Sri Lanka is a wholesome destination for family travel. There’s plenty to delight children of all ages. Be it watching herds of elephants grazing peacefully or scenic train rides across the Hill Country, children will take home exciting memories. The warm hospitality that comes naturally to Sri Lankans sets a welcoming tone. Hop from beach bliss to safaris, temple treks to monument gazing and cultural rituals to village life. Sri Lanka fills up young minds with wonder and intrigue. So, which activities will appeal to them?
The coastline
Building sandcastles, swimming, snorkelling and surfing, young and older kids can enjoy the ultimate seaside holiday with an exquisite coastline skirting the island. The South Coast comes alive with global holiday-goers between November and April. The south and southwest are monsoon-free during this time. May to September brings ideal weather to the East Coast.
Southern Coast Fun
Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Mirissa, Kirinda, Unwatuna, Weligama and Koggala of the south coast are beautiful beaches to enjoy the sun and sand. These are also excellent spots for snorkelling. Mirissa is a whale-watching hotspot. Rekawa, Kosgoda, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa beaches are famous for sea turtle nesting sites.
Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, Unwatuna, Koggala, Hikkaduwa and Tangalle are top surf spots on the South Coast. Yala National Park borders the Indian Ocean, and you can explore the jungle and beach while staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodge.
East Coast Fun
Pasikudah, Nilaveli and Pigeon Island National Park off the coast of Nilaveli on the East Coast are picturesque beaches and snorkelling sites. Soft, powdery white sand and shallow waters are features of the East Coast. Trincomalee is also a whale-watching destination.
Head off to Kalpitiya in the Northwest for dolphin watching, whale spotting, kite surfing and diving. The peninsula is rich in reefs, coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves, swamps, salt marshes and dune beaches. The sedate town of Arugam Bay on the East Coast is another gem. It is the island’s best surf spot.
Galle Fort
The old ramparts of this maritime fortress are an iconic sight. Built by the Portuguese, expanded by the Dutch and fortified by the British, it overlooks the Indian Ocean. It encloses a charming old town with cobbled streets, colonial buildings, quaint cafes, boutique shops and art galleries. The fort is synonymous with history, culture and art and is the home of the Galle Literary Festival.
Colombo to Badulla Train Ride
It’s a bucket list experience for many who visit Sri Lanka. The route takes you from Colombo deep into the hills. The train ascends higher elevations, winding past the high montane canopy, tea estates, deep gorges, steep ridges, craggy cliffs, cascading waterfalls, shrines, misty hills and mountains.
The train winds through dark tunnels (46) and across bridges, viaducts and embankments. The Poolbank Tunnel is the longest, stretching more than half a kilometre. It will also stop at Pattipola, the world’s highest broad-gauge railway station. You can get off at Nanu Oya to explore Nuwara Eliya, where the Horton Plains are. The sleepy town of Ella is also a stunning base to discover the Hill Country. Trekking to Ella Rock, Ella Gap, and Little Adam’s Peak will keep you busy here.
The Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara stations is the prettiest viaduct, which has become Insta-famous. At Demodara Loop, the train snakes around a hillock and emerges from a 134m-long tunnel under the station.
The Festival of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy (gateway to the Central Hills) is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. It houses the tooth relic of Buddha. Every year, between July and August, processions (peraheras) take to the streets in Kandy. These include the processions of the guardian devalas of the Temple and the final Randoli Perahera of the Temple itself. A majestic tusker carries the Tooth relic.
Tuskers and elephants adorned in regalia, dancers, whip crackers, fire spinners and drummers make up these vibrant and rhythmic processions. Kandy, on ordinary days, is also cultural. Daily rituals (Theva) performed at the Temple of the Tooth attract crowds. You can also catch a Traditional dance performance while in the city.
Tea plantation and factory visit
The Central Hills are cloaked in tea estates as far as the eye can see. Walk amongst the tea bushes, lend a hand to a tea picker plucking leaves at record speed and watch how tea gets processed in the factory. It is a fantastic way for kids to learn about tea. Who knows? Your child might even become partial to a freshly brewed cup of tea.
Wildlife safaris
Spot the elusive leopards at Yala and Wilpattu. You can see the Asian Elephant in all major national parks. Udawalawe, Minneriya and Gal Oya National Parks have large elephant populations. At Gal Oya, you can see elephants swimming in Senanayaka Samudraya, the largest reservoir on the island. They swim from island to island on the reservoir.
Gal Oya also has Vedda villages, settlements of the native people of Sri Lanka. Take a jungle trek with a Vedda chief to learn about plants and species. You can even watch a ritual performed and learn their ways of life. It is a unique and wonderful experience for kids.
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa for the little history buffs
The UNESCO cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have a wealth of ancient monuments, temple ruins and monolithic statues. The two Cities lie next to each other. They were Sri Lanka’s first and second kingdoms. Scattered throughout the landscape are scores of dagobas or stupas. The sheer scale of Jetavanaramaya, Ruwanweli Maha Seya and Rankoth Vehera will take you by surprise. Kids will also enjoy the paddy-fringed country roads that crisscross the region.
Child-friendly Sri Lanka travel with Blue Lanka Tours!
Those who get to know Sri Lanka fall in love with it, kids included. Whether your kids love the wilderness and its creatures, waves and sand, hills and mountains, ancient and enigmatic or culture and ritual, Sri Lanka offers it all.
Family holidays by Blue Lanka Tours are custom-curated by our travel designers to give you the most memorable and cherishable family time. From airport pickup to drop-off, we ensure your experience is comfortable, convenient and enriching. Our travels are responsible and sustainable to protect ecosystems, communities and traditions. How can we make your family happy on their next getaway?