Adventuring in the Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka with Family
Sri Lanka, a tiny island, a drop at the foot of India, is filled with numerous sights perfect for a family adventure. Despite extending our stay to a month, we still couldn’t see it all.
Prepare yourself for an overwhelming and engaging experience in this wonderful destination, ideal for a family vacation in Sri Lanka. The island of Ceylon, land of elephants and tea, is a treasure chest filled with precious gems to be cherished in your memories after a trip to this marvelous land.
Our advice is not to over-plan or organize too much, as the weather varies greatly, and you might get stuck in monsoon rains at a hotel. The only way to avoid wasting time during your trip is to organize one stop at a time locally, moving according to weather forecasts and the monsoons that play a crucial role in this part of the world.
Colombo: The First Stop for Your On-the-Road Family Trip in Sri Lanka
A stop in the island’s capital is inevitable before starting your family road trip in magnificent Sri Lanka. The oldest district is Pettah, where you can visit markets and stalls filled with fabrics and the pungent smells of spices. You can also visit temples of every color, particularly the Wolfendaal Church and the historic Jami Ul Alfar Mosque.
Moreover, the Gangaramaya Temple complex is a must-visit with its fascinating structure.
One of the most famous attractions passing through Colombo is the Sri Lanka rail network, offering panoramic train journeys that allow you to explore the entire country. The most beautiful routes include Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to Ella, and Colombo to Galle.
Travel Srilanka with Kids: Kandy: The Cultural Capital
Kandy, the cultural capital of the country, is a city that must be included in your travel itinerary, primarily for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which, according to tradition, houses a tooth of Buddha, Sri Lanka’s most precious relic, a place of interest for the whole family.
Here, you can also witness the Esala Perahera, a 10-day celebration between late July and early August, where the Maligawa elephant parades carrying an ornate canopy with a replica of the relic’s casket. It’s a unique moment of local culture and tradition.
Dambulla: Spiritual Significance
Seventy kilometers from Kandy, you’ll find Dambulla, known for its rock-embedded temples. The Royal Rock Temple, located 150 meters above the road, houses five caves with various temples inside.
At the base of this complex, you’ll find the golden temple, easily recognizable by the 30-meter-tall golden Buddha standing right above the building.
Sigiriya: The Jewel of Your Trip
From Dambulla, head to the imposing Sigiriya monolithic rock, only 20 kilometers away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1982, includes the Lion Rock fortress, with spectacular gardens leading to the fortress where you can admire the vast surrounding countryside.
The 2,500 steps to the top are a challenge, especially with a 1.5-year-old on your back, but it’s worth it! Although not an easy excursion with a family and young children, missing this experience in Sri Lanka would be a shame.
Nuwara Eliya
This town, famous for its tea plantations, has earned the nickname “Little England.” Sri Lanka is also the world’s leading tea producer, so missing out on tasting the local tea would be unfortunate.
Anuradhapura: Historical and Buddhist Significance
Following your visit to Dambulla, head to Anuradhapura, famous for its historical and Buddhist significance. Here, you’ll find Sri Maha Bodhi, considered the oldest tree on earth, under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
In the city, use the three monasteries Mahavihara, Jetavana, and Abhayagiri as reference points, forming the so-called Sacred Precinct. Walking through it is a must when in the city.
The Wildest Safaris in Sri Lanka
Several organized safaris are available across the island, but rely on experienced guides as animals, being completely free, might migrate from one park to another. When booking your tour, be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes, and trust that a unique adventure awaits you. Locals are the best source of valuable itinerary advice, especially if traveling with young children, as it’s crucial to minimize encounters with monsoons.
Taking a Dip in the Ocean?
Choosing your destination is heavily influenced by the weather. Even if the most touristy beaches are in the south, bad weather might prompt a shift to another side of the island for equally unforgettable landscapes. This happened to us, and we ended up in Trincomalee.
Tours of the island rarely include this area, preserving its beauty. We discovered vast, fine sandy beaches, almost deserted, with only a few tourists and rare fishermen. The sea is clear and incredibly blue, with a backdrop of palm trees and no (yet) structures spoiling this paradise.
Another fun activity for children is visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can see elephants being fed and bathed. You can save money by choosing an organized tour or visiting the sanctuary independently.
Sri Lanka offers a wide range of delicious and affordable dishes. Kids will love roti, samosas, and kottu, typical of local cuisine.
For transportation, public means like trains and buses are economical and offer an authentic experience, a must-try even for families. Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter, but beware of chaotic driving and narrow, winding roads.
A family trip to Sri Lanka can be an unforgettable and low-cost experience, as long as you plan carefully and choose the most convenient options. Sri Lanka is a paradise for families with children, with exciting safaris, pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and fascinating cultures. Always carry cameras and camcorders to capture every special moment with your little explorers!
Choosing Sri Lanka for your next family adventure is a winning choice. With so many engaging activities and breathtaking landscapes, children will be thrilled to explore this exotic land. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable vacation with your little explorers!
Discover the Most Instagrammable Locations in Sri Lanka with Family
Here’s a list of Instagrammable locations in Sri Lanka that will make for original photos to share with your little explorers:
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Capture a spectacular photo with your children in front of this majestic cave filled with ancient Buddha statues. #ReligionAndAdventure
- Ella Rock – Take a breathtaking panoramic photo with your family atop this mountain, enjoying the spectacular view. #ViewFromTheTop #TirelessExplorers
- Mirissa Beach – Capture fun moments on the beach as your little explorers build sandcastles and play in the waves. #BeachFun
- Yala National Park – Immortalize the moment you spot an elephant or a beautiful leopard in their natural habitat. #ExcitingSafari #WildNature
- Sigiriya Rock – Take a unique photo while climbing Sigiriya Rock with your children, showcasing your complete explorer team! #ChallengeAccepted #TeamExplorers
- Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – Capture the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place and take a photo with your little explorers amidst local devotees. #SpiritAndTradition
- Galle Fort – Take an artistic family photo along the ancient walls of this historic fortification. #TimeTravel
- Ramboda Falls – Take a romantic photo with your children while admiring this enchanting waterfall in a postcard setting. #NaturalMagic
- Nuwara Eliya Train Ride – Capture the moment your little explorers enjoy watching the moving landscape from a picturesque train. #RailwayExperience
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Photograph the incredible experience of seeing elephants in a dedicated setting. #GiantFriends #RespectForAnimals
Now that you have the list of the most Instagrammable locations in Sri Lanka, prepare your camera and start capturing unforgettable moments with your children. Happy travels and happy shooting!