How to Plan a Sri Lankan Itinerary that Kids Love

As one of Asia's top family holiday destinations, Sri Lanka is the perfect getaway for those travelling with children. Regardless of the ages of one's offspring, the Emerald Isle offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to entice every type of traveller. Those who wish to create the perfect family vacation experience, however, would do well to follow the guidelines below to ensure their time in Sri Lanka is a hit with the younger members of their brood.

Time the Visit

The first step in planning a Sri Lankan holiday the kids will enjoy is choosing suitable travel dates. Although the island is a pristine vacation hub for most months of the year, those travelling with kids can't afford to be caught off-guard by rainy conditions and thunderstorms. This is why the period from May to October is the least suitable time for a family getaway in Sri Lanka. The best time to head to the paradise island falls between the months of November and March when sunny skies are guaranteed. During the peak tourist season, nearly every outbound excursion and adventure activity is accessible in Sri Lanka while the excellent weather will also make the prospect of spending time outdoors an exciting one for young kids and teens.

Sort out Transport Options

One aspect of a Sri Lankan trip that can cause a great deal of stress for families is getting around the island with ease and efficiency. Although public transport options in the country are affordable and reliable, these commuter networks may not be easy to navigate for those with toddlers or small children. Train services and three-wheelers, however, are a viable option provided that families use metered tuk-tuks and book first-class cabins on local trains. Renting a vehicle with a chauffeur for the duration of the trip is another great way to make family travel a seamless experience for first-time visitors.

Easing into Tropical Life

The best way to ease the younger travellers in the group to the rhythm of tropical life is to spend the first few days in Colombo. As the nation's capital, Colombo City is the perfect introduction to the island for families as it provides all the trappings of cosmopolitan life with a South Asian twist. Colombo is home to some of the best amusement parks, malls, department stores and restaurants in Sri Lanka, and a day or two in this city allows families the chance to find their footing on the island before moving on to more exotic landscapes.

Schedule a Beach Getaway

The next item on the itinerary must be a few days on the southern coastline where some of Sri Lanka's finest beaches are situated. Families can base themselves in Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa or Koggala or choose to hop from one seaside hamlet to another during this beach getaway. The trip Down South may be the most memorable portion of the holiday for children who love to swim, splash around or spend lazy days by the beach.

Sign up for Wildlife Adventures

A family tour of Sri Lanka is incomplete without a safari adventure at Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, or any of the other wildlife sanctuaries on the island. These parks provide visitors with the opportunity to see herds of elephants, deer, bears, and even leopards in the wild. Children of all ages are sure to enjoy this 4x4 drive through the island's wilderness.

Pencil in a Stay in the Hills

Don't forget to spend a few days in the Central Hills of Sri Lanka as families will appreciate the stark contrast in temperatures and terrains during a trip to these cool mountainous regions. Families based at Earl's Regency or any similar hill station hotel can pay homage to the Temple of the Tooth, explore a tea factory or engage in other exciting things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Leave Room for Spontaneity and Inactivity

It's necessary to leave room for spur-of-the-moment activities and excursions in the daily travel itinerary so children do not feel as if they are following a rigid timetable during a family holiday. Scheduling frequent breaks, midday naps and plenty of downtime is equally important as children will tire easily due to the warm, sunny conditions prevalent in Sri Lanka.