Family Adventures
12 Nights & 13 Days
A fun filled active holiday, which is ideal for families with older children, who want to reconnect with the outdoors. A number of scenic hikes across different terrains, high octane adventure sports including white water rafting and canyoning in the lowland rainforests around Kithulgala, scenic boat rides, jeep safaris and bush walks in the remote Gal Oya National Park, rural experiences where you can interact with local farmers and villages near Tissamaharama and a leisurely stay in Bentota, famed for its golden beaches and a hub for water sports are included.
Day 01
The Heritance Negombo, Negombo
Deluxe Room – H/B
Upon arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur guide and travel to the Heritance Negombo. Remainder of the day at leisure to unwind and relax after your long flight.
Day 03
Borderlands River Camp, Kithulgala
Riverfront Cabin – F/B
Full day for adventure-based excursions at Kithulgala which can include white water rafting, canyoning, zip lining and crate stacking which includes the highest safety standards. Guests also have an option to go on a scenic trek through the jungle, tea fields and rubber plantations to the Belilena Cave, which is the country’s largest prehistoric cave and is famous for the skeletal remains that were found in the caves which date between 18 000 to 32000 years ago.
Borderlands River Camp, Kithulgala
Riverfront Cabin – F/B
Morning, leave for Kithulgala and check-in for lunch at the Borderlands River Camp which overlooks the surrounding jungles and the Kelani River. Afternoon, go on a guided walk in the Makandawa Forest Reserve in the outskirts of Kithulgala, which is home to one of the last tracts of lowland rainforests in the country. There are several walking trails in the deep dark forest, which are home to some of the rarest and elusive species of birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Day 02
Day 04
Hunas Falls, Elkaduwa
Garden Deluxe Room – H/B
Morning, leave for Hunas Falls in Elkaduwa, which is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. En-route stopover in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Remainder of the day at leisure. There is a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, six-hole par-3 golf course, jogging track, snooker, volleyball, indoor games, and a well-stocked library. Cycling excursions and guided nature walks can be arranged upon request in the late afternoon.
Day 05
Hunas Falls, Elkaduwa
Garden Deluxe Room – H/B
Today, go on a guided nature walk exploring the surrounding forests which are abundant in biodiversity and which takes you through tea planations, waterfalls and rubber estates. The Simpson’s Trail, Shaheen Trail and Mount Hunnasgiriya trail are the three most popular hikes in the area, which differ in length and difficulty. The guided walks will be led by the in-house naturalist, who is an expert of the area and be able to point out exotic and endemic flora and fauna to you.
Day 06
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya
Bungalow – F/B
After breakfast, leave for the Gal Oya Lodge, which is hidden away in a remote corner of Sri Lanka.
In the afternoon, go on a boat safari at the Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka where you can see herds of Asian Elephants, Mugger Crocodiles, large flocks of water birds such as Greater Cormorant, Spot-billed Pelicans, raptors such as White-bellied Sea Eagle and Grey-headed Fish Eagles.
Day 07
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya
Bungalow – F/
Spend the day exploring Nilgala, which is accessed by jeep where a variety of wildlife including Elephants, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Wildboar along with over 200 bird species have been recorded. There are also a number of walking trails available within the national park. The Makara trek is about an hour long walk through the jungle passing through a series of rocky outcrops and caves. The trail leads to a viewpoint known as the Dragon’s mouth along the Nilgala River, where the river flows under a layer of boulders and emerges from the other side. You can also enjoy a picnic inside the park. Enjoy a cooked lunch next to the Gal Oya river, a waterfall or overlooking one of the park’s many scenic look out points and have the entire place to yourself. For those wishing to while away the hours in one of the park’s most beautiful spots, swim and relax, a delicious picnic lunch can be prepared on site by the hotel’s chef.
Day 08
Sarai Village, Tissamaharama
Mud Chalet Suite – F/B
Early morning, go on a guided nature walk with the local Veddah chief in the forest visiting their ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.
Afterwards, leave for The Sarai Village near Tissamaharama for a truly rural experience, where you will get a feel of living in a typical Sri Lankan village setting.
Upon arrival, sit back and unwind in true Sri Lankan fashion as a traditional farm fresh lunch is prepared in front of your very own eyes. Your lunch will consist of freshly ground pol sambol, fish curry made from the catch of the day, lentils, pollos curry, greens, and of course, a healthy serving of traditional rice. After that indulgence, try some fresh seasonal fruits or the local curd and treacle.
In the late afternoon, go on a guided cycle ride to explore the area and its rural landscape. Meandering roads lead you through lush paddy fields and shrub jungles. If you get tired or thirsty, take a break and have some fresh king coconut from a roadside boutique. You can even take a dip in the lake to cool off
Day 09
Sarai Village, Tissamaharama
Mud Chalet Suite – F/B
Full day at leisure for exploring Sarai Village and the surrounding areas. Some of the most popular excursions include:
Angler’s Potluck: The breathtaking Weerawila lake awaits you as we invite you to join the local fishermen as they set out in their traditional canoes. Join them and catch your own breakfast! Then, bring the fresh catch ashore and let the fishermen make you a delicious, fresh breakfast that you can enjoy on the bund of the tank. While you wait, sit back and enjoy the surrounding, or do a bit of rod fishing.
Buffalo curd making: Visit a local home and learn the secrets of making perfect buffalo curd with experts as you either watch or help them in the preparation. This has been a traditional industry so no one does it better! You can then enjoy it as dessert.
Pottery making demo: Sri Lankan pottery is an intricate art that has been passed down through generations of artisans. Learn how to make your own clay pot on a traditional wheel and take it back with you as a souvenir.
Palmyrah weaving: Discover the intricate and ancient art of weaving Palmyrah leaves. Visit the local artisans and let them show you the entire process of palmyrah weaving. Weave your very own work of art with the help of the local artisans and take it back as a souvenir
Yala National Park: An afternoon, jeep safari at Sri Lanka’s most popular location for wildlife viewing where a variety of wildlife including Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal, Mugger Crocodile, Sambar, Spotted Deer along with numerous species of colourful birds can be seen.
Day 10
The Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, Bentota
Deluxe Room – B&B
Morning, leave for The Galle Fort, where you will stopover for lunch and take a guided tour around the 17th century Dutch built Galle Fort. Afterwards, proceed to the Avani Bentota Resory & Spa. Remainder of the day at leisure by the beach.
Day 11 - Day 12
The Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, Bentota
Deluxe Room – B&B
Full day at leisure by the beach. The following activities are included during your stay in Bentota.
Water Sports: Sheltered by a lagoon, the calm waters in the mouth of the Bentota River make it an ideal year-round destination for water sports. Activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat rides, wind surfing and para motoring can be included for visitors.
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery: Kosgoda remains one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on the west coast and the hatcheries collect the most recently laid eggs and re-bury them in protected areas. Once the eggs hatch, the baby turtles are kept for a day or two in a tank prior to being released back into the ocean.
Madu Ganga boat safari: Go on a scenic boat journey which takes you through the estuary of the river which comprises of dense mangrove forests and 64 islands. One of the islands has a Buddhist monastery which is decorated with some sculptures and art work, the highlight being a 150 year old book made of palm leaves. You can see the local villagers extract cinnamon oil from the trees.
Day 13
BIA, Katunayeke
Departure transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport. Time permitting, you may like to stopover in Colombo for some sightseeing or shopping in the capital.