Tips for Sri Lanka with kids
5 tips for an unforgettable trip!
Looking for an unforgettable travel destination with your kids? Look no further than Sri Lanka, the country that surprised and impressed us the most during our previous world trip. Although we initially had modest expectations, we quickly felt at home in this beautiful country. Sri Lanka welcomed us with friendly people, breathtaking nature, fascinating culture, and a true backpacker vibe. On top of that, it’s close to the Maldives, making it easy to spend a few days enjoying the enchanting tropical beaches.
In this blog, we share our tips for a trip to Sri Lanka with children. Looking for a complete itinerary? Then check out this blog: Sri Lanka with kids – the ultimate route & tips.
This blog is written by Sanne.
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Choose your flight wisely
For a long trip to Sri Lanka with kids, an overnight flight is often the best option. Instead of a daytime flight where the hours seem endless, kids (and you) can sleep for much of the journey on an overnight flight. This makes the arrival much more relaxed.
A handy extra tip: try to reserve seats at the back of the plane. Those rows are often less crowded, increasing your chances of having some extra space or even an empty seat next to you. Especially with kids, this makes the flight more comfortable and helps you start your holiday well-rested.
Discover the mountain village of Ella
Ella is perhaps the most popular spot in the Sri Lankan mountains, and for good reason. This charming village is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. Many travelers choose to stay in small guesthouses or family-run hotels, where you can often get a room for €30–€60 per night, including a hearty Sri Lankan or Western breakfast with views of the green hills.
In Ella, you can enjoy lovely walks, for example to Little Adam’s Peak or the famous Nine Arch Bridge. For families, it’s a great place to relax after the often busy cultural cities. Everything is within walking distance, and the atmosphere is laid-back, making you feel at home quickly.
Keep distances short
Sri Lanka may look small on the map, but travel times can be quite long. Roads are often narrow and busy, so a 100-kilometer drive can easily take 3 to 4 hours. Especially with kids, it’s wise to plan your trip at a relaxed pace and avoid trying to see too many different places in a short time.
Preferably choose one or two regions and explore them thoroughly. This way, you have more time to truly experience temples, nature, and local villages without spending most of your days in a car or train. It’s also much more relaxing for kids and leaves you with more energy to enjoy the trip yourself.
Plan some relaxation in between
Traveling through Sri Lanka can be intense, especially with kids. That’s why it’s important to balance culture, cities, and nature with moments of pure relaxation. Book a few days at a beautiful beach or a hotel with a swimming pool so you can truly unwind.
Having nothing to do for a while, playing with the kids, or simply enjoying the view can make a world of difference. This way, the trip stays fun for the whole family, and you can fully enjoy everything Sri Lanka has to offer.
Combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives
A must-do during your trip to Sri Lanka is a visit to the Maldives. From Colombo, you can fly to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, in just 1.5 hours. Flights are often surprisingly affordable: with a bit of luck, you can find round-trip tickets starting at €100 per person.
The Maldives are, of course, known for their luxury resorts, but nowadays there are also affordable guesthouses on local islands, where you can stay for €50–€80 per night. This makes a trip to this tropical paradise achievable for families as well.
After an intensive road trip through Sri Lanka, it’s wonderful to spend a few days relaxing on the paradise-like beaches and enjoying the crystal-clear water. A perfect way to end your holiday!
Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable travel experience for the whole family. From friendly people and beautiful nature to captivating culture and relaxation on the beaches, this country has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka with your children!
About Sanne
We are Joep, Sanne, and Sophie, and we love traveling and discovering new places, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Since our first world trip in 2019, we’ve visited countries such as Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Tonga, Canada, and Cuba. During school holidays, we also like to explore destinations closer to home, such as Albania, Montenegro, and Iceland, but we also take longer trips: for example, we visited the Seychelles over Christmas and Mauritius during the May holidays. In between these trips, we discover new spots in the Netherlands every weekend, because our own country has so many beautiful places to offer as well.
Our world trip from July 2023 to February 2024 took us to countries including Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Costa Rica, and Martinique. It was an amazing period full of new experiences and memories that we created together.
Follow Sanne on Instagram @reiskoe.nl and read all about her adventures on her successful blog reiskoe.nl
Book your Sri Lanka holiday with kids
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, there are several ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you like to organize everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs on Booking.com , and the cheapest flights can be found with Skyscanner. You can also easily book your own tuktuk in advance. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Prefer everything arranged in one go? TUI offers complete packages for a worry-free holiday. Looking for more flexibility and a tailor-made trip? Check out Riksja, where you can create your ideal trip using building blocks.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
Looking for more inspiration? Sanne also shares fun stories and tips about Sri Lanka with kids on her blog: www.reiskoe.nl/sri-lanka.
Struggling to get great photos of your kids on holiday?
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