Destination: Sri Lanka

Located off the south east coast of India, Sri Lanka is a self contained island that lies in the Indian Ocean. This beautiful land mass is delightful mix of high mountains and low shores, and is a great place for family holidays, with plenty of activities to engage in. The climate in Sir Lanka is warm and tropical and the best time of year to travel is from November to April to avoid the monsoon season which hits in the summer months.

Sri Lanka has always been a fascinating destination for holidaymakers thanks to its great climate, mysterious history and vibrant culture. It was not well known as a family destination until recently when more and more resorts began opening their doors to young children. These days, kids of all ages can enjoy the delights of this superb island, and will never have time to be bored.

Sri Lanka was once joined to the Indian mainland by a natural causeway that was destroyed in a storm, creating an isolated island. Its capital city, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, is situated on the west coast and is a haven for shoppers and cultural enthusiasts.

The island is littered with luxury hotels, spas and top class restaurants, and many of the resorts here cater for young children by providing dining times suitable for families and kids clubs or crèches to give parents and older children a chance to try some alternative activities.

Things to do in Sri Lanka with Children

Take a family trip along an historical cultural trail and visit one of the many stunning Shrines and Temples on the island. The Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil is a stunning example of traditional Indian craftsmanship, and locals still bring their newborn babies to the temple to ask for blessing for them from the Gods.

Take a tour of the island in complete luxury. Operators like Red Dot Tours offer trips in sea planes, steam trains, helicopters and air conditioned cars. The trips can be tailor made to your own family’s preferences and there’s no age limit for taking children along. This is a great way to get around without the hassle of public transport, and it really does make a holiday a little more special.

Kids of all ages will love a visit to one of the islands many National Parks. Unlike traditional parklands, these areas are more like safari reserves, and visitors require a four wheel drive vehicle are advised to hire a guide. The largest park is Yala and the wild animals range from elephants and leopards to mongoose and porcupines.

The Leisure World Theme Park extends over 52 acres and is a great place for families to spend the day. There is no age limit for entry. There are water rides, bumper boat rides, log flume attractions, rollercoaster’s and an activity centre for under 12’s.

Colombo, the original capital of Sri Lanka, back in the days when it was known as Ceylon, is still the main shopping venue with an eclectic choice of traditional stalls and modern malls to visit. There are lots of genuine designer shops in the modern locations that are far less expensive than in the western world, and plenty of retail therapy aimed at kids as well. Whilst in the city, kids will love a ride in a trishaw, and will be delighted with a visit to the elephant sanctuary at Pinnawela where orphaned baby elephant can be hand fed by visitors.

Where to stay with children in Sri Lanka?

The island is littered with luxury hotels, spas and top class restaurants, and many of the resorts here cater for young children by providing dining times suitable for families and kids clubs or crèches to give parents and older children a chance to try some alternative activities. Due to periodic Tamil Tiger-linked terrorist attacks it is advisable not to travel beyond Puttalam in the West and Trincomalee in the East, including the Jaffna Peninsula, and to avoid the Yala National Park in the South.

Recommended family friendly hotels in Sri Lanka.

Negombo

The Ranweli Holiday Village is located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. An eco-friendly resort of 72 individual bungalows designed to resemble a Sri Lankan village and offers complete tranquillity. More details...

The sprawling all-inclusive Club Hotel Dolphin north of Negombo is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the Sri Lankan sun, whilst also offering plenty of amenities and activities to suit the entire family. This holiday can be booked through Virgin Holidays.

Colombo

Located right on the beachfront, The Riverina Beach Hotel is a holiday resort hotel that is geared toward families with young children. With spacious rooms and a kids club from 3-12 years and plenty of hotel activities at the Confifi Marina, on the Bentota River, include snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea boat cruises and banana boat rides. More details...

Galle

Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle, is set on a hill and surrounded by greenery, and offers spacious colonial-style rooms with views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel has floodlit tennis courts and fitness centre, childs pool and babysitting services. More details...

Recommended Eco friendly holidays for families in Sri Lanka

This eco – friendly holiday village consists of 71 bungalows, including 12 family rooms and a suite. The resort boasts an Ayurvedic centre with qualified doctor and yoga sessions. For children, there is a pool. Baby cots and meals are also provided on request. Click here for more details on this holiday.

Join other families on a 16 day tour of Sri Lanka seeing all the fascinating sights that this beautiful Island has to offer, from the Moslem fishing villages, ruined cities and rock-top forts, to the wonderful wildlife such as the elephant orphanage and the colourful birds. Sri Lanka has something for everyone and never fails to enchant visitors. More details...