Sri Lanka Family Holiday

After an early breakfast, travel to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle via the Millennium Elephant Orphanage in Kegalle, a remarkable project where animal rights workers and elephant experts provide captive elephants with a retirement home. A guided tour around the centre will explain the good work being done at the Foundation and is the perfect way for the family to appreciate the wonder of the elephant. Travel on to the Cultural Triangle and your family-friendly hotel where the chance to splash around in a swimming pool is a must.

Consider a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park best known for the biggest gathering of Asian Elephants. The Cultural Triangle sites can tax the patience of some children, but a clamber to the summit of Sigiriya Rock will delight many and Ritilgala Forest Monastery also has a touch of Indiana Jones about it as you climb up the partially-concealed steps. And a discovery of the ruined city of Polonnaruwa can be enlivened by a story of  Polonnaruwa’s warring monkeys.

Travel on to Kandy which is steeped in history and culture. Visit the ancient Temple of the Tooth where a tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Continue on to the Victoria Golf and Country Resort 20 kms east of Kandy. Check into the Victoria Golf Chalets set within the magnificent 500 acre estate surrounded by the scenic Kandyan Hills and the Victoria Reservoir. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, putting green and practice range, floodlit tennis court, swimming pool, Saddle club, riding lesson for adults and kids, horse safaris, bird watching, and bike trails.

A night’s camping in Kitulgala is a great place for a bit of under-the-stars adventure. There is an opportunity to go trekking, canoeing or white-water rafting if that suits the family’s disposition, or simply enjoy the  camping experience. We have only scheduled one night here, but you can stay longer or chose instead to head straight to Galle in search of more time on the beach.

Journey down to the Galle Coast and spend two days in a beach hotel conveniently placed for a yomp around the famous Galle Fort. The fort’s well-preserved ramparts, overlooking the cricket stadium and the Indian Ocean, are a great excuse to use up any pent-up energy and there are a collection of characterful craft and art shops, boutiques and cafes alongside the beautiful boutique hotels and villas that now adorn the streets. The most energetic families might also consider a guided cycle ride around Galle’s rural inland lanes.

A short journey north takes you to the family-orientated coastal town of Bentota where you can relax and enjoy the broad sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Children will be kept entertained with the numerous water-sports on offer on the calm Bentota lagoon, alongside the sea including banana-boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing and wave boarding. They will also love seeing the baby turtles at the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project and can enjoy their own Sri Lanka puppet show in Balapitiya.