Elephant Paradise Family Holiday

15 days - from $1623

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Family Holiday to Sri Lanka
• Buddhist temples & golden beaches
• Off-road & on-foot wildlife safaris
• Uda Walawe elephant orphanage

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!

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.

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).

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.

Itinerary:

Day 1 In-flight Day 2 Drive to Negombo Day 3 Dolphin watching/Bustling Market Tour tour, drive to Habarana; free for optional activities Day 4 Sigiriya Rock; Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. Day 5 Village life at Parakrama Lake; drive to Polonnaruwa Day 6 Drive to Kandy, via Dambulla; Temple of the Tooth Day 7/8 Kandy; sightseeing, botanical gardens, rafting (optional) Day 9 To Kitulgala; canoe trip & jungle walk Day 10 Via Nuwara Eliya & waterfalls to Bandarawela Day 11 Adventurous camping at Bandarawella Day 12 Jeep safari at Uda Walawe NP; visit elephant transit home; drive to South coast Day 13/14 Relax on south coast beach Day 15 Negombo Day 16 Fly home

Transport, accommodation and meals: Transport- Minibus, train, 4WD, boat, on foot, dugout canoe, elephant. Distinctive Accommodation- Hotels (12nts), resthouse (1nt, basic), jungle camp (1nt). Meals included- 14 breakfasts. Swimming opportunities- In hotel pools, rivers and the Indian Ocean.
Other costs: International airfare not included. Airport tax abroad not included.
Other info: Minimum age: 5 years This is a full itinerary that will appeal to those wanting to see the best the island has to offer. The heat and humidity can be tiring and there are a couple of long journeys on winding hill roads.
Group size: Maximum 16 people. 3-5 families.
Grade:
Climate: Year round destination.
Trip Reference: FSL