Family tour to Sri Lanka & beach holiday in Bentota

Today your family’s grand Sri Lanka adventure begins! Gather your favourite books and games for the flight and look forward to journeying together towards new experiences beneath warmer skies.

Your journey begins with flights departing from your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

Welcome to family-friendly Sri Lanka!

Upon arrival, just north of the capital, Colombo, you'll pass through immigration and collect your luggage before stepping into the arrivals hall. Here, your guide will be waiting to greet you with a TourCompass sign, a bright smile, and genuine Sri Lankan hospitality.

From the airport, you'll travel to Negombo, a vibrant seaside resort just half an hour away. Here, you’ll discover a wide, golden sand beach where palm trees gently sway in the breeze and colourful fishing boats drift slowly towards the shore.

After you’ve checked in at your beach hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps the children will be tempted by the swimming pool, while the adults unwind on a sun lounger with views of the sea. The whole family can come together for a refreshing coconut drink and a game of cards in the shade of the palms.

As evening falls and the heat of the day gradually softens, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach. The children will love searching for seashells in the sand while the sunset paints the sky in warm reds and golden hues— a beautiful moment to mark the beginning of your Sri Lankan adventure.

Today is yours to enjoy entirely as you please—take the opportunity to relax and soak up life by the sea before your tour continues to Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Negombo offers a delightful mix of beach life, vibrant markets, and authentic local culture for the whole family to explore at their own speed.

You could begin your day early with a visit to Negombo’s fish market, where you’ll witness bustling scenes as the morning’s catch is sorted right on the sands. Alternatively, enjoy a morning stroll along the beach watching the fishing boats return with their night’s haul, followed by a refreshing swim in your hotel pool.

During the day, you might like to wander down the main street, where a wide variety of local shops and small food stalls tempt you with fresh fruit, ice cream, and tasty snacks. Afterwards, perhaps the hotel pool will beckon once more, or why not head for the beach where the children can build sandcastles while you bask in the warmth of the sun—or even join in on the fun yourself?

As evening falls, settle in at one of the many restaurants lining the shore. Here you’ll find fresh fish and seafood on the menu, alongside more child-friendly dishes like rice and noodles—all served in a laid-back atmosphere with the gentle sound of waves as your backdrop.

You’ll begin your day right by Negombo’s golden sandy beach before heading east towards Kandy, ready for new adventures in the lush Sri Lankan highlands.

En route, you’ll make a charming stop in the town of Kegalle, where a local potter welcomes you into his cosy workshop. Here, the whole family can try their hand at the potter’s wheel, shaping your very own miniature masterpieces to take home as everlasting mementoes. It’s a fun and memorable experience, with hands just as covered in clay as your faces are lit up with smiles.

The tour then continues on to Kandy. If you fancy, you can visit the Giragama Tea Factory, one of the area’s best-known tea producers. Here, you’ll gain an intriguing insight into the journey from freshly picked tea leaves on the mountain slopes to steaming hot cups of tea. Children are sure to be fascinated by the old machines whirring into action as the scent of fresh tea fills the air. You’ll also have the chance to sample a range of different blends and pick up some of their famous Ceylon tea as a delicious souvenir to take home.

Once you’ve arrived in Kandy and checked in to your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. The city is home to a diverse array of restaurants serving everything from Sri Lankan favourites like kottu roti to international classics, and your guide will be more than happy to help you find the perfect spot for your family’s tastes.

Today, there are no scheduled excursions, so you’re free to set your own pace and decide how you’d like to spend the day before your journey continues.

Perhaps you’ll feel like reflecting on the experiences from the past few days by relaxing beside the hotel’s pool, where the children can have a splash while the adults enjoy a cup of coffee in the shade. Or, if you’re in the mood for new adventures, you can head out and discover more of Kandy, with exciting experiences just beyond your doorstep.

A perfect outing for the whole family is a stroll around Kandy’s tranquil lake, right in the heart of the city. Amble along the shoreline and watch local life unfold around you, and from here, you can spot the impressive Buddha statue at the Bahirawakanda Temple, watching over the city from one of Kandy’s hilltops. Another fantastic place to visit is the Royal Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis where children can play amidst vibrant flowers and towering bamboo while the adults soak up the peace and fresh air.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites and an important place on the UNESCO world heritage list. Legend has it that one of Buddha’s teeth is kept here in a golden casket, and the temple offers a fascinating insight into the country’s vibrant Buddhist culture.

