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The South Asian Island of Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of family-friendly travel options. The many places to visit in Sri Lanka with family provide a chance for families to participate in a variety of activities for travellers of all age groups and interests. Families can go on animal safaris in Yala National Park, explore the beaches of Bentota, and take in Colombo’s dynamic culture. Sri Lanka is an ideal country for families looking for thrill and relaxation. It offers one-of-a-kind hospitality that will make for remarkable experiences and treasured memories.
10 Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Family
Explore the enchanting places to visit in Sri Lanka with family, where the grandeur of nature and rich cultural legacy will welcome you and provide you with unforgettable experiences.
1. Galle Dutch Fort
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Galle Dutch Fort is a magnificent example of colonial architecture. It was constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century and then fortified by the Dutch. This fort is home to enormous stone walls, calm pathways made of cobblestones, and a gorgeous lighthouse. The Galle Dutch Fort, along with being a renowned historical site, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travellers and history enthusiasts consider this place to be one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka with family due to its distinctive fusion of European and Asian influences.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
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2. Udawalawe National Park
Photo: Ganiarachchi / Wikimedia Commons
Udawalawe National Park is found in southern Sri Lanka and is known chiefly for its wide range of elephant species and different types of animals. The park covers around 31,000 hectares and is indeed a wildlife photographer’s natural paradise. The lush landscapes of forests, swamps, and grasslands create a lovely place to explore the park. With its great diversity of species and well-preserved habitats, Udawalawe is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka with family as families get to experience a lively atmosphere with wildlife there.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
3. Sri Dalada Maligawa
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
An esteemed Buddhist sanctuary situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka, referred to as Sri Dalada Maligawa or the shrine of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is an old place that serves as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for all Buddhists across the world, as it holds the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Tourists can understand the spiritual traditions of this island through everyday rituals and colourful festivities. This temple is one of the renowned places to visit in Sri Lanka, and families often visit this serene temple as a part of their traditions.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka For Your Next Getaway
4. Lankatilaka Vihara Temple
Photo: BluesyPete / Wikimedia Commons
Lankatilaka Vihara Temple, which is perched on a rocky ledge in Kandy, is a perfect representation of traditional Sinhalese architecture. It was constructed in the 14th century within the Gampola period and has colourful murals depicting stages from Buddhist history and complex wooden sculptures. Moreover, the tranquillity and religious ambience surrounding Lankatilaka make it an exemplary historical place of worship as well.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
5. Ramboda Falls
Photo: നിരക്ഷരൻ / Wikimedia Commons
Ramboda Falls is a magnificent natural beauty that is hidden away in the green hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This tumbling cascade originates from Panna Oya, which is a tributary of the Kotmale River, and drops from a height of around 109 metres. This location is an excellent place for nature enthusiasts as it is home to misty peaks and tea gardens all around it, creating a scenic atmosphere for travellers to enjoy. Families can indulge themselves with refreshing hikes and