Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday
Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday
Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday
13 Days Starting and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Colombo, Chilaw, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella, Kataragama, Yala National Park Sri Lanka, Ahangama, ሀመር።, Galle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FIS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 24
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
9 to 16
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Sri Lanka has an amazing array of mesmerising sites to visit. From the ancient cave temples of Dambulla to the world famous Temple of the Tooth, there is something to fascinate everyone. We climb to the top of the Lions Rock Fortress in Sigiriya, take a game drive to see elephants in their natural habitat and visit Kandy which is the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. After exploring the tea plantations in the cool highlands we travel to Yala National Park where we take a game drive in search of leopard! Finally we head to the idyllic palm-fringed beaches of the south coast, the perfect end to a varied and fun holiday.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Chilaw.
Location: Colombo, Chilaw
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
We arrive in the afternoon at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and transfer to our hotel at Chilaw on the coast, approximately an hour and a half north of the airport. Those not flying with the group will join us at the hotel in time for the welcome briefing.Carolina Beach Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Drive Via Kurungala To Sigiriya; Relax By The Pool.
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Today we drive out to Sigiriya. This can take approximately 3½ hours but there will be two stops, including a rest by the lake in the historic city of Kurunegala. The town is famous for its impressive 5th century rock fortress, which rises 600 feet from the plains and overlooks the surrounding countryside, giving far reaching, magnificent views. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town, relax at the hotel and jump in the pool!Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar
Day 3 : Explore Ancient Polonnaruwa; Game Drive At Minneriya National Park.
Location: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfastlunch
After breakfast we take a short drive to the 10th century capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here there are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. In the afternoon we will go on a safari at Minneriya National Park where we should see elephants in their natural habitat.Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar
Day 4 : Climb To The Top Of Lion Rock And Cycle Through Local Villages.
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Sigiriya is our base for the next two days. We will climb ‘Lion Rock’ in the morning whilst its cooler (the return trip usually takes around three hours). Once used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. Crowning the flat summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and will take a lot less time. Please make sure that your children are accompanied at all times as there are some steep drops on this climb. It is of course optional and you may not wish to climb to the top of the fortress itself. In the afternoon we include the opportunity to cycle slowly through local villages and soak up the atmosphere, which is usually a great experience for everyone (if you do not wish to participate you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately £10 per tuk tuk and follow the group but not cycle).Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar
Day 5 : Cave Temples At Dambulla; Visit A Spice Garden; Drive To Kandy Visiting A Traditional Rope Factory (Using Coconut Husk) En Route.
Location: Dambulla, Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Today we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, and very well preserved, paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. After lunch we stop at a spice garden near Matale where we can smell the various spices and herbs growing and the resident expert explains their uses. There's a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines.
Before we drive to Kandy we stop by a rope making factory – which is a local house in the Matale area. The group will be able to visit the facility on the way to Kandy and witness the traditional process of rope making. Children will also be able to witness – and even experience – how interesting masterpieces are carved out a busy machine that strings out ropes of all colors and sizes. The activity lasts for approx. 30 minutes and the process could be a rewarding sight for both children and adults. We then drive to Kandy.Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar
Day 6 : Visit The Temple Of The Tooth.
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Kandy is a picturesque hill town situated on a lake and home to Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic. We begin with a visit to the temple during the ceremony. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are normally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and it is open to the public. We then visit a sari factory, where we learn about these traditional garments that have been worn in Sri Lanka for thousands of years. We will watch how the silk is weaved into rolls of beautiful coloured fabric and there's even time for some dressing up! The rest of the day is free to wander round Kandy, by the lake or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for wonderful views over the town.Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar
Day 7 : Visit A Tea Plantation In Nurawa Eliya And Have A Go At Tea-Picking; Stay In The Beautiful Highlands.
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Today we make the spectacular drive through the tea plantation district to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station for the British during the colonial era, situated in the cool highland air at 1890m, it has a very British feel to it. Known locally as 'Little England' it is dotted with British style houses, hotels and even a racecourse. The area is famous for its high quality tea and we visit a working plantation later in the day. This will also include a short tea picking session in a working tea plantation, depending on the weather condition. We stay in the hill country overnight at Bandarawela.Bandarawela Hotel or similar
Day 8 : Drive To Yala National Park Via Ella Gap; Afternoon Game Drive.
Location: Ella, Kataragama, Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
This morning we continue on to the Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible. We then head south out of the hills to Kataragama down on the plains, which is our base for visiting Yala National Park. After lunch we will have a game drive; the park is best known for its elephants but we may also see deer, monkeys, buffalo and a wide range of bird life. If you are lucky you may also see a leopard as Yala has one of the highest concentrations of these beautiful animals in the world (Please note that the sanctuary is closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually the Udawalawe National Park).Mandara Rosen or similar
Day 9 - 11 : Transfer To Our Beach Hotel Via Tissamaharama; 3 Nights By Beach To Relax Or Explore The Area.
Location: Ahangama
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
Today we leave for the coast and its beautiful palm fringed bays. On the way we stop at Tissamaharama and walk through rural farmland to a village where you can try some unusual local delicacies such as boiled manioc served with coconut and a spicy mixture of chillies, onions, peppers and lemon. You will see daily life and may even take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games. We then head back to our bus in little tractors used by the farmers. We will arrive at Ahangama in the afternoon and the rest of your time here is free with a chance to swim, relax on the beach or by the pool or do any one of numerous optional activities that your leader can organise for you.Insight Resort or similar
Day 12 : To Colombo Via The Old Dutch Fort At Galle.
Location: Galle
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breakfast
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon.
Hotel Mirage or similar
Day 13 : End Colombo.
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: breakfast
We have a relaxed breakfast before those flying on the group flight transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight. Arrangements for those not flying with the group will end after check out.
What's Included
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts and 1 lunch included
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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All accommodation (see below)
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 0 dinners.
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All breakfasts and 1 lunch includedAll accommodation (see below)All transport and listed activitiesTour leader throughoutFlights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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— All breakfasts and 1 lunch included — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or vaccinations
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— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts and 1 lunch included. We suggest allowing about GBP15 (USD25) p/p per day for meals. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite, or perhaps because of, these influences Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to simply as ‘Rice and Curry’; this is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic . The variety is constant and this along with the abundance of fresh seafood and fish ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.
Accommodation
We spend 12 nights in hotels. The hotel at Sigiriya, where we spend three nights, is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. The hotel has a swimming pool and a luxury sauna.
Worth knowing
While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.