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Sri Lanka Family Activity Holiday
Sri Lanka Family Activity Holiday (KFS 01)
Region : Srilanka
12
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$ 1560

Based on a minimum of 4 people travelling

Tour Overview

Our family holiday in Sri Lanka focuses on immersing in nature, wildlife, and local culture. Designed for learning and fun, this trip begins in the heart of the cultural triangle, home to two expansive national parks. Experience thrilling safaris with elephants, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and discover local monkey populations. Next, we journey to the vibrant and less-visited east coast. Once inaccessible due to the civil war, this region now welcomes travelers with its distinct culture, warm and friendly people, and rich traditions. Spend time with local families, engage in conversations about their daily lives, go fishing, and savor home-cooked meals. On our return to the west coast, we'll stop for a day at Udawalawe, another fantastic safari destination. Then, we'll continue to Galle, a city that encapsulates Sri Lanka’s colonial history. The main city center, Galle Fort, was originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch in the 1700s. It stands as a testament to the colonial impact in South Asia. Today, Galle is a vibrant mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicities coexisting harmoniously. Throughout these diverse experiences, we aim to showcase the multifaceted beauty of our island, leaving you with a rich and nuanced understanding of life in Sri Lanka.



Sri Lanka Family Activity Holiday

Day 1: Habarana
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and driven to Habarana (approximately 3.5 hours). Take some time to relax after your flight. Explore the grounds and enjoy the soothing bird calls.
Day 2: Habarana - Minneria
 Safari at Minneriya: With information about the elephants from the locals, we can decide to go on a morning or afternoon Safari at the nearby Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. The ‘Gathering’, the largest concentration of Elephants in Asia, happens when over 300 gather on the grassland that sprouts on the receding shores of Minneriya Lake. The Gathering at Minneriya is now ranked sixth amongst the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles by Lonely Planet and occurs every year from around June to October, with numbers peaking from August onwards. During the onset of the North-east monsoon in Ocotber, which signals the onset of the wet season, the elephants disperse to the surrounding jungles and at Hurulla Eco Park close to Habarana, anywhere up to about 50 – 75 elephants maybe seen during the late afternoons.. Accommodation: The Other Corner or Similar
Day 3: Habarana - Polonnaruwa
 Polonnaruwa: Today we take a trip to Polonnaruwa. A historical capital of ancient Sri Lanka. We can explore the ruins on bicycles. Post lunch we can visit the Smithsonian Primate Centre. Walking around the site, you’ll see how many monkeys have made their homes within the ruins. Your host will guide you around a small area of the complex, where you will be able to stand just meters away from large groups of toque macaques and grey. Your host will take you on a walk to follow the monkeys on foot and learn about monkey behaviours and the various challenges of monkey conservation. Accommodation: The Other Corner or Similar
Day 4: Kalkudah
Kalkudah: Today we head to the scenic eastern coast of Sri Lanka. The beaches on the East Coast are ideal from May to September. With the sea being very calm. Accommodation: Giman Free Beach or Similar
Day 5: Kalkudah
Fish and Cook: Today we spend the whole day out learning how to fish and cook the local style. We will learn good recipes of delicious curries to bring back home and get in touch with local fishermen willing to share their ancestral way of fishing with you. After a visit to the market, you will reach the family that will teach you Sri Lankan cooking, take your lunch with them, and after a relaxing chat, have a ride along our enchanting lagoon before meeting the fishermen on the lagoon for a refreshing fishing class. Accommodation: Giman Free Beach or Similar
Day 6: Kalkudah
Whale Watching or Snorkeling: Today is an optional day to explore the sea! We can go either whale watching or snorkelling. Accommodation: Giman Free Beach or Similar
Day 7-8: Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay: Arugam Bay is mostly known as surfing destination however what most people don’t know is the amazing wilderness inland. We spend the next 2 days on nature walks through the jungles and around the tanks. Accommodation: Kudakaliya or Similar.
Day 9: Udawalawe
Udawalawe: Today we take the scenic drive to Udawalawe. Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces in SriLanka. The national park is home to a variety of wildlife including herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar, spotted deer, grey langurs and peacocks. Accommodation: Nature House Homestay or Similar  
Day 10: Galle
Galle: We begin the day with a Safari in the Park. Keep your eyes open for elephants, numerous birds, crocodiles and bison. After the safari, we head to beautiful Galle. The 17th century Dutch Fort town is a UNESCO heritage site. Galle is an interesting mix religion, cultures and ethnicities. Once settled in we can spend the evening exploring the fort and catching the sunset from the ramparts. Accommodation: Fort Bliss Galle or Similar 
Day 11: Galle
Artists at Galle: Hosted in the residence of a local school teacher in Galle, the DIY experience is designed to engage kids through creative work whether it’s arts or crafts and help them explore their imagination while on holiday so that their parents can have some much needed time off. Accommodation: Fort Bliss Galle or Similar 
Day 12: Departure
Drop to Colombo airport. Tour ends.

