We had heard so many good things about Sri Lanka! Making our plans for traveling in Sri Lanka with kids our itinerary seemed to just grow and grow.
It has been a bucket-list country for us since we started travelling full time.
So read on to find out all the details about transportation, accommodation, food and everything else from our Sri Lanka itinerary with kids.
- Why Visit Sri Lanka With Kids?
- Visas
- Best Time To Visit
- Our Itinerary in Sri Lanka
- Places To Visit
– Negombo
– Inland Sri Lanka
– Hill Country
– Southern Coast - Getting Around Sri Lanka With Kids
- Food & Drinking Water
- Health
- Money & Budget
- Connectivity & Wifi
- Accommodation
What is so Special about Sri Lanka With Kids?
We had made journeys up into the hill country of Taiwan and Vietnam by train and were fascinated by the opportunity to make another trip by train in Sri Lanka.
Plus there’s also the fact the Kandy to Ella train is renowned as one of the most scenic train rides in the world…
So armed with that for inspiration and the knowledge that Sri Lanka has miles of coast (we were tempted by the opportunity to try surfing on the southern beaches) there seemed like plenty of reason to visit!
Sri Lanka with kids is a great travel destination.
We spent a month exploring and enjoyed the ease of travelling from place to place, the friendly locals we met and the relaxing pace of life. Though you could easily do this route in two weeks, leaving off a couple of beach stops or taking the train directly from Kandy to Ella.
Two weeks in Sri Lanka would still be plenty to see a lot of the country.
However long you have up your sleeve, and regardless of time we would definitely recommend Sri Lanka to families as an easy place to travel.
Visas: Sri Lanka With Kids
Good news – getting your entry paperwork sorted for Sri Lanka is easy. Most travellers can obtain their visa online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system before flying.
📝 Apply Online
The application is a quick and simple online form. You won’t need to worry about uploading passport photos, copies of documents, or any lengthy paperwork. Just fill in your details, pay the fee online, and you’re good to go!
- Adults: A standard 30-day tourist visa for Sri Lanka costs USD $50 (and can be extended if you decide to stay longer!).
- Kids: Here is the best part for families—tourist visas for Sri Lanka are free of charge for children under the age of 12! 👧👦
The application is a simple form with an online payment.
- Pro Tip: While the process is currently straightforward, visa regulations and fees can change quickly. Always double-check the official government website while planning your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
Weather-wise Sri Lanka can be argued as a brilliant all-year-round holiday destination.
Although its tropical charm is shaped by two monsoon seasons. These weather patterns alternate across the island, meaning while one coast is rainy, the other is usually basking in sunshine.
The Yala monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest (home to Galle and Unawatuna) from April to September, with the heaviest downpours usually occurring between April and June. Conversely, the milder Maha monsoon brushes the east coast (Arugam Bay and Trincomalee) from November to March.
Because Sri Lanka’s two monsoon seasons hit at opposite times, there is never a “bad” time to visit—it just depends on where you’re headed.
- South & West Coasts (Galle, Unawatuna): Best from December to March. The Yala monsoon brings heavy rain here between April and June.
- East Coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee): Best from May to September. The Maha monsoon affects this region from November to March.
Temperature Snapshot:
- The Coasts: Tropical and warm, averaging 26–30°C.
- The Hill Country: Significantly cooler. In Kandy, expect refreshing averages of 18-22°C.
Our Experience: We visited in February and enjoyed ideal weather across the entire island.
Language
Sigh. Another country we didn’t become fluent in the language of.
But Sri Lanka is another country where locals usually responded rather enthusiastically to attempts at (mangling?) a basic greeting or thanks in their language.
- Fact: Sinhala (Sinhalese) language is spoken by 75% of the population. Tamil and English are also official national languages.
In the accommodation and guest houses we stayed in we didn’t find it a challenge to communicate with our hosts in English. Most hosts in the cities will speak English fluently, and people in Sri Lanka are super friendly.
However, if you can respond to a greeting with a word of Sinhala or Tamil you will get an even bigger smile than usual!
So here are a few basic words in Sinhala to practice in the meantime:
- Hello: Ayubowan
- Yes: Ow
- No: Naa
- Thank you: Istuti
- Thank you very much: Bohoma istuti
- How are you? Kohomadhe?
- Fine: Varadak neh
- How much? Kiyadha?
- Delicious: Hari rasai / rasavat
Our Sri Lanka Itinerary
Here is the route we took for our Sri Lanka itinerary.
We made a loop through inland, central and the South of Sri Lanka with the kids finding highlights in each place we visited….
- Negombo > [bus > Kurunegala; bus to Dambulla]
- Dambulla > [bus > Kandy]
- Kandy > [train > Nanu Oya]
- Nuwara Eliya > [train to Ella]
- Ella > [tuktuk to Wellawaya; bus to Pannegamuwa Junction]
- Tissamahara > [bus to Tangalle]
- Tangalle > [tuk tuk to Hirikitiya; bus to Mirissa].
