Experience the joy of a Sri Lanka family holiday
Every family deserves a holiday where everyone can enjoy and relax. Sri Lanka is a beautiful place to make this dream a reality. The gentle life, beautiful surroundings, and the experiences give something for everyone.
A Sri Lanka family holiday is special because of its variety. Families can explore stunning beaches, cultural places, and cool highlands. All these experiences can be gained in one vacation. The welcoming people and the hospitality allow you to enjoy with your loved ones to the fullest. The holiday is flexible, safe, and fun here. There are places for everyone to enjoy and explore, including kids, teenagers, and the elderly. All you have to do is decide on which Sri Lanka package holidays to choose.
There are many destinations that you can choose in Sri Lanka for the best holiday gateway. But out of so many, we have six of the best suggestions for a memorable Sri Lanka family holiday.
Galle
Galle is a great starting point for your Sri Lanka family holiday. It offers a glimpse of Sri Lankan history with the colonial architecture while offering you seaside relaxation. The old town and the beaches make the place ideal for families looking to blend leisure and adventure. Galle is a place full of activities and picture-perfect moments.
What to Do in Galle
Exploring the Galle Fort: You and your family can roam the historic locations, visit the lighthouse, and peek into the little museums.
Enjoy the beach: The beautiful and sheltered beaches in Galle have calm and shallow waters. Often guarded by safety officers, these beaches are ideal for safe swimming and all kinds of beach activities for families.
Visit a turtle hatchery: Head to a nearby turtle hatchery to learn about the life cycle of turtles and conservation. If you are lucky enough, you will get an opportunity to release baby turtles into the ocean!
Lagoon exploration: Take your family on a boat trip on Koggala Lagoon to explore the marine wildlife and the surrounding tiny islands. After the ride, you can also go to a cinnamon farm close by.
Transport Options in Galle
The most comfortable way to travel around Galle in your Sri Lanka Family Holiday, is by a tuk tuk or a private vehicle. If you are starting your journey straight from Colombo, you can hire a car or a van to arrive at Galle. The Southern Expressway makes it easy to drive quickly while offering a scenic ride. Once you are in Galle, tuk-tuks will be great for short trips to nearby locations.
Where to Stay in Galle
Galle has plenty of boutique hotels, villas, and colonial-style stays that can cater to families. Look for properties around the fort area with special family suites and features such as pools and gardens. Many villas come with personalised Sri Lanka Family Holiday packages and even in-house meals, which are ideal for families travelling with toddlers and young children.
Family Tip
Pack shoes, flip flops, sunhats, comfortable beach wear, and sunscreen if you are travelling to Galle. The fort is best explored on foot in the morning or late afternoon, at sunset. You can do activities on the beach, like sand castle making, or take them to a nearby artisan ice cream shop to keep them happy and refreshed.
Kandy
Kandy is a lush, green, and historical city nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. As the heat of the island’s culture, it offers an opportunity for the travelling families to connect deeply to the country’s traditions, religion, and natural beauty. A visit to Kandy during your Sri Lanka family holiday brings nature and adventure together in one destination.
What to Do in Kandy
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): This is a sacred Buddhist temple and a most respected religious site in Sri Lanka. There are beautiful interiors and historical architecture that emphasise the spiritual energy. There is also a ceremonial drumming session every day that you can enjoy.
Kandy Lake walk: Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the lake in the afternoon for the beautiful views of the temple and the surroundings.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia. There are many beautiful spots for you to go on a picnic or sit and relax for a moment.
Kandy Perahara (a cultural event): If you visit Kandy between the end of July and the start of August, you can witness the Esala Perahara, a religious and cultural procession. There will be traditional dancing, fire walking, and rhythmic drumming. This usually takes place in the Kandy Lake round.
Transport options in Kandy
If you are coming from Colombo to Kandy, the train is a family-friendly option. You can book first-class seats with sleeperettes and an observation deck that offers great views. If you are travelling with toddlers and young children, hiring a private vehicle can be more flexible and comfortable.
