Traditional and rich cultural attractions, beautiful landscapes and exotic wildlife make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for family holidays

Sri Lanka sits in the Bay of Bengal and is home to a rich diversity which includes ethnic Buddhists and Hindu cultures, an exotic landscape and wonderful attractions to entice little adventurers. Festivals, music and dance are a big part of life in this colourful island and of course tea and elephants, but more of that later.

One of our favourite attractions is the train ride running from Kandy to Ella. It's one of the most beautiful and magical train journeys in the world, taking you on a scenic tour through misty hillsides and tea plantations.

Talking of tea, visitors will notice that it’s quite important in Sri Lanka. Whilst the adults won’t want to miss the Haputale Mountains where the tea industry was born, a tuk-tuk ride around the tea estates in the morning is quite remarkable and memorable for all adventurers on the trip.The ancient capital of Kandy is a pretty town in the central highlands. The intriguing ‘Temple of the Tooth’ is a must-see visit and the famous Esala Perahera Festival is a truly unique experience and your holiday can be tailored around it to make the most of this wonderful spectacle which celebrates the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha 

You will also find the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya a fascinating visit. You can climb the rock and see the ornamental gardens from the sacred ruins on the top. Its just one of six World Heritage sites to thrill the young explorers on your Sri Lanka trip.

You can’t miss that elephants are everywhere in Sri Lanka from tea plantations, town festivals (of which there are many) to the swimming elephants at Gal Oya National Park. You will also find them more naturally at any of six National Parks and three wildlife sanctuaries around Yala and at Uda Walawe. It’s Pachyderm heaven! The region is teaming with wildlife, not least the Asian elephants, but also the famous leopards and birdlife.

This beautiful island has palm - fringed beaches and shining blue waters – for the older family, it’s a perfect location for water sports of all flavours and as the monsoons hit at different points in the year, it’s a great beach holiday destination all year round.
Mirissa, whilst having a fabulous beach, is also one of the greatest spots to see the Blue Whales and dolphins.

Sri Lanka has so much to offer, balancing outdoor adventurous activities with heritage and relaxation on the beaches, and is genuinely one of the most beautiful and diverse locations to spend a truly memorable family holiday.