How to plan a family vacation in Sri Lanka

Brimming with cultural marvels, stunning tea gardens, diverse fauna and flora, and exotic beaches, Sri Lanka is a tropical gem, a must-visit tourist destination. Despite its tiny, teardrop-shaped size, there is much to explore on this island south of the Indian subcontinent. Hence, planning a vacation here with your family might be daunting at first. Discover how you can plan a stress-free, memorable family vacation in this little island paradise.

Choosing the best time to visit

Sri Lanka experiences hot, humid weather all year round. However, its hill country enjoys relatively cooler temperatures. The country experiences two monsoons between May-June and October-December. Yet, there are unpredictable spells of rainfall at other times too. Depending on your family’s schedule, including school schedules, aim to visit when the crowds are less. April, August, December, and January bring in the crowds, while September enjoys fewer crowds and pleasant weather and features discounted holiday packages.

Organising travel essentials

Your next step is to check if you require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Visit the Sri Lankan immigration website for the latest information regarding visa applications. Ensure your passport and your family’s passports are valid for at least 6 months.

Next, book your flights, and if travelling with kids, opt for direct flights or flight routes with the least amount of stops or changeovers. Be sure to read up on any vaccinations you and your kids may need to obtain before embarking on your trip. Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in Sri Lanka, so ensure you pack good mosquito repellents.

Deciding on the duration of your holiday

Despite its modest size, Sri Lanka is blessed with a myriad of attractions and experiences in every corner. The options are endless, from pristine sandy beaches, lush green landscapes, cultural attractions, and wildlife sanctuaries. Hence, it is best to decide on the duration of your vacation, ideally aiming for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. Next, list what you and your kids would like to see and do, and then build your itinerary accordingly. Ensure you make it realistic, particularly when travelling with kids, as they can become exhausted in no time. Alternatively, consider speaking to a travel consultant/agency for support in planning your vacation. Be sure to communicate your preferences and requirements to them to guarantee the best family vacation.

Building your itinerary

If you begin your vacation at Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, check out famous landmarks like the iconic Colombo Lotus Tower and the Gangaramaya Temple. If you and your family are water sports fans, then head to Bentota, Hikkaduwa, or Unawatuna to indulge in jet skiing, kayaking, surfing, and snorkelling, among others. Galle is home to the famed Dutch Fort. Depending on the time of your visit, whale and dolphin watching is possible in Mirissa or Kalpitiya.

If you and your family are wildlife enthusiasts, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or the Yala National Park. National parks in Sri Lanka exhibit diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, and buffalo. Consider visiting Kandy, the capital of the hill country and home to the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Nuwara Eliya offers tea estate tours, nature reserve treks, and breathtaking scenery. Throw in a few cultural attractions such as the Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or ancient ruins and places of worship in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Be sure to browse through Sri Lankan travel websites such as Truly Sri Lanka for detailed information on the top things to see and do in Sri Lanka.

Choosing the best accommodation

Ensure you select an accommodation option that provides comfortability and kid-friendly facilities such as a swimming pool. If your itinerary includes the beachside, hill country, and national parks, ensure you find accommodation within an easy distance from these attractions in Sri Lanka. Hotels, luxury boutiques, planter’s bungalows, and resorts are some of the types of accommodation on offer.

Planning logistics in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers public transportation in the form of buses and trains. However, they are not reliable, and travel time may be slow. They also tend to be crowded at peak times. Tuk-tuks or rickshaws are a convenient way to get about within a town or city. Most rickshaws are metered, but some don’t turn on their meter, so be prepared to invoke your negotiation skills. Alternatively, you can opt for taxis offered by reputable companies which are metered. If you are in the hill country, a train ride is highly recommended as it provides jaw-dropping vistas of the countryside.