Let your travel agent know what are the convenient travel options to include in Sri Lanka Family Holiday package. They will offer you the best options.
Where to stay in Kandy
Kandy has many hilltop resorts with panoramic views, hotels close to the lake, and family homestays. All of these properties add a personal touch to your Sri Lanka Family Holiday. Look for places with gardens, Dulux family suites, and kid-friendly spaces and food menus. These options will give you a chance for both you and your kids to enjoy and relax during your Sri Lanka Family Holiday.
Family Tip
Visit the Temple of the Tooth early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the drum ceremony. Pack a shawl or dress covering your shoulders and knees. Both adults and kids have to strictly adhere to this rule.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the most iconic places to include in your Sri Lanka family holiday itinerary. It is located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and combines history, mythology, and adventure. This is a destination where the tales of ancient kingdoms, sky palaces, and rock-engraved fortresses make the imagination run wild.
What to do in Sigiriya
Climb the Sigiriya rock fortress: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. Young kids will love the adventure attached to the fascinating history. Taking a toddler up can be a little challenging, and you can enjoy the water gardens and the mirror wall at the base with them.
Pidurangala Rock hike: This is a less crowded and rustic climb. But if you want to complement Sigiriya and the stunning views of the surroundings, this is the best climb. It is highly recommended to climb the rock at sunrise for a picturesque view.
Wildlife safari: Make it to a family-friendly safari session at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. You will witness elephants, birds, and a few other animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Dambulla Cave Temple: This temple is located just a short drive away from the central point. These cave shrines are full of rich and ancient paintings and vibrant statues.
Transport options in Sigiriya
For a more comfortable journey around Sigiriya, a private car or a van is the best way. This is more important if you have kids. Sigiriya is 2-3 hours away from Kandy or Dambulla. So, having a personal driver will allow you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way. You can ask the travel agent to add this feature in the Sri Lanka Family Holiday package.
Where to stay in Sigiriya
You can choose from jungle resorts, lodges, and boutique hotels with other amenities like nature trails, pools, and outdoor activities. Many of them are set in beautiful locations like forested areas or paddy fields. This is a true escape into nature for families.
Family Tip
Start climbing Sigiriya or Pindurangala early to avoid the heat and crowds. It will be more challenging with kids. Make the journey safer and fun by letting the little ones go on mini adventures like spotting animals along the way or explaining a little bit of the history.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’, is a peaceful gateway that offers a relaxing and refreshing change for families during a Sri Lanka family holiday. With the tea culture and history, colonial charm, and the cool weather, it is a perfect spot to slow down the journey and soak in nature. If your family loves and enjoys being with nature, think no further and add this beautiful destination to your list.
Many of the family-curated Sri Lanka package holidays itineraries include Nuwara Eliya for its unique blend of colonial holiday and hill country beauty. It makes the trip a memorable part of your family.
What to do in Nuwara Eliya
Visit a tea plantation and a factory: Spend some time of your Sri Lanka Family holiday on a tour of an active tea estate where you can witness the tea processing. There are certain activities and sessions that you and your kids can be involved in and enjoy. You can make your own tea brew and taste different tea flavours.
Stroll through the parks and the lake: There are a few parks that are beautifully maintained with small playgrounds and resting places. You can enjoy a walk or sit and relax here while your kids enjoy the playtime. Families can also walk along Gregory Lake, rent paddle boats, or take a pony ride. It is a great spot for a picnic or an evening hangout.
Day trip to Horton Plains National Park: For families with older kids, an early morning hike to the World’s End, located in the Horton Plains, offers a unique experience filled with many wildlife sightings.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens visit: This is another highlight of Nuwara Eliya. It is the second-largest botanical garden of Sri Lanka. There are many beautifully arranged flower beds, old trees, and sections with different themes for you to enjoy. There is also plenty of space for your kids to run around and play. If you feel tired of walking, you can book a cart ride that will let you explore the entire garden.
