Family holiday ideas & recommendations

An intoxicating mix of wildlife, history, amazing landscapes, stunning beaches, glorious food and a welcoming local culture, Sri Lanka is one of our favourite places to go for an adventurous family holiday.

There are lots of things you can experience here and every family has its own holiday wants and needs, so we’ve put together this guide to give you a little planning inspiration.

And of course, you’re always welcome to get in touch and chat to one of our Sri Lanka specialists for some extra advice.

Yala National Park – Tucked away in southeast Sri Lanka, Yala is one of our favourite family wildlife destinations. Not only can you see elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, leopards, bears and more, but the park is very accessible and great for taking the kids. Aside from excellent guided wildlife tours, you’ll love sleeping under canvas with the sounds of nature all around…and don’t worry, this is very much a ‘glamping’ experience with proper beds.

Kandy – For a real insight into Sri Lankan life and culture, you can’t do better than this comfortable homestay in a village on the outskirts of Kandy. As well as seeing the city itself and visiting the famous Temple of the Tooth, you’ll get to know your local hosts and learn about their everyday lives. Food is central to Sri Lankan culture so a highlight of your stay is the chance to get involved in the kitchen, and the kids will love creating their own delicious curry dishes.

Another unique experience is found Negombo, where you can join a local fisherman and head out to catch your own dinner!

Unawatuna – One of our favourite family spots in the southwest, Unawatuna gets the best of its weather between December and April. With a long, sandy beach lined with palm trees, surfing waves, plenty to do nearby and a good selection of restaurants, it provides a relaxing environment with enough to keep the kids entertained too.

Trincomalee – If you’re heading out to Sri Lanka during the summer holidays, you’ll want to head more towards the north and east coasts to get the better weather. The sea is calm and the beach is wide, making it ideal for kids. There’s also some great snorkelling at this time of year, especially off the coast at Pigeon Island. If you’d rather surf than snorkel, you can stay a little further south at Arugam Bay.

(P.S. For more on where to go when in the school holidays, check out out family weather guide)

Ella – Rolling hills and mountains, lush green countryside and the iconic tea plantations – the highlands of Sri Lanka are a truly beautiful sight. The cooler temperatures may also be very welcome, especially if you want to explore the area on foot. A country stroll will unearth remote local settlements, farms and even waterfalls. A few days in Ella are a wonderful addition to any Sri Lanka family holiday.

Elsewhere, Sigiraya (or Lion Rock) is one of Sri Lanka’s most striking features with incredible views from the bottom and the top. If your kids are up for a little challenge, hiking up to the top is well worth the effort.

Polonnaruwa – In the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates back some 1,000 years and is filled with temple ruins and historic relics. Spending time here is like stepping back in time, and it’s a great way to show your kids some of Sri Lanka’s rich history – you can also explore by bike to make things a little more exciting! As an extras bonus, Polonnaruwa is one of the country’s best places for food.