- Mirissa > [tuk tuk to Weligama]
- Weligama > [bus to Galle]
- Galle > [bus to Colombo; bus to Negombo].
Welcome to Sri Lanka
As soon as we walked out of our hotel that first morning we were in love with Sri Lanka.
It wasn’t long after sunrise but we could already smell that tropical welcome of outdoor kitchen fires burning while roosters are crowing.
We found milk at a tiny little shop and were waved over by the neighbour. He and his brother were climbing their backyard coconut trees to harvest fresh drinking coconuts for the market.
They gave the boys a coconut each and shook their hands with an enthusiastic, “Welcome to Sri Lanka!“
We wandered slowly back down the small pedestrian roads to our hotel feeling like the luckiest family in the world to have woken up in this tropical paradise.
Negombo: Sri Lanka With Kids
Negombo was our first stop.
The highlight here is tied between heading out to find a much-needed coffee at sunrise (we were so close to missing our flight from Kuala Lumpur the night before!) and the amazing Negombo Fish Market.
The fish markets are an exciting assault on the senses. The smell of drying fish is immediate; as are the calls of vendors selling their stock and the sounds of the chopping and gutting all kinds of seafood that we’ve never even seen before!
We had barely entered the marketplace and the boys were talking to the vendors at each stall; in awe of their catch and the speed of their work.
We walked around the entire market (more than once) until Harry found the men working with dried fish on the beach…
He ended up sitting down with them and having a go banging the fish together to remove any sand and dried scales before they’re taken off for sale!
Things To Do in Negombo
- Negombo Beach: A nice beach for a stroll in the late afternoon/sunset (not suitable for swimming).
- Fish Markets: Head there early in the morning to see all the action. Our kids were absolutely fascinated by the markets (we visited twice!).
- Take a Rickshaw Ride: Likely Negombo might be your first stop in Sri Lanka. Take a tuk tuk and set out on an adventure (we found buffalo curd lassi!).
It’s easy to get around Negombo by rickshaw.
Although we did find it had semi-footpaths in the touristy area, there isn’t a lot of space in the downtown area for walking in amongst the traffic.
Transportation From Negombo
- Taxi to Colombo Airport (CMB): 15 minutes
- Bus to Colombo: 1.5 hours
- Taxi to Galle: 2.5 hours
- Bus to Galle: 4 hours
- Bus to Kurunegala: 2.5 hours
- Bus to Dambulla (via Kurunegala): 4.5 hours
Dambulla (The Cultural Triangle)
Dambulla is an inland city.
For our Sri Lanka itinerary we used it as a great base to explore the Cave Temples and to climb both Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks.
We took the bus from Negombo for $1 USD per adult; changed at the bus station in Kurunegala and caught one more bus to Dambulla.
The total travel time was about five hours, but the drive was smooth and we broke it up with a lunch stop halfway.
The Dambulla Cave Temples are right in town, but it takes about half an hour by tuk tuk to reach Sigiriya or Pidurangala.
We would recommend visiting both in the morning time. And if you only have a short time then definitely the climb up Pidurangala is worth it.
Things To Do in Dambulla
- Dambulla Cave Temples: Built 160m above the surrounding plains and offering stunning views of the area.
- See the Golden Buddha: After visiting the Cave Temples hike down and check out the huge Golden Buddha statue (turns out to be the largest Buddha in this position and is plated with real gold).
- Climb Sigiriya: Dambulla is an ideal location to visit the ancient city and rock fortress of Sigiriya.
- Sunrise from Pidurangala Rock: A fraction of the price of Sigiriya, Pidurangala offers impressive views right out over the plains (including views of Sigiriya Rock).
Transportation From Dambulla
- Rickshaw to Sigiriya: 40 mins
- Rickshaw to Pidurangala: 45 mins
- Bus to Kandy: 2 hours
- Bus to Kurunegala: 2 hours
- Bus to Negombo (via Kurunegala): 4.5 hours
Inland Hill & Tea Country: Sri Lanka With Kids
Sri Lanka’s hill country is iconic and picturesque, and no wonder – seeing the tea plantations from the wide open windows of the old hill trains is an uplifting kind of feeling!
The hills themselves are beautiful and such a contrast to the windswept coastal stretches of beach along the south.
We knew that for us a huge drawcard of Sri Lanka was the South Coast and beaches. But we were curious about the hill country and loved the thought of the vastly contrasting landscapes of what looked to be on the map a seemingly small island nation.
Getting up into the hill country we took a local bus from Dambulla train station, to Kandy.
The bus cost less than $1 USD per person, and took about two hours.
It was very straightforward!
Our Inland Sri Lanka Itinerary
This is the route we took for inland Sri Lanka:
- Dambulla > bus > Kandy
- Kandy > train > Nuwara Eliya
- Nuwara Eliya > train > Ella
- Ella > tuktuk to Wellawaya > bus to Pannegamuwa Junction and Tissamahara
Kandy: Sri Lanka With Kids
Kandy served as our gateway to Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. After a local bus ride from Dambulla, we checked into a hotel perched high above the city, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the streets below.