Strawberry farm experience: Nuwara Eliya is home to many strawberry farms where you can go and pick your own strawberries. These are open for a certain time period of the day during the strawberry season. They also have a cafeteria where you can enjoy a wide range of dishes made from strawberries. Kids will definitely enjoy this experience.
Transport options in Nuwara Eliya
Travelling by a private vehicle is the most family-friendly option. The roadway to Nuwara Eliya is beautiful and scenic. There are waterfalls and tea estates along the way, which you can stop at for a while and enjoy.
You can also take the train ride to Nanu Oya, followed by a short (about 20 minutes) ride to Nuwara Eliya.
Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya
There are cosy colonial-era hotels, modern lodges, and hillside cottages with beautiful little gardens and fireplaces. Many properties here have facilities like room heating, in-house meals, and board games.
Family Tip
Mornings and nights here can become super chilly and cold. So better if you pack sweaters and jackets. You can bring a picnic mat and snacks to Hakgala if you want to find a quiet spot and relax while the kids enjoy playing safely on the open space.
Ella
Ella is a small, charming city that feels like a living postcard. It is mainly surrounded by the tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty hills. If you can’t make it to Nuwara Eliya, add this place to your Sri Lanka family holiday plan. If your family is outdoors enthusiastic, this is an ideal place. Ella is a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. There are many cosy cafes, hikes, and viewpoints for families to enjoy.
What to do in Ella
Hike Little Adam’s Peak: This is an easy and rewarding trek with many panoramic views. It is not a hard path to climb, and even kids can climb it. The trail is clearly marked and you can walk gently through it.
Visit Nine Arches Bridge: This is another iconic place in Sri Lanka. It has become a world-famous site over the past few years. If you want the best picture of it, visit during the time when a train goes over the bridge. It is a picture-perfect experience you can enjoy as a family.
Ravana Falls: A short drive from Ella, there is a spectacular waterfall called Ravana Falls. It is a quick roadside stop where you can enjoy this giant waterfall. With the help of a local tour guide, you can add a storytelling moment that the kids might enjoy.
Visit a tea factory: Just like Nuwara Eliya, Ella gives the opportunity to visit and experience the process of a tea factory. You can learn everything from tea plucking to packing, and enjoy a tea tasting session. There are shops where you can purchase tea as well.
Transport options in Ella
The best recommended travel method is the train journey from Kandy to Ella. It is one of the world’s most scenic train rides and a highlight of many Sri Lanka Family holiday plans. If you are travelling with toddlers and kids, book first-class or second-class seats for a more comfortable ride.
Alternatively, a private vehicle will offer you chances to stop at beautiful locations and control over the travel time.
Where to stay in Ella
Ella is popular for its abundance of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. It offers cosy guesthouses, lodges, hotels, and even homestays. Many are run by local families around Ella, and they offer fresh meals for you to enjoy. Try to reserve an accommodation that gives a view of the Ella viewpoint or the Ella Rock for a memorable stay.
Family Tip
Start hikes early in the morning to avoid the sun and crowds. You can pack water and snacks to have at the summit. Interact with kids along the way by showing them wildlife and tea pickers.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is best known for its surf culture. It is a stunning beach located on the east coast. If your family loves the sea and activities based on the beach, this is an ideal spot. There are wide beaches, lagoons rich in wildlife, and cliffs with charming views that offer a unique end to your Sri Lanka family holiday.
Even though Arugam Bay is a little off the typical tourist trail, including it in Sri Lanka package holiday plans will give a one-of-a-kind experience for those who seek adventure.
What to do in Arugam Bay
Enjoy a beach time: The main beach in Arugam Bay is perfect for families. They can collect seashells or build sand castles on the shore. But before you let them play, find the calmer areas with the help of the locals.
Go on a lagoon safari: Gliding through the peaceful area of mangroves and spotting the wildlife is a unique experience. This is perfect for families that love nature.
Visit the Kumana National Park: This is an alternative to Yala. But quieter and less crowded. It is a haven for birds and wildlife. You can go on a safari to spot elephants, leopards, and other animals without getting distracted by the crowds.
