Meet up with your personal chauffeur-guide at the airport and transfer to your overnight accommodation. Here you can rest and recover from your journey so you are refreshed for the start of your tour.

It will take you 4-5 hours to reach the Cultural Triangle, so your first day is likely to be devoted to travel. For the two days that follow, you can discover the astonishing attractions on your doorstep. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a highlight – the climb and views will delight adults and kids alike – as are the elaborate frescos of Dambulla Cave Temple. A special experience for kids is to meet the monkeys that inhabit the 16th-century ruins at Polonnaruwa.

A short drive will take you to Kandy, a vibrant city with a strong Buddhist culture and many peaceful pockets where you can escape the crowds. Kandy’s most iconic tourist attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, an ornate structure that houses an ancient tooth relic said to have been enshrined in the island for centuries. The Royal Botanical Gardens is a serene spot, and the kids will love discovering the wide variety of striking exotic plants that are growing here.

Take the train or drive into Sri Lanka’s central hills for two days of immersion in the tea plantations. A legacy of the British colonial era, these plantations provide a picturesque landscape for walking, cycling, and simply gazing at the views.

Wind out of the hills and down to Yala National Park in the south-east corner of the island. The whole family will delight in spotting the incredible animals that roam this spectacular scrubland environment. Go on half-day jeep drives through the park with an expert naturalist in search of leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a vast range of other wildlife.

Travel west along the coastline to nearby Tangalle, revered as one of the most beautiful beach towns in Sri Lanka. Its central bay is an unbeatable version of the typical tropical beach with swaying palm trees, golden sand, and an azure ocean perfect for paddling. At certain times of the year you can see marine turtles nesting on this beach at night.

Further along the coast is Galle Fort, a UNESCO heritage site known for its colonial architecture, fantastic shopping opportunities, and varied eateries. You are based just inland from the beaches beside the site, with easy access to water-sports and child-friendly activities in and around the Fort. Active families can explore the countryside on scenic bike trails, experiment with surfing and snorkeling, and try a treasure hunt around the fort. For a slower-paced stay, investigate cooking classes or simply unwinding on the beach.