Sri Lanka Family Tour: Culture, Nature & Wildlife

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka!

On arrival at Colombo, clear immigration and customs. Proceed to the arrival area, where your private guide meets you, and transfer you to your hotel in Hunumulla. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Ambarella Lodge is located on Kotaliyadde Estate, a working coconut plantation. It offers a peaceful introduction to Sri Lankan culture, with fresh air and scenic surroundings. After exploring the grounds, take some time to relax by the pool with the family.

Airport - Hunumulla: (Approx. 40 min)
Overnight Stay at Ambarella Lodge, Hunumulla - 2 Superior Rooms (Interconnecting)

After breakfast, it’s time for an exciting village adventure with Shelton, a friendly local guide. Today, you’ll travel by tuk-tuk, a fun and memorable way to explore the area! Discovering a country through its people is a unique experience. Hop into a tuk-tuk and enjoy a guided tour of the small villages around Dunagaha. While English is spoken in Sri Lanka, communication can sometimes be tricky—but a smile always helps! By joining this tour, you’ll also support local guides and help them earn a living.

Along the way, you’ll visit a pineapple farm, see a family creating beautiful textiles on traditional wooden looms, and stop by a small brick factory. The rural backroads offer plenty of sights to enjoy, making the ride both fun and educational. Tip: For the adventurous, ask your guide to take you to a local bakery where you can try some traditional Sri Lankan curries—but be prepared, they can be quite spicy!

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing walk through the lush gardens of the estate, where you can learn about different types of spices. One of your hosts is happy to explain the variety of spices grown here, making it a great learning experience for the whole family.

Overnight Stay at Ambarella Lodge - 2 Superior Rooms (Interconnecting)

After breakfast, you travel to Sigiriya and check into your hotel, where you stay for the next few days. You take some time to rest and settle in.

In the afternoon, you visit a scenic spot near Sigiriya for a Sri Lankan-style high tea served picnic-style. This experience gives a local twist to traditional high tea, with Pol Roti as the main dish—a flatbread made with shredded coconut and flour, served with Seeni Sambol, a mix of caramelized onions and chili flakes. You also try Kokis, a crispy snack made from rice flour and coconut milk, and pancakes filled with Pani Pol, a mix of coconut and treacle, for a sweet treat. 

Sip on a cup of ginger black tea while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. This simple yet meaningful experience blends local flavors with beautiful scenery and delicious eats for everyone to enjoy! 

Hunumulla - Sigiriya: (Approx. 3 h)
Overnight Stay at Kumbukgaha Villa, Sigiriya - Two Bedroom Private Villa (All 4 clients together)

After breakfast, head out to explore the Ritigala Archaeological Monastery. Ritigala feels like something out of an adventure movie—though perhaps not quite Indiana Jones, it has a sense of mystery and discovery. This less-visited site offers a peaceful escape from Sri Lanka’s more famous attractions. Take your time to explore the ancient ruins and make your way to the higher part of the complex. The site is known for its tranquil meditation pathways that lead into the jungle, along with large stone reservoirs. It’s the perfect place to sit, relax, and connect with nature in this ancient, sacred setting.

In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling Jeep safari at one of the nearby national parks: Minneriya, Hurulu Eco Park, or Kaudulla National Park. These parks are renowned for their elephant herds, offering an incredible chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The elephants roam between parks depending on the season, following food and water availability. The best park to visit depends on where the herds are at that time.

In addition to elephants, you may also spot flocks of birds such as painted storks, pelicans, and little cormorants—a bonus to your safari. While some parks can be busy with other Jeeps, the experience of seeing elephants up close in their natural environment is truly unforgettable for the whole family.