The next morning, we jumped into a tuk-tuk for a custom half-day tour. Our itinerary was simple: a tea factory, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and a challenge for our driver to find us the most delicious local lunch he knew!
The tea factory was a sensory hit for everyone. While we adults loved the rich aromas and the tasting session, the boys were fascinated by the century-old machinery used to sort and dry the leaves.
- A Quick Tip: While the Kandy factory was great, if you want the full experience of wandering through the actual tea fields, save your main plantation visit for Nuwara Eliya.
The absolute highlight, however, was the Royal Botanical Gardens. It’s a massive green oasis where the kids could finally burn off some energy. We spent a few hours winding through the wooded trails and exploring the different plant collections. It’s the kind of place where you could easily lose half a day just soaking in the peace.
- Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and some snacks! There are so many beautiful spots to sit and let the kids play while you enjoy the scenery.
Things To Do in Kandy
- Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens: The gardens are famous worldwide and it is easy to spend a few hours just wandering. Entrance fee: 2,000 LKR ($10 USD). Comparatively pricey but a great place to let the kids run around safely.
- Visit Temple of the Tooth: Sri Dalada Maligawa temple houses the legendary tooth relic from Buddha (actual Buddha!) and is a popular place for pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Walk around Kandy Lake: A free option for exploring in Kandy, the lake is central in the city and a peaceful spot to walk around.
- Visit a Tea Factory: This isn’t the only option for visiting a tea factory (most common is in Ella) in hill country, but an interesting option for outing by tuk tuk.
- Lunch at Kandy Muslim Hotel: The best place we found to eat in Kandy and a top choice in the Lonely Planet guide. Try Kottu, or a spicy curry. And if you are travelling with kids then I recommend the chefs version of a fried rice dish.
Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka With Kids
This is the highest town of the three main hill stations of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. So it is notably cooler up here.
But the sun came out beautifully on our full day in Nuwara Eliya. So we made the most of the cheap visit to the Victoria Park gardens in the centre of town and let the kids run free at the playground.
- Tip: The playground and park is worth adding to your itinerary in Sri Lanka with kids!
We stumbled across the Grand Hotel (we were staying right behind it) on our first afternoon walking past without realising the history or extent of the beautiful surrounding grounds.
Which we were very glad we did as we ended up just in time for High Tea.
Confession time High Tea on day one had us thinking that a beer and some chips at lunchtime might also be a grand idea on day two as well. So we went back!
The kids enjoyed watching the man playing the beautiful grand piano; it was an educational choice (I swear!).
Things To Do in Nuwara Eliya
- Victoria Park: For $2 USD entry Victoria Park gardens and playground definitely provide your money worth! The park is centrally located and great for a wander around and a play.
- High Tea at the Grand Hotel: It’s not a budget outing – especially if you are travelling with hungry kids – or husbands. But it’s worth it for the unique experience and a fleeting taste of the British history that was once there.
- Boat Ride on Gregory Lake: Huge lake in the middle of town. Take a boat ride or wander around the lake shore (and talk to the horses being walked and ridden) and relax in the shade of the park.
- Visit a Tea Factory: This is another great place to visit a tea factory and plantation. Your hotel or hostel will be able to help arrange a tour. Or you will be approached just walking through town.
- Nuwara Eliya Market: Not huge but largely undercover and an interesting walk through. Keep an eye out for the man selling handmade candy floss in newspaper…
Ella: Sri Lanka With Kids
Taking the legendary train from Nanu Oya to Ella was a highlight for our two little backpackers. As the train climbs, the hill country unfolds like a movie—a constant stream of emerald tea plantations and mist-covered villages. It was, quite simply, a perfect travel day.
On our second day, we opted for a half-day tuk-tuk tour arranged by our guesthouse. This was a lifesaver for the kids, allowing us to hit the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ravana Falls without too much exhaustion.
The “hike” up Little Adam’s Peak was a pleasant surprise. We’d heard so much about the climb that we expected a grueling mountain trek, but from the main road, it only took about 30 minutes with the boys. The trail winds beautifully through tea plantations and, while there are plenty of steps at the end, the path is well-marked and easy to follow.
The reward at the summit is a breathtaking view over Ella Rock. There’s a small shrine and Buddha statue at the first peak, and if the kids have any energy left, you can continue along the ridge to two further peaks!
- Tip: If you’re feeling active, you can walk between the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. It’s not a long distance, but be warned—the climb back up is a bit of a leg-burner!
Things To Do in Ella
- Little Adams Peak: An ideal hike with kids. A two-hour return hike from town. Or from the base of the track only 30 mins uphill to the summit. (And worth a drinking coconut on the way back down!).
- Nine Arch Bridge: This bridge is more than famous. It’s an international insta-icon and it is stunning. However, every traveller to Ella also wants a glimpse (and photo), so be mindful when you are visiting.
