About The Hotel
Tots Too are really excited to be able to offer these unique exclusive “Family Discovery” itineraries in some of the most treasured parts of Sri Lanka. In a country where many of its most beautiful habitats were off-limits until recently; there has never been a better time to explore this magical country and we have teamed up with a dynamic and extremely passionate duo of jungle trekkers to help take our families on the adventure of a lifetime.
The accommodation used in these itineraries is a combination of off-the-beaten-track, small eco-lodges and small boutique hotels and villas chosen for their appeal to kids in both surroundings and outdoor space and have been sourced personally by our partners on the ground.
The itineraries are entirely bespoke and crafted to suit the ages of your children. They offer an educationally rich experience for the kids without any hint that they are learning! All local guides and drivers are English-speaking and very familiar with the habitat so you can be assured of exceptional local knowledge and untrodden terrains in many cases.
“12 Nights Family Adventure” Available year-round
Day 1
Ayubowan (may you have long life). This is the greeting you will hear from our airport representative when exiting your aircraft. You will then be escorted through immigrations and shown to the Silk Route arrival lounge of the Bandaranyake International Airport. Here you will be introduced to your guide by our airport manager and staff member. You will also be served with a light snack that includes a few savoury items and soft beverages, before your journey.
Check-in at Notary’s House (1 night)
Day 2
Today we will start our drive towards the cultural triangle which is enriched with origins of Sri Lankan history and the story of Buddhism. On route you will pass through rural villages and vast coconut estates, feel free to ask your guide about the story of coconut. You will proceed to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress., returning to the hotel in time for dinner
check-in Maia Villa by Taru (2 nights)
Day 3
Today early morning, you will visit the second kingdom of the country, Polonnaruwa by bicycle.
Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. Polonnaruwa is home to the first Shiva Hindu Temple and the first signs of South Indian religious and political influence becomes visible during this era.
Enjoy lunch consisting of a simple and delicious farmer’s meal in the area with views of the paddy fields.
Enjoy a game drive of Minneriya National Park in the afternoon.
Day 4 |
This morning after a good breakfast, you will start our drive to the central highlands of Kandy, followed by an afternoon cookery demonstration.
Kandy was once the capital of the venerated 16th century Kandyan Kings, who fiercely and successfully defended their kingdom against Portuguese and Dutch invaders for 300 years. It eventually fell to the British in 1815, but the salubrious hill station has maintained its position as an epicentre of Sinhalese culture and the site of an important spiritual pilgrimage for Buddhists. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive by the region’s friendly people.
Once you reach Kandy, you will proceed to visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
check-in at Mountbatten Bungalow (2 nights)
Day 5 |
Experience a local and authentic culinary experience in Kandy. Head out in Tuk Tuks to the nearby market with your host. Here you will learn to haggle a bit with the vendors and how to select the best produce and spices. Once you have collected our ingredients you will set off back to our host’s humble home. With the help of his lovely wife, you will enjoy a hands-on cooking experience. Learn how to prepare some authentic local curries and then enjoy the tasty dishes for lunch.
Day 6 |
This morning after an early breakfast, take the scenic train from Kandy to Hatton.
Travelling by train is probably the most attractive way to get about in the lush green Sri Lankan hill country. The ride gives you the opportunity to witness magical landscapes and views. This is also perhaps one of the best ways to mingle with locals from the area who use rail transport on a day-to-day basis. Note: The train journey is approximately 2.5hrs Your destination, Hatton railway station is not the final stop, and the train proceeds beyond this point. Your chauffeur guide will meanwhile drive to Hatton with your luggage and await your arrival.
Check in at The Argyle (2 nights)
Day 7 |
Today, you will visit a local tea factory to learn about the process of tea. You will be taken through the processing of tea–tea plucking techniques and procedures at the tea factory. Tea was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the mid-19th century and Nuwara Eliya has always been the tea capital of the country. On the way to this colonial town, you will be able to see acres and acres of tea plantations, whether you are riding the train or travelling by car. During the tea factory visit, learn how the raw green tea leaf is plucked and then later converted to the popular dark brown product through the process of drying, cutting, rolling and fermentation.You can properly ‘taste’ tea and to identify the subtle differences in the varieties. Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest exporters for tea and together with Cinnamon it has made the island quite popular!
The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy the property.
Day 8 |
Today following an early breakfast you take a scenic long drive to the wilderness of Yala. During the drive you will witness the scenery morph from lush green tea fields, to drier valleys and thick jungles.
This afternoon, we will head out on a game drive of Yala National Park with a ranger of Makini Bush Camp.
Check-in at Makini Bush Camp (2 nights)
Day 9 |
Yala National Park consists of dry-mixed evergreen forests and scrublands along with open grasslands, water holes, brackish water lagoons and riverine forests. This park’s diverse habitat supports large numbers of mammals, such as spotted, barking and mouse deer, sambhur, wild boar, water buffalo and the endangered sloth bear. This is also one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, and the rare Sri Lankan leopards, having one of the highest Leopard densities in the world.. Large water holes and lagoons support the high density of endangered crocodiles. You can also see large flocks of migratory and resident birds—142 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Of particular note is the rare black-necked stork, the largest bird in the country.
Note: Recommend wearing ‘earthy’ coloured clothes during safaris.
Morning or evening game drives into the Yala National Park on a 4 x 4.
Morning – 6 – 9 AM
Evening – 3 – 6 PM
Day 10 |
This morning after a good breakfast, you will start your drive to the Southern Coast of the island to the hip and trendy town of Galle.
Historically, this award-winning World Heritage fortified township was an essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Javanese and Sumatrans came later followed by Marco Polo in 1299 AD. The Portuguese arrived in the 1500s and built a settlement with a fort of palm trees and mud. This was captured by the Dutch (and finally the British) who added great ramparts and bastions to protect their presence. Narrow streets are lined with old houses displaying Dutch heritage and pillared verandahs. Government offices remain in use and the community is a bustle with daily life – a living breathing town, hidden within the fortified walls of this ancient, maritime citadel.
Explore the fort, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch church, the governor’s house, the spice warehouses, the court square, the Kacheri or Town Hall, the lighthouse and ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields and the District Judge’s house, surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. There’s a variety of exclusive boutique stores to explore.
check-in at Why House (3 nights)
Day 11 & 12 |
At leisure to relax and unwind. If you would like to go to the beach, Why House will provide a shuttle service to the closest beach. If you would like to explore the area, you can indulge in the following activities;
- Culinary Experience in Galle
- Cinnamon Plantation Visit in Weligama
- Bicycle Rides on the outskirts of Galle
Day 13 |
Today your chauffeur guide will drive you to the airport in conjunction with your departure flight.
Inclusions:
- Meals were specified
- Meet & greet at the airport, chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle.
- English Speaking qualified guide
- International flights from London Heathrow to Colombo.
- The rate is valid for travel between July and August and includes all peak-season supplements in Sri Lanka.
Price guideline – £15 – 17,000 based on a family of four
What’s the weather like on this tour?
Most locations at daytime 27 to 32 C (Cooler nights). In the Central Highlands (Nuwera Eliya) 15 to 19 C (Quite cold nights where some warm clothing may be required). August is generally very dry & sunny. Rainfall-like elsewhere worldwide, can be a little unpredictable.
Family Facts
some of the hotels will offer a babysitting option if required
not applicable
This itinerary is one giant kids playground. Recommended age for this trip is from 6 years upwards
From Colombo to Negombo is one hour by car, other distances vary but the longest drive will be to Kandy which is approx. 5.5 hours
The activities are vast, not an Ipad or other computerised device will be needed
Reviews
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JV
17 November 2014
"In the summer of 2014 our family embarked on a Sri Lankan adventure. Two weeks in a country none of us had previously visited and having undertaken the minimal amount of research we found ourselves in the hands of the experts - Tots Too and Ayu in the Wild. And we are so glad that we did! We had a fortnight filled with adventure, opportunity and fun. What more does one want from a family holiday?
From the moment we arrived Chami and Raji ensured that our needs were met... and more so. Lovely hotels for the first few nights enabled us to settle in but if it is just luxury-beach-pool which rocks your boat, why go so far? It was the less luxurious places we visited which remain with us as a fond and warm memory now that the British winter is setting in.
The best way to summarise our holiday is to reflect on our individual high lights and low points too.... In age order -
Dad, Marc (42)
Loved the posh hotels with a twist.... Monkeys roaming in the luxuriant surroundings of a 5 star hotel and drinking from the pool. As the only tea drinker among us he also appreciated the visit to the tea factory and was amused to hear that, contrary to what the supermarkets at home tell us, teabags (even those claiming to be just tips) are really the dregs. And apparently leaves are withered not dried. Marc also as the earliest riser in the family managed to stumble across a Hindu wedding taking place on the beach at one of the hotels we stayed in along the way. Apparently the wedding was the shortened version at a mere 4 hours in the early morning sun. As a frequent flier for work, Marc was delighted by the novel 4 seater plane which took us from Kandy to Ellerton Bungalow. Not so keen on curry for breakfast but did acquire a taste for string hoppers (think bowl shaped pancake with an egg inside).
Mum, Jude (41)
Surprised herself by relishing the opportunity to sleep out in the jungle... See animals up close on safari, witness a river rise from dry earth to a promising stream, be woken in the middle of the night by a monkey throwing down fruit stones onto the roof of our tent and having a shower outside with the (slim) possibility of seeing a leopard. Also adored the food and, unlike others, partial to curry for breakfast. A close second to the tent was the treetop house which swung in the wind above the (dry) lily pond which lay beneath. The treehouse was very remote and a stiff neck made the windy journey down to the site one which was occasionally interrupted by the odd swear word. Only disappointment was not having South African 'sundowners' at the end of a safari day as Sri Lankan national parks, unlike their South African equivalents are alcohol free zones!
Sam (13)
Fascinated by Budhism and keen to visit temples and historic sites of polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. He also enjoyed discussing the finer points of faith with anyone who would give him the time of day. Raji proved particularly patient. As someone who is at times fearful of heights there were a few hairy moments on the plane and on the hike up to Sagirhiya but all came good when the nerves subsided and he was able to appreciate the views. An old hand at safaris the animals and, in particular the birdlife, were very impressive. Sam struggled to think of things he didn't like but settled for the sea-plane ascent.
Avi (10)
Loved pretty much everything. When probed he particularly liked the various swimming pools en route. Also quite liked hearing his mum swear on every bend in the road. Enjoyed seeing the animals - especially the gathering of the elephants (which at one point, we feared, was more like a gathering of the tourists but like everything else on this holiday when the elephants came they did not disappoint). An international cricket game on the last day was another high light for a sports mad youngster. His one dislike - the food. Apparently the rice was good and, when available, so was the pasta but everything else was horrid.
So as you can see we are a typical family - we disagree on almost everything but all found something to love about Sri Lanka. We are keen to go back to such a wonderful and welcoming place and would recommend this holiday to the most discerning and disagreeable of families!" -
ES
07 May 2014
"Our Sri Lankan holiday was just amazing. My daughters (age 7 and 8) have not stopped taking about their adventures since we came home. We were well looked throughout as we moved from glorious beaches to amazing elephant and leopard safaris to beautiful Buddhist temples and ruins. The accommodation ranged from total luxury to great fun 'glamping' and the kids savoured every change of scenery and new adventure along the way. We will definitely be going back to explore more."
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