Family holidays to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for family holidays. On my most recent visit to Sri Lanka with My Way Travel, I had many memorable experiences. One afternoon, it began to sprinkle, and my Sri Lanka travel guide recommended we take refuge at the home of one of his friends. They greeted us warmly and served us an afternoon tea of cookies and sandwiches, even though we dropped in unexpectedly. Their hospitality and kindness touched me.

There is no risk of becoming "templed out" while traveling with children to Sri Lanka because of the variety of activities available. You may go to the beach, the forest, and tea plantations all in one vacation.

Recommended experiences for families in Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka's cultural triangle

Dambulla Caves

The cultural triangle of Sri Lanka consists of the three cities of Habarana, Dambulla, and Sigiriya, where the influential people of Sri Lanka's history and culture concentrated most of the country's leading cultural landmarks.

I have always had a thing for towering structures; the ascent to Sigiriya Rock, a massive rock fortification rising from the lowlands, is thrilling and safe for a youngster like me. The builders or repairers made the climb of spiral staircases, heavily carved steps, and metal stairs fastened into the rock, and it took about an hour. At the peak, where you can see the ruins of a royal palace, you can take in a breathtaking view of the forest and agricultural landscape below.

Once again, a lengthy stairway is required to reach the neighbouring Dambulla Caves, where one may explore the intricate cavern network. The caverns have Buddha sculptures with vibrant patterns, ranging in size and location, that date back to the first century BC.

Though the Golden Temple, a postmodern mashup under the caverns, is unremarkable, the outer decorations—life-size plastic elephants and monks—are delightfully tacky. Looking at how the current era compares to the ancient is also fascinating.

My favourite motel in the region, Jim's Farm, was made for kids. On this functioning farm, you'll find a swimming pool surrounded by coconut trees and many open areas to run about. Kevin, the charming proprietor, will show you around the spice garden and set you up with activities as varied as yoga and cow milking. The three villas surround the farm and provide large rooms decorated with traditional furniture and fabrics made by artisans.

Celebrate the Kandy Perahera

Mural from the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

Kandy, a city in central Sri Lanka, becomes a pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the country for two weeks in July or August. The Buddhists of Kandy initially did the Kandy Perahera, a religious parade honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, to ensure a successful crop by attracting rain. Some people say that a follower of the Buddha rescued one of his canine teeth from the cremation fire, and the artefact now rests in a museum. As the event progresses, several parades flood the streets with acrobats, fire dancers, and monks in orange robes.

I recommend adding a stop in Kandy to your itinerary if you want to be away in July and August. A simpler alternative to squishing through the standing masses and getting a good view of the action is to get a peripheral ticket for one of the many-tiered sitting sections bordering the streets.

Due to the high volume of festivalgoers, staying on the hills outside the city, with a view of Kandy, is recommended. To get the best deal, plan ahead of time. The Ellerton is a favourite of mine since it is a restored plantation bungalow with colonial-era furnishings and traditional fabrics that make it seem like a home away from home. Across the valley, you can see the infinity pool. You will find a hand-drawn pamphlet with local walks in your room. The highlighted paths are well-marked and provide easy access to the hills outside the hotel.

Visit Sri Lanka's tea region

View from Adam's Peak at night

In Sri Lanka's mountainous tea area, you may see neat rows of dark-green tea plants, vividly painted tea picker towns scattered throughout, and rivers cutting through the landscape rapidly. Many hotels in the region offer white-water rafting, cycling, and trekking as guest activities, thanks to the enterprising Sri Lankans who have capitalized on the area's topography.

I might think about climbing Adam's Peak for older kids. Not only is Sri Lanka's fifth-highest mountain a significant pilgrimage destination, but it is also one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the nation. Some believers say the footprint of Lord Buddha is on top of it, which they consider a blessing.

From December through May, mountaineers traditionally ascend the summit at night, guided by a network of lights. At around 1:30 in the morning, I began my ascent of the 5,000 stairs. I climbed with Sri Lankans of all ages, from older people to parents carrying little children. On top of the world, everyone is waiting for the sun to dawn.

