From Safari Tracks to Open Water

Dambulla and Minneriya · Days 1–3

Starting in Sri Lanka

We tried to fit a lot into six days in Sri Lanka. We began at Dambulla Cave Temple, went on our first safari at Minneriya and then kept moving south. The days were full and often began early.

Philip and the children looking around inside Dambulla Cave Temple beneath a painted ceiling — Dambulla Cave Temple.

Vanessa and the children standing in an open safari jeep at sunrise — Our first safari at Minneriya National Park.

The highlands to Yala · Days 4–6

The Long Way South

By the highlands, the weather had changed. It was cold and wet. The train from Nanu Oya to Ella was one of the journeys we had looked forward to, but it also became one of our longest days. After the train, we still had a long road transfer to Weerawila and another safari early the next morning.

Vanessa and the children walking through a misty highland garden beneath colourful umbrellas

Sophie and George with a railway guard below destination signs — Before boarding.

George watching tea fields pass through the train window — Tea country from George’s seat.

The family with luggage on a busy station platform at dusk — Arrival, 6:18 p.m.

The family outside their hotel beside a waiting safari jeep before sunrise — The jeep waiting outside, 5:30 a.m.

A young elephant crossing the safari track.

South Malé Atoll · Days 7–10

A Different Pace

Flying to the Maldives changed the pace completely. After six days of roads, trains and early starts, we stayed in one place and spent most of our time by the water.

The family stepping away from an aircraft on arrival in the Maldives

6 September

Into the Water

On our last full day, we went out by boat to swim with nurse sharks. Both children were initially nervous, but in the end they both decided to get into the water. It became one of the moments we remembered most.

Sophie and George in life jackets looking from the boat towards sharks below — Before entering the water.

Sophie swimming beside the nurse sharks.

Sophie laughing in her life jacket on the boat journey back to the hotel — On the boat back to the hotel.

Sophie and George leaning over the pool edge together at sunset

Singapore · 7 September

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10 days · 9 nights · approximately 7,600 kilometres