Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Sri Lanka - Mirissa - Yala - Galle
100% customisable for you
Your family adventure begins with a ten-and-a-half-hour overnight flight to Colombo. After the usual airport juggling act of passports, snacks, small backpacks and children, it’ll be time to board the plane and settle in for the journey ahead.
On arrival in Sri Lanka, after you’ve cleared customs and collected your bags, a private driver will meet you and escort you south along the coast. Before long, the scenery will shift from Colombo’s streets to swaying palms and golden sand. Your base for the next two nights sits directly on the beach, with a pool facing the ocean and the beach just steps from the garden.
Spend your first afternoon unpacking and unwinding. Paddle in the shallows, dip into the pool or simply stretch out in the shade while the children reacquaint themselves with the simple joy of sand between their toes.
An early start is well worth it this morning. From Mirissa Harbour, board your private catamaran and settle in as your skipper sails towards Dondra Head, one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales during migration season.
As breakfast is served on deck, keep watch for the telltale plume of water on the horizon. Blue whales are the main attraction, though humpbacks, sperm whales and dolphins can sometimes be seen too. There’ll also be time to swim near small offshore islands or simply relax while the crew handles the sailing.
Return to shore by early afternoon, with the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace.
Today, journey two hours inland to Yala, where the landscape transforms into open plains, lush forests and sprawling lagoons.
Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, home to elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and an impressive population of leopards. After checking into your new home near the park, the afternoon is yours to relax – perhaps lounging by the pool or listening to the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
This morning, rouse the little ones before dawn for a thrilling private safari in Yala. If the youngsters are reluctant to roll out of bed, they’ll soon perk up – early morning is when the park is at its most atmospheric, with golden light filtering through trees and wildlife beginning to stir.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the park’s varied terrain in search of elephants grazing in herds, crocodiles basking along riverbanks and, with luck, a leopard resting in the branches above. Birdlife is also abundant, adding flashes of colour to the landscape as they soar above your heads.
After three hours in the wild, return for a late breakfast and a leisurely afternoon.
Leaving the plains behind, travel two-and-a-half hours back towards the southwest coast for the final chapter of your journey.
Your base for the next three nights lies within tropical gardens not far from Galle. Spend the rest of the afternoon and the next day wandering along whitewashed pavilions or relaxing under shaded verandas as the children splash about in the pool. The beach is within easy reach, perfect for sun-soaked strolls and sandcastle-building.
Mornings begin slowly with tropical fruit and strong Sri Lankan coffee; come evening, relax under the stars with a tasty sundowner (mocktails for the little ones, of course).
After another leisurely breakfast, head out to explore Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort with a knowledgeable historian. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch and British, the fort’s ramparts, churches and merchant houses reveal centuries of layered history.
As you wander cobbled lanes and walk along the sea walls, stories of spice traders and colonial intrigue bring the setting vividly to life. Later, stick around for the sunset, when locals gather along the ramparts and the Indian Ocean is bathed in a golden glow.
Today offers a glimpse of rural life beyond the beaches. Begin with a peaceful boat ride along the Kepu Ela River, playing I-Spy for colourful birds among the mangroves and watching daily life unfold along the banks.
Afterwards, swap boat for bicycles and pedal through rice paddies and small villages at a relaxed pace. The route can be adapted depending on energy levels and ability, and a traditional lunch provides a fitting reward at the end.
Later, enjoy a final afternoon at leisure before your last delicious Sri Lankan dinner under the stars.
Today, round up the youngsters and wave goodbye to Sri Lanka as you transfer back to Colombo Airport for your flight home. The journey takes around 11-and-a-half hours, and you’ll arrive back in the UK the following morning, carrying home fun-filled family memories of whales, wild plains and warm ocean air.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
