Introduction

This Children’s Eastern Explorer is suitable for families with young children who will enjoy fun-filled activities in a safe and friendly environment. We have designed an easy-paced holiday that allows families to experience the beautiful palm fringed beaches of the north-west and east of the island; the magnificent elephants of Sri Lanka as well as a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage. The turquoise seas of the North East are best for snorkeling, whale and dolphin spotting from March to October. We have selected high-quality accommodation with character and sufficient things to do so the children remain occupied and the adults can relax.

Highlights

• Enjoy Negombo’s palm-fringed beaches and fishing catamarans

• Go on a jeep safari through the jungles of Wilpattu

• Bask in the sun in Trincomalee

• Go snorkelling around Pigeon Island

• Venture off into the deep seas in search of whales and dolphins

• Trek through the jungles on elephant back in Habarana

• Watch baby elephants at the Pinnawala orphanage as they feed and frolic in the river

 Day 1

Ceylon Roots Airport Rep and Driver will meet you at the airport and transfer to Jetwing Beach, a luxurious contemporary hotel with an extensive beach frontage in Negombo, just 20 minutes from the airport. Spend your day relaxing on the sunkissed beaches. Take a ride on a catamaran with a local fisherman. These large traditional fishing boats with their bellowing sails are only found in this region of the island.

Accommodation | “ Jetwing Beach ”

Jetwing Beach is a chic and stylish five-star hotel in Negombo, set on a beautiful stretch of private beach just 20 minutes away from the international airport. It is also enroute to the Cultural Triangle and hill country making this a perfect first or last stop on a holiday in Sri Lanka where you can recuperate after a long flight amidst great luxury and warm hospitality.

http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingbeach/

Day 2 & 3

After an early breakfast, travel to Wilpattu and spend the next two days at Palpatha, a rustic eco-retreat immersed in nature and situated just 20 minutes away from the Wilpattu National Park. Relax under the shade of a tall tamarind tree surrounded by bird call; take a walk into the village where guests can share a cup of tea in a village home; have a cooling river bath, or go on a guided bird watching trail. Explore the jungles of Wilpattu, home to the elusive leopard, sloth bear, elephant, and numerous species of birds.

Accommodation | “ Palpatha”

Palpatha is a rustic eco-retreat immersed in nature and situated in the remote village of Dunguswewa in the north west of Sri Lanka. Situated just 20 minutes away from the entrance gates to Wilpattu National Park, this is an ideal location from which to explore the jungles of Wilpattu - home to the elusive leopard, sloth bear, elephant, and numerous species of birds. Palpatha can be accessed via the Puttalam to Anuradhapura road, and is about three hours away from Colombo’s international airport 

http://www.palpatha.com/

 Day 4 - 8

Travel east to the coastal town of Trincomalee for your five day beach stay at Chaaya Blu. Sri Lanka’s equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the North East coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. Trincomalee has a long season that extends from March to October when the seas are at their best. Bask in the sun or go snorkelling and discover the magnificent marine life around the coral reefs of Pigeon Island. Chaaya Blu has a watersports centre that also conducts PADI-certified diving courses, snorkelling excursions accompanied by the in-house naturalist, and underwater photography excursions. Go on a whale and dolphin spotting excursion into the deep seas. The Indian Ocean surrounding Sri Lanka is home to Sperm Whales and Blue Whales. Most often, pods of spinner dolphins will swim alongside your boat, leaping into the air and showing off their acrobatics - a thrilling experience. Visit Fort Frederick, first used by the Portuguese in 1624, followed by the Dutch and later by the British. At the northern tip of Fort Frederick is a cliff known as Swami Rock which drops around 110 metres into the sea below. On its top-most pinnacle is the Tirukonesvaram Hindu Kovil, where religious services are conducted at dusk. The view of Trincomalee’s harbour - the world’s largest - is breathtaking.

Accommodation | “ Chaaya Blu”

Chaaya Blu is a four-star beach resort set on the white sandy beaches of Uppuveli in Trincomalee on the North East Coast. This region enjoys a long season from March to September when the seas are perfect for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. Situated four miles north of Trincomalee town and just before the village of Nilaveli, Chaaya Blu can be accessed on the A6 route from Colombo.

http://www.cinnamonhotels.com/ChaayaBluTrincomalee.htm

 Day 9, 10 & 11

Head west to the Cultural Triangle where you will stay three nights at Chaaya Village perched at the edge of a tranquil lake in the village of Habarana. Children will enjoy playing in the swimming pool or running around in the acres of gardens which are frequented by monkeys, mongoose, and rock squirrels. Go on an elephant safari at Habarana where you’ll be taken on elephant back through a jungle trek and across shallow waters. You might also consider a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park best known for the biggest gathering of Asian Elephants. This 900 sq kms park of dry evergreen forest, scrub jungle, grassy plains, is dominated by the Minneriya Tank. During the dry season, herds of up to 150 elephants can be seen here. Sambar deer, toque monkeys, as well as plenty of birdlife, including cormorants and painted storks can be seen.

Accommodation | “Chaaya Village”

Chaaya Village is a four-star hotel perched at the edge of a tranquil lake in the village of Habarana in the Cultural Triangle. Habarana is in close proximity to the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Sigiriya. Habarana is a four-hour drive from Colombo and a three-hour drive to/from Kandy.

http://www.cinnamonhotels.com/ChaayaVillagehabarana.htm   

Day 12

For your final night's stay, we recommend that you travel towards Colombo’s international airport and check-in to The Wallawwa, a luxurious boutique hotel just 15 minutes away from the airport. En route, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - a remarkable project that protects the island’s abandoned or orphaned wild elephants that would otherwise have surely died. From small, modest origins it has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions. Pinnawala enthralls adults and children alike. Roaming free within the Sanctuary, except when occasionally shepherded by their Mahouts (keepers) the elephants’ highlight is their regular bathing sessions. The sight of herds of elephants splashing and playing in a river has charmed countless visitors. While at Pinnawala, visit the Maximus project just down the road from the elephant orphanage. Named after the Asian elephant, Eliphus Maximus, this is a pioneering project that produces beautiful paper out of recycled elephant dung. Once at The Wallawwa, relax and unwind by the poolside.

 Accommodation | “ The Wallawwa”

T he Wallawwa is a stylish boutique hotel nestled amidst lush tropical gardens and situated just 20 minutes from the International Airport. This peaceful and luxurious setting is an ideal first or last stop on a holiday to Sri Lanka. The sandy beaches of Negombo are just 30 minutes away and the capital city of Colombo is one hour away. The Wallawwa is en route to the Cultural Triangle, hill country and the southern coast. The Wallawwa is easily accessible yet entirely secluded - a luxury private.

http://www.thewallawwa.com/  

~~End of services~~ 

• Pls note proposed hotels can be changed and customized according to your preference and requirements

INCLUDES

• Welcome and assistance onarrival

• 12 Nights accommodation on bed & breakfast basis

• Transport by air conditioned vehicle as per the programme. (except during beach stay in Trincomalee)

• Services of an English speaking driver/guide.

• Cost of 02 jeep safaris in Wilpattu National Park

• All applicable entrance fees to places mentioned in the itinerary.

• Cultural Show tickets in Kandy.

• Our care and attention

EXCLUDES

• Tips and other expenses of a personal nature.

• Cost of transport during beach stay

• Video & Camera permits.

• Compulsory Supplements: Perehera, Cricket etc.

• Optional Programmes & excursions

• Services not specified above .