Sri Lanka 10 Days - The Elephant Route

Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, your driver and guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Negombo, a charming town just a short distance from the airport. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax at the hotel. If you feel like exploring, you can take a stroll along the beach, where you'll find food stalls, bars, and shops, or watch the local fishermen at work in the sea.

To ensure the children don’t become tired during the car journey, we will stop for a while in Kurunegala, a town situated between Negombo and the next hotel. This small town features a lively lake, swings where Sri Lankan children play, families strolling around, and street kiosks selling ice cream. In the afternoon, we will go on a safari in Minneriya National Park, which is famous for its large herds of elephants. Everyone is amazed to see so many elephants together drinking, grazing, and playing. It is a unique experience for both children and parents!

Sigiriya Rock, dating back to the 5th century AD, is a palace of extraordinary beauty and an ideal visit for children. Many Sri Lankan children come here with their schools or families, and no one—local or foreign—can remain indifferent to the sight of this massive rock rising from the vast plain. For the children, there’s a special, fun activity: visiting a rural village. To reach it, we’ll take an exciting tuk-tuk ride and cross a lake by canoe. On the way back, we’ll travel in an ox-drawn cart, just as people did until very recently. In the village, we’ll learn about traditional cooking and even be invited to a small tasting of authentic Sri Lankan food. It’s a wonderful blend of history, culture, and adventure that children will truly enjoy.

In the morning,you will explore the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a fascinating site carved into a large cave dating back to the (1st century BC). You will see 153 statues of Buddha, Buddhists making their offerings, friendly macaques, etc. In addition, there is the beauty of the rice fields, coconut trees and mountains. Afterwards we will have the opportunity to visit a Spice Garden with plants and trees from which the different spices are obtained. Next we will see, only from the outside, the Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple in Matale (1852). Hindu temples are so different from Buddhist temples! The latter are immaculately white. On the other hand, Hindu temples are of thousands of colours, each one more striking than the last! Transfer to Kandy, the capital of the mountains. If you have time, you could walk around the city, the lake surrounding the Temple of the Tooth, the market, among others.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage sounds like a magical place for both children and adults to experience Sri Lanka's beloved elephants up close—especially watching them bathe in the river, which is quite the sight! Following that, the Royal Garden of Peradeniya offers a lush, green escape filled with amazing trees and plants, where families gather to eat, play, and relax. It’s a perfect spot for a family outing and one of the best visits in the country. Both places seem like a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time together!

Choose between visiting the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept, or taking a short tour of the tea fields in Hanthana. We will adjust the timing according to the family’s preference for walking through the plantations, visiting the nursery where the children of tea pickers are cared for, and more. This area is rarely visited by tourists and will leave a lasting impression on everyone. In the afternoon, we will attend a performance of traditional Kandyan dances.

On the way to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, which sits at (1,868 meters), you will pass by vast tea plantations. There will be a brief stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls and visit a tea factory. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a walk around Lake Gregory and explore the city to see buildings influenced by British architecture. The final activity of the day is a train ride from Nanu Oya station in Nuwara Eliya to Ella. This journey takes more than three hours, winding through tea-covered mountains and tall forests. (Please note that this train service is popular with locals, so availability may be limited at times).

In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a safari in Yala National Reserve, the most popular park in Sri Lanka. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, peacocks, deer, crocodiles, wild boars, and a variety of birds. And if luck’s on your side, you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard.

On the way, we’ll stop at a turtle farm where the kids can have fun and learn about the fascinating turtles of Sri Lanka. There are four species of sea turtles here: green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley. Then, we’ll visit Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved colonial walled city by the sea and arguably the most stunning city in Sri Lanka. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk under shady trees or along the coastline. Afterward, we’ll transfer to Unawatuna, where you can enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, and beach bars.

Today, you have the option to either relax on Unawatuna Beach or visit Colombo, the capital city. In Colombo, you can explore the colonial area of Colombo Fort, where the Dutch Hospital is located. This building is believed to be the oldest in the Colombo Fort area, dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka, around 1681. Another great spot is Galle Face, a promenade along the edge of the Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, it’s lively with children and adults flying kites, strolling, buying small snacks, taking photos, and simply enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. When it's time, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport. Please ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure to allow for a smooth check-in and security process. As you bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, may the memories of this remarkable journey stay with you always and we wish you a safe journey!