From wildlife to beaches to history, Sri Lanka offers all the essentials of a relaxed family vacation. It’s natural gorgeousness and rich culture and heritage is enjoyed by both children and adults. Sri Lanka’s small size means it’s possible to explore the country with little time spent commuting, which is a blessing especially when you’re traveling with kids. Most importantly, the Sri Lankans are a warm and friendly lot who love pampering their guests. What’s better, finding family-friendly accommodation (including homestays and guesthouses) and kiddie supplies like milk and nappies is very convenient. So, hurry up and plan a family trip to Sri Lanka now!
1. Sun Sand and Surf
Sri Lanka’s year-round pleasant, tropical weather makes it fantastic to enjoy some beach time. With miles of coastline, the country is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Most of the beaches in Sri Lanka are clean and pristine, perfect to swim, build sand-castles, dig holes, crashing the shoreline or relax! If your kids are the adventurous sort, then head to Arugam Bay. There are several surf schools around Arugam Bay and Pottuvil Point that have exclusive surf lessons for children.
2. Wild encounters
Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities to enjoy close encounters with wild animals. At Yala National Park you’ll meet elephants, monkeys, mongoose, crocodiles and many more. But the real celebrity at this park is the leopard. With one of the highest concentration of leopards in the world, the chances of seeing this elusive cat prowl through the jungles are much higher at Yala. It’s a must have experience in any Sri Lankan itinerary.
3. Choo Choo! Hop on one of the world’s most scenic train rides!
One of Sri Lanka’s top attractions, you won’t know what you’re missing until you take a train from Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Along the way, you can feast your eyes on exquisite views of lush, rolling hills, tea plantations, and serene countryside. Children especially love it when the train snakes its way through 21 narrow tunnels!
4. Chill with elephants
Say hello to the world’s largest herd of elephants in captivity at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. A world-renowned conservation project, most of the elephants here are rescued, injured or were abandoned by their mothers. Hangout with these gentle giants and learn at close quarters how they are being nursed, taken care of and bred. Watching these elephants play in water is a particularly delightful experience.
5. Immerse in History
The charming little town of Galle and its 17th century Dutch Fort provides a great glimpse into the colonial past of Sri Lanka. An evening stroll along the fort’s ramparts and watching the sun go down is delightful. These ramparts are also diving boards for Galle’s famous ‘Fort or Cliff Jumpers’ who take a plunge into the ocean below. It’s thrilling to watch them nosedive into the waters, and tempting as it may look, don’t attempt to do it yourself! It’s quite dangerous.
6. Trek for tiny tots
A trek to the top of Little Adam’s Peak is a great nature outing with kids. If you’re traveling with younger kids, take a tuk-tuk half way up and then it’s a just simple thirty to forty-five-minute walk to the summit. Those with older kids, can trudge up the entire way; it’s about a two to three-hour long trek. Atop, you’ll be blessed with the most wonderful views of the surrounding hills, greenery and the quaint town of Ella.
Those with older kids can climb up the mighty Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress that is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight.
7. Watch turtles lay their eggs under starry skies
The beautiful coast along Tangalle in Southern Sri Lanka not only lures travelers but also thousands of turtles. Five species of turtles slowly make their way to Rekawa Beach to lay their eggs under a sky full of stars. Although turtles nest all through the year, April to July is the main breeding season. To avoid large crowds flocking the beach, turtle watching tours in small numbers are organized. While there are a couple of turtle hatching sites on the East Coast, Rekawa Beach offers a much better experience because eggs laid here are left undisturbed in the sand and are protected in situ.
With so many amazing places to visit and things to do in Sri Lanka, it’s time to move this emerald island up in your bucket list.
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