Sri Lanka with kids

Is it worth going to Sri Lanka on a family holiday? Moreover, is it worth travelling to Sri Lanka with kids? These are questions most parents are faced with. In our opinion, Sri Lanka makes for a great family holiday destination. Given their deep rooted family oriented culture, Sri Lankans love children. Always going out of their way to make sure families feel welcome and experience no discomfort. Being an island with picturesque beaches, national parks and serene hill stations, Sri Lanka has it all. Also, the size of the island, makes intercity travelling extremely convenient. And even though authentic Sri Lankan cuisine may not appeal to all kids, you’ll often find fast food chains and restaurants that serve western cuisine. Here are some of the best experiences for a family holiday in Sri Lanka:

A bird’s-eye view of this breathtakingly beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

SUN & SUN SAND & CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS

Being an island with a coastline of 830 miles, Sri Lanka is one of the most popular beach destinations. Indulge in all kinds of water sports & beach activities that cater to all age groups. Kids can enjoy speed boat rides and banana boat rides under the supervision of an expert or an adult. If they’re above 10 years of age, they could also try scuba diving or snorkeling. Surfing and Kite Surfing are other activities that you can try out when you’re in Sri Lanka. Besides being an incredibly fun experience for kids, it is also ideal for every adventure enthusiast adult.

Moreover, you can even go on the widely popular Whale watching tour with your family. A lagoon tour or a fascinating fishing tour guided by local fishermen also make for great local experiences. With something for everyone, irrespective of their age and preferences, the golden sand beaches and tranquil waters make for the perfect family holiday.

Recommendations : Unawatuna, Galle (canoeing), Hikkaduwa (deep-sea fishing, scuba diving), Negombo (water skiing, wakeboarding), Arugam bay (surfing), Bentota (banana & tube ride), Kalpitiya (Kite surfing), Weligama & Mirissa (Whale watching excursion).

The endless coastline of gorgeous palm fringed beaches in Sri Lanka is an absolute delight. Whether you’re 5 or 55, there are tons of activities to indulge in here.

ONE WITH THE WILDERNESS

It doesn’t matter if you’re a 2 year old or an 80 year old, spotting wildlife can be fascinating for everyone. Sri lanka is home to some of the world’s most exotic biodiversity, attracting tourists from all over the world. The island is an absolute paradise for wildlife lovers. You can embark on a jeep safari at some of the national parks. Here, you’re likely to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deers & a variety of exotic bird species. One of the best activities to enjoy with your entire family. And one that children are bound to be thrilled by.

One can also visit the Kaskoda turtle hatchery near Bentota, to see the incredible site of turtles laying their eggs. Witness the eggs hatching and baby turtles wandering by the shore. This makes for an incredibly heart-warming experience. A rare, fascinating sight, irrespective of your age.

Must visit National parks: Yala National Park (largest leopard population); Uda Walawe National Park (elephants, deer, water buffaloes, wild boar); Wilpattu National Park (leopards, sloth bears, deer); Minneriya National Park (Elephants and exotic bird species). For wildlife enthusiasts, don’t forget to read our recommendations on the best national parks in Sri Lanka. Also take a look at the best time to visit them and what each of them have to offer, in order to plan the ideal itinerary.

You’re sure to spot these majestic creatures in Sri Lanka. If you’re lucky, they’ll probably pass by you, while simply driving down the east coast.

TRAIN RIDES AND TEA LANDS

The serene hill country of Sri Lanka makes for a beautiful escape. You could take a stroll along the lush green tea estates followed by a tour of the entire tea making process, right from plucking the leaves to the final production at the factory. A once in a lifetime experience where your kids will not only learn a lot, but they will also be left awestruck. Besides tea plantations and colonial architecture, the hill country also allows access to some splendid waterfalls, making up for a fun excursion. One unmissable experience is the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella or Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The scenic Sri Lanka train ride will surely get you just as excited as the kids. With its breathtaking route from Kandy right up to Ella, it is nothing short of every child’s idea of paradise.

Prime attractions : Nuwara Eliya (Lovers Leap Waterfall & Glen falls, Pedro Tea Estate), Ella (Diyaluma falls, Lipton’s seat, Haputale, Nine Arch bridge, Ella Rock), Kitulgala (white water rafting).

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

Sri Lanka is widely known for its rich and diverse culture. The country has a lot that you can explore, like its forts, ruins and ancient temples, amongst others. A cultural tour is usually associated with boredom, especially for kids. But this unmatched beauty and the fascinating stories behind them will surely peak your interest and attract your undivided attention. Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya are the prime towns that form the “Cultural Triangle”, and they are definitely a must visit. But if you’re travelling to Sri Lanka with kids, it may be difficult to cover the entire triangle. The two places that ought to make it to your list are Kandy and Sigiriya.

Things to do : Kandy (Kandy lake, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), Sigiriya (Sigiriya Rock, Hot air balloon ride).

The stunning Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri Lanka. A climb worth your time for a breathtaking view of the cultural triangle at sunset.

TIPS FOR travelling to sri lanka with kids

Stay

Most accommodations in Sri Lanka have provisions for an extra bed. However, what may not be provided for, is a baby bed or an extra mosquito net (which is an absolute necessity).

Food

Kids will most likely face difficulty in adjusting to the local Sri Lankan cuisine, which shouldn’t be a problem in the bigger cities where restaurants will serve the basic pastas and sandwiches. In case you’re unable to find a single fast food joint, eggs, chips and veggies can always be your last resort. To ease them into the Sri Lankan cuisine, let them try pittu (coconut-rice combination), hoppers (bowl shaped pancakes – sweet & savoury) and the widely popular roti (stuffed flatbread).

Travel

Car seats are not a common concept here so be sure to ask your designated driver in advance or bring one along. You could also purchase it in the urban city of Colombo, but may face some difficulty in locating a vendor. Most journeys are car journeys, given the close proximity between places. Yet, to make sure the kids don’t get restless, be sure to carry a few games or  entertaining videos to keep them occupied. Also, bring along a few munchies, chips, sandwiches, anything to sustain the journey.

Daily commute

A frequently asked question, by most parents, is whether they should stick with a backpack or carry a stroller for their little toddler. Given most roads of the island, the lack of footpaths and never ending beaches, backpacks are hands down, the safer bet.

Personal hygiene

Diapers and nappies are easily available at the supermarkets. But more often than not, even your usual brand will differ in terms of size and quality. It would be advisable to pack enough for your stay and maybe a few extras.

Vaccinations

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Other vaccines that you must take for protection are Japanese encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies. The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if, in the six days before entering Sri Lanka, you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone.

Besides the basic differences that arise due to cultural differences, travelling to Sri Lanka with kids, definitely makes for an exciting experience. “Is Sri Lanka safe?”, is one concern you ought to check off your list. With welcoming locals and some of the best resorts and homestays, you will have nothing to worry about.

Travelling to Sri Lanka with kids – the ideal family holiday destination.

The island is a perfect blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, and there’s several great places to visit while travelling to Sri Lanka with kids. What makes it the ideal spot is the vast variety of experiences to indulge in for all age groups. Travelling around Sri Lanka shouldn’t be a problem. Leave all the particulars to us, from hotel bookings to transportation, and enjoy a hassle free, seamless family holiday. Whether it’s the best places to visit or the best time to go, we’ve got your back. Just click on Plan My Trip for further assistance or to simply start planning.