- Rawana Falls: One of the most popular waterfalls in the region. And trust me – hold onto your hats; but it’s worth the tuk tuk trip to get there…
- Take a Cooking Class: This is non-negotiable while in Sri Lanka. Food is delicious and a central part of Sri Lankan culture and hospitality. We took an informal cooking lesson with the hosts of our guesthouse in Ella and would recommend doing the same.
Note: About the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
I wasn’t actually sure whether to write about this at all. But for us the train bridge was one of the most disappointing sights of Sri Lanka.
First of all; WOW. It’s a stunning work of engineering dating back nearly 100 years.
But equally WOW – the tourists. There are so many of them!
Sri Lanka is definitely in its peak for tourism and Ella seems to be the country’s main hotspot. So just be aware you won’t be the only ones.
We didn’t stay too long at the train bridge but grabbed a coconut to drink and walked further along the tracks and into the tea fields.
After talking with our host family about the life of tea workers, it was a humbling experience to walk the trails that wind through the tea plantations.
We learnt that after new government laws their minimum wage has now risen. But they are still only paid 800LKR ($2.60 USD) per day and must pick a minimum of 20kg to earn that.
It looks like bloody hard work!
Paradoxical perhaps, but I admit at that moment we suddenly felt thankful for the rising tourism craze and the chance for workers like this to earn a few tips on the side showing their work and posing for photos.
Transport From Ella
- Train to Nuwara Eliya: 4 hours
- Train to Kandy: 6 hours
- Taxi (car) to Nuwara Eliya: 1.5 hours
- Rickshaw to Wellawaya: 50 mins
- Bus (from Wellawaya) to Pannegamuwa Junction (Tissamahara): 1.5 hours
Tangalle: Sri Lanka With Kids
After two weeks of adventures inland and in hill country it was a great feeling to be back at the beach!
Tangalle is stunning with a golden hour of sun setting and the sound of crashing waves making magical evenings.
Unfortunately when we were there it was a few days after a storm and the waves were enormous. So there was nowhere in Tangalle for us to be able to swim (adults) and it was definitely not suitable for the kids.
But we made the most of some down time, enjoyed the sunsets and took a tuk tuk one day to Hiriketiya to try the beach and waves there.
It was a very busy tourist beach but with a whole stretch of options: beachfront cafes, bars, and surf schools. (Perfect really for a day out at the beach!).
Things To Do in Tangalle
- Silent Beach: Our favourite beach in Tangalle. The water was calmer and clear (and the beach much emptier – it felt like a semi-secret discovery!).
- Medaketiya Beach: Tangalle’s main beach is not the best for swimming but a beautiful spot to enjoy the sea view.
- Hiriketiya Beach: Only 20 mins from Tangalle. The beach is lined with surf gear rental shops with group and private surf lessons available hourly.
- Find the Purple Roti Cart: I have to add this as we found the friendliest lady in Tangalle inside the purple roti cart and ended up visiting her daily!
Transport From Tangalle
- Bus to Ella: just over 4 hours
- Bus to Mirissa: a little over an hour
- Bus to Galle: about 2 hours
- Rickshaw to Hiriketiya: 20 mins
Mirissa: Sri Lanka With Kids
We left Tangalle without any accommodation booked and decided to try the bus to Mirissa just under two hours away.
We set of with the criteria for accommodation including a beachfront swimming pool = MISSION ACCOMPLISED!
Mirissa is a beautiful coastline, with everything that is so iconic about the tropical Sri Lankan coast.
We found a small hotel just around the bay from the main beach in Mirissa. It was the perfect distance to walk to find dinner – AND we had to pass through Coconut Hill to get there!
Things To Do in Mirissa
- Coconut Tree Hill: A free, 15 minute walk and Mirissa’s claim to fame. It’s not much more exciting than that; but hey, you are in Mirissa and it has to be done. (PS. We watched turtles swimming from Coconut Hill which made up for the cringe-worthy Insta-posers!).
- Find Secret Beach: Mirissa Beach is beautiful – and popular! But Secret Beach is beautiful and much, much quieter. It’s worth the 30 min walk (or tuk tuk ride) for a swim (if it’s calm) and a cold coconut.
- Parrot Rock: Random rock hill jutting out from Mirissa Beach. Take care as it is not really a path (more of a rock scramble). However, views from the top are beautiful and worth the slightly precarious climb if you’re up for it.
- Get a Beer on the Beach: A beer under the shade of a beach umbrella will only set you back about 250 LKR ($1.50 USD). We found a good spot to relax after a swim and headed back to the same place on day two.
- Eat Kottu: I have to recommend the kottu at Papa Mango’s on the beachfront. Grab a table on the beachfront here for the most beautiful golden hour sunset vibes.
Weligama: Sri Lanka With Kids
We reckon we saved the best til last! Weligama turned out to be perfect for us.