Inclusions

  • Based on a family of 4 travelling, sharing in 2 rooms
  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 11 breakfast, 7 dinners
  • All transfers in aircon vehicle
  • English speaking driver cum guide
  • 1 safari each at Minneriya & Udawalawe
  • Entrance fees for Polonnaruwa
  • Cooking and fishing experience in Batticalao

Route Maps

Gallery

FAQs

Q: Do I need a Visa to enter Sri Lanka?
Yes. http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Q: What kind of climate should I expect?
Sri Lanka is tropical and would be hot and humid most of the year except during November to February when it is slightly cooler. In addition, the highlands are cooler and cold at nights during the winter months.

Q: Are tour dates flexible?
Yes.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations we use are all birder friendly accommodations near the birding areas, clean and with great service.

Q: Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
It would be sent along with the detailed itinerary we send to you.

Q: Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour ?
Yes, we can arrange pre and post night extensions.

Q: Do you cater to dietary requirements?
Yes we do but we would require adequate advance notice.

Q: What is the Sri Lankan currency?
Sri Lankan Rupee. The higher denomination notes are 500, 1000 and 5000 rupees.

Q: Are foreign currencies accepted locally?
The USD, GBP and EURO can be exchanged at most major towns.

Q: Are there ATMs available?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs are available throughout Sri Lanka

Q: Are credit and charge cards widely accepted?
Most of the hotels we use & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards. However the smaller places in remote locations would not accept cards.

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance before travelling?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to Sri Lanka, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q: What vaccinations will I require?
Please check with your doctor. The areas which fall within this tour are malaria-free.

Q: Air airport transfers included?
Yes. Pick up from the airport and drop to the airport are included as mentioned in the itinerary.

Q: What kind of electrical travel adaptor will I need?
Sri Lanka uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). The two pin plug is also called the Europlug. It has two round 4 mm (0.157 in) pins. It can be inserted in either way into the socket. Hence there is no fixed live (hot) and neutral (cold) terminals. The three pin plug is rated at 6A / 250V. It has three round pins in a triangular pattern. The earth terminal is slightly larger than the live and neutral terminals. For Higher current, there is a 15 Amp version of the same 3 Pin plug, usually called the Power Plug or the M Plug. Live and neutral are 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart. Earth terminal is 1+1⁄8 in (28.58 mm) away from live and neutral terminals. Typically, refrigerators, heaters and other high power devices are connected to this 15 Amp socket.

Q: Will a standard European electric plug (2 round pins) fit into a power point in Sri Lanka?
Yes. To insert the 2 pin plug into a Type D 3 Pin socket which in some cases may be closed by default, push a pen into the Ground/Earth terminal. This opens up the protected 2 Pin terminals and you can insert the 2 Pin plug.

Q: Will a standard American electric plug fit into a power point in Sri Lanka?
No. But any electrical store will sell you an adapter for around 50 cents or less.

Q: What is included in my tour?
Accommodation with most meals, all transfers, all birding walks, birding guide.

Q: What is not included in the tour?
Tips, some meals, personal expenses, beverages and liquor.

Q: How much should I tip?
Tipping is the customary way of saying thank you for a good trip. Any amount is welcome and is certain to augment the income of the bird guide and driver. Please remember that this is their only means of livelihood.

Q: Tell me more about the birding guides?
Our birding guides are knowledgeable. For single or two guests we sometimes provide a car with a driver who is also an accomplished birding guide.

Q: Is there any restrictions on drinking liquor or smoking?
There are no restrictions on drinking liquor but consumption of liquor in public is not permitted. Please check with your guide or driver if the hotel has a liquor license. You can pick up liquor from liquor vends all over Sri Lanka. Smoking in public is also not permitted.

Q: What will the meals be like on my tour?
Meals are usually ethnic Sri Lankan fare, both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Some hotels may provide Continental food. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Q: Is there a 24 hours hotline for me to call during an emergency?
Yes. The number will be provided to you before you start the tour

Q: What is the Internet access like?
All places have internet, not necessarily in the rooms but near the reception.

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