Family holiday in Sri Lanka, elephant heaven

country:	Sri Lanka
departures:	2009: 12 Dec, 19 Dec, 20 Dec 2010: 6 Feb, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 5 Aug, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 16 Oct, 11 Dec, 18 Dec 2011: 12 Feb, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 15 Oct, 10 Dec, 17 Dec
price:	From £1299 - £1899 (16 days) per adult and from £969 - £1349 per child including flights from the UK. From £849 - £1019 per adult and from £599 - £739 per child excluding flights.
late availability:	Late availability on 20th December departures
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

read 6 travellers reviews

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Sri Lanka holidays

Family holidays

"To stand in the looming presence of Sigiriya Rock and then later feel the sense of achievement from climbing it would be a very exciting highlight on this trip! But it would excite me on a smaller, more humbling level to watch or even help local fishermen with their morning catch and also to feed baby elephants at the elephant orphanage."
- Lisa, responsibletravel.com

the amazing things you'll be doing

A thrilling holiday discovering the fascinating culture, varied landscapes & wildlife of this tropical paradise

Dolphin Watching
From November to April the sea is often like a sheet of glass. Dolphins glide in the azure depths and, if lucky, you may have them jumping out of the water giving you an official welcome to Sri Lanka!

Habarana & Village Life
Continuing your journey on this diverse tropical island, you head inland to climb Sigiriya Rock and explore unspoilt tropical woodland on elephant-back. You can also discover the lush countryside by bike (optional). You'll have the unique opportunity to watch (or help!) local villagers with their early morning fish catch and (season permitting) ride to islands in Parakrama Lake on a fisherman's catamaran. Here you may see ibis, cormorants and other birds.

Temples & Jungle
Kandy is famous for its Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens. Following a drive through stunning mountains you'll embark on a jungle trek and canoe on the Kelani River. There's also the opportunity for white water rafting (optional).

