1. Sigiriya
It is the best-preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium and is a simply stunning site which covers a 200m high rock. It was the capital of Sri Lanka in the 5th century AD. The climb to the top is from water gardens at the base up through an array of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a huge lion. The frescoes of the damsels are world famous. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions with stupendous views from the top looking out over the plains of the Cultural Triangle

7. Sit at sunset by the Indian Ocean
There can almost be nothing more idyllic than sitting on a golden beach watching a spectacular sunset as the sky turns from blue to red to purple over the vast Indian Ocean and hearing the waves washing the sands. All our tours end with a few days on the beach to relax and reflect on what you have seen before so there will be ample opportunity to indulge yourself.

4. Uda Walawe National Park

• Firstly, you will visit the Elephant Transit Camp run by the Born Free Foundation. There are over 35 little orphan elephants that will be fed with milk while you watch. It’s a really touching sight but can also be really funny to watch especially as there are several that have learnt that if they go round twice, they can have another jug full of milk! Eventually, these elephants will be released into Uda Walawe National Park, next door.

• You would then take a jeep safari with open tops into the National Park to see over 50 elephants. Apart from elephants, you get to see crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, lizards to name but a few, and lots of birds. It’s a fantastic experience to see the animals in the wild and often get up very close. The scenery is amazing here too as you can look across the grassland, over the lake towards the misty mountains and Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in the distance.

This is situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka, south of Bentota. You would see one, two and three day old turtles in different tanks. These turtles will be released in the sea at night. You will see that these baby turtles are much smaller than the palm of your hand and therefore just how vulnerable they are, especially just when they are born and have to make their way down the beach into the sea. There are only 7 species of marine turtle in the world, 5 of which are found in Sri Lanka – Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Hawsbill Turtle and Loggerhead Turtle so you would see a variety of Turtles at the Hatchery.

There is an opportunity to do white water rafting on the Keleni River at Kithulgala doing either Grade 1 or 3 rapids. Grade 1 rapids are very safe and easy. (This is an optional excursion in our tours). Kithulgala itself nestles down in the valley beside the river. You will travel down the river with virgin rainforest on either side which is an incredible experience for children and parents alike! Children really like doing this as it is a little bit adventurous. Kithulgala is actually where they filmed “The Bridge over the River Kwai” and you can see the spot where they built the bridge and then blew it up.

8. Galle
The Dutch fort in Galle (on the south coast) was originally built by the Portuguese in 1589 to house spices. You can walk around the fort within an hour and a half visiting the New Oriental Hotel, National Museum, the Dutch church, the clock tower, the lighthouse and some old colonial buildings. The ramparts and the bastions still bring the old world to life and children just love exploring places like this. It is also a really good opportunity for the children to let off steam.

9. Waterfalls
There are some magnificent waterfalls in Sri Lanka such as Bakers Falls, St Clairs Falls and the Devon Waterfall to name but a few. There is something fantastic about the power of water. There are a number that are close to the road and therefore there is the opportunity to get out of your vehicle and marvel at their beauty (and also for the kids to stretch their legs – always an important consideration!)