Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka with Family – If you are wondering about where to spend your holidays? Then you can organize a trip to Sri Lanka. You can grab our travel guide and prepare to have your eyes dazzled by this ultimate adventure, and rest assured that your journey to this exotic family destination will be filled with fun and excitement. When it comes to exploring top places in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of choices available.

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Sri Lanka boasts many beautiful locations, each unique in their remarkable ways, heritage sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, or beach paradise spots such as Mirissa, Bentota, Arugam Bay, or hilly treasures like Adam’s Peak, Kandy, Knuckles Range, or wildlife highlights like Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, and others. In this blog, we will explore the Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka with Family.

What Are the Essential Foods Which Families Should Try in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan cuisine provides a delightful experience for families showcasing a mix of flavors that appeal to different tastes. Here is the list of the essential dishes that you should try while visiting Sri Lanka with your family:

Rice and Curry: it is a fundamental meal that is quite famous and consists of rice accompanied by a range of vegetable and meat curries.
Hoppers: Hoppers are a form of crispy thin pancakes, shaped like bowls which are made from fermented rice flour, usually served with spicy symbols or curries. You can also have it with egg for a filling meal
Kottu: A kottu is a well-liked street food dish that is prepared from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or eggs, stir-fried together. It is the best dish to try with the family while visiting Sri Lanka.
String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodle patties, accompanied by curry and sambal, ideal for breakfast. Introduce new foods, particularly if you have small children or family members with sensitive stomachs, and savor the vibrant culinary environment Sri Lanka has to provide.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka with Family

Sigiriya: Heritage Site

Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is often referred to as the “Lion Rock,” and is one of the most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka. This historic rock fortress, standing almost 200 meters tall, is celebrated for its stunning vistas, water gardens, and expertly maintained frescoes.

This heritage site was constructed in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, it functioned as a royal stronghold with remarkable architectural elements. Guests have the opportunity to ascend to the peak for spectacular views of the nearby woodlands and the remnants of the royal palace. It is the best place to visit in any season if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka. It is also close to other heritage sites and wildlife parks that you can arrange to visit while you’re there.

Yala National Park: World Famous National Park

Yala National Park is a world-famous national park and it is situated in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. The Park is well-known for its large area and most frequented wildlife reserves in the nation. The park is renowned for its significant population of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.

If you are visiting with your family you can experience that this park has a varied terrain of wetlands, grasslands, and coastal lagoons creating an ideal environment for many animals. Tourists frequently partake in safari tours in this location for a memorable wildlife encounter.

Dambulla: The Golden Cave Temple

If you are traveling with your family then you will find yourself in the cultural zone. If your children are at an age where they would appreciate a bit more history, then it is certainly worth dedicating some time to Dambulla Golden Cave Temple. It is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a remarkable and exceedingly well-preserved complex featuring; eighty caves, rock formations towering over 150m tall, countless statues of Buddhas, Gods, Goddesses, Royalty, and murals that span over two thousand square meters.

This site has gruesome facts: since prehistoric inhabitants would have resided here, the site has found human skeletons that are almost three thousand years old. There are a hundred Monkeys that can enhance photographs of your trip. Since this is a sacred site, remember to cover up your knees and shoulders, if you are traveling with your family who has children.

Nuwara Eliya: Little England in Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is a place in Sri Lanka where you can enjoy the chilly weather, foggy hills, and British colonial buildings. This is also called “Little England”. Traveling with family to the Nuwara Eliya can be a pleasant experience and families can partake in boat rides on Gregory Lake, tour tea plantations, and discover the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Visiting Nuwara Eliya feels like a foreign location, especially from November to February.

The Seetha Amman Temple is also looted nearby to this location, which is known as the goddess Sita’s captivity in the epic in Ramayana and it provides a mythological viewpoint for inquisitive minds. Horseback riding, golfing, and outings to strawberry farms are additional family-friendly activities that Nuwara Eliya provides.

Galle: Dutch Fort

Delight in a day away with your family at one of the most memorable and iconic archaeological locations in the world, the Galle or the Dutch Fort. Constructed by the Portuguese and strengthened by the Dutch, this historical site is one of the top family destinations in Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a mix of European architectural designs and South Asian customs. It’s an excellent location for families to discover the island’s colonial heritage while taking in the coastal scenery.

Additionally, Galle, featuring its well-maintained Dutch fort, presents a trip into the past. Families can stroll along the ramparts, check out the Galle Lighthouse, and wander through the cobbled streets adorned with colonial structures, museums, shops, and cafes.

Mirissa: Marine Wonders

Mirissa, situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is famous for its stunning beaches and lively marine life. The clear waters of Mirissa are ideal for swimming, and its bustling beach bars and eateries provide a relaxed vibe. Mirissa is famous for its tours that allow people to watch whales and dolphins, giving families the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

In addition to whale watching, Mirissa’s stunning beaches offer a peaceful backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, surfing and constructing sandcastles, rendering it a perfect spot for a leisurely family outing. The optimal period to visit is between November and April when the waters are calm, and sightings occur most often.

Kandalama: Hot Air Ballooning Experience

Travel to Kandalama and join your family for a thrilling hot air balloon ride. Ascend into the sky and look down to witness the breathtaking beauty beneath you. Hot air ballooning will reveal the dreamlike beauty of the clouds and endless sweeping vistas. While you relish the stunning views surrounding you, you can also take fantastic photos as this ride will provide you with a remarkable opportunity for photography and a memorable experience. So remember to include this in your list of must-do activities with your family during your travels in Sri Lanka.

Vedda Community: A Village Tour

Exploring the well-known family outing spots in Sri Lanka can be very enjoyable, but traveling to an unconventional location can be even more fascinating. During your journey throughout this varied country, make sure you choose to experience an engaging village tour to visit the Vedda community. Alongside your family, delight in uncovering the local lifestyle by visiting this village. Stroll through the small settlements of a community that resides in the woods. Their way of life will transport you back to the Stone Age.

As you wander through the village, do not miss the opportunity to stop at a local home. Gather together and explore a new flavor by tasting the traditional food of the village. You can enjoy plenty of pure honey here, as Vedda produces it in abundance.

Colombo: Capital City of Sri Lanka

Explore the marvels of Colombo, the constantly lively capital city of Sri Lanka. Experience travel like a local by using tuk-tuks (autos) and unleash the passionate wanderer within you. Tuk-tuks are excellent modes of transportation as they bring you to all the captivating areas of the city at relatively cheap prices. If you encounter a kind and accommodating driver, you may have the fortune of stopping wherever you desire and taking numerous photographs, along with gaining insights into the lives of the locals.

Bentota: Famous Beach

Bentota is a well-known coastal destination on Sri Lanka’s southwestern shoreline, recognized for its golden beaches and transparent waters. It serves as a center for aquatic activities, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving, along with river excursions on the Bentota River. The adjacent Brief Garden, created by Bevis Bawa, is a stunningly designed haven that is ideal for a leisurely afternoon trip. Bentota’s hotels and tranquil shoreline render it a perfect location for a serene beach escape.

Wrapping Up

Sri Lanka has mixed terrains, a dynamic culture, and kind & friendly people, which have something for every family member. Tourist families can discover historical areas, engage in wildlife experiences, to relax on beaches, the island guarantees an unforgettable family vacation. Here, we have discussed about the top places one can visit with family. You will get a chance to interact and discover nature while making treasured memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Concerning to Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka With Family

1. What is the most suitable time to travel to Sri Lanka with family?

The most suitable time to travel to Sri Lanka with family is between December and March if you want to visit the southern and western coasts. However, if you are planning to visit the eastern coast, then April to September is the best time. This guarantees favorable weather for outdoor pursuits and it can enhance the traveling experience if you are tripping with family.

2. How many days are sufficient for a family trip to Sri Lanka?

You can make a trip of fortnight-long vacation which is perfect for discovering the top places of Sri Lanka with family. This provides ample time to see the key sights and partake in a variety of activities.

3. Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit with children?

Sri Lanka stands out as a vacation spot that is fitting for couples, children, and families. Some numerous child-friendly places and activities will captivate your children. You could visit the beach, explore the museums, and most importantly, enjoy elephant safaris. Your children will have a great time watching the bathing elephants. You can also visit the elephant orphanage and Turtle hatcheries which are loved by children.

4. What activities are available for families in Sri Lanka?

If you are visiting Sri Lanka with your family, here we have mentioned some of the activities in which you can take part for an enjoyable holiday with your family:

Experience an elephant safari
Go dolphin watching
Discover Galle Fort
Enjoy beaches
Visit national parks
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites