East Meets West - Sri Lanka with Teens, Travel with Teens

On arrival in Colombo, head to the Wallawwa Hotel for your first night – we recommend trying their fantastic array of Sri Lankan curries to give you a taste for what’s ahead! En-route to the Hill Country for 2 nights, jump in to action at Borderlands on the Kelani River for rafting, guarranteeing some great thrills and spills as you go down-stream from the slopes of Adam’s Peak. As you head to higher altitudes marvel at the emerald peaks carpeted by tea plantations which take the place of the more jungly backdrop. If you don’t mind an early start and like to trek, you can also explore Horton Plains and be rewarded with some phenomenal Sri Lankan views.

From here, head north towards the fascinating Cultural Triangle. Giant gold buddahs and cave temples mix with unique wildlife and the opportunity to trek and cycle; climb Sigiriya rock fortress, one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka, and take a jeep drive to join the ‘gathering of the elephants’ in Minneriya National Park. Did you know that Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts and few now have tusks? Stay at Cinnamon Lodge for 3 nights if you’re seeking a big pool to cool off in after your morning activity, or head further north to Ulagalla Resort for 5 star luxury and the chance to explore by horseback or kayak though the giant lilypads on the lake. If you are travelling in August and your dates co-incide with the Perahera Festival, definitely include a couple of nights in Kandy so you can enjoy the spectacle of fire dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.

Next stop, 3 nights at the beach, perhaps stopping to cycle around Polonnaruwa en-route. Try a spot of boogie boarding at Uga Jungle Beach, or head out to Pigeon Island for snorkelling. If you want easy access to restaurants and activities beyond your resort, Passikudah is a very pretty bay on the East Coast with an array of hotels to choose from. We really like Uga Bay. The bright blonde beach and turquoise seas make a worthy backdrop for any Instagram shot.

Time to head directly South to Yala National Park, a designated wildlife sanctuary for over 100 years. It’s a long journey but there’s much to see as you hug the Indian Ocean coastline and you’ll be in for a wildlife experience not to be forgotten. Home to the densest population of Leopard in the world, if you stay 2 nights you’ll have a good chance of a glimpse or even more. There will be peacocks and crocodiles galore, wild elephants and if you’re lucky, you may also spot a sloth bear or jackal. May – August is typically the best time to visit, as low water levels bring the animals out from their hiding places, but do note the park can be busy with jeeps.

It’s now time to turn back West, stopping for a 2 nights around Mirissa or Weligama in the South for a spot of beach time and surfing for 3 days. This charming coast of Sri Lanka is what many envisage the country to offer; jumping in a tuk tuk to head to a beach fringed with swaying palms on ochre, rocky sands. There are many restored and resplendent houses to stay in if boutique is your style, or try a catered villa such as Talaramba Reef or the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort if you are seeking the facilities of a resort.

Your final night will be spend in Galle, a Unesco Word Heritage site. This historic trading port boasts Dutch-colonial buildings and churches, and wandering it’s rambling lanes brings the opportunity to pick up few souvenirs before heading home. Or if your teens are after some cut price designer fashion rather than trinkets, just outside its walls are some great factory outlets!

recommended duration:

14 nights

pricing:

From £3,450 per adult, £700 per child under 12 yrs, prices based on sharing a room, travelling July - August

call:

0845 1244455

email:

info@bushbaby.travel