Day 1 & 2Red Dot will meet you at the airport in the early afternoon, probably slightly bleary eyed and in need for some rest. Stay at The Beach in Negombo, easily the most chic hotel in this convenient beach resort. This 5-star hotel is only 20 minutes from the airport so you can get the children settled quickly after the rigours of a long flight. Spend two nights here to recover fully from the long journey and so everyone can settle to a different lifestyle. Consider a ride on a catamaran – a traditional fishing boat – or explore the Muthurajawela Marshes - rich in bird life and amphibians.

Day 3, 4 & 5After an early breakfast, travel to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle via 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. Pinnewala 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. Travel on to the cultural triangle and check into Chaaya Village. Children will welcome the wide range of buffet food available and will enjoy playing in the swimming pool or running around extensive gardens 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 an adventurous jeep safari in Minneriya National Park best known for the biggest gathering of Asian Elephants. During the dry season, herds of upto 150 elephants can be seen here. Sambar deer, toque monkeys, as well as plenty of birdlife, including cormorants and painted storks can be seen.

Day 6, 7 & 8Travel on to Pussellawa for a three nights stay at the Lavender House, a stunning five-bedroom tea planter’s bungalow situated on a working tea plantation midway between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Explore the surrounding Helboda Tea estate and tea factory where you will gain insight into the manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste the different grades of hill country tea. The hill country town of Nuwara Eliya also offers many activities including the challenging 18 holed golf course of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, horse riding and a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

Day 9, 10, 11, & 12Travel southwest to the coastal town of Bentota and check into Bentota Beach hotel for a five-night stay where you will relax and enjoy the sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Children will be kept entertained with the numerous watersports on offer including snorkeling, wind surfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, wave boarding and banana-boating. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project which is a pioneering effort in conserving the endangered Marine Turtle species that come to nest in along the west coast of the island. Globally, all seven species of marine turtles existing are endangered. Out of these seven, five species of sea turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is an ancient and phenomenal ritual that is fascinating to observe. You have an opportunity to contribute the Marine Turtle Conservation efforts through the project in Kosgoda where you will observe this endangered species without interfering with its natural breeding habits. Galle’s 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site and a melting pot of cultural influences. With its well-preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, lighthouse staring into the Indian Ocean, narrow streets and, interesting restaurants and boutique hotels full of character, Galle deserves a visit.

Day 13After four days on the beach, travel north along the West Cost to the capital city of Colombo for your final night. We recommend the Cinnamon Grand, a luxurious five star hotel that has much to offer. Relax by the poolside or you might like to fit in some shopping at the adjoining Crescatl mall or at ODEL, Paradise Road or Barefoot.