Long drives are the hardest part of travelling in Sri Lanka with children. This route flies the two longest legs and keeps every other drive short.
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Land in Colombo and fly straight to Sigiriya (about 30 minutes). |
| 2–3 | Climb Sigiriya rock early, before the heat. Jeep safari to see elephants at Minneriya. |
| 4–6 | Kandy's temples, then the hill train through tea country. |
| 7–9 | Yala safari for leopards, then a beach villa near Tangalle. |
| 10 | Fly back to Colombo for your flight home. |
What it costs
From USD 3,020 per adult, two sharing, with hotels, car and driver-guide, entrance fees and two flights. Children under 5 stay free with their parents; children aged 5 to 11 pay half an adult's hotel share. Flights are charged per seat.
Tips for families
- Ask for family rooms or a villa with a pool for the beach days.
- Plan sightseeing for the morning and rest in the afternoon.
- Pack soft bags for the small plane; extra luggage goes by road.