We found a beach just along from the main strip and only 30 metres from our hotel which had the right size waves for Harry to try surfing.
He was hooked!
The name Weligama literally means ‘Sandy Village‘ referring to the areas beautiful sandy sweeping bay.
Note Weligama is a popular tourist destination. Although it doesn’t have the infrastructure of the bigger tourist towns like Mirissa and Tangalle. Thus it retains charm as a smaller and quieter choice for getting away from the main tourist circuit. But it is a popular spot in Sri Lanka.
We would recommend Weligama as our favourite beach travelling Sri Lanka with kids.
We had been making our way along the southern coast without accommodation booked in advance and after one night extended our stay at the Blue Star Beach Hotel to four nights.
Once there, we quite literally spent each day surfing, swimming and eating amazing food at the restaurant on site.
Things To Do in Weligama
- Learn to Surf: The shallow sandy waters with consistent surf breaks make it ideal to learn (I would rate Weligama over any other south coast beach for a child or beginner).
- Relax on the Beach: The south has golden sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Weligama is one of the longest and has plenty of space to spread out and relax. [Or, if travelling Sri Lanka with kids make the most of the long space to burn off some energy!].
- Go Whale Watching: Whale and dolphin watching season runs October to April. Boats depart daily during the season from the South-Eastern end of the Weligama Bay.
- Visit Kushta Raja Gala: A historical site and rock temple featuring a massive statue of the Mahayana deity Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
- Hire Snorkels: Devil Rock in Weligama is renowned as the best spot for snorkelling. It’s easy to hire snorkels from the beach huts or your accommodation.
Galle: Sri Lanka With Kids
Galle is a beautiful coastal port town on the South Western point of Sri Lanka.
Wandering the old fort at sunset was one of those moments where right then, there is nowhere in the world we would rather be. The views are second to none and the atmosphere of locals and tourists out enjoying the evening is uplifting.
Plus, the history of the lighthouse and fort walls underfoot is fascinating and suited to all ages and levels of curiosity.
Trying a Local Food Experience in Galle
If you are in Galle and keen for an authentic lunch or dinner experience; write down the name ‘Priyani Hotel‘.
We asked our tuk tuk driver to take us to a local restaurant for lunch.
When he said ‘Hotel’ Piryani, thoughts of another attempt at Western cuisine conjured up the same stock-standard image in my mind.
But our visions were far from it!
He dropped us at the restaurant for lunch where our meals cost less than $5 USD for four of us. And yes, we went twice in less than 24 hours in Galle!
More than the food, the adventure and satisfaction of finding somewhere truly local makes it worth it just for the experience. The sound of Kottu being chopped on the roti hot plate and the challenge of ordering without menus was an adventure.
That plus the curiosity of other customers peeping over to wonder how you might handle the second challenge of eating without utensils. They did actually give us spoons but you can imagine us enjoying it with our hands anyway!
There was the mesmerising scent of curry and hoppers cooking and being made at such speed. All that, plus the way the hosts face lit up on seeing us return six hours later for dinner…
Try it in Galle!
Things To Do in Galle
- Explore Galle Fort: Surrounded on three sides by water, the Galle Fort is a fascinating sight to walk around with inspiring views out over the ocean and harbour.
- Fort Lighthouse: Galle’s most photographed landmark (and for good reason – it’s stunning). Visit in the late afternoon and enjoy sunset.
- Galle Clock Tower: Take a walk inside the sturdy stone walls of Galle Fort and find the iconic clock tower (built in 1883).
- Unawatuna Beach: Only a short tuk tuk ride from Galle, Unawatuna is a beautiful beach to relax, have a wander, take a dip or try a surf lesson if you haven’t already.
- Have Kottu Roti at Hotel Piriyani: A Sri Lankan favourite that only tastes better surrounded by the bustle and atmosphere of locals sharing a meal.
Transportation in Sri Lanka With Kids
I’m not sure if it’s became some kind of unofficial goal; to get around Sri Lanka by bus. But we didn’t take a taxi the entire month of our stay on the island.
We found it really easy to travel by local bus, train and tuk tuk.
Bus: Getting Around Sri Lanka
Taking the local buses is easily the best way to get a tourist-free glimpse of authentic Sri Lankan life. We actually ended up completing ten different legs of our loop around the island by bus!
- I’ll confess: before our first ride from Negombo to Dambulla, I had prepared for the absolute worst. I even had a vomit bag stashed for easy access (a habit I picked up from traveling in Taiwan!), but I was pleasantly surprised.
The decision to choose a $1 bus ride over an $85 taxi was easy on the wallet, and the experience turned out to be remarkably smooth.
How it Works
There’s no need to book ahead; you simply buy your tickets on board. Every bus has a driver and a conductor who moves through the aisles with a small ticket machine and a handful of cash for change.
Tickets generally range from $0.50 to $1.50 USD per adult. For that price, you get “open-window” air conditioning and a soundtrack of Sri Lankan reggae vibes!
