Sri Lankan Family Adventure

We recharge our energy with an early nutritious breakfast before climbing Pidurangala Rock. Monks have lived in the caves in the Pidurangala area on and off for over 2,500 years. The area came into prominence when Kasyapa, the King who built the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, moved the monks living around Sigiriya Rock to a newly refurbished monastery at Pidurangala. The views from the top of the climb across the countryside to Sigiriya provide a unique perspective of the Sri Lankan landscape.

In the afternoon, explore paddy fields around Habarana, take an exciting bullock ride to a local village before learning how to cook your own Sri Lankan cuisine. We enjoy an organic lunch prepared fresh at a local farm and finish the afternoon with a catamaran safari.

Hotel: Jetwing Lake, Dambulla (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Visiting the impressive Sigiriya rock fortress, we enter the stairs between the giant stone Lion Gate, of which only the paws remain, and make our way up to the palace ruins perched on top of the flat rock. We admire ancient rock art and impressive engineering feats as we explore this sacred and unique part of Sri Lankan history. We also visit the stunning rock caves in nearby Dambulla, each containing a different representation of Buddha. As we approach Kandy, we visit a commercial spice farm and learn about the spices that once enticed many traders to Sri Lanka. Our arrival in Kandy allows guests to relax or create their own adventures in the afternoon.

In the evening we participate in the Theva ceremony at the temple of the tooth. The casket containing the Tooth Relic placed within the chamber is made visible to worshippers. Monks enter the shrine bringing with them offerings to the tooth relic. They are offered to the casket symbolically as if they are attending to the needs of the Buddha. This is an important ceremony which guests can experience before returning to the hotel for a well earned dinner. The Amaya Hills property allows guests to relax in the misty Hill Capital, where history and tradition are combined to create a culture, perfectly mirrored in the interior design of the hotel. Find serenity in the luxury guest rooms and suites.

Hotel: Amaya Hills, Kandy (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hanthana Mountain range is a beautiful  set of hill tops which offer lush panoramic views over the surrounding ranges. Overlooking grassy plains and eucalyptus trees lining estates, guests can be greeted by the faces of the estate workers as you hike in the hills of Sri Lanka. Our three hour hike up the mountains comes complete with a packed picnic meal, snacks and water to keep you hydrated.

On return to the hotel, enjoy an optional foot massage before making your own adventures in and around Kandy. The afternoon and evening are open to guests to discover some of the British contribution to the region or the remains of the Kingdom of Kandy. Colonial experiences include visiting a tea museum and having lunch in the nearby botanical gardens. Historical experiences include exploring the rainforest above Kandy and viewing the ancient town from the hills above. Whatever your adventure, your guide will help you to get the most out of your visit to Kandy.

Hotel: Amaya Hills, Kandy (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Our day starts on the outskirts of Kandy, from where we climb 1,300m into the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Although we travel less than 100km, the journey takes in some breathtaking scenery as we climb into the tea country. Along the journey we visit Kitulgala and experience an adrenaline rush as we raft a local rivers white water. Our journey weaves its way along hillsides covered in tea plantations towards Sri Lanka’s high tea country. On arrival in Nuwra Eliya, guests have the afternoon to explore the small colonial town or organise their own adventure in what we think is one of the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka. If the rush of the white water has the families adrenaline pumping, we also have the the option of taking to a Jet Ski in nearby Gregory Lake before enjoying dinner at our resort.

At our hideaway in the mountains, delicate nuances of old-world charm can be vividly captured from the paintings adorning the walls to the earth tones surrounding the room.

Hotel: Langdale by Amaya, Nuwara Eliya (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.