Sigiriya - Ritigala: (Approx. 1 h and 15 min)
Ritigala - Sigiriya: (Approx. 1 h and 15 min)
Sigiriya - Minneriya: (Approx. 30 min)
Minneriya - Sigiriya: (Approx. 30 min)
Overnight Stay at Kumbukgaha Villa, Sigiriya - Two Bedroom Private Villa (All 4 clients together)

Start the day early with a sunrise hike up Pidurangala Rock for stunning views—if you're lucky, the weather cooperates, and you enjoy some beautiful scenery. Pidurangala serves as a former royal temple from the reign of King Kashyapa. The hike takes about an hour, depending on your fitness level, with the final stretch over some rocky terrain. It’s a bit challenging but manageable with care. At the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of lush green forests, with the iconic Sigiriya Rock visible in the distance.

After the hike, return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Optional: If you’re up for more adventure, consider visiting Sigiriya Rock in the afternoon. Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is a remarkable ancient fortress. It was once the domain of King Kashyapa, who built it as both a fortress and a royal palace. The climb, which involves 1,200 steps, is a bit strenuous but offers one of the best panoramic views in Sri Lanka—emerald plains and green villages stretch as far as the eye can see. On the way up, you’ll pass the famous Sigiriya frescoes, depicting graceful maidens, and the smooth Mirror Wall, which bears ancient visitors’ graffiti inspired by the art. The experience takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace.

Sigiriya - Pidurangala: (Approx. 20 min)
Pidurangala - ​Sigiriya: (Approx. 20 min)
Overnight Stay at Kumbukgaha Villa, Sigiriya - Two Bedroom Private Villa (All 4 clients together)

After breakfast, you'll head towards Wattegama, with a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples along the way.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a fascinating site with a history that spans over 22 centuries. Carved into a massive rock, the temple complex is known for its incredible beauty and intricate craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll find 153 Buddha statues, along with statues of gods, goddesses, and kings who contributed to the temple's preservation. The walls are adorned with stunning murals that depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, creating a serene atmosphere that fills visitors of all ages with awe.

The temple consists of five caves, each showcasing different architectural styles. Located at an altitude of nearly 1,118 feet (340m), the site offers panoramic views of the Ritigala mountain range to the north and the Kurunegala Plains to the southeast. If you're up for a climb, the experience is well worth it, and the scenic views make it a great spot for family photos.

Tip: It's best to start early to avoid the midday heat and the crowds, making for a more peaceful climb. Also, be cautious of the mischievous macaques that roam the area—while they may seem cute, it’s best not to feed them, as they can become quite bold in search of food. Keep your belongings secure and enjoy the peaceful surroundings!

After visiting the temple, continue your journey to Kandy, where you’ll check in at your hotel. The Simpsons Forest is a charming mid-range hotel located just outside of Kandy. It offers a peaceful retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the town, yet is close enough for easy access to local attractions. The highlight of the hotel is its infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views that leaves everyone in awe. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Sigiriya - Dambulla: (Approx. 30 min)
Dambulla - Wattegama (Approx. 2 h)
Overnight Stay at Simpson's Forest, Wattegama - Deluxe Tea Room (All 4 clients together in 1 queen-size bed & 2 extra beds)

After breakfast, we head to Kandy's market, where you meet your local host. They can guide you through the colorful stalls, showcasing fresh vegetables and spices commonly found in Sri Lankan kitchens. Next, you are taken to a homestay in Kandy, where the lady of the house is ready to welcome you with open arms and guide you through a traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience.

The session begins with an introduction to the rich variety of Sri Lankan spices and how they’re used to create the perfect curry. The highlight is cooking with fired clay pots, which help enhance the flavor of the dishes. You’ll get hands-on by chopping vegetables, mixing spices, and stirring up delicious gravies. The best part? At the end of the session, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering, home-cooked lunch that’s the perfect reward for your hard work.

Note: This is a shared cooking experience, so please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

In the afternoon, get ready to show off your dance moves! We’ll head to a local house in Kandy where a skilled dance instructor teaches you the basics of Udarata Netum, a traditional upcountry dance unique to Sri Lanka's central hill country. Instead of attending a crowded tourist show, this personal experience allows you to learn about the dance in a fun and interactive way. You'll start by mastering a few basic moves, then gradually pick up the rhythm of Kandyan drums—which have a unique beat, unlike anything in Western music. The drum beats can have you moving in no time! Your instructor also demonstrates fire dancing, which is always a thrilling sight—but don’t try it at home!

