Sri Lanka: Wild Family Adventure

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore Sri Lanka, where enchanting wildlife, ancient ruins and mystical landscapes make for an unforgettable family trip. This activity-packed adventure uncovers the country’s many treasures: we climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya, spot elephants on safari and raft down the Kelani Ganga river. And that’s just the start. We also take a train ride thro...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Climb to the top of the ancient city fortress of Sigiriya
    • Cycle through rural villages and lush paddy fields
    • See elephants in their natural habitat
    • Raft down the Kelani Ganga river
    • Take a train ride through the tea hills
    • Spend two days relaxing on palm-fringed tropical beaches

What's this trip about?

    Explore Sri Lanka, where enchanting wildlife, ancient ruins and mystical landscapes make for an unforgettable family trip. This activity-packed adventure uncovers the country’s many treasures: we climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya, spot elephants on safari and raft down the Kelani Ganga river. And that’s just the start. We also take a train ride through the tea hills, enjoy an authentic cooking class, and visit the Elephant Transit Home to learn about their vital conservation work. Finally, we head to the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast, an idyllic end to a trip that will be talked about for years to come.Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean with your loved ones on a fun-for-all getaway

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age range9 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityNegombo
End CityColombo

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 8

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and three lunches & two dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport
    • Monuments and attractions entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
    • Village Cycling
    • Afternoon Game Drive
    • White water rafting
    • Local Cooking Class (one of the included lunches)
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Itinerary

Day 1 Start in Negombo

The adventure begins at our start hotel, which is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo. This evening, we have a welcome briefing and group dinner at the hotel – a great chance to meet your travel companions. The tour leader will advise on the time and location. Accommodation: Amagi Aria Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Sigiriya; afternoon village cycle to stretch and enjoy fresh air after the long drive

We leave the coast and head to Sigiriya, the journey takes around 3hr 30min but there are breaks en route. Passing the impressive Elephant Rock in Kurunegala city, which rises 1,037ft (315m) from the plains, we stop at a nearby lake for a comfort break and to stretch ...

Day 3 Climb to the top of the Sigiriya rock fortress; game drive to spot elephants

After an early breakfast, we climb up the rock fortress at Sigiriya, a giant ruin-topped granite peak high above the jungle. Now a UNESCO site, it was once used as a haven from invaders; crowning the flat summit are the extensive remains of the fifth-century Summer Pa...

Day 4 Drive to Kandy; visit the Temple of the Tooth

This morning, we leave Sigiriya and journey to Kandy, the former capital of Sri Lanka. The drive takes approximately three hours with a comfort stop along the way. Kandy is a picturesque hill town on a lake and it’s home to the Temple of the Tooth, which holds the mo...

Day 5 Relaxed start to the day before driving to Kitulgala and the Kelani Ganga river

It’s a slow start this morning, so enjoy a lie-in or spend time by the pool. Later, we travel down to Kitulgala (approximately three hours’ drive). Nestled amid forested hills, Kitulgala is bordered by the Kelani Ganga, a river that provides a stunning backdrop and wh...

Day 6 Morning white-water rafting; afternoon, drive and train to Ella

After breakfast, we enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting session. Navigate the scenic Kelani Ganga, conquering five major rapids and four minor ones – a thrilling adventure tailored for adrenaline enthusiasts. The experience includes safety gear, modern rafts, an...

Day 7 Mid-day cooking class; afternoon visit Nine Arch Bridge and hike up Mini Adam’s Peak

We have an easy start to the day, leaving the hotel late morning to visit a local village house for a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. Our host talks us through traditional cooking methods and shows us how to create authentic Sri Lankan food, while also discussing ...

Day 8 Transfer to the coastal village of Ahangama via the Elephant Transit Home

This morning, we leave for the coast through Ella Gap, where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 3,280ft (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 oc...

Day 9 - 10 Visit to Weligama for optional surf lesson and snorkelling

Over the next two days, we have free time with a chance to do any one of numerous optional activities, which our tour leader can help arrange. On Day 9, the tour leader will arrange a round-trip transfer to Weligama Beach, a great spot for surf lessons or snorkelling...

Day 11 Drive to Colombo via Galle

We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Pedler Street, we continued along the expressway to Colombo, reaching ...

Day 12 End Colombo

The adventure ends today and it’s time to begin your return journey home. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip getaway to the Maldives. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore Sri Lanka a little more, you can book an extension to your stay at the beach or in Colombo.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,850
Price per day$238
Last Updated: 11/6/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
16 Apr 2025
27 Apr 2025
$2,850
$3,488
22 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$2,850
$3,488
13 Aug 2025
24 Aug 2025
$2,850
$3,488
19 Dec 2025
30 Dec 2025
$3,225
$3,863

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

On this family adventure, we spend 11 nights in hotels and one night in a lodge in Kitulgala. Most of the properties are in quiet village areas with limited local restaurants and shops, so many of your evening meals are in the hotels, typically buffets with a mix of international and local cuisines. Where possible, the tour leader can recommend local places to eat but often these will be small establishments where the service is relaxed. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel (nights 2-3) The hotel at Sigiriya is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. It is styled in a traditional village theme and has a swimming pool and wellness centre for rest and relaxation after days out sightseeing. Kitulgala: Kithulgala Rest House (night 5) Kithulgala Rest House is a historic property on the Kelani River with a tropical backdrop. Rest houses have a long history in Sri Lanka, dating to the 18th century when they were introduced to host European traders and families. The guestrooms at our rest house are simply decorated with dark-wood furniture, clean, comfortable facilities, and private bathrooms. The area is also home to a bird sanctuary, where you can see a variety of rare birds. Ahangama: Insight Resort (nights 8-10) Insight Resort is right on the beach, where it is possible to swim in the sea most of the time. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the quiet fishing village is an easy walk for those wishing to explore the local community. We also offer the opportunity for a day trip to Weligama just down the coast, which is a great spot for snorkelling and well-known as a top surf spot for beginners. On the evening of Day 10, the hotel hosts a beach barbecue exclusively for our group, with sundowners and local cuisine cooked over the grill. Worth knowing Almost all the hotels have swimming pools except the one-night stay in Kitulgala and the last night in Colombo. Triple rooms are available on request but may be limited in some locations. 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. You can add a beach extension to your trip by staying on at Insight Resort in Ahangama for your chosen number of nights departing from the main group on Day 11 of the itinerary.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and three lunches and two dinners are included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat. 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 as simply 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 (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this, 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. Mineral water is provided in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
Age Requirements
9 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (resort), 9 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Hotels with swimming pools (not available in Kitulgala or Colombo)
  • Travel by private air-conditioned bus and one train journey
  • Some long journeys by private bus
  • Suitable for children aged nine and above
Trip ID
exodus-FIA

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