Sri Lanka Family Travel

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Planning your family trip to Sri Lanka

Visit a Ceylon tea estate with the family in tow

1 Week in Sri Lanka - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Abundant wildlife, breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food—Sri Lanka has them all, making this tropical island nation a welcoming destination for families. Spend a week with your family discovering Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, looking for elephants, monkeys, and elusive Asian leopards, and visiting iconic sites such as Sigiriya Rock, once carved into the shape of a lion, and Kandy's Royal Palace and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Breathe in the fresh air of the mountains as you and the kids climb toward Hatton on a train with a view

2 Weeks in Sri Lanka - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

There's fun for all ages in Sri Lanka, and two weeks gives you ample time to cover the highlights with your family. If you prefer a mix of culture and wildlife, you'll enjoy the sacred city of Anuradhapura, safaris in Yala, and the beaches of Weligama. The family who is up for an adventure will appreciate a safari and exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visiting orphaned elephants in Udawalawe and Tangalle for temples, boat rides, and turtle watches. Active families will love the junior ranger program, jungle night walks, and beach activities in Passikudah.

Take the kids snorkeling in Dikwella on your family trip to Sri Lanka

10 Days in Sri Lanka - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, your family can visit at least four regions in Sri Lanka. Crafty kids can create souvenirs in a Tangalle mask-making workshop, while aspiring chefs will learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine in a Kandy cooking class. Take your budding wildlife photographers on a safari in Yala National Park and your little historians to ancient sites such as Sigiriya Rock. Families looking for a relaxed pace should head to Dikwella for snorkeling, a countryside bike ride, and a walk in Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Sri Lanka family-friendly itineraries

Best of Sri Lanka - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary around Sri Lanka features outdoor activities and cultural attractions for all ages, including a dolphin-watching boat tour, a Sri Lankan cooking class, and multiple Jeep safaris around national parks. Marvel at massive Buddha statues, spot elephants and leopards in the wild, and go snorkeling in the clear waters of Pigeon Island National Park — you'll have plenty to do and see on this lively trip!

Explore the historic city of Galle with a family treasure hunt

Sri Lanka South Coast Family Adventure - 10 Days

Forget rushing around with kids in tow—this laid-back, 10-day family vacation stays in one spot so you can relax and explore Sri Lanka at a gentler pace. Based in the south coast beach paradise of Dikwella, an itinerary of diverse day trips and fun excursions lies within easy reach. Hunt for treasure in the historic walls of Galle Fort, spot blue whales from your private yacht, hike through the mysterious wilds of Sinharaja Forest, and try your hand at surfing and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Elephants gather in the waters of Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka Family Getaway: Sigiriya, Pasikudah & Kandy - 7 Days

Perfect for active families and nature lovers, this week-long summer itinerary focuses on the natural wonders of Sri Lanka's stunning Central Province. Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park, burn off some extra energy on the climb to Sigiriya Rock, and meet the playful monkey colonies of ancient Polonnaruwa. After some snorkeling and beach time in coastal Pasikudah, you'll head to the Hill Country around Kandy to tour tea estates and picnic on riverbanks, while nights are spent toasting marshmallows and watching family movies under the stars.

Watching the waves roll in on Unawatuna Beach

Sri Lanka for Families: Cultural Triangle & South Coast - 7 Days

With a mix of cultural highlights, hands-on activities, and plenty of beach time, this 7-day Sri Lankan itinerary is perfect for families. Go for a gentle cycle through the countryside of the Cultural Triangle, spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park, and learn the beats of traditional drumming in Kandy. After picking tea leaves in the lush mountains of the Hill Country, it's time to transfer to the coast to enjoy the warm, turquoise seas around Unawatuna.

Enjoy a safari adventure in Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka Family Adventure - 14 Days

With a colorful cultural history and rugged landscapes ideal for outdoor adventures, Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination for a family vacation. This two-week tour around the island features a dolphin-watching tour, multiple safari adventures, a Sri Lankan cooking class, and visits to ancient fortresses. Thanks to the mix of hands-on activities and cultural education, it's an excellent option for travelers of all ages.

Family Fun in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Kandy & Wadduwa - 7 Days

This family-friendly itinerary combines culture, wildlife, and beaches for a week-long Sri Lankan adventure to remember. Start in the country's Central Province, where you'll take a Jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, climb the ancient fortress of Sigiriya, and meet the famous monkey colonies of Polonnaruwa. Get a glimpse of authentic Sri Lankan life as you cycle through the countryside and attend a colorful cultural show, then transfer to the west coast for two blissfully empty days on the golden beaches of Wadduwa.

