Sri Lanka with kids

Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for a safe and adventurous family holiday, offering plenty of opportunities for play, curiosity and relaxation at a pace that children will love. Look forward to everything from wildlife safaris and hikes through lush mountain landscapes to unwinding on peaceful beaches.

Below you’ll find our guide to an unforgettable family holiday, packed with inspiration for the best family-friendly experiences.

Can you travel to Sri Lanka with children?

Absolutely. A tour to Sri Lanka is a wonderful choice for families with children.

The country is full of warmth and hospitality, and its laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to explore Sri Lanka’s many exciting attractions with little ones in tow. Although there’s so much to discover, Sri Lanka is compact, so travel distances are manageable – ideal for families. For example, read Dino’s travelogue from Sri Lanka with his family.

Sri Lanka is also renowned for its friendly and welcoming locals, and wherever you go, your children are sure to be greeted with smiles and curiosity.

Best places in Sri Lanka with children

Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of charming towns, beautiful national parks and golden sandy beaches—all just waiting to be explored by the whole family.

In other words, child-friendly experiences are everywhere you look. We’ve picked out some of the very best places and activities for your family holiday.

Negombo and Kandy

Sri Lanka’s towns are a feast for the senses: the aroma of spices, the sound of waves lapping the shore, and vibrant markets full of life that are sure to capture any child’s imagination.

In Negombo, you can unwind on broad, golden beaches, visit beautiful temples and churches in the town, or enjoy a stroll by the water and watch the traditional fishing boats come and go.

Kandy offers an array of fascinating cultural and historic experiences, such as the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth, along with plenty of delicious restaurants serving tasty local food.

Ella

The small mountain town of Ella is surrounded by lush tea plantations, waterfalls and green valleys. The pace of life is gentle, making it a perfect spot for families wanting to experience nature from a child’s perspective.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, carrying you past rolling tea fields, mountain peaks and tiny villages. Once in Ella, you can take a gentle walk up Little Adam’s Peak or visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

Udawalawe and Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s national parks are an absolute must for families dreaming of seeing wildlife up close.

Udawalawe National Park is particularly renowned for its large herds of elephants, which are frequently spotted at the waterholes, as well as monitor lizards, water buffalo, crocodiles, and many more fascinating species. Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most celebrated parks, home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and an abundance of birdlife.

Your safaris take place in safe, four-wheel drive jeeps with experienced rangers who know the area’s wildlife inside out, ensuring you can enjoy close encounters with respect for both the animals and visitors alike.

Galle

The historic port town of Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations. The old colonial fortress, Galle Fort, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, features delightful streets lined with cosy cafés, ice cream parlours, and charming little shops.

The children can explore the narrow alleyways or gaze out over the Indian Ocean from the fort’s walls. Galle also serves as a fantastic base for excursions to neighbouring beaches and unforgettable whale watching tours.

Bentota

Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches are a must for those travelling with children, and Bentota stands out as one of the country’s most popular coastal destinations for families. Here, wide golden sands, swaying palm trees and warm waves await you, though do be mindful as the waves can become quite strong at times.

Beyond simply being an ideal beach holiday spot, the area offers a host of memorable activities for families to enjoy together.

Along Bentota’s beautiful lagoon, you can set off on a boat trip among the mangroves and spot monkeys in the treetops, or pay a visit to one of the local turtle conservation centres, where both children and adults can learn about the crucial work of protecting sea turtles.

Mirissa

Mirissa is another of Sri Lanka’s charming seaside towns and a brilliant choice for families looking to relax in the sun, enjoy the beach and savour tranquil moments together.

The crescent-shaped beach is considered the finest in the south of the country, providing the perfect spot to unwind on the sand, embark on a whale watching trip where you might spot blue whales, or snorkel among vibrantly coloured fish.

Trincomalee

Nilaveli Beach in the port town of Trincomalee beckons with unforgettable family adventures.

The soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters offer an idyllic setting for relaxing by the seaside, while also inviting you to encounter fascinating wildlife and soak up the local culture.

For example, watch local Sri Lankans haul in their catch with traditional net fishing, or explore the beautiful coral reef on a snorkelling excursion to Pigeon Island National Park, located just off Nilaveli Beach.

Adventures for the whole family – whatever your age

Whether your children are young, inquisitive explorers, or teenagers seeking a bit more excitement, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a family holiday.

Of course, what children find most fun depends on their age and interests. Here are our suggestions for activities that are particularly well suited to different age groups:

For babies and toddlers: Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches

With their soft sandy shores and warm waters, the beaches along Sri Lanka’s coastline provide the perfect playground for the little ones.

Let them paddle safely at the water’s edge in Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Trincomalee or Bentota, collect seashells or build sandcastles, while you relax in the sunshine and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

For young children: Wildlife and lazy days

Sri Lanka’s wildlife is a real highlight for most families travelling with children. Head out on safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Parks and get up close to Asian elephants and an array of other fascinating creatures, such as leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, water buffalo and many more.

After days spent exploring Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife, the whole family can unwind along the country’s stunning coastline, with golden beaches in Mirissa perfect for relaxation.

For older children: Cities and marine life

If you’re travelling with older children, delving into Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture is a must. Visit one of the country’s largest cities, Kandy, where you can explore the famous Temple of the Tooth and watch a traditional fire and dance show. In Galle, the historic UNESCO fort and its charming streets reveal stories of Sri Lanka’s fascinating past and vibrant culture.

If you’re after a bit more excitement, you can immerse yourselves in Sri Lanka’s fascinating marine wildlife with a whale-watching tour near Mirissa, or pay a visit to Hikkaduwa, where you might be lucky enough to spot large sea turtles and colourful tropical fish.

How to prepare for a family holiday in Sri Lanka

Travelling with children is a wonderful way to introduce them to new cultures and natural wonders. However, heading off on a family holiday, especially to far-flung destinations, does call for a little preparation. Here are our top tips for planning your adventure.

Packing checklist

Start with a packing checklist: bring snacks, sun hats, sunscreen and entertainment for the flight and any journeys. Don’t forget to check out our tips for surviving a long flight with children and helpful advice for trips with your young explorers.

Slow the pace

Sri Lanka is brimming with incredible experiences, and it’s not always possible to see and do it all. Make sure you allow time for pool and beach days, play, and relaxation between excursions—especially as the warm climate calls for some cooling off.

Choose family-friendly experiences

Sri Lanka has so much to offer both young and old alike. Enjoy child-friendly adventures: spot wildlife on a safari holiday in the national parks, take a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations, and spend relaxing days on the beaches of the south coast. These magical moments guarantee a family holiday you’ll never forget.

Ready to discover Sri Lanka with your children?

Sri Lanka is packed with unforgettable adventures for families, from wildlife-filled jungles and ancient cities to sun-drenched beaches. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, excitement or culture, there’s something here for everyone.

When you travel to Sri Lanka with TourCompass, you get the freedom of exploring independently, with the peace of mind that comes from booking through an experienced tour operator. We take care of all the practicalities – from flights and hotels to a carefully curated itinerary – so you can embark on your adventure and simply enjoy valuable quality time together.

Got questions or need a helping hand finding your perfect family holiday? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our travel specialists, who are ready and waiting to assist you.

Travelling the world should always feel safe – and we’re with you all the way!

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