Ayu-bowan! This splendid Indian Ocean Island has so much to offer families its literally unbelievable. From gorgeous secluded beaches set on crystal clear waters, elephant safari’s, sacred sights spanning back to the 2^nd Century to the colonial-styled tea country with its stunning tea plantations all clinging on to the mist filled hill tops, there is something for every age in Sri Lanka.    

Your journey begins in the Westcoast town of Negombo. A quite fishing village and the perfect place to unwind before your epic adventures ahead.

After a good breakfast you’ll head off to the town of Dembulla where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. On the way you’ll visit the Pinnawala elephant orphanage which is home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Watch up close as the elephants are taken for a daily drink and bath in the nearby river and you can expect a large gathering of young and old elephants still in care at the sanctuary.  

Today is a leisurely day but you can always make it action packed. A nearby park offers visitors a ride on an elephant but to get even more adventurous visit the Minneriya National park in the afternoon to see these gracious animals in their natural environment. The National park covers a large expanse of land which boasts dry tropical wetlands and grasslands. Hiring a 4x4 jeep a specialist guide will take you on an adventure of a lifetime through streams and dry terrains on a search for these unusually elusive creatures.     

You’re always near to something fun and exciting to do in Sri Lanka. Today you can try one of a number of activities from taking to the sky’s on a hot air balloon and take in the spectacular lush lands around Dembulla. If that doesn’t appeal then maybe a boat safari might be better suited.

For those wanting more of a challenge then the ancient Rock fortress of Sigiriya is a better option. The Rock rises a mighty 500ft up from the summit but the steep climb up the steps encircled around the rock face will certainly be worth it once you reach the peak and take in the spectacular lush green scenery all around. A UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 5^th Century there are small cave temples along the climb with fascinating history embedded within it. 

After checking out of your hotel you’ll be driven to one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, Kandy. En-route you’ll visit the Dembulla Cave temple. Also known as the Golden temple of Dambulla this UNESCO world heritage site is the largest of its kind in the country. The five caves are draped in history with the remanence of Buddhist’s Gods and Goddesses from murals on the cave walls to statues adorning them.

You’ll move on to the spice gardens near to Kandy where you can walk through the markets and see how local traders have made the spices from traditional methods. You’ll also be able to buy the exotic spices at really cheap prices.

Moving on you’ll be taken to your hotel in Kandy where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

The City of Kandy is home to the spiritual heart of the country. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the Tooth relic temple which in the 4^th Century hid the tooth of the Buddha within its walls. Today this UNESCO world heritage site is visited by Buddhists from across the globe to pay their respects. Open to visitors throughout the day be sure to dress modestly and sit in on one of the daily rituals to see how the relic is revered within the Buddhist faith.

Nearby is the Botanical gardens and a great place to visit with the family whilst you walk through and see many exotic flowers. A lovely place to just relax and maybe even have a picnic.

By nightfall you’ll be treated to an evening filled with local traditional foods and Kandian dancing.     

Take the 19^th century built railway from Kandy to the stunning tea Country. Nuwara Eliya will be your destination and whilst you ascend up the hills you’ll pass waterfalls and trees climbing up the steep tops . It cant get much better once you reach dizzying heights through the hills and the mist forms over the landscape to reveal the stunning tea plantations. This will simply be one of the most amazing journeys you’ll ever embark on.   

You’ll arrive at your hotel in awe of this stunning place and left to enjoy the rest of the day to either explore the town or relax. 

Your second day in Nuwara Eliya doesn’t have to be a quite one. If you enjoy hiking then the Horton Plains is another must. This UNESCO world Heritage site offers walkers a splendid tour of the baron, high-altitude marshland with the pinnacle being the dramatically plunging summit known as Worlds End. If your brave enough get close to the edge and peer down the kilometre drop to the vast greenlands below. The Horton Plains are a world apart from the rest of Sri Lanka, with the misty and damp landscape where the climate is ideal for fostering a unique ecosystem of its own.

If this doesn’t sound like fun then you can always take to the Golf courses or horse riding around the town. 

Time for you to leave this splendid region and head towards the city of Udawalawe.  Best known for its National Park, Udawalawe will certainly give you and the family a chance to feel like real adventurers. This vast expanse of land covers over 100 square miles and is home to many wild animals and plantation. The rugged reddish soil contrasts beautifully with the lush greens of the forests surrounding the lands and the only way to truly explore is with a 4 x 4 jeep. Elephants roam freely and one of the watering holes is a fantastic place to see large herds enjoying a bath and a drink throughout the day.  

With all the adventures and excitement you’ve had over the past 10 days the final two days wont be any different as you visit the city of Galle. The old colonial Dutch Fort is a  UNESCO world heritage site which offers you a chance to step back in time and visit old temples, mosques, churches and one of the hidden gems the Galle Lighthouse built by the British in 1848.

This old Dutch fortress is another example of the vast diversity in architecture and settlers that have ruled this amazing island over the centuries and has a very unique feel about it.       

With your last full day in Sri Lanka continue your adventures with a day at leisure to explore the delights of this city and a walk along the fortress walls will uncover some hidden delights and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The Old town offers a chance to pick up some great presents from hand made jewellery and handicrafts to spices and sarongs.

If its just R&R your after then head over to the nearby beach village of Unawatuna where the golden sands and blue waters are encircled by palm trees giving you a feeling of being a million miles away from the crowds of the city.       

Your adventures are drawing to an end and with the short drive to the airport you’ll say your goodbyes to your private guide at the airport and head back home with lasting memories of this spectacular country.