Meet the stars of Disney's "Monkey Kingdom" in Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka Family Discovery: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Tangalle - 10 Days

See the best of Sri Lanka on this 10-day family trip that loops around the country's southern half. Begin with a countryside bike tour and a hike to the summit of Sigiriya Rock, then hop over to Kandy to tour the Temple of the Tooth and swim in crystal-blue waterfalls. Take a train through the misty valleys of the Hill Country, hike to the incredible Nine Arch Bridge, and see elephants on a safari through Yala National Park. Your vacation winds down with family-friendly fun on the golden beaches of Tangalle.

Sri Lanka Family Wildlife Adventure - 14 Days

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's nature and wildlife experiences on this two-week family-themed itinerary. Looping through the island's southern and central regions, you'll embark on a series of fun-filled safaris, nature walks, biking excursions, and boat trips, with nights spent in comfort at gracious eco-lodges and safari camps. Search for leopards in Yala National Park, see the monkey-filled ruins of Polonnaruwa, watch elephants swim in Gal Oya National Park, spot rare primates on a nocturnal jungle hike, and discover the colorful marine life of Pasikudah.

Sri Lanka Family Vacation: Safaris, Temples & Beaches - 14 Days

Plenty keeps the little ones entertained on this two-week, family-friendly adventure through Sri Lanka. Tour the temples and shrines of the Cultural Triangle by tuk-tuk, take a scenic train journey high into the tea fields of the Hill Country, and head out on safari in the savannah-like wilds of Yala National Park. After ticking off the highlights, wind down with plenty of playtime on the tropical beaches of Weligama.

Paddle across the peaceful lagoons of Kalpitiya

Sri Lanka Off the Beaten Path Family Adventure - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary is perfect for adventurous families looking to get off the beaten path and introduces you to some of Sri Lanka's quieter corners and undiscovered gems. Paddle across the biodiverse lagoons of Kalpitiya, search for rare Sri Lankan leopards on safari in Wilpattu National Park, hike to waterfalls in the lush countryside of Mahiyanganaya, and travel deep into the jungle to meet the island's last indigenous tribe.

Playing in the tea fields around Nuwara Eliya

Family Adventure in Sri Lanka: Pasyala to Tangalle - 14 Days

Equal parts fast-paced adventure and laid-back beach holiday, this two-week itinerary hops around central Sri Lanka with family-friendly tours of cultural landmarks, national park safaris, and a scenic train journey into the mountains. Then it's time to slow down with a week on the south coast beaches of Tangalle, where a private oceanfront villa serves as your base for fun day trips, family watersports, and plenty of beach time.

Children practicing traditional fishing skills in Hikkaduwa

Family Expedition to Sri Lanka: Culture, History & Outdoor Adventures - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day Sri Lanka family tour starts in Sigiriya, where you'll see the historic Dambulla Cave Temple and hike to the summit of Sigiriya Rock. Then, it's off to the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy to tour the sacred Temple of the Tooth and attend a drum-making workshop. See green plantations and lush forests on the train to Ella, say hello to elephants and other wildlife on a safari through Yala National Park, and end on the beaches of Hikkaduwa for snorkeling in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Combine ancient wonders with relaxing beach time as you explore Sri Lanka as a family

Family Fun in Sri Lanka: Ancient Cities, Tropical Beaches & Exotic Wildlife - 10 Days

See Sri Lanka's wonders from coast to coast on this 10-day tour that includes ancient sites, Indian Ocean beaches, and plenty of hands-on fun. Start in Anuradhapura to explore the ancient Citadel of Yapahuwa, and then it's off to the white-sand beaches of Pasikudah for snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and a family movie night under the stars. Visit the temples of UNESCO-listed Kandy, see brightly-colored birds and butterflies in Hanthana, and end with a tuk-tuk ride through the bustling streets of Colombo.

The golden statue of Shiva at Trincomalee's oceanfront Koneswaram Temple

Family-Friendly Sri Lanka: Kandy to Negombo - 11 Days

This relaxed, 11-day family vacation combines Sri Lanka's classic highlights with some lesser-visited gems. Bouncing between the Hill Country, the Cultural Triangle, and the quiet northeastern beaches of Trincomalee, you'll embark on a series of hands-on experiences and excursions for all ages. Learn to play the Sri Lankan drums, take a forest walk with the island's last indigenous tribe, cycle through country villages, and snorkel amid tropical fish and reef sharks.

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