12 days – family holiday in Sri Lanka

Travel from Negombo to Dambulla, known for its magnificent cave temples.

Dambulla: Here you will find a cave-temple complex with five caves in the rock. The first three caves are better preserved, older and larger than the other two. Some caves date to the 1st century BC. The walls and ceilings of all five caves are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues; there are also statues of deities and kings.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Dambulla.

Climb the majestic rock fortress of Sigiriya after breakfast.

Sigiriya: Here stands the famous “Fortress in the Sky” from the 5th century, perhaps the island’s most remarkable single wonder. The approach to the fortress was once marked by a monumental gateway. Within its triple moat system the massive rock rises almost vertically to a height of 152 metres. On its summit are the foundations of a once magnificent palace and gardens, complete with a swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient secular Sinhalese painting has been preserved in the form of life-size frescoes of maidens.

Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya.

Travel to Kandy.

Kandy: Often called Sri Lanka’s cultural capital – a city rich in history, tradition and natural beauty. Nestled among mist-covered hills, it is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. The city surrounds the tranquil Kandy Lake and is known for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand festival with traditional dancers, drummers and decorated elephants. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the city’s scenic viewpoints.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

A day at leisure in Kandy.

Temple of the Tooth: Also called Sri Dalada Maligawa, located in the heart of Kandy, it is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The temple houses the relic of the Buddha’s tooth, making it an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the world. The temple’s architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and golden decorations, reflects the splendour of the Kandyan kingdom. Daily rituals, traditional drumming and offerings create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Bandarawela.

Bandarawela: A charming hill town in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by tea plantations, mist-clad hills and cool mountain air. Known for its mild climate and relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal stop for travellers exploring the highlands. The town shows traces of colonial charm and provides easy access to attractions such as Diyaluma Falls, Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne tea factory.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Bandarawela.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Bandarawela.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Bandarawela.

After breakfast enjoy an exciting safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, leopards and other fascinating fauna.

Udawalawe National Park: Located on the border between Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, it is one of the country’s best places to see wild elephants up close. The park’s expansive grasslands, scrub and forest areas and reservoir create an ideal habitat for elephant herds, as well as buffalo, deer, crocodiles and a variety of bird species. The park is open year-round and offers unforgettable jeep safaris where you can observe wildlife in its natural surroundings.

Continue to Mirissa.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mirissa.

Relax and enjoy Mirissa’s beautiful beaches. Swim, sunbathe or explore the fishing village of Weligama.

Mirissa: Located on Sri Lanka’s south coast, it is a tropical paradise known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the island’s best places for whale and dolphin watching, especially from November to April when blue whales are often sighted offshore. The crescent-shaped beach is perfect for swimming, surfing or pure relaxation under the palms. At sunset Mirissa transforms into a lively beach scene with fish and seafood restaurants and cosy bars.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mirissa.

Discover the historic Galle Fort after breakfast.

Galle: A vibrant coastal city in southern Sri Lanka that beautifully combines history, culture and seaside charm. At its heart lies the iconic Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. Enclosed by massive stone walls overlooking the Indian Ocean, the fort is a living museum with colonial architecture, cobbled streets and churches from several centuries. Inside the fort you can explore boutique shops, art galleries and cafés while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Dinner and overnight in Galle.

Explore the bustling city of Colombo.

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s lively commercial capital is a dynamic mix of old and new – where colonial charm meets modern city life. The city’s skyline includes elegant high-rises alongside historic landmarks such as the Old Parliament Building and the Independence Memorial. You can visit cultural sites such as the Gangaramaya Temple, shop at bustling markets or upmarket malls and enjoy the sea breeze along Galle Face Green.

Dinner and overnight in Colombo.

Your unforgettable family adventure in Sri Lanka comes to an end. Enjoy your final morning in Colombo before departing for the airport.