To round off your day in style, your guide will accompany you to a traditional dance show at a nearby cultural centre. Get ready for a dazzling performance filled with colourful costumes, rhythmic drums, and breathtaking fire dancers – an all-sensory experience that delights both young and old alike.

Afterwards, why not settle in at one of the city’s hillside restaurants, offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains? Here you can enjoy your evening meal while gazing out over Kandy, bathed in the beautiful evening light.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and drive you to the railway station in Nanu Oya, where one of the world’s most atmospheric train journeys awaits.

The journey takes around 3–4 hours and winds through Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country, with lush tea plantations and emerald valleys on either side. There will be stops along the way, giving the whole family the chance to stretch their legs and capture some photos of the stunning landscape. You’ll also travel through Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s highest city – also known as Little England – where you can catch a glimpse of classic colonial houses and immaculately kept gardens, reminiscent of a bygone era.

Upon arrival at Nanu Oya, you’ll board the classic train that meanders gently through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands. Settle in for a few peaceful hours, soaking up the scenery as the train lumbers around gentle bends, past bright green tea plantations, and by small villages where smiling local children wave as you pass by. It’s an experience that both the children and adults will remember long after, and perhaps one of the very best moments of the entire tour.

Just under three hours later, you’ll arrive in Ella, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautifully situated towns. Your guide will be waiting for you with your luggage, ready to help you with the final stretch to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please—breathe in the fresh mountain air, take a dip in the pool, or simply let the stunning views do the rest.

As evening falls, make your way down to Ella’s charming main street, where a host of cosy restaurants and small shops sit side by side, creating an authentic atmosphere that is equal parts relaxed and vibrant. It’s the perfect spot to share an evening meal together—topped off with, perhaps, an ice cream to round off the day.

As you breathe in the fresh morning air and savour your first meal of the day, you can look forward to a day brimming with breathtaking scenery, sweeping views, and little adventures for the whole family.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you on a walk to Little Adam’s Peak. This peak is the sibling of the legendary pilgrimage mountain, Adam’s Peak, but it’s much easier to climb, making it perfect for both children and adults.

The trail begins on level ground, winding its way through lush tea plantations. Gradually, the landscape opens up until, after about an hour of gentle walking, you approach the summit. The final stretch takes you up 350 steps, rewarding you with magnificent views across the rolling highlands and the dramatic Ella Gap, which carves deep into the surrounding mountains. It’s a sight that leaves both young and old utterly spellbound.

The descent follows the same scenic path through the verdant landscape, before you hop in the car and head to perhaps Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmark – the striking Nine Arch Bridge. Built during the British colonial period, amazingly, it was constructed without the use of either iron or steel.

On your way there, you'll wander along narrow paths surrounded by banana palms and tea bushes, perhaps exchanging greetings with children who grow up amidst the region's countless tea plantations. At the end of your walk awaits the Nine Arch Railway Bridge – standing at almost 30 metres tall, this architectural masterpiece rises majestically from the lush landscape.

Strolling along the rails, you might spot little lizards basking in the sun and colourful birds flitting nearby. Should your timing be just right, you could witness a train making its way across the bridge – a magical moment where the bridge’s architecture, the vibrant scenery, and Sri Lanka’s iconic railway all come together. It’s an experience the whole family will treasure as one of their special travel memories.

After your visit, you will return to your hotel in Ella, and the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, linger over a cup of hot Ceylon tea, or simply relax and soak up the mountain views. As evening falls, savour your last night in the highlands, surrounded by tranquillity, emerald-green hills, and the gentle night-time chorus of cicadas.

After a few days soaking up the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, your tour will continue south to Udawalawe, which will be your base for tomorrow's safari in Udawalawe National Park. Along the way, there are more wonderful and fun experiences in store for the whole family.

Your first stop is Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest and most dramatic waterfalls. Here, the water plunges 25 metres down the rocks, thundering so powerfully that you can almost feel the spray in the air. Legend has it that the demon king Ravana lived here, hiding Princess Sitha in a cave behind the falls—an enchanting tale that truly sparks the imagination as you gaze at the cascading torrents.