I plan to unwind after climbing Adam's Peak. The Staffordshire Bungalow is an idyllic getaway that was formerly a home on a tea plantation. The spacious family suite, two bedrooms, or the complete four-bedroom bungalow are available for your reservation, depending on the number of people in your party. Enjoy a round of croquet on the grass, a bike ride through the tea gardens, or a tour of the estate's tea-tasting rooms.

Tracking Sri Lanka's wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife in Sri Lanka, including hundreds of bird species, a robust elephant population, and the world's greatest concentration of leopards. With 22 parks to choose from, choosing one that complements your itinerary is simple.

Yala National Park

Leopard, Yala National Park

Located on the southeast coast, Yala National Park is a haven for most of Sri Lanka's leopards. The optimum time to visit is between December and May. Although leopards don't usually show up there, I've been fortunate enough to witness them every time I've gone. Crocodiles, elephants, deer, and monkeys are more likely to be seen. The park has no jeep restrictions; therefore, it may get rather crowded.

Camping in Yala National Park

Spending the night in a tented camp in the park's buffer zone is like going on an authentic jungle safari. The tents have restrooms and actual beds, but it's more than a five-star experience. One morning, lying in my tent, I saw a herd of wild pigs exploring the camp. Guests gather around the fire in the evening to share accounts of the animals they saw throughout the day.

Minneriya National Park

Elephants in Minneriya

During the summer vacation, students may enjoy a visit to Minneriya in northern Sri Lanka, which is accessible for the majority of the year. Elephants are almost a given here; I've seen herds of over sixty, with young calves among the adults. While other animals may be complex to come by, you'll be delighted to know that deer and fowl abound.

Sri Lanka's best beaches for families

Although the beaches of Sri Lanka lack the pristine beauty of the Maldives, they are more captivating. As the social hub of the coastal towns, beaches teem with locals enjoying the exotic vibes and the rose-coloured sand. As locals take a lunch break, you may see toddy tappers atop coconut trees, colourful fishing boats making their way to the shore, and workers enjoying a picnic.

Beaches on Sri Lanka's northeast coast

Maalu Maalu, Passikudah

Northeastern Sri Lanka has some of the country's finest family-friendly beaches, best enjoyed between June and early September. The seaside village of Passikudah boasts what it says is the world's longest beach. While I cannot confirm this, the allegation's veracity becomes readily apparent as one gazes along a shoreline that gradually disappears for kilometres. The shallow water extends to a depth of 50 meters (164 feet), making it a suitable choice for toddlers since there is no substantial current.

My favourite among the family-friendly hotels in Passikudah is Maalu Maalu, which translates to "fish fish" in Sinhalese. Clustered around a central pool area are thatched-roof cottages that draw inspiration from the nearby fishing community's dwellings, or 'waadiya'. A separate area for children is available in the luxurious attic rooms decorated with colourful local fabrics. The beach hosts movie evenings, a children's club, and water sports daily. Bicycles are available for your exploration needs.

Beaches on Sri Lanka's south coast

Beach at Tangalle

The south coast of Sri Lanka has milder weather from December to May. Be wary of unruly currents and waves when picking a beach hotel, but don't let that deter you; there are many protected nooks around the coast. Beaches bordered by fishermen instead of T-shirt vendors still dot the southern shore, in contrast to the developed southeast coast.

Located on the fringes of the beach hamlet of Tangalle, the Anantara Peace Haven Resort is my preferred place to stay. A splash pool, tennis courts, and badminton courts are available, and it faces a paddle-safe beach. Renting bicycles and tuk-tuks is another excellent way to see the coconut plantation surrounding the hotel. A babysitter service is available, and there are daily activities for both kids and teenagers.

Touring around Sri Lanka with your family

Despite the island's modest size, the mountainous terrain and deteriorating roads of Sri Lanka may make moving around a real chore. My strategy involves hiring a chauffeur guide to make the trip experience. The best tour guides are familiar with the best restrooms and exciting sites to stop at so you can take a break anytime. For example, I found roadside stands selling curd and treacle in miniature clay pots.

You should include one or two domestic flights to keep driving manageable. Cinnamon Air has a fleet of small seaplanes and land aircraft that connect popular tourist destinations, with some of these routes landing on one of Sri Lanka's many lakes. On a sunny day, the sights are breathtaking, and the journey is amusing.