Sri Lanka with children: a family holiday that works

Sri Lanka is one of the easiest long-haul destinations for families. People are warm and love children, the food can be mild, and in two weeks you can show your children elephants, monkeys, a mountain railway, ancient ruins and the sea.

What makes or breaks a family trip is the planning: how long you sit in the car, where you sleep, and when you travel.

How we plan family trips

• Short drives. We keep most drives to about three hours and plan breaks every hour or so.
• Two nights in most places. Less packing, more time at the pool.
• Child seats on request. Tell us the age and weight of each child.
• Hotels with pools and family rooms, wherever possible.
• A calm start. The first night is close to the airport, so nobody is in a car for four hours after a night flight.

What children love most

• Elephants in the wild. A jeep safari in Udawalawe, Minneriya or Kaudulla brings you close to wild herds.
• The hill-country train, when it runs: open doors, waving tea pickers, tunnels and bridges.
• Tuk-tuk rides through town.
• Climbing rocks. Older children manage Sigiriya; Pidurangala next to it is shorter and more of an adventure.
• Beaches. The south coast has sheltered bays in winter; the east coast is calm in summer.

When to go with children

From December to April the south coast and the hills are at their best. In the European summer holidays (July and August), the east coast is the better choice. See our best time to visit guide.

Health and safety

Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations well before you travel. Use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and plan around the midday sun. On the beach, only swim where locals swim and when the sea is calm; some beaches have strong currents.