Sri Lanka with Kids: A Complete Family Travel Guide
Sri Lanka is one of those rare destinations that really does have something for everyone.
Beautiful beaches, ancient temples, tea-covered mountains, incredible wildlife and some of the best food in Asia, all packed into a relatively small island.
For families, I think that variety is exactly what makes it so special. You can be climbing an ancient rock fortress one morning, spotting elephants in the wild a few days later and end the trip swimming in the Indian Ocean.
It is adventurous without feeling too difficult, and there is always something new for children to experience.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The slightly confusing thing about Sri Lanka is that there is not one simple "best time" to visit. Different parts of the island have different monsoon seasons, which actually means you can travel to Sri Lanka for much of the year if you choose your route carefully.
December to April is generally best for the south and west coasts, making it perfect for a classic itinerary combining culture, safari and beach.
From May to September, the east coast tends to have better weather. This can work particularly well for families travelling during the British summer holidays.
How long do you need?
I would allow around 10 to 14 days with children.
Distances can look short on a map, but journeys often take longer than expected. I would much rather stay two or three nights somewhere and properly enjoy it than try to see the whole country in one trip.
With two weeks, you can experience the Cultural Triangle, mountains, wildlife and coast without feeling as though you are constantly packing your bags.
Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya is one of those places that children tend to remember.
The huge rock fortress rises dramatically out of the landscape and climbing to the top is an adventure in itself. There are lots of steps, so I would consider the age and energy levels of your children, but the views are worth it.
This area is also a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka's history, with ancient cities, temples and plenty of wildlife nearby.
Kandy, Adam's Peak and the hills
Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural heart and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is a good place to slow down for a day or two before heading into the hills.
For active families with older children, Adam's Peak can be an incredible experience. The climb is usually done overnight to reach the summit for sunrise. It is challenging, so definitely not something I would include for every family, but for teenagers who enjoy hiking it could become one of the highlights of the trip.
Ella and the train journey
The journey through Sri Lanka's hill country is almost as important as the destination.
Travelling by train towards Ella takes you through tea plantations, mountains and tiny villages. Ella itself has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty to do, from visiting tea plantations to walking to viewpoints and seeing the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
It is a lovely contrast to the temples and cultural sites earlier in the trip.
Safari in Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is often overlooked as a safari destination, but the wildlife is extraordinary.
Yala National Park is particularly famous for its leopards, although seeing one is never guaranteed. You might also encounter elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and an enormous variety of birdlife.
For children, seeing an elephant in its natural habitat is completely different from reading about one at school. It is one of the reasons I love travel so much as a way for children to learn about the world.
Galle and the South Coast
After all that exploring, I would always finish with some time on the coast.
Galle Fort is a lovely place to wander, with colonial architecture, little shops, cafés and restaurants hidden within its old walls. From here, you can combine a visit to Galle with a stay on the South Coast, where there are beautiful beaches and some fantastic family hotels.
It is the perfect ending to a busy itinerary: a few days with nowhere you particularly need to be.
And what about the food?
Food is a huge part of travelling around Sri Lanka. Try hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes often served with egg, kottu roti, tropical fruit and, of course, Sri Lankan rice and curry, which usually arrives surrounded by lots of smaller dishes to share.
Sri Lanka is the kind of country that keeps surprising you. It has culture, wildlife, adventure, beaches and brilliant food, but it is the combination of all of them that makes it such a rewarding family holiday.
For children, there is something to discover almost every day. And for me, that is exactly what a great family adventure should be.