TAKE THE CHILDREN ON A HOLIDAY THEY WILL NEVER FORGET
This example itinerary is perfect of those who want to go on a family adventure and discover the best of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination that has so much to offer for all ages. Below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect Sri Lankan itinerary for you. Read on to find out more.
Visit: Negombo - Day 1 to 2
Find your Sri Lankan feet in Negombo, a tranquil beach spot. In the town itself, an impressive network of Dutch canals wind past palm trees and pastel-coloured Catholic churches, whilst the lagoon is an ideal spot for windsurfing, boat riding and cocktail drinking. A tuk-tuk up to Angurukaramulla, a temple characterised by a six-metre high Buddha at its centre, will give you a real taste of Sri Lanka, as will the array of hip restaurants serving everything from fried crab to coconut-fuelled curries.
The beach sweeps north of the town for several miles in a golden, glorious arc, it might not be as pristine as others on the island, but the balmy waters and buttery sands suit us just fine.
STAY: The Wallawwa
The ultimate fly-and-flop location for the travel weary – plus a bit more. The 200-year old country house hotel is set in lush tropical gardens, filled with gorgeous flowers, and with a beautiful pool to laze by, delicious food to eat, and a spa to work on tired muscles.
Discover: Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
As the ancient monastic capital of Ceylon from the 5th to the 10th century, Anuradhapura was a place of glory, promise and majesty. Today, it’s still the capital of the region and although not quite as grand as it may once have been, the crumbling temples, monasteries, and forts are still magnificent. Many of the buildings are, in fact, still in use today as places of worship with the ever-present hum of Buddhist ceremonies.
One of the most beautiful sights is the sprawling Bodhi tree, believed to be an offshoot of the very tree under which Buddha became enlightened 2,300 years ago, and revered the world over.
STAY: Ulagalla Resort
Over 50 acres of well-kept gardens and water-logged rice fields hide idyllic villas and a 150-year-old mansion at their centre. Ulagalla resort combines rural charm and polished facilities with finesse – the interiors are rather stylish! Days at Ulagalla unfold with relaxed ease, think bike rides to the village, kayaking across the lake and flying kites – one of the most Sri Lankan things you could do.
ENJOY: Gal Oya National Park
Established in the 1950s to protect the area around the stunning Senanayake Samudraya Reservoir, Gal Oya National Park is one of the quietest of all the parks by a mile and well off the safari tourist trail. The reservoir is scattered with small islands, each rich in animal and plant life, the best way to travel is by boat, keep your eyes peeled for the elephant herds that swim between the landforms. When you’re not on safari, spend time with the Veddha tribe, Sri Lanka’s original hunter-gatherers. There are only around 100 of them left – walk the plains, seek out medicinal plants and learn about their traditional way of life.
STAY: Gal Oya Lodge
The secluded Gal Oya Lodge is where wild beauty and mountaintop vistas are the norm, where you can take boat safaris to watch elephants swim between islands amongst uninterrupted nature and just the place to avoid crowds as you roam through the quiet of the jungle with a member of the ancient Veddha tribe. The lodge blends in with its surrounds and takes care of them too with solar-heated showers and conservation projects.
Enjoy breakfasts on the river bank as you watch kingfishers in their jewel-bright coats flit over the water, and trek through the trees as local guides share the area’s history.
EXLPORE: Ella, Hill Country
At 1000-metres above sea level, Ella is surrounded by quivering peaks and mist-wrapped landscapes carpeted with tea, the scenery around this little mountain village is beautiful. Add the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and the trundling toy train (make sure you hop in a carriage for at least part of your journey down) and the stupendous views through the Ella Gap, all the way to the lighthouses of the southern coast, and we’d go as far to say it’s some of the island’s best.
And when you’re not ogling the scenery, Ella is famous for its walking trails and routes range from gentle strolls to temples and tea plantations, to hardy hikes up Ella’s Peak and to some of the region’s most astonishing waterfalls.
STAY: Nine Skies Bungalow
Nine Skies is an exquisitely-restored property that has a rich history and is still part of a working tea estate. Whilst the foundations might be old, everything else is brand spanking new – think gorgeous, modern rooms, incredible service, tantalising food and a pool with incredible views. The location is perfect, near to all sorts of attractions, in particular the iconic arched bridge that the hotel takes it’s name from.
Discover: Galle, The South Coast
Sri Lanka’s south coast might be better known for its surf, sea and sunshine but step away from the sand and into Galle, a cosmopolitan colonial town filled with hip eateries, hotels and cafes. The town is one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and at its centre a fortress crammed with centuries of colonial influence from Portuguese to Dutch to English. Watching the sun rise or set over the historic castle walls will be a highlight of any trip.
Venture into the town and you’ll find a mix of art galleries, cafes and chic hotels all watched over by entirely elegant architecture. Venture out on a walking tour – the best ones will take you past local restaurants serving tuna salads and tasty hoppers, through the flea market to pick up antiques and decorative bunting, and ending at the seaside for a well earned shake.
STAY: Why House
Why House is a calming retreat set in a pretty, tropical garden filled with neon bougainvillea and fruit trees. There are plenty of places for some well earned R&R (poolside with a new read from their extensive collection, or at the massage pavilion to name a couple) and when you’re ready for some activity, wander off to the gorgeous beach and lagoon at Dalawella, a short walk, or tuk tuk ride away, and Galle Fort is within easy reach. This is the kind of hotel where you’ll have barely departed before you’re planning a speedy return.