Ceylon: The Children’s Island

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Today is the first day of your holiday exploring Sri Lanka with kids. Your driver will greet you at Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo before bringing you to your hotel to settle down. Negombo, located on the west coast, is one of Sri Lanka’s largest cities and is famous for its white-sand beaches as well as its cultural heritage. If you arrive early, you will be able to explore the city and discover Sri Lanka’s charm on your first day. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel in Negombo, your driver will meet you to transfer you to Kandy. You will make a stop in Kegalle for a very special encounter with the elephants – a highlight of your trip through Sri Lanka with kids! Take a stroll right next to one these majestic creatures rescued by the Millenium Elephant Foundation. Upon arrival in Kandy you can take time to rest and relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding areas.

Begin your day at a leisurely pace, enjoying breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver who will take you into the heart of the city. You can spend the day walking around the lake and enjoying the peacefulness which is associated with this city in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Before sunset head to a cultural show before discovering the unforgettable Temple of the Tooth, where you will attend the evening ceremony - an experience like no other! After the ceremony, your driver will bring you back to your hotel.

Today you discover the heart of the Tea Country: Nuwara Eliya, often nicknamed “Little England”. This two-hour journey south takes you through lush greenery, passing beautiful landscapes and quaint villages. You can also choose to take the train for an authentic Sri Lanka experience. You then drive further south to reach the town of Haputale, home of the famous viewpoint: Lipton’s Seat. Upon arrival your driver will take you to your hotel to check in for the night.

This morning, you board a Tuk Tuk to reach the gazebo where Thomas Lipton used to sit and look upon his plantation. Kids love this exciting ride in the traditional Sri Lankan three-wheeler! Enjoy the rest of the day appreciating the peacefulness of the region and its green scenery. You can do the Little Adam’s Peak walk, take pictures of the very well-known Nine Arches Bridge or simply enjoy the comfort of your hotel.

The south coast of Sri Lanka is a combination of history, culture and beautiful bays. There are a whole range of activities that you can enjoy such as snorkeling and swimming in Unawatuna Bay, diving excursions, cycling tours around the city and local villages or a visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Take advantage of a relaxing day on the beach, or simply lounge by the pool and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Today your driver will pick you up and bring you to the emblematic city of Galle. Upon arrival, you will embark on a city tour to see the Dutch Church, splendid colonial mansions and the famous Galle Fort. Every street of this charming town has something to offer: from cafes and boutique shops to seaside restaurants and colonial buildings bursting with history and culture. In the evening your driver will drive you back to your hotel for a last sunset on the Indian Ocean.

Waking up this morning marks the last day of your Sri Lankan holiday with Shanti Travel. After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will meet you and take you either directly to the airport for your departure flight, or via central Colombo for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy your last coastal drive before heading home, taking in the one-of-a-kind sights and absorbing the essence of this wonderful country. We bid you farewell and look forward to touring with you on your next holiday to Asia.