Elephants & Beaches
You'll experience dramatic hill-country and colonial Bandarawela before descending to stay by Uda Walawe NP. After a jeep safari you'll visit the Elephant Transit Home, followed by three nights relaxing on the tropical, Indian Ocean beaches.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	In-flight Overnight flight from London to Colombo
Day 2:	Negombo After your flight, you make the short 20 minute transfer to your first night’s accommodation at Negombo. Here as elsewhere up and down the coast, a wide variety of fish are caught by local fishermen in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Coastal lagoons yield a rich harvest of prawn, crab and lobster and all are on the menu. Your hotel here is on the beach and makes an ideal location to watch the sun go down. Hotel - 1 night (B) NB: Although most Sri Lankan Airlines' flights arrive in the early afternoon, schedules sometimes dictate arrival in the very early hours. A hotel room and breakfast will be provided in these instances.
Day 3:	Habarana Leaving early in the morning, you’ll arrive at the dolphin watching base by 0730 hrs and be met by your local Dolphin Specialist who will guide you on board the cetacean watching vessels. We use 19 foot boats powered by outboard engines. The boats have a seating capacity of 06 – 08 persons depending on sea conditions. You’ll then take a 02 – 03 hour boat excursion to see Spinner Dolphins. If you are lucky you may have a school of over 200 dolphins spinning and jumping out of the water to give you an official welcome to Sri Lanka! Several species of whales too have bees spotted in the area, though sightings are rare. There is almost no wind during the months of November through April and the surface of the sea is often calm enough to allow an amazing view into the azure depths beneath. It’s possible to peep over the side of the boat and see several layers of dolphins gliding along below. Leaving Negombo behind you head inland to Habarana. The rest of the day is left free for you to relax or explore at will. Bird lovers will appreciate the hotel’s bird trail, along which 130 species have been recorded; or why not take an optional cycle around the lake? Accomodation will be in the Chaaya Village, Habarana (B) Please note: dolphin watching is subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions at the time.
Day 4:	Habarana Driving the short distance from Habarana this morning, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the summit of Sigiriya’s famous Lion Rock using a series of steps and walkways which zig-zag their way up the seemingly impenetrable rock cliffs. The site was occupied long before the citadel was built at the end of the 5th century, and it later became a monastery before falling into disrepair. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, you’ll ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are the extensive remains of King Kasyapa’s summer palace from where there are breathtaking views. This afternoon, you mount elephants for an exciting elephant-back ride! Sitting in a howdah – an open basket fitted with safety rails and padded cushions - you roll gently from side to side as your elephants ramble lazily through the bush. In the late afternoon you will return to your accommodation in the Chaaya Village, Habarana (B)
Day 5:	Polonnaruwa Very early this morning you make the one hour drive (complete with packed breakfast) to Parakrama Lake. You will drive via Minneriya National Park arriving at dawn, a very mystical way to start the day as the plains are covered in mist! Parakrama Lake is known as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest man-made lakes and you can watch the changing hues as the light comes up. It’s a fun, friendly experience as you wait alongside the wives and young children of fisherman, who’ve gone out to retrieve their fishing nets laid out the night before - a great way to get to know the locals! After the fishermen have sorted their catch, it’s time to head out on a catamaran across the lake; a real adventure! You may even be able to spot white bellied fish eagles, brahmini kites, ibis, cormorants and other native birds as you travel. In the middle of the lake is a small island, a rocky outcrop that provides great 360° views of the lake and forests beyond. NB – The catamaran ride is subject to water levels. Bidding the fishermen and their families’ farewell, you continue to Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the capital from the 10th – 12th centuries, following the decline of Anuradhapura. Here you can explore many monuments which pay great testimony to the city’s important role in Sri Lanka’s history, such as the Royal Palace complex and the Gal Vihare complex, with four impressive Buddha images cut from a single slab of granite. In the late afternoon you will transfer to your accommodation in Polonnaruwa. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming pool) (B)
Day 6:	Dambulla/Kandy This morning you visit Dambulla, 30 minutes or so away, to learn its fascinating history. The Sinhalese King, Valagam Bahu, took refuge here when he was ousted from his capital. He transformed the five caves of this granite outcrop into a rock temple, decorated by statues of Buddha and frescoes, some of which are over 2000 years old. The steep 150m ascent to the top of the rock rewards you with more magnificent views. You then travel southward along the main trunk road to Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, a journey of around two hours. You'll pass through a fertile spice-growing area and plantations where coffee, cacao and rubber are cultivated. This evening you’ll visit the Dalada Maligawa, the famous Temple of the Tooth. This is the major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century; its gilded roof seems to act as a beacon to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. Your accommodation for the next three nights will be in Kandy. Hotel - 3 nights (Swimming pool) (B)
Day 7-8:	Kandy The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. It was once the capital of a kingdom, and managed to resist European dominance for hundreds of years - long after the coastal areas surrendered. During your time in Kandy you will visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection. You will also take in the sights of Kandy including a visit to the bazaar area and a visit to the citadel in time for sunset over the lake. The rest of your time here is free to explore. You may wish to take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys amid 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Kandy is perfect for those who enjoy walking - the town has many hidden corners to explore and views from walks around the lake are spectacular. You will return to your hotel in Kandy for accommodation. (Bx2)
Day 9:	Kitulgala Leaving Kandy you take a bus journey through the green ranks of tea bushes which cover the higher hillsides on your way to Kitulgala. Your journey takes around two and a half hours and you travel accompanied by exceptional all-round scenic views of the tea plantations as you head further into the hill country. You continue your drive through this beautiful landscape, descending to Kitulgala, to arrive around lunchtime. Located amidst thick forest on Sri Lanka’s second-longest river, the Kelani, Kitulgala is rapidly becoming something of an adventure centre and is a great place for a variety of activities. The river, setting for the epic film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ is an ideal location for rafting, swimming and other water-based activities. The surrounding forests with their wide variety of flora and fauna offer you a variety of spectacular walks, with some stunning views over the valley. This afternoon you will enjoy a dugout canoe ride across the Kelani River and a jungle walk in the forest reserve, where you may be able to spot various endemic bird species. Tonight you will stay in rustic accommodation in Kitulgala. Resthouse - 1 night (B)
Day 10:	Bandarawela After a free morning, with the chance to enjoy white water rafting on the Kelani River (optional) you set off through the hills once again, this time bound for Bandarawela. Along the way you’ll see tea pickers deftly plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets carried on their backs. It’s approximately a three hour drive to reach a tea estate just outside the old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya. At the estate you’ll visit the tea factory and see every step of the tea making process - from bush to cup! You continue your journey to reach Bandarawela, another hill town once popular with British plantation managers. Today the twisting roads of the hill country make for one of the trip’s longest road journeys (5 – 5½ hours drive). There’s plenty of interest along the way however, including a stop at some waterfalls, and the added benefit of a shorter journey tomorrow. You can relax in the evening with an overnight’s stay in Bandarawela. Hotel - 1 night (B)
Day 11:	Belihul Oya After a short walk around Bandarawela and the vegetable gardens that surround it, you set off on your way down out of the mountains, towards your campsite at Belihul Oya. Belihul Oya is a very picturesque little hamlet situated in the “Sabaragamuwa” province of Sri Lanka, approximately 160 km from Colombo. This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation consists of moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests, making it one of the richest biodiversity spots in Sri Lanka- a perfect location for nature lovers. The camp site at Belihul Oya provides an ideal opportunity to experience camping in style! This is camping with a difference - the tents are very spacious, clean and modern, and guests are guaranteed a good night’s sleep on comfortable mattresses and listening to nature’s very own orchestra! The camp has easy access to the restaurant, toilets, shower and freshwater ‘al fresco’ bathing in the river. There are a number of exciting optional activities for you to take part in here, including cyclin and canoeing. Campsite - 1 night (Swimming opportunity in river) (B)
Day 12:	Jungle Safari, elephant feeding time & the coast This afternoon you venture into Uda Walawe National Park, setting off on a jeep safari. The 308km sq park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife; herds of wild elephant are more numerous here than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. If you are really lucky you may also catch glimpses of macaque and larger monkeys, leopard, spotted deer and crocodile. This is a real safari experience; kids will love the thrill of coming across a herd of wild elephants; it’s nothing like a zoo or safari park! You will visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and set up in 1995, it provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away; a great chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s national animal. This afternoon you continue your journey south to reach the coast at Nonagama. Here you’ll take a short drive along the coast road west and soon arrive at the small fishing village of Tangalle. You can relax with the sunset overnight in Tangalle. Hotel - 3 nights (B)
Day 13-14:	Tangalle Beach Stay Sri Lanka is justifiably famous for its exquisite beaches, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. At Tangalle you have plenty of time to unwind on the white sandy beach listening to the lapping of the waves after the previous day’s travelling. With a history stretching back through the Dutch colonial period, laid back Tangalle is the perfect place to relax. Your time is your own here and you can either relax on the palm-fringed beach, or explore further afield. You return to your beach resort for accommodation. (Bx2) Please note that the seas along the south and west coast of Sri Lanka can be rough, with undertows. Whilst on the beach children should always be supervised by an adult.
Day 15:	Negombo After your time on the beach it's time to head north back to Negombo. As you head out along the coast you reach the town of Galle. Here you can walk the walls of the famous Dutch fort or explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls. En route you can pay a visit to the turtle hatchery at Kosgoda. Turtles are kept here for the first few days of their lives before being released into the sea and the project does much to help safeguard the welfare of these endangered animals. The remainder of your journey to Colombo is by train. This is an ideal way to travel along the coast as the leisurely pace of the train provides outstanding views of the surrounding area. On arrival at Columbo you'll transfer by minibus to Negombo. Before you return home your Group Leader will probably arrange a final ‘last supper’ where you can reflect on the kaleidoscope of wonderful things you have seen. Hotel– 1 night (Swimming pool) (B)
Day 16:	Fly to London The trip ends for Land Only clients at the hotel whilst those on group flights are transferred to the airport for the flight back to London. (B)

