Holiday with small kids

On arrival at Bandaranaike International airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Colombo.

Later, enjoy a Tuk Tuk tour in Colombo with the visit to Gangaramaya temple and seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat for the young ones, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guides favorite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where the kids will love experiencing different cultures and religions. Parents will be able to enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed family breakfast today, to let the little ones get rid of tiredness or jet lag.

Post breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Galle. Visit Galle’s Dutch fort with its famous lighthouse and the bastions. See the spot where the first Breadfruit tree was planted by the Dutch, and the Old Gunpowder Magazine. Walk along the elegant streets, old Dutch Houses and the private museum of Dutch antiques. Children will love the local colour, and the cool breezes from the sea.

Check in to your hotel in Mirissa, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

An early start to the morning, as you take the boat cruise from the fishery harbour out to sea seeking whales and dolphins. Watching the huge whales come close to the boat, and display their large fins is an exhilarating sight for all ages. Blue Whales are commonly seen near the shore, and Sperm whales are found further out to the sea. There are often large pods of Dolphins swimming near your boat during the trip, something that never fails to delight children.

The boats are fully equipped with safety provisions, and life jackets (kids sizes provided) are worn at all times on board.

After the cruise, return to your hotel to relax by the pool.

Enjoy a relaxed family breakfast today, to let the little ones catch up on sleep.

Post breakfast, drive 3 hours to Yala National Park. Enroute, based on your preferences and the time available, you have several choices of excursions which your guide/driver will be happy to accommodate:

• Visit the Dry zone botanical garden in Hakagala
• Enjoy an easy walk and a spot of bird watching at Tissa Wetlands
• Have a look at Tissamaharamaya temple
• Spend time at Hiriketiya Beach

Check into your hotel and enjoy the facilities for a relaxing afternoon.

The family fun continues with early morning and afternoon safaris at Yala National Park. Children will love the chance to see the Jungle Book come to life, with a good chance to see Leopards, Sloth Bears and Elephants all in a single safari. Other animals like Crocodile, Spotted Deer, Sāmbhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Jackal, Grey Langur and Mongoose are also commonly seen.

The National Park is full of colourful birds, and offers a perfect opportunity for kids to learn to identify some common species, and enjoy using binoculars to get a closer view.

After a fulfilling breakfast, drive 3.5 hours to Bentota.

This afternoon, set out on a riverboat safari down the mangrove-lined banks of the Madu River to view the amazing indigenous birdlife and lush forested scenery. The river is dappled with some 25 small islands – some of which are home to local communities that engage in the cinnamon trade. Make a stop and see the amazing process by which the villagers peel the cinnamon from the trees and cultivate it. An educative and entertaining experience for kids and parents alike.

After the safari, enjoy the lovely beach for the rest of the day.

This morning after breakfast, the kids will love the visit to the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery, which is among the oldest and most reputed hatcheries on the island.

Here, children can see 4-5 species of turtles at very close quarters, and even get to touch and hold little hatchlings. For slightly older children, it is an excellent chance to learn about the threats to turtles, and how the hatcheries are helping conserve turtles.

After the hatchery visit, enjoy the rest of the day at the beach.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of your family holiday.

You’ll be driven to the airport (about 1.5 hours drive) in time to catch your return flight home.