Explore ancient temples: There are many temples around Arugam Bay, including Muhudu Maha Viharaya, where you can get insights about Buddhist history and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Transport options in Arugam Bay
The easiest way to reach and travel around Arugam Bay is by a private vehicle. The drive will take about 3-4 hours from Ella. For a more comfortable ride, book a vehicle with air conditioning through your Sri Lanka Family holiday organising agent.
Where to stay in Arugam Bay
There are beachside cabanas, lodges, and boutique hotels that you can choose from. Many accommodations have family rooms with meals and open spaces for toddlers and kids to play. Some locations even have surf lessons for beginners.
Family Tip
Always check the weather and the tide conditions before going surfing or letting your kids play in the water. Choose beaches with shade or take an umbrella. The heat from the sunlight is a little hard to bear at noon.
Tips for planning the best Sri Lanka family holiday
Thoughtful planning and preparation are mandatory for a successful Sri Lanka family holiday. Choosing the right experiences that align with your family’s interests is important to make the journey an unforgettable one.
There are essential tips that will help you have a smooth and safe journey. They will allow you to customise your trip to be convenient and child-friendly.
Book accommodation in advance
Family-friendly accommodations can fill up quickly during the peak season. So, make sure you always book in advance and double-check whether the hotel offers amenities like below are included in your Sri Lanka Family Holiday package:
- Air-conditioning
- Family rooms
- Restaurants or in-house meals
- Play areas or gardens
Bring repellent and a First Aid kit
Sri Lanka is a tropical country, and you can expect mosquito and bug bites. So pack a good mosquito repellent and a bug bite relief cream. Also, bring a compact First Aid kit with basics like antiseptic, plasters, pain killers, and fever medication.
Keep essentials with you
Not in all areas, but certain remote sites don’t have stocks of baby products or bottled water. The water in some areas might not feel like consumable water. So, it is always a good idea to have an adequate amount of water. Also, bring enough diapers, baby wipes, and other supplies that your toddlers need. They might not be available in rural areas.
Use a baby carrier
Many tourist sites in Sri Lanka are not stroller-friendly. It can be an impractical option. Opting for a comfortable baby carrier will let you move freely and easily with your toddler. It will also help you get through the crowded areas.
Enjoy free or discounted entry for kids
Many attractions in Sri Lanka offer free or discounted entrance for children under 12. Be sure to bring your passports for verification when claiming these benefits on your Sri Lanka family holiday.
Avoid buses if you are bringing toddlers
Public buses in Sri Lanka are often crowded, and they travel late. There are no safety features like seat belts available. So, practically, they are not the most comfortable choice for families with small children. You can opt for a private vehicle with a driver that gives you more comfort and safety.
Some Sri Lanka package holidays provide private transportation. Make sure you inquire about this when you book with them.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka with family
The best time for a Sri Lanka family holiday depends on your destinations and which part of the island they are located in. For the west and south coasts, the ideal months will be from December to April. This time offers sunny days and calm seas.
If you are heading towards the east coast, like Arugam Bay, from May to September is perfect for beach and wild adventures. Many of the Sri Lanka package holidays’ itineraries are designed to match these patterns, making sure your family enjoys a comfortable and smooth holiday.
A lifetime Sri Lanka family holiday memory awaits!
A Sri Lanka family holiday isn’t just another trip. The diversity of its experience makes it unique for Sri Lanka Family holiday travel. Every single region unveils a new side of this beautiful island. You can either explore a forest with your family or relax on a beach while letting your kids play. There is something for everyone on this land.
To make this Sri Lanka Family holiday more seamless, Sesatha Travel offers expertly crafted Sri Lanka holiday packages designed specifically for families. From transport to accommodation, a child-friendly atmosphere will be guaranteed. Sesatha Travel ensures your family holiday is not only smooth and safe, but also a meaningful experience.
So let’s plan your Sri Lanka Family holiday with Sesatha Travel. Contact us today to get started, because this is where every moment is thoughtfully treasured for smiles, stories, and lifelong memories.
