Wild Family Adventure in Sri Lanka
Make memories together as you explore the wonderful wilds of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable family adventure. Your journey begins in Galle, where you’ll set sail with a marine biologist in search of majestic whales. Then meet skilled tea planters in the Tea Country's lush plantations and marvel at Kandy’s sacred architecture. Discover the rich heritage of the Cultural Triangle, before rounding out your trip in Colombo. In between, embark on heart-pulsing safaris in Yala and Gal Oya national parks.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy safaris in Yala, Gal Oya and Minneriya National Parks
- Explore the rolling Tea Country on foot
- Discover Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden with a botanist
- Search for lorises on a guided night walk
- Spot whales with a marine biologist and conservationist
- See the largest concentration of wild Asian Elephants
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1-2
One night in Galle Fort
Your trip begins with a night in colonial Galle Fort on the southern coast. Spend an evening soaking up the unique atmosphere of this stunning town with its colonial history evident at every turn. It’s walls and everything inside them are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful Dutch fusion architecture, a commanding Victorian lighthouse, grand churches and mosques, all in a sultry tropical setting.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Out at sea
Into the countryside
Join a marine biologist on a whale-watching adventure
Join an unforgettable adventure out in the Indian Ocean to experience the world of whales with a marine biologist and conservationist. As you search for these majestic creatures, learn about the challenges they face and the dedicated efforts protecting them. Beyond the thrill of whale sightings, this experience offers a valuable, first-hand understanding of marine conservation in Sri Lanka.
Explore Galle beyond the city
Experience the diversity and beauty of rural Galle in the island’s hinterland. Your tour begins with a boat ride down the Kapu Ela River accompanied by a local naturalist. Next, take a leisurely 9km (5.5 mile) ride through rural Galle, its paddy fields, small villages and markets, ending with refreshing herbal tea.
Days 2–4
Experience the wildlife of Yala National Park
You’ll then follow the shoreline to Yala National Park for two days of safari, staying at an immersive camp with excellent guides. The park stretches from the sea inland, encompassing some 979 square kilometres (378 square miles) of forest, wetlands and savannah. This varied landscapes provides a vital habitat for hundreds of Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles, rare wild water buffalo and elusive leopards.
Where you could stay
Days 4–6
A taste of Tea Country
Relax among the emerald hills of Tea Country and learn about how this humble crop has shaped the landscape and country since its introduction – the first tea plantations were established in Kandy in the 1860s and now most of the scenic central region’s elevated slopes are covered in contoured rows of painstakingly maintained plants.
Where you could stay
Ceylon Tea Trails
Explore the Tea Country on foot
A leisurely walk or an adventure trek is a delightful way to experience the varied landscapes, abundant birdlife and the relaxed rhythm of life here. Take in vistas of mountain lakes, manicured tea gardens, forests and doll’s house villages. A guide can be provided or self walk on marked trails which are selected for varying levels of ability.
Days 6–8
Two days on safari in Gal Oya National Park
Next, head to the remote wilderness of Gal Oya National Park. Centred around the vast Senanayake Samudra reservoir, the park is a place of beautiful landscapes covered in evergreen forest and swathes of savannah, while the lake itself is peppered with islands which were once hilltops. It’s one of the best places in the country to see elephants. You can spot herds swimming between the islets on boat safaris, following the ancient routes of their migration.
Other wildlife in the park include langurs, toque macaques, sloth bears and deer, as well as some 150 bird species which can be seen in flocks numbering in the thousands by the water. There’s also a rich cultural aspect to the region. Uncover the millennia-old Brahmi inscriptions in the Henebedde Cave and explore the sacred shrine at Dighavapi, or meet the Vedda people to learn about the deep bond they share with this land.
Days 8–9
Overnight in Sri Lanka’s cultural hub
A world of ancient kings, ornate temples, lush gardens and vibrant traditions, Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and its cultural capital. Nestled in the midst of hills and surrounded by tropical paddy fields and tea plantations, the town is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the country’s most important religious shrine.
Browse pulsating markets brimming with the freshest produce, local delicacies and fragrant spices, or spend the day exploring intricate temples and delving into the city’s history.
In and around Kandy
Lace up your boots
Spice trees and orchids
Hike the Pekoe Trail
Explore Sri Lanka’s first long distance trek that winds through the incredible landscapes of the Central Highlands. Let your local expert guide you through dense rainforests, villages steeped in tradition and misty tea plantations.
As you walk, you’ll hear the songs of tea pickers, discover native plant species and see magnificent barking deer. Stop to meet people from the communities along the trail, learn about their cultural heritage and conservation initiatives.
Discover Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens with a botanist
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and one of the finest in Asia. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy – the gateway to the central highlands – the gardens lie at an elevation of 460 meters above sea-level, tightly bounded on three sides by the loop of the River Mahaweli. Join your botanist guide on a leisurely walk to see rare orchids, spice trees and a collection of medicinal plants.
Days 9–12
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were the three great Sinhalese capitals, and together they form an area known as the Cultural Triangle. Known as the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisation, this historic region invites you to trace the legends etched into its temples and ruins.
Where you could stay
Exploring the Land of Kings
At dusk
on safari
Between ruins
Search for lorises with a naturalist
Considered a haven for wildlife, the private nature reserve of wetlands and forest at Vil Uyana is the country’s best site for spotting lorises. The loris, with its large bulging eyes and tiny limbs, moves slowly through the trees after dusk to feed on insects and berries. Follow a seasoned naturalist through the forest while keeping your eyes peeled for one of the island’s most elusive primates.
Witness one of nature's greatest spectacles
From May to October (the dry season), observe the planet’s largest gathering of Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park. Watch them descend upon the park’s ancient reservoir to drink, bathe and socialise. On a safari here, wildlife sightings also include macaques, buffalo, crocodiles and if you’re lucky, rare leopards and sloth bears.
See the monkeys of Polonnaruwa's ancient city
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is home to a vast monkey population – purple-faced leaf monkeys, toque macaque, and the grey langur – living among its impressively preserved 8th century ruins. Hear from the researchers of the Smithsonian Primate Research Centre who conduct ongoing studies in the area. You’ll gain a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the site’s primates and their intricate social structures.
Other highlights
With martial artists
On the water
Master the techniques of Angampora
Delve into the ancient practice of Angampora, a Sinhalese martial art passed down through generations. Meet master practitioners at one of Sri Lanka’s oldest water reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Learn the techniques and cultural significance behind every movement. Then hear the stories of your guides and how Angampora has shaped their lives and communities.
Kayak along the Malwathu Oya
Head to the Malwathu Oya, Sri Lanka’s second longest river. Here you’ll set off by kayak, paddling over mirror-like waters as you trace its channel and thrillingly cross low-grade rapids. Pause with a delightful picnic on its serene banks, then continue your journey winding your way beneath lush canopies as you drift.
Days 12–13
A final night in Colombo
Your incredible journey through Sri Lanka ends on the island’s west coast. Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea.
Where you could stay
The Wallawwa
Uga Residence
My partner and I recently returned from a fabulous 4-week holiday in Sri Lanka organised by David and Cathy at Jacada. They really listened to the kind of holiday that we wanted to have - the places and areas that we wanted to visit, the style of accommodation that we were after, the types of activities that we would enjoy,…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
