- Days 1–2Galle
- Days 2–4Yala National Park
- Days 4–6Tea Country
- Days 6–8Gal Oya National Park
- Days 8–9Kandy
- Days 9–12Cultural Triangle
- Days 12–13Colombo
- Days 1–2Galle
- Days 2–4Yala National Park
- Days 4–6Tea Country
- Days 6–8Gal Oya National Park
- Days 8–9Kandy
- Days 9–12Cultural Triangle
- Days 12–13Colombo
Wild Family Adventure in Sri Lanka
Explore the wonderful wilds of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable luxury family adventure. The island has swathes of wilderness and some fine safari, whether it’s leopard spotting in Yala National Park, or encountering herds of elephant, surviving here in a higher density than anywhere else in Asia, in remote parks such as Gal Oya.
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
- Encounter the nocturnal loris forest primates on a night walk
- Meet the monkeys of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Experience the largest assembling of Asian Elephants in the world
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
Boating and biking in rural Galle
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 round to Yala National Park and 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 home for hundreds of Sri Lankan elephant, sloth bear, crocodile and rare wild water buffalo, as well over 200 bird species But it is the leopard, found here in perhaps the highest concentration in the world, that are iconic of the park.
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.
Tea Country hike
A leisurely walk or an adventure trek is a delightful way to experience the varied landscapes, exotic flora, 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
Gal Oya National Park is a truly off the beaten track wilderness which you’ll have virtually to yourselves. 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 is one of best places in the country to see elephants, who can sometimes be spotted swimming between the islets on boat safaris, following the routes of their traditional migration 60 years after the waters rose.
Other animals in the park include Sri Lankan leopard, langur, toque macaque, sloth bear, wild boar, mugger crocodile, water buffalo and deer, as well as some 150 bird species which can be seen in flocks numbering in the thousands by the water. There is also a rich cultural aspect to the region, with the ancient Brahmi inscriptions in Henebedde Cave and sacred shrine at Dighavapi, said to have been sanctified by the Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka, as well as being home to the Indigenous Vedda people.
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 the bustling market places with bright, fresh produce, local delicacies and fragrant spices, or spend the day exploring the opulent temples and learning about the city’s rich history.
Where you could stay
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 lies at an elevation of 460 meters above sea-level, tightly bounded on three sides by the loop of the River Mahaweli. Your expert botanist guide will take you on a leisurely walk around, sharing interesting and insightful stories about this place and Sri Lanka.
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. The heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisation, this historic region is crammed full of temples and monuments and its ruined cities are fascinating places to explore.
Make it mine
At dusk
on safari
meet monkeys
Vil Uyana loris spotting night walk
Considered a haven for wildlife, the private nature reserve of wetlands and forest at eco chic Vil Uyana is the country’s best site for spotting loris, the island’s elusive primates. The loris, with its large bulging eyes and tiny limbs, hides in scrub forests and moves slowly through the trees after dusk to feed on insects and berries.
This one hour tour is conducted by the resident naturalist and takes you through the forest on a trail that passes over streams which are crossed by simple bamboo bridges.
The 'Elephant Gathering' at Minneriya National Park
The largest assembling of Asian Elephants during the dry period from May to October when the waters of the ancient Minneriya Tank reservoir recede. Herds from all of the North Central Province head here to eat, socialise and bathe in the waters which is surrounded by varied habitats of wetlands, grasslands and scrub jungle and it is not unheard of to see hundreds of animals on a single safari. Other wildlife to be spotted here include langur, macaques, buffalo, deer, crocodiles and, if you are particularly lucky, leopard and sloth bear. Hundreds of bird species can also be seen.
Meet the monkeys of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Made famous by Disney’s Monkey Kingdom movie, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is home to a vast monkey population – purple-faced leaf monkeys, toque macaque, and the grey langur – living among the impressively preserved 8th century ruins. The Smithsonian Primate Research Cente has been conducting conservation and scientific research in the area for almost half a century and a researcher will show you around the site and give you an upclose insight into the lives and social structures of these amazing primates. You have the option to continue to explore Polonnaruwa by yourself after the tour.
Days 12–13
A final night in Colombo
On the western coast of the island, 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
Our Sri Lanka trip was amazing. We added Sri Lanka to our already planned Maldives vacation and engaged Jacada to design our trip. Rosanna understood our goals and expectations right off the bat. She put together an itinerary that was perfect. We have engaged travel agents prior, and this was by far one of our best experiences. She is absolutely…
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.