After dancing, you'll enjoy some traditional Kandy sweets like Peni Walalu (treacle bangles) and Kokis (crispy crackers), paired with a cup of plain tea, just like the locals do. We’ll say goodbye to your instructor and host, with a full stomach and plenty of new memories to take home.

Later in the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Kandy’s most iconic landmarks. This temple, located in the heart of the city, houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which has been venerated for centuries. In the past, the custodianship of the relic symbolized the right to rule Sri Lanka. Today, it remains an important and revered place of worship for Buddhists across the country.

Wattegama - Kandy: (Approx. 40 min)
Kandy - Wattegama: (Approx. 40 min)
Overnight Stay at Simpson's Forest, Wattegama - Deluxe Tea Room (All 4 clients together in 1 queen-size bed & 2 extra beds)

After breakfast, get ready to discover the secrets of tea production with a guided tour of the Hatale Tea Factory, located in the lush hills of Sri Lanka’s famous tea country. You’ll learn about the entire tea-making process, from the careful plucking of tender tea leaves to the steps of withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. Watch skilled artisans at work and enjoy a tea tasting session, where you’ll sample the unique flavors of Hathale’s signature blends. This experience lasts about 3 hours and includes a snack pack, fresh fruit juice, and bottled water to keep you refreshed along the way.

In the afternoon, head out for a scenic hike to Sunset Peak. This gentle yet steady hike is perfect for families and hikers of all levels. As you make your way up, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s central hills, with landmarks like Hunnasgiriya, Hantana, Ambuluwawa, Alagalla, Adam’s Peak, and Brandy Point visible along the horizon. Be sure to take in the beauty of the sunset, as it casts a warm golden glow over the landscape. The hike takes about 2 hours and covers approximately 8 km (4.97 mi). Along the way, you'll be provided with a snack pack, fresh fruit juice, and bottled water to keep you energized.

Overnight Stay at Simpson's Forest, Wattegama - Deluxe Tea Room (All 4 clients together in 1 queen-size bed & 2 extra beds)

After breakfast, head towards Makandura where you’ll check in for your final night.

Every once in a while, you find a place that perfectly blends traditional and modern architecture, and The Notary’s House is one such gem. Once the home of a well-known notary in the area, the house has been carefully restored to preserve its old-world charm. Picture a charming country house, surrounded by lush greenery, a tranquil lake, and in the distance, the gleaming white of a dagoba (Buddhist stupa) rising above the palm trees. As the old Sinhalese saying goes, “Gamai Pansalai, Wewai Dagabai”—the village, the temple, the lake, and the dagoba are all interconnected in harmony. The atmosphere here is peaceful and quintessentially Sri Lankan, making it a perfect retreat to unwind after your adventure-filled days.

The lakefront location and the expansive six-acre property with a coconut estate create a serene environment for relaxation. Take a refreshing dip in the inviting pool, or simply relax with a book and a cup of tea, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

In the afternoon, it’s time to grab a bike and explore the village! The Notary’s House has a few simple bikes available, and you can choose one that suits you for a leisurely cycling adventure. While you’re welcome to ride on your own, it’s a good idea to take one of the house hosts along to show you the best routes. Cycle through the picturesque surroundings, starting with the lush paddy fields and then entering the peaceful Dikkale Forest Reserve. Pedaling through the forest is a truly unique experience, offering a chance to connect with nature in a way that can’t be described, only felt. The ride is about 8 km (4.97 mi), but if you’re up for more, you can discuss extending your journey with your hosts.

Wattegama - Makandura: (Approx. 2 h and 45 min)
Overnight Stay at Notary's House, Makandura - Two Bedroom Private Suite (All 4 clients together)

Today is your last day in Sri Lanka. After breakfast, head to the airport and be sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. Safe travels!

Makandura - Airport: (Approx. 45 min)