Next, your journey continues to Buduruwagala Temple, which dates all the way back to the 10th century. This temple sits quietly and serenely amidst nature, renowned for its impressive rock carvings. The Buddha statue, standing at an imposing 16 metres, rises majestically surrounded by six smaller figures. If you look closely, you can still spot traces of the vibrant colours they were once painted with. It’s a truly fascinating place, where you can almost feel the presence of history in the air.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel on the edge of Udawalawe National Park, where you can unwind in the lush surroundings, take a dip in the pool, or simply soak up the peace after a day of adventure. It’s the perfect setting to recharge before tomorrow’s exciting safari experience among Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace, unwinding by the hotel’s inviting pool area. Whether you feel like a refreshing swim or simply relaxing with a cool drink surrounded by lush, tropical greenery, there’s something for everyone to savour here.

After lunch, it’s time to prepare for your exploration of Udawalawe National Park, just as the day’s heat begins to subside and many of the animals emerge from their shady retreats. Your local ranger, with a wealth of knowledge and stories about the park, will lead the way in a four-wheel drive jeep and share fascinating insights into its remarkable wildlife and diverse scenery.

Udawalawe is especially renowned for its impressive population of wild elephants, giving you a great chance of seeing these majestic creatures. Perhaps you’ll witness a family of elephants crossing the track before you—adults moving gracefully ahead while the young ones follow curiously in their wake. It’s an unforgettable moment that will delight both children and adults alike.

The park’s landscape is open and easy to take in, with grassy plains and low shrubs that make wildlife spotting a breeze. Besides elephants, you may be lucky enough to glimpse water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, or vibrant birds darting low across the watering holes.

The safari lasts just under three hours and offers plenty of magical moments where you can listen to the sounds of the wild and soak up the atmosphere of the landscape together. Afterwards, you’ll return to the hotel where a well-deserved dinner awaits—and there’s plenty of time to chat about everything you’ve experienced during the day.

After breakfast, you’ll head towards the southwest coast, where Bentota’s long, golden beaches set the scene for your beach holiday.

On the way, you’ll stop in the village of Ahangama for a fun and lively tuk-tuk ride through the lush surroundings. Here, you’ll visit local families who work with two of the area’s oldest crafts: cinnamon production and weaving beautiful household items from sugar cane. You’ll get to see how fragrant cinnamon branches are transformed into the familiar sticks we all recognise, while sugar cane is woven into lovely, practical objects. The visit finishes with a steaming cup of tea and a taste of local sweet treats, enjoyed overlooking the beautiful Koggala lagoon.

You’ll then be transferred to your hotel, where your beach holiday begins in earnest. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a splash in the pool with the children, or it may be that you’re drawn to take just a few steps onto the beach to feel the silky-soft sand beneath your toes. There’s plenty of space for games, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing, with the soothing sound of the waves providing the perfect soundtrack.

As evening falls, settle yourselves on the beach to take in the sky as it slowly transforms into warm shades of orange and pink. It’s a beautiful sight and a wonderful moment to enjoy each other’s company.

The next few days are dedicated entirely to relaxation and family time on Bentota’s beautiful beaches. You set the pace here—spend your days lazing beneath the palm trees, taking a dip in the Indian Ocean, or setting off on small adventures in the local area.

Bentota is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations, famed for its wide, golden sands where children can build sandcastles or hunt for shells while adults bask in the warmth of the sun and the gentle sea breeze. The beach stretches for miles, reaching towards Beruwala in the north and Induruwa in the south, each with the same laid-back atmosphere and stunning surroundings.

If you’re up for a bit of activity, why not head to the Bentota Lagoon? It’s a fantastic spot for the adventure-seekers in the family, offering a host of water sports including jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. For something a little more relaxed, visit one of the local turtle conservation centres, where you can get up close to these fascinating sea turtles – and maybe even witness the tiny hatchlings being released into the sea, an unforgettable experience especially for children.

You might also want to set off on a river safari through Bentota’s lush mangrove forests, where monkeys swing through the treetops and colourful birds skim low over the water. It’s an enchanting way to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty – with stunning scenery and plenty for everyone to discover.

When you start to feel peckish during the day, you’ll find an array of restaurants dotted along the coastline. Many are set right on the beach, so you can savour local specialities while the waves gently lap just a few steps from your table.

Your family adventure is drawing to a close, but you’ll be heading home with a suitcase full of shared memories – and perhaps a little sand still nestled in your shoes.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport, where your journey home to Europe begins.

You will land at your selected airport and can now look back on a tour filled with Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and tranquil days by the sea – and perhaps find yourself longing to return one day.