Family trip to Sri Lanka: must-see experiences
Planning a family trip to Sri Lanka? If you're looking for activities to enjoy with children that will delight both young and older ones, you've come to the right place!
Planning a family trip to Sri Lanka? If you're looking for activities to enjoy with children that will delight both young and older ones, you've come to the right place! Wildlife safari, hiking and tuk-tuk expeditions through tea plantations, train journeys, cooking classes and beach activities… Here are the experiences you shouldn't miss on a family trip to Sri Lanka.
1. Safari at Udawalawe National Park
What better way to introduce your children to wild animals in their natural habitat? We recommend Udawalawe National Park. Located in the south of the country, this park is the ideal place for a safari in Sri Lanka. Renowned for its large elephant population, you'll almost certainly spot these magnificent pachyderms! During this jeep safari, you'll also have the chance to see crocodiles, buffalo and a multitude of bird species, including endemic and migratory species. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter bears, pangolins, monkeys, deer or jackals…
To explain to your children in a fun way the importance of preserving species, you can stop at Elephant Transit Home. This is an orphanage for young elephants that provides care before releasing them back into the park.
Note: if you stay in an eco-lodge within Udawalawe Park, you can enjoy family activities such as swimming in the river or even tree-top adventures!
2. Train journey to discover the stunning landscapes from Kandy to Ella
Among the must-do family activities on a trip to Sri Lanka, don't miss the journey on the Kandy-Ella train. Lasting around 6 hours, the journey connects the city of Kandy (the country's second city) to the charming mountain village of Ella and offers incredible views thanks to its open windows and scenic vistas. You'll travel through lush jungle, rivers, forest canopies, mountain hamlets and tea plantations. One thing's for certain – this train journey will captivate both children and adults!
3. Discover tea plantations in a fun way
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without exploring its famous tea plantations. To discover these incredible landscapes as a family, we recommend two options: a hike or an exciting tuk-tuk adventure in the beautiful Ella region!
Hiking through the tea plantations
The best family hike to discover Sri Lanka's tea plantations is the one that leads to "Little Adam's Peak". Located in the sublime Ella valley, this hike follows an easy-to-navigate trail. Although the summit reaches 1,141 meters in altitude, the climb is easily accessible to children. It takes you through tea plantations and rewards you at the top with exceptional views of the surrounding valleys and the Kirindi Oya river.
While in the Ella region, take the opportunity to visit Ravana Falls and its cave, as well as the famous Nine Arches Bridge at Demodara!
Exploring tea plantations by tuk-tuk
If you'd like to discover Sri Lanka's tea plantations in an unconventional way, you can also choose a tuk-tuk adventure! There's no doubt your children will love these small, colorful typical vehicles that will take you through rice fields, forests and tea fields. By booking a driver through our agency, we can arrange this expedition to the town of Haputale. Our drivers can suggest various points of interest along the way. You can visit "Lipton's Seat" (where a tea genius once found inspiration), meet tea pickers or sample tea with a guide who will explain the leaf maturation process.
4. Take a Sri Lankan cooking class
Do you love Sri Lankan cuisine and flavors? Why not take a cooking class as a family? For an unforgettable local experience, we offer you the chance to take a cooking class during your Sri Lanka trip with one of our hosts. Rice and curry, lentil dhal, coconut chutney, papadum, lentil flour chips… You'll learn to prepare traditional dishes and gather a collection of colorful recipes that will bring a true explosion of flavors to your palate! It's a great way to spend quality time together as a family and take delicious recipes home in your luggage!
5. Relax and enjoy water activities at Kalpitiya
Love relaxing on the beach and water activities? Head to Kalpitiya at the northwestern tip of Sri Lanka! Situated between Puttalem Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, you'll find beaches and reefs, salt flats and mangrove forests. In addition to lounging on the beaches, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving or water sports like kitesurfing! Also, Kalpitiya is renowned for whale and dolphin watching. Something to satisfy the whole family's desires!
Embark on a unique and unforgettable family experience with our Sri Lanka family tour !
Frequently asked questions
The best time for a family trip to Sri Lanka depends on which region you're visiting. From December to March, the west and south coasts are ideal (dry weather, calm seas). For the highlands (Ella, Kandy), the period from January to April is most pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season from May to September on the west coast.
Yes, the Kandy-Ella train journey is an experience highly appreciated by families. Lasting around 6 hours, it travels through spectacular scenery. It's advisable to book first or second-class seats in advance for greater comfort, especially with young children.
Absolutely! Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Safaris are conducted by jeep, which is comfortable and safe for children. The visit to Elephant Transit Home, an orphanage for young elephants, is especially popular with younger visitors.
Yes, the hike to Little Adam's Peak at Ella is renowned for being accessible to children thanks to its easy trail. Although the summit reaches 1,141 meters, the climb is gradual and well-marked. Bring good hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Kalpitiya, in northwestern Sri Lanka, offers many activities for families: snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing and whale and dolphin watching. The region is surrounded by beaches, lagoons and mangrove forests, ideal for a day of relaxation or exploration.
