Plan hotels, transfers and tours in one place.

Suggested route · private car and chauffeur

A Sri Lanka family holiday, at a child-friendly pace.

Sri Lanka is a great family destination: short distances, elephants and safaris, trains, beaches and warm hospitality. This route keeps drives manageable and builds in rest.

  • Families with children
  • Multi-generation groups
  • First trips to Asia

Day by day

The route.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive and rest

    A first night near the airport so nobody faces a long drive after the flight.

  2. Days 2–3

    Sigiriya and elephants

    Two nights in the Cultural Triangle: a jeep safari to see wild elephants and, for older children, a climb of Sigiriya or Pidurangala.

    Sigiriya & Dambulla guide →
  3. Day 4

    Kandy

    Drive to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth and the lake.

    Kandy guide →
  4. Day 5

    Tea country

    A tea factory visit on the way to Nuwara Eliya, with boating on Gregory Lake.

    Nuwara Eliya guide →
  5. Day 6

    The train to Ella

    A short section of the famous train ride is often enough for younger children.

    Ella guide →
  6. Day 7

    Yala safari

    An afternoon jeep safari in Yala, looking for leopards, elephants and birds.

    Yala guide →
  7. Days 8–9

    Beach days

    Two easy days on the south coast, with a turtle hatchery visit nearby.

    Bentota guide →
  8. Day 10

    Departure

    A short drive back to the airport.

Good to know

Tips for this route.

  • We keep drives to around three hours where possible and plan stops along the way.
  • Tell us the children's ages: we choose family rooms, child seats and suitable activities.

Ready-made versions

Published tours of a similar length.

Each one can be adjusted: nights, hotels, pace and stops.

Questions

Sri Lanka family holiday: answers.

Is Sri Lanka good for a family holiday?

Yes. Distances are short, people are welcoming and children love the elephants, trains and beaches.

Do you provide child seats?

Yes, on request. Let us know the children's ages when you enquire and we will arrange suitable seats in your private car.

What is the best age to take children to Sri Lanka?

Any age works with the right pace. For younger children we plan shorter drives and more pool and beach time.

Make it yours

Get a quote for this route.

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will tailor the route, suggest hotels and send a clear quotation.

Other ideas

More Sri Lanka itineraries.