Tips for Bus Travel in Sri Lanka with Kids
If you’re planning on navigating the bus system with little ones, here is what we learned:
- Fixed Prices: Ticket prices are set, so there is no need to haggle with the conductor.
- Carry Small Change: Have small denominations of Rupees ready to make the transaction quick and easy.
- Stow Large Bags Up Front: Most buses have an engine hub next to the driver. This is the designated spot for larger backpacks and suitcases.
- Embrace the Vibe: It’s loud, it’s breezy, and it’s a lot of fun. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!
Train: Getting Around Sri Lanka
Travel by train in Sri Lanka is one of the biggest draw cards to the country. For good reason! Train travel is a fantastic way to see Sri Lanka.
Rickshaw: Getting Around in Sri Lanka
A tuk-tuk (or auto-rickshaw) is easily the most efficient way to zip through Sri Lankan cities. But for families, it’s much more than just transport—it’s a cool open-air adventure! Nothing quite signals that you’ve arrived in South Asia like the sight of these brightly colored, three-wheeled machines.
For our kids, the breeze and the excitement of being so close to the action made every short trip a highlight 😀
Tips for Tuk-Tuk Travel with Kids
- Agree on the Price First: Always establish the fare before you hop in to avoid any confusion at your destination.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate: Haggling is part of the culture. Feel free to counter-offer unless the first price already feels fair to you.
- Use Hotel Recommendations: If you’re feeling unsure, ask your guesthouse to call a driver they trust. This is often how you find the most reliable and friendly locals.
- Make a Connection: Sri Lankan drivers are incredibly welcoming. We found that a quick chat could turn a simple commute into a full-day tour—and if the kids are lucky, the driver might even let them “help” steer or sit in the driver’s seat for a photo!
- Trust Your Gut: Always have a quick word with the driver before starting your journey. If the vibe feels right, go for it!
Taking a tuk-tuk with kids is one of those quintessentially Sri Lankan experiences that turns a simple school run or grocery trip into a core travel memory.
Food in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cuisine is an impressive explosion of flavour, but it’s also surprisingly kid-friendly. We really enjoyed trying many local dishes and new food in Sri Lanka.
It was a highlight to cook one night at home with our host family in Ella.
The boys have both eaten their fair share of Dahl curry and we have all become fans of egg ‘Hoppers’ for breakfast!
Don’t Leave Sri Lanka Without Trying:
Here are the staples you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
- Dhal (Parippu): This mild, creamy lentil curry is a nutritional powerhouse. It was our daily staple! We found that almost every guesthouse was happy to whip up a non-spicy “Baby Dhal” version specifically for the kids.
- Hoppers (Appa): These are iconic, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They have crispy edges and a soft center—most commonly served with a fried egg inside for the ultimate breakfast.
- String Hoppers (Idiappa): Not to be confused with regular hoppers, these are delicate nests of steamed rice vermicelli noodles. They are light, fun for kids to eat, and usually paired with dhal for breakfast.
- Roti: You’ll find roti carts everywhere! These flatbreads come in both sweet (think chocolate or banana) and savory varieties. They make for the perfect quick snack while exploring.
- Kottu Roti: This is the ultimate Sri Lankan street food. It’s made by stir-frying chopped-up roti with vegetables, eggs, and spices. Watching (and hearing) it being prepared is an experience in itself—it’s absolutely amazing!
- Vadai (Wadai): Think of these as savory, crunchy donuts. Made from deep-fried lentils and spices, they are a popular snack often sold on trains or at roadside stands.
- Lassi: We all fell in love with this refreshing yogurt-based drink. Beyond being delicious, the natural probiotics in the yogurt are great for keeping little tummies happy while traveling.
Drinking Water & Safety
When traveling through Sri Lanka with kids, managing your water intake is one of the most important things to get right. Tap water across the island is generally not safe to drink, and you should always stick to water that has been boiled or treated to avoid any unwelcome stomach bugs.
While it’s tempting to reach for a plastic bottle, you don’t have to rely on disposables for your entire trip. We found it easy to stay hydrated using a mix of methods:
- Purification Systems: Using a filtered bottle (like our Water-to-Go or WaterWell) is a game-changer. It allows you to filter out nasties on the go without the plastic waste.
- Natural Hydration: When in doubt, grab a drinking Coconut! They are everywhere, delicious, and the water inside is naturally sterile and full of electrolytes.
- Glass Bottles: If the kids are begging for a treat, look for soft drinks in old-school reusable glass bottles. These are usually returned to the shop to be washed and refilled, making them a more eco-friendly choice.
Food Safety: Fruit and Veg
It’s easy to forget that water safety extends to what you eat. While seasoned adult travelers might have “hardened” stomachs, kids can be more sensitive to bacteria found in local tap water.
- The Washing Rule: Be cautious with raw salads and fruits that don’t have a peel, as they are often washed in tap water before being served.