travellers' tales

The most memorable part of the trip for me was seeing the enormous excitement and pleasure my 2 daughters (aged 16 and 12) derived from their holiday... The people, countryside, wildlife (elephants galore!) and cultural visits provided an exciting mix. (more)

small group family holiday

This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip

how this holiday makes a difference

During your holiday you will make a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation. Established in 1995, the home provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the ETH at feeding time (the only time visits are allowed) and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away. As entrance fees to the National Park go directly to the Sri Lankan government, we will leave a donation of $5 for the ETH on your behalf.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is probably Sri Lanka’s most famous elephant sanctuary and up until early 2006 a visit here was included in this holiday. However serious concerns over the treatment and welfare of the elephants led to us to stop visiting Pinnawela and visit the ETH instead. We will continue to monitor the situation and press for improvements in the conditions at Pinnawela.

Alongside our Sri Lankan agent we employ local guides, drivers and of course the group leader. Money from our visit also reaches a wide range of people from local hoteliers to restaurateurs. Following the tsunami in 2004 we’ve been working hand in hand with out agent on a recovery project in Ahanhama on the south coast. Like many other villages in this area, Ahangama was badly affected by the tsunami, with many homes, businesses and lives lost. Shortly after the tsunami we began supporting a local school and from September 2005 we have been donating £5 for every person travelling with us to Sri Lanka. The monies will be spent on equipment – to help the school return to full strength. You will also have the opportunity to visit the school during your trip – gifts of sports equipment (netballs, footballs and jerseys) plus library books would be most welcome.

Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.

Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.

Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.

Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.

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