Galle, Yala & Weligama: A Luxury Family Vacation in Sri Lanka

A verdant, teardrop-shaped island with nothing below it but the cobalt expanse of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is as relaxed as it is exciting. Boasting eye-widening colours, palate-tingling flavors and locals that never fail to make us smile, it’s the perfect choice for a young family looking to explore the world further. On this exotic nine-night journey, you’ll step back in time in fifth-century fortresses, learn how to make tea up in the misted highlands and spot leopards in the wild before some family fun on the coast. We know Sri Lanka like the back of our passports, so know exactly what it takes to give you and the family an adventure you’ll never forget.

From the City to the Coast

Flying into Colombo, you’ll spend your first night amid the tropical gardens of The Wallawwa. This boutique property is always our first port of call on arrival in Sri Lanka and offers the perfect reset from the flight. Tomorrow, fed and rested, you’ll head straight down to the south coast to spend three nights at the Fort Bazaar. Tucked within the sturdy walls of the magical fortress town of Galle, looking over red-tiled rooftops and surrounded on all sides by an eclectic mix of art galleries, cafes and boutique hotels, the kids will feel like they have their very own kingdom at their fingertips.

First things first, it’s time to get to know the local cuisine as you learn to create the perfect biryani. Your host for the day is a local resident, renowned for her recipe, whom you will visit at home with her family for an authentic approach to preparing this delicious staple. Tomorrow, Galle Fort becomes your playground for discovery. Navigate cobblestone streets, in a bespoke treasure hunt that will see you deciphering clues that lead to a host of iconic landmarks like the Dutch Reformed Church, the lighthouse, and the ocean-facing ramparts. As you piece together the fort’s history, you’ll also weave through charming cafes, boutique shops, and artisan workshops, experiencing the vibrant culture that thrives within these ancient walls.

On your final day in the walled city, you’ll journey to the Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple where you’ll be meet by a master artist for a morning of mask making. Hailing from Ambalangoda, famed for its intricate mask craftsmanship, this engaging experience will see you delve into the cultural importance of these masks, as you learn the time-honored painting techniques that have been passed down through generations. At the end of the day, and your time in the city, we’ll arrange for a fun evening playing cricket with the locals.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Moving along the coast, you’ll come to one of our favorite family escapes; Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Combining pristine white sands with the wilds of Yala National Park, this place is every bit as wild as the name suggests. Some seriously luxurious canvas tent ‘cocoons’ will act as home for the next three nights, with the children having their very own mini ‘urchin’ tents next door. Wild Coast really is all about the wildlife with days here spent heading out on game drives through some of Yala’s quieter corners spotting elusive leopards alongside expert naturalist guides. These guys know everything there is to know about the incredible diversity of flora and fauna in the park and will also run workshops looking into the behaviour of native wild elephants. At the end of each day, why not return for a game of beach croquet and a picnic on the sands? It’s truly the best of both worlds here.

A CLIFFTOP PARADISE 

Your final stop is Cape Weligama, a relaxing coastal getaway that offers a true taste of Sri Lanka, from hearty home-cooked curries to some of the most incredible views around. Hole up in this idyllic bolthole for three days and relive every incredible moment of your trip so far. Spend your time here however you see fit; swimming in the incredible infinity pool, dipping your toes in warm waters of the Indian Ocean, or getting a final look at this beautiful country from a whole new perspective on an incredible seaplane journey across the coast. After your stay at Cape Weligama, you’ll head back to Colombo for your flight home.