- Peel it or Wash it: To be safe, we recommend sticking to fruits you can peel yourself (like bananas or mangoes). If you’re preparing your own snacks, wash your produce in treated or boiled water.
Our Rule of Thumb: If you can’t peel it or cook it, think twice before giving it to the kids!
Health
When considering family-friendly destinations in Asia, Sri Lanka is a fantastic choice. Hygiene standards are generally reasonable, and the country offers decent medical care in major towns and cities.
However, as with any tropical destination, there are a few health considerations to keep in mind to ensure your trip stays on track.
The good news is that Sri Lanka was officially declared Malaria-free by the WHO in 2016. While things can change, Malaria medication is currently not a standard requirement for travellers. There are also no mandatory vaccinations required for entry, though it’s always wise to be up-to-date on your routine shots.
Simple Precautions for Your Family
To keep the kids (and yourselves!) feeling 100%, here are our travel tips for staying healthy:
- Mind the Water: As mentioned, stick to treated or bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
- Eat Smart: Opt for hot, freshly prepared meals. Be cautious with raw salads or unpeeled fruits that may have been rinsed in tap water.
- Sun Protection: The tropical sun is intense! Use high-SPF sunscreen and make sure everyone wears a hat to prevent heatstroke.
- Mosquito Defense: While malaria isn’t a major concern, mosquitoes can still carry Dengue Fever. We recommend wearing long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk and using mosquito nets whenever they are provided.
- Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids. If anyone does come down with a stomach bug, staying hydrated is the #1 priority.
Traveler’s Note: If anyone in the family experiences diarrhoea that persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. (Sorry!).
Money and ATM’s in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), with notes ranging from Rs10 up to Rs5000. While you’ll find card facilities in international hotel chains and high-end restaurants, Sri Lanka is ultimately a country that runs on cash.
Whether you’re paying for a guesthouse, a tuk-tuk, or a delicious street-side kottu, you’ll need to have rupees on hand.
It does require a bit of forward planning.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until your wallet is empty to look for an ATM. They are widely available in cities and tourist hubs, they can be sparse in the smaller beach towns.
- Get a Tuk-Tuk: If you find yourself short on cash, don’t panic. We found it very easy to hop in a tuk-tuk and ask the driver to take us to the nearest ATM—they know exactly where the reliable ones are!
- Accommodation: Be prepared to pay for your accommodation in cash. In our experience, only one of the hotels we stayed at accepted credit cards; the rest were strictly cash-only.
- Small Change: Try to break your larger Rs5000 notes at supermarkets or larger restaurants so you have smaller denominations (like Rs100 and Rs500) for bus fares and tips.
Budget: Family Travel in Sri Lanka
Food prices and transportation are the best part of planning the budget for travel in Sri Lanka.
Although accommodation isn’t comparatively outstanding as far as budget is concerned; food and local transport will come to your rescue.
- Drinking Coconut: 200 Rs (USD $0.73)
- 1L Bottle of Water: 90 Rs (USD $0.49)
- Domestic Beer: 350 Rs (USD $1.30)
- Plate of Kottu: 500 Rs (USD $1.84)
- Fish Curry: 700 Rs (USD $2.57)
- Short Tuk Tuk (<5 km): 800 Rs (USD $2.94)
- Tuk Tuk Dambulla to Sigiriya: 2000 Rs (USD $7.50)
- Local Bus Between Cities: 300 Rs (USD $1.10)
- Kandy Botanical Gardens: 2000 Rs Entrance Fee (USD $7.50)
- Sigiriya Entrance Fee: $30 USD
How Much is Travel in Sri Lanka With Kids?
Sri Lanka remains an incredibly affordable destination for families, but it does require a little bit of strategic planning when it comes to groceries and finding the right place to stay.
Supermarkets & Supplies
Whether you need snacks for a long train ride or a quick snack meal, you’ll find plenty of options.
- Cargills Food City: These are the most common supermarkets in Sri Lanka. You’ll find one in almost every main town—they are reliable, air-conditioned, and well-stocked with the basics.
- Arpico Supercentre: In larger cities, keep an eye out for these hypermarkets. They are much larger and more ‘expat-style’ selling everything from fresh produce and international snacks to furniture.
If you prefer some independence, look for guesthouses with a small kitchenette. We found many places provided basic crockery and an electric kettle.
Accommodation
Finding “budget family rooms” online can take a bit of digging, as many smaller guesthouses don’t always list their quadruple or family-style rooms clearly. However, the value is unbeatable once you find them.
To give you an idea of our travel costs, here is what we paid for comfortable, family-friendly rooms:
| Location | Room Type | Cost (USD) per night |
| Negombo | Family Room (with airport transfer) | $35 |
| Kandy | Quadruple Room | $40 |
| Dambulla | Garden View Family Room | $30 |
| Tangalle | Family Room with Sea View | $45 |
Internet, WIFI & Connectivity in Sri Lanka
Staying connected in Sri Lanka is both easy and incredibly affordable. You’ll find 4G coverage across most tourist hubs, and almost all guesthouses and hotels offer free Wi-Fi as standard.
