Sri Lanka family vacations

If you're seeking fascinating culture and exceptional natural beauty for your family vacation, make plans to visit Sri Lanka. This small teardrop-shaped island nation in the Indian Ocean offers families miles of spectacular beaches, opportunities to explore ancient temples and colonial fortresses, and close encounters with exotic wildlife.

What makes Sri Lanka a great destination for families?

Take your family vacation in Sri Lanka and you’ll find history, culture, and nature coming together to create a thrilling destination. Family trips in Sri Lanka offer fantastic opportunities to educate the kids while having fun. Spend time on the island’s dazzling white beaches, explore tea plantations, and see ancient ruins steeped in folklore. Whether you take a two-week trip or just have a week on the beach here, Sri Lanka will make for an unforgettable family vacation. 

Best things to do in Sri Lanka with kids

With mystical temples and awe-inspiring landscapes, Sri Lanka will keep visitors young and old enthralled. Here are some great activities for a memorable Sri Lanka trip with kids.

See stunning coral underwater

Southwestern Sri Lanka is home to the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary. This marine preserve is home to a variety of turtles and exotic fish, as well as colorful corals. Kids will love sailing in a glass-bottomed boat to see the marine life thriving underwater.

Go whale watching at Mirissa

There are few things more exciting in nature than seeing the world's largest marine mammal swimming right next to you. Take a cruise boat from Mirissa to see whales and dolphins in the Indian Ocean. The best time for this experience is during the migration season between February and March.

Go into the wild at Yala National Park

About 150 miles from Colombo on the island's southeast coast, wildlife rules at Yala National Park. Here, you’ll come face to face with elephants, leopards, water buffalo, and over 200 different species of birds flitting about in forests and across the grasslands.

Explore archaeological wonders

Take a day trip to the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya, touted by locals as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. This 3rd-century BC fortification sits atop a more-than 600-foot-high plateau known as Lion’s Rock. Make the hike up to the top for an added adventure and fantastic views.

Sip tea at Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is famous for its refreshing blends of tea. Nuwara Eliya, the country’s tea capital, is the best place to explore terraced tea plantations populating the lush green hills. The cool aromatic air adds to the experience as you learn about tea cultivation at the gardens. 

Tips for planning a family vacation in Sri Lanka

The best times to visit Sri Lanka for families are from December to March for the south and west coasts, and between May and September for the east coast. Coastal areas consistently see temperatures between 70°F and 80°F year-round, while more mountainous areas hover just above 60°F. Remember sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and lightweight clothing for your trip, and include extra layers if you're traveling to higher elevations. Consult with your doctor regarding any necessary vaccinations.