Climbing the ancient fortress of Sigiriya, or Lion’s Rock, is on every Sri Lanka wishlist – and it is not as scary as it looks! With lots of wide stone stairs and terraces to stop and savour the views over a cup of chai, it’s a great morning out for nearly all ages. Even toddlers can enjoy the gorgeous gardens at the base. Top tip No. 1: Enjoy the sunset on neighbouring Pidurangala Rock.

Top tip No. 2: Get there super early to beat the heat (and the crowds). And just look at the views when you do reach the top!

Sigiriya features on both of our sample Sri Lanka itineraries. And after all that activity, it’s back down to the base and some fresh coconut juice from the many stalls lining the route.

Coconuts are everywhere – on market stalls, being cooked in (ultra delicious) curries, sold as drinks by the roadside or growing in plantations. A firm favourite with families, we often include a stay at a coconut plantation estate on arrival – an ideal spot to unwind after a long flight and the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan life.

Yummy King Coconuts – beats a Pepsi Max any day!

Two feet good, two wheels even better! This is the best way to get out and about and meet the locals on the back streets of little villages. Or cycle around some ancient sites… Check out our Sri Lanka with Kids Top 10 feature for lots more fun family activities.

No need to glaze over kids when we mention touring an ancient site!! Polonnaruwa is a massive ancient city that can take several hours to explore. It is all open air, so there is definitely a feeling of ‘freedom to roam’ that you won’t get in a museum. Hire bikes, stopping at little cafes next to giant stone buddhas, or mix some walking with short hops in your air-conditioned vehicle. See Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for more.

Have you heard about the herds at Minneriya? You will stop counting after a while as there are nellies everywhere! Open-top jeeps allow for fab photos and the wide-open landscape gives the best viewing opportunities.

But don’t forget to keep your eye out as you just drive along the normal roads as well as the safari tracks. Elephant corridors existed long before tarmac was invented, so forget ‘zebra crossing’ as you will often see elephants lumbering out of the forest onto the road in front of you – you could find yourself in an elephant traffic jam!

More than just elephants, going on safari in Sri Lanka could see you spotting sloth bears in Wilpattu National Park, leopards in Yala National Park, and monkeys pretty much everywhere. Our suggested Sri Lanka itineraries can include as much (or as little) time dedicated to nature as your family wants.

Having your own driver on a Sri Lanka family holiday gives you the ultimate flexibility. They will drive you between each place, give fantastic local information, recommend restaurants and handicraft shops, and help you with luggage and even toddler tantrums. Chosen carefully for their child-friendly skills, they always make firm friends with your family. Be warned, there will be tears on departure… read our Sri Lanka Customer Reviews to see what we mean!

Viewing the vibrant murals and golden Buddhas at Dambulla’s cave temples is not only educational but also a good way to escape the sun. With easy access for all ages, you’ll explore barefoot as no shoes are allowed inside. Top tip No. 3: Bring socks, as the rocks outside can get hot. The caves are close to Sigiriya so you can visit them on the same day.

There is always something unusual and entertaining to see or do in Kandy, whether joining in local festivities, zipping around by tuk-tuk, visiting the temple that houses Buddha’s sacred tooth or watching the fire-eaters and walkers – don’t try this at home kids!

Time for a nice cuppa… well you might have to pick the leaves first! Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is stunning and the perfect place to put your feet up for a few days and enjoy some R&R with gentle hikes, swimming in waterfalls and savouring a delicious G&T (parents of course). Snap some lush scenic photos of Sri Lanka here to share with friends and family.

Yummy Sri Lankan cuisine will get the thumbs up from the kids. Stop at a roadside stall and join the locals for lunch using your hands instead of cutlery – a very toddler-friendly meal.

Follow family-friendly hiking routes along the newly established Pekoe Trail (find this and other family trails in our family trekking feature). Superb ‘off the beaten track’ trekking in the hill country around Ella and Kandy.

See fishermen lay out their catch on coconut fibre mats to dry in the sun at Negombo.

After all those safaris, tea plantation trekking and ancient ruin exploration, it’s time to cool off in the sea (or pool) with some watersport fun.

Or you could head out into the ocean on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise.

There are lots of fabulous beach resorts both in the northeast and the south. The time of year will affect where we advise (see When to go to Sri Lanka).

Wrap up your Sri Lankan family holiday by watching the sun set on the Indian Ocean from an idyllic beach – share on social media to make your friends and relations green with envy.

Holiday photos of Sri Lanka – next steps

It’s no surprise that this lush tropical country is one of our most popular family destinations, and if our customer photos of Sri Lanka have sparked your curiosity, ring us at 01728 752 751 to discuss your holiday requirements or email us using our website form.

You might also like to see our Guide to Family Travel in Asia, as well as other photo blogs with snaps taken by our Stubborn Mule visitors:

Holiday Photos of Oman
Holiday Photos of Tanzania
Holiday Photos of India
Holiday photos of Egypt
Holiday Photos of Costa Rica
Holiday Photos of Thailand
Holiday Photos of Jordan
Holiday Photos of Croatia