Sri Lanka in Style: A Family Journey from Sacred Cities to Secluded Shores
This 11-day family-friendly journey through Sri Lanka balances relaxation, cultural heritage and wildlife. It begins and ends at the peaceful Wallawwa, travels to Wilpattu for safari experiences, then continues to the Cultural Triangle to explore its historic cities and sacred sites. The final days unfold on the calm eastern coast at Pasikuda. Thoughtfully chosen stays and well-paced excursions create time for families to rest, explore and truly absorb the spirit of Sri Lanka.
| Number of days | Prices from | The itinerary includes |
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11 |
10 nights / 11 days from £12,300 per family of 4. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing Family Rooms throughout on bed & breakfast, half-board and all-inclusive basis and includes private transfers plus economy flights from London. |
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Day 1
Negombo
Your Sri Lankan journey begins with a warm, seamless welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. Here you’ll meet your dedicated guide, who will accompany you throughout your adventure. A short transfer brings you to Wallawwa, a gracious colonial manor enveloped in lush tropical gardens. This boutique retreat offers the perfect blend of understated luxury and serenity. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your travels—perhaps with a gentle stroll through the grounds, a dip in the pool, or a quiet moment on your private veranda as the sounds of the garden settle around you.
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Days 2-3
Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, venture north into Sri Lanka’s wilderness as you make your way to Wilpattu National Park, the country’s largest and one of its most scenically captivating reserves. Your home for the next two nights is Leopard Trails Wilpattu, an elegant tented safari camp that draws inspiration from the golden age of exploration. Canvas suites, gourmet dining, and personalised service come together to create a refined yet adventurous atmosphere. In the afternoon, set out on your first shared 4×4 safari. Wilpattu is famed for its mysterious network of “villus”—natural lakes that attract an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Your expert ranger will guide you through untamed forests and open plains in search of Sri Lanka’s most iconic inhabitants, from deer and crocodiles to the majestic leopard. Day 3 offers a deeper immersion into this remarkable ecosystem. Begin with a morning safari, when the park is at its most active, followed by leisure time back at camp – the Junior Ranger programme is tailored for younger guests. Another game drive awaits in the afternoon, increasing your chances of spotting sloth bears, migratory birds, and perhaps even the elusive apex predators Wilpattu is renowned for.
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Days 4-6
Anuradhapura
Depart for the island’s ancient cultural heart. Your base here is Uga Ulagalla, a luxurious eco-retreat set within a historic 58-acre estate of paddy fields, woodland, and lakes. Private villas with plunge pools and a focus on sustainability create an atmosphere of quiet indulgence. As dusk approaches, join a local expert for a twilight exploration of Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Here, the sacred Bo Tree—believed to be over 2,000 years old—stands alongside grand stupas like Ruvanveliseya, glowing softly under the evening sky. Day 5 begins before sunrise with a guided ascent of Sigiriya, the legendary “Lion Rock.” This UNESCO-listed citadel—rising dramatically above the jungle—reveals a tapestry of ancient frescoes, engineering marvels, and royal intrigue. The climb rewards you with sweeping views across the Central Province. Return to Ulagalla for an afternoon at leisure: family-friendly activities include kayaking, cycling, nature walks and horse riding. On Day 6, enjoy a slow morning in the peaceful surroundings of your villa. Later, embark on a 4×4 sunset safari through the Nachaduwa region. This off-the-beaten-path journey winds through rural villages, forests, and shimmering tanks, offering sightings of elephants, buffalo, and vibrant birdlife against a golden horizon.
