Our airport representative will meet you at the arrival terminal to welcome you to the tour. (We provide you with a knowledgeable, friendly, multilingual guide and transportation in excellent condition, luxurious, and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.) First, your knowledgeable agent will take you to the luxury accommodation in Sigiriya, where you will experience the friendly hospitality of Sri Lanka for the first time. After checking in, spend this afternoon on safari in Minneriya National Park, the world's largest gathering place for Asian elephants. The massive Minneriya Tank Reservoir, constructed in the third century CE during King Mahasen's reign, sits at the centre of the protected reserve. During the dry summer months, elephants from all over the country come to this large freshwater source to drink, bathe, and socialise on its serene banks. Even while the elephants are the main draw, you should keep an eye out for rare Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears, langur monkeys, and an amazing array of birds while exploring the park in a Jeep.
Explore one of Sri Lanka's most treasured monuments today as you climb the 1,200 steps to Sigiriya Rock. Admire the intact 1,600-year-old frescoes and other relics of the carved fortress as you ascend through giant carved lion's paws to reach the top—where sweeping views across the surrounding countryside await. Countless hidden wonders along the way make the long climb relatively easy for the whole family, but younger children can also opt for a less strenuous hike to the halfway point. Arrive at Puranagama in the afternoon to get a unique look at traditional rural Sri Lankan life. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you walk along the dirt roads, past thatched huts and wooden carts, to see how the inhabitants perform their customs and rituals. Sit and chat with Gunaratne as he shows you how to grind coconut chillies using traditional utensils. During this journey you will gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Sri Lankan culture.
Today, a private, excellent-condition vehicle will take you up from your accommodation and drive you east to the picturesque Pasikudah beach village. Make a stop at the historic Polonnaruwa ruins along the route to see the enthralling groups of curious primates and their dedicated researchers. Once the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now scattered with the remains of palaces, shrines, and monuments. A thriving colony of monkeys, including torque macaques, grey langurs, and purple-faced leaf eaters, may be found within the city's stone walls. The Smithsonian Research Centre intervened to save their declining population, and its field researchers will take the whole family on a tour of the thriving monkey world. As you travel around a small portion of this region and teach kids about the struggles and successes of monkey conservation, they will be amazed by the social interactions and behaviours of the local troops. After that, before it gets too hot, keep exploring the remains before returning to the road and the shore.
The best way to discover the amazing life that exists beneath the beautiful waters of Pasikudah is to don snorkelling gear and dive straight in! While marvelling at Pasikudah's abundant marine life and intricate expanses of coral reef, snorkelling offers lots of exploration opportunities. While youngsters seven years old and up can join a guided expedition to go deeper into the underwater world, younger children can wade out to the bay in front of the resort for a brief glance at the beautiful fish.
Today, head west to a region with verdant hills and valleys and the best climate for growing tea in the nation. One of the biggest producers of tea in the world is Sri Lanka, and visitors should definitely take a tour of a tea estate. Explore Giragama's vibrant factories and emerald fields to learn about the incredible process that goes into creating the ideal cup. You will discover how tastes are developed to accommodate different palates and taste some of the best, locally grown Ceylon tea, all while learning about the history, cultivation, and manufacture of the tea. The next stop is Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. The UNESCO-listed city is well-known for its Royal Palace, which is perched on the shore of the tranquil Lake Kandy and contains the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth), home to the holy tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Wander through the bustling downtown streets and make a stop at the Gem Museum, where the stunning exhibits will enthral visitors of all ages. See the Bahirawakanda Buddha statue for breathtaking views over the city as you conclude your tour, and browse some of the city's unique souvenir shops. As dusk draws in, check into your rustic accommodation and congregate around a stunning, blazing bonfire beneath a starry night sky. Under the stars, parents can sip cocktails and chat with their children over roasted marshmallows and day stories.
Spend a day exploring the rural countryside and embracing the slow-paced lifestyle found in Sri Lanka's highlands. The beautiful and rich Mahaweli River Valley is a short distance from your comfortable hotel. Here, you can spend the day walking through the lush paddy fields, visiting the historic Ganegoda Kataragama Temple, and enjoying a picnic by the river with tea and freshly made cakes. Return to Kandy and take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant flora of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for a fragrant and colourful day. Over 5,000 different types of trees and plants, some rare and native to the island, may be found in the grounds, which were first planted in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the Kandyan rulers. There's plenty of space for kids to run around and many interesting things to see; make sure you stop by the well-liked World Spice Garden and Orchid House displays. On your last night in Sri Lanka, as the sun sets, retire to your luxury hotel for an open-air movie night. For younger guests, enjoy Disney classics like "The Jungle Book," while for older guests, catch up on classic Sri Lankan documentaries or films with subtitles.
Following a relaxed morning, it's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka as your driver drives you to the airport in time for your flight out. Safe travels and ayubowan, the customary long-life blessing from Sri Lanka.