Getting a Local SIM Card
The most convenient way to get set up is right at the airport in Colombo. As soon as you step into the Arrivals Hall, you’ll see several kiosks for local providers like Airtel and Dialog.
We opted for Airtel. They offer specific tourist packages with various data limits, and the staff will even install the SIM and activate it for you on the spot. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll walk out of the airport with a working connection.
Mobile Data
Don’t worry about picking the perfect plan right away. If you’re like us, you might wildly underestimate how much data you’ll use for maps, social media, and kid-entertainment!
- Topping Up: It’s incredibly easy to add credit. Look for small convenience stores (almost any shop with a provider’s logo outside) and buy a 100 Rs top-up card.
- The Airtel App: If you go with Airtel, download their app. It’s user-friendly and you can convert your topped-up credit to data bundles.
- Dialog: While Airtel served us well, Dialog is the other major provider you’ll see everywhere. Both are great options for travellers, so you can’t really go wrong with either.
One Challenge in Sri Lanka with Kids?
One of the things we were really interested in on choosing to come to Sri Lanka, was the wildlife.
There are safaris guaranteeing to spot leopards and elephants in the wild as well as a whole multitude of other wild animals. It sounded surreal! But the other side to that is the reality.
Tourism here is so developed over the last few years that there are literally HUNDREDS of jeeps lining up in the National Parks to see them!
We met a family in Ella that had been the week before and there were 100 JEEPS lined up at the entrance at 06:00am waiting to go on safari.
We knew already that is not what we travel for, and that is certainly not the values we try to pass on to our kids about caring for our animal world and environment.
Our accommodation in Tissamahara was pre-booked with the intention of doing a safari. But we arrived there knowing we wouldn’t.
We pulled up in the tuk tuk feeling a whole mixture of emotions.
We were sad to know we were not far from the most famous of Sri Lanka’s National Parks, but thankful with the amazing welcome by the friendly staff at Peacock Reach Hotel.
Next came the challenge of how to we could possibly now entertain ourselves for the next full day, by the pool, instead of on safari…
Accommodation: Sri Lanka With Kids
Sri Lanka has a great selection of accommodation; from budget to high-end. We found some neat places to stay and stuck within our budget for all of them.
I would recommend choosing a place with a swimming pool along the southern coast, because although you are on or close to the beach not all the beaches are suitable for swimming.
There are plenty of places that will suit your itinerary. Tuk tuks are available everywhere, so even when location is not central it’s easy to get around.
Each place we stayed included breakfast in the room price and many guesthouses offered the option for a dinner meal as well.
Where We Stayed in Sri Lanka
Looking for where to stay in Sri Lanka is like searching for accommodation in much of South Asia. It is a bit like starting the search for a needle in a haystack!
But we had great accommodation in Sri Lanka that we can recommend.
Here are some of the places we stayed in Sri Lanka:
- Negombo: Optimum Residencies
Great proximity to airport and not in main tourist area. Awesome swimming pool; very friendly staff; restaurant onsite; recommend for first stop in Sri Lanka.
- Dambulla: Shan Inn
Great value for money; basic but very friendly and clean. Good base for Dambulla.
- Kandy: Kandy View Garden Hotel
Amazing views; family run hotel. Great breakfast and dinner, spacious rooms. A five minute tuk tuk from shops and town though not really walkable.
- Nuwara Eliya: UYou Ceylon Guesthouse
Great location behind Grand Hotel; cheap rooms; basic and clean. Nice breakfast; laundry service. A bit cool/damp at night due to altitude; but recommended.
- Ella: Samiru Guest Inn
Friendly small 3-room guesthouse; 350m to main street and train station; great breakfast. The owner has a tuk tuk and also gave us private un-official cooking lesson in their home!
Where We Stayed in Sri Lanka
- Tissamahara: Peacock Reach Hotel
Amazing pool! Very friendly staff; spacious room; great common spaces. Resort-style hotel with restaurant on site; highly recommend.
- Tangalle: Blue Horizon Beach Hotel
Basic hotel, very small rooms but awesome views from balcony. Great location for Tangalle though not near swimmable beach.
- Mirissa: Edelweiss Villa
Basic ground floor room; swimming pool. Walking distance to Coconut Hill and Mirissa Main Beach; beachfront location.
- Weligama: Blue Star Beach Hotel
Very relaxed atmosphere; staff were amazing. Swimming pool and Lebanese restaurant onsite. Only 30 metres to perfect surf beach for beginners. Highly recommend staying here.
- Galle: Elliot Nature Resort
Handy location 1.5km to bus station and Galle Fort. Swimming pool. Basic but clean, comfortable room. Lovely staff; good value for money.
Travel in Sri Lanka with kids is a fantastic experience for the whole family. Let us know if you’re going and what you reckon the highlight turns out to be!
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Travel Planning for Sri Lanka & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Sri Lanka with kids!