Ahangama Via The Elephant Transit Home (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning, we leave for the coast through Ella Gap, where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 3,280ft (1,000m) below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and, on a particularly clear day, the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible. On the way, we stop off for lunch at a local restaurant before heading on to visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Located on the outskirts of Udawalawe National Park, the transit home is run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and supported by the Born Free Foundation. It provides a safe environment for orphaned elephants, who are typically cared for at the home until they reach four or five years old, at which point they are released back into the wild. Our visit coincides with feeding time, where the juveniles are given bottled milk by park rangers and the noisy spectacle can be witnessed from the viewing platform. From Udawalawe, we continue to Ahangama (approximately two hours’ drive), a small fishing village on the south coast with golden sandy beaches. Arriving early evening, we can relax for a few days on the beach, sinking toes into the sand and taking dips in the pool! Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9-10: Visit To Weligama For Optional Surf Lesson And Snorkelling (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9-10: Visit To Weligama For Optional Surf Lesson And Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Over the next two days, we have free time with a chance to do any one of numerous optional activities, which our tour leader can help arrange. On Day 9, the tour leader will arrange a round-trip transfer to Weligama Beach, a great spot for surf lessons or snorkelling with plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants. From November to April, there is also the opportunity to go whale watching but as public boats are not recommended, the more of you keen to go, the lower the cost for a private boat hire. On Day 10, the tour leader will arrange a beach barbecue dinner (included) for the group. The perfect setting to gather and enjoy sundowner drinks and delicious Sri Lankan barbecue bites. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 10 Day 11: Drive To Colombo Via Galle (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Drive To Colombo Via Galle (Breakfast)

We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Pedler Street, we continued along the expressway to Colombo, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. As our trip comes to a close, take a moment to savour the sights, sounds and flavours you and your family have experienced. Accommodation: Fairway Colombo (or similar)
Day 11 Day 12: End Colombo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: End Colombo (Breakfast)

The adventure ends today and it’s time to begin your return journey home. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip getaway to the Maldives. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore Sri Lanka a little more, you can book an extension to your stay at the beach or in Colombo.

12 days tour

Sri Lanka: Wild Family Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sri Lanka: Wild Family Adventure

Day 1: Start In Negombo (Dinner)

Day 2: Drive To Sigiriya; Afternoon Village Cycle To Stretch And Enjoy Fresh Air After The Long Drive (Breakfast)

Day 3: Climb To The Top Of The Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Game Drive To Spot Elephants (Breakfast)

Day 4: Drive To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

Day 5: Relaxed Start To The Day Before Driving To Kitulgala And The Kelani Ganga River (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: Morning White-Water Rafting; Afternoon, Drive And Train To Ella (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 7: Mid-Day Cooking Class; Afternoon Visit Nine Arch Bridge And Hike Up Mini Adam’S Peak (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 8: Transfer To The Coastal Village Of Ahangama Via The Elephant Transit Home (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 9-10: Visit To Weligama For Optional Surf Lesson And Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Day 11: Drive To Colombo Via Galle (Breakfast)

Day 12: End Colombo (Breakfast)

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