Sri Lanka Family Holiday with Teenagers

Drive inland, passing through isolated villages and spice gardens to the beautiful town of Kitulgala, surrounded by pristine forest-covered hills and the picturesque Kelani River that David Lean beautifully captured in the classic Oscar award-winning film The Bridge on the River Kwai. Later this afternoon, enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting down the Kelani River.

Set off this morning on foot through dense rubber, tea estates and typical Sri Lankan villages hidden among lush forested hills to the pre-historic Belilena caves. Then, head to the scenic Sandun Ella Waterfall for a picnic lunch. Relax by the waterfall or go for a refreshing swim in the natural rock pool before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Total trekking time: 5 hours.

Begin your day with a bicycle ride through neighbouring villages that offers a glimpse into the unhurried pace of life in Sri Lanka. Along the way, enjoy spellbinding views of the Kelani River Valley. Next, drive to the simple, family-friendly guest house, which is set at the foot of Adam’s Peak and is a convenient base for those who wish to climb up to the summit. Retire early in preparation for the trek to Adam’s Peak that commences just after midnight.

Join hundreds of Sri Lankan pilgrims and climb through the night to reach the summit of Adam’s Peak (2,243m) just in time to watch the magical sunrise over the surrounding hills. Atop the peak, depending on your faith, the giant footprint is believed to be an imprint of either Lord Buddha, Shiva, Adam, or St. Thomas. Next, embark on a scenic train journey to Hapatule in Sri Lanka’s verdant Hill Country. Total walking time: 6.5 hours.

Descend through lush tea gardens and an old village scattered with modest homes of plantation workers to the base of the Bambarakanda Falls*, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a refreshing swim amongst the natural rock pools and a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel.

*Guests staying at Living Heritage Koslanda will enjoy a trek to Diyaluma Falls – the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and enjoy a picnic lunch among the magical forests surrounding Living Heritage.

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory, which was built by Sir Thomas Lipton and where the term ‘Ceylon Tea’ was coined. Hike up to the plateau from where Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and proudly survey his tea plantations. Then, a scenic ride through the hills, including innumerable hairpin bends and stunning panoramas, will bring you to Yala – the premier National Park in Sri Lanka with the reputation of having the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world.

After a final game drive, a short drive will bring you to Tangalle, a small secluded fishing village along the scenic south coast. Following check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the golden sandy beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Today is at leisure. Alternatively, rise early and drive to Mirissa, from where you will take to the seas in quest of blue whales and other marine life (supplement applies). Between December and April, the chances of sighting blue whales and sperm whales relatively close to the shore are remarkably high. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

At leisure to relax by the beach.

At leisure to relax, unwind and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Transfer to Colombo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.