Cultural Triangle
Home to eight UNESCO sites, from ancient capitals to rock fortresses, all ripe for exploration by bike or on foot.
Sri Lanka, is such a fabulous choice for a family holiday with a lovely mix of culture and wildlife, as well as time to relax on the beach. Brilliant year round – choose between the northeast and south coast for the best coastal climate.
Diverse and easy to travel around, this 12 day family holiday offers a wonderful overview of the whole island, from the wildlife of Wilpattu National Park to the culture of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ending with a beach escape on the islands tropical coast.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Sri Lankan Safari
Track leopard and search for sloth bear, crocodile and elephant in Wilpattu National Park.
Elephant Gatherings
Witness large gatherings of Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park between June and September.
Coastal Relaxation
Relax on palm fringed beaches – surf, swim, swing in a hammock or watch for whales during certain months.
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Day 1
Colombo
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Day 2
Colombo - Wilpattu National Park
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Days 3 - 4
Wilpattu National Park
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Day 5
Wilpattu National Park - Sigiriya
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Day 6
Sigiriya & Minneriya
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Day 7
Sirigiya
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Day 8
Sigiriya - Trincomalee
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Days 10 - 11
Trincomalee
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Day 12
Trincomalee to Colombo
Day 1
Colombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer 30 minutes to the peaceful Wallawwa.
Day 2
Colombo - Wilpattu National Park
Transfer three hours to Wilpattu National Park – home to birds, sloth and, if lucky, leopard.
Days 3 - 4
Wilpattu National Park
Spend two days in Wilpattu, accompanied by expert guides in search of wildlife.
Day 5
Wilpattu National Park - Sigiriya
Drive approximately three hours to into the heart of Sri Lanka, called the Cultural Triangle.
Day 6
Sigiriya & Minneriya
Visit the ruins of the ancient city at Sirigiya rock before an afternoon game drive in Minneriya National Park, home to a wealth of wildlife including large gatherings of elephants during the summer months.
Day 7
Sirigiya
Visit local villages and explore the less trodden back roads of Polonnaruwa by bike. with a local villager as your guide.
Day 8
Sigiriya - Trincomalee
Transfer to the north east coast for some time on the beach, a journey of around three hours.
Days 10 - 11
Trincomalee
Relax on the beach or engage in some of the many coastal activities on offer, from whale watching to jet skiing.
Day 12
Trincomalee to Colombo
Transfer overland, a journey of around five hours, or fly to Colombo for your onward travel arrangements.
More Details
The Perfect Finale
Private Beachside Retreat
For a truly relaxing and exclusive end to your holiday, rent a private beachside villa. Staffed by a discreet and dedicated team you can enjoy ample space for the whole family to roam, and wellness treatments as well as activities and cultural highlights close by. Surf, search for whales and dolphins at sea, and contribute to turtle conservation initiatives.
Sri Lankan Wildlife
Wilpattu Safari
From your camp accommodation head out on game drives into the verdant jungle, dotted with natural sand rimmed lakes. As the largest park in Sri Lanka, what sets Wilpattu apart is the peace and space away from other safari vehicles. Home to a wealth of wildlife, you can hope to see Asian elephant, crocodile, various deer species and possibly even the elusive leopard. Wilpattu also has the largest sloth bear population in the country as well as abundant bird life.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,495 Per person
When to travel
Sri Lanka in January
Sri Lanka benefits from generally good weather all year round and experiences a tropical climate with the best and most popular to visit being during our winter months, from January to April.
Sri Lanka in February
Visit the Southern and Western coast of Sri Lanka to experience the hot and humid climate in coastal areas or visit the mountainous regions for cooler temperatures with less humidity.
Sri Lanka in March
In Northern and Central Sri Lanka, temperatures will start to rise, and these regions will become more humid with March being generally a dry month for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in April
Overall, April is a very good time to visit Sri Lanka, with most of the island experiencing high temperatures and lots of sunshine, all before the first monsoon rains of the year begin in the South.
Sri Lanka in May
From May to August, the country experiences the first of its two annual monsoon seasons in Southwest Sri Lanka. Therefore, during these months it is best to visit Northeast Sri Lanka including Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Sri Lanka in June
Rainfall with continue in the South during the monsoon season whereas in Northern Sri Lanka, June is one of the best times to visit this area with a warm climate and high temperatures throughout.
Sri Lanka in July
In Northern Sri Lanka, the months of June and July are particularly good times to travel to the area, with minimal rainfall, particularly high temperatures and long days of sunshine.
Sri Lanka in August
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is an ideal month for those wanting to experience both the Northeast and Southwest regions of the island, typically quite unusual due to Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka in September
September will start to see the end of the monsoon season in the Southwest and whilst rainfall and thunderstorms are less frequent, are still likely across the region.
Sri Lanka in October
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
Sri Lanka in November
From November to February, Northeast Sri Lanka will experience one of two annual monsoon seasons. Whilst most days will experience rainfall, it is a great time to travel to experience the lush, green countryside.
Sri Lanka in December
Due to the monsoon in the Northeast, it is best to visit the southwest coast of Sri Lanka prior to the second monsoon reaching this area in May. Experience high levels of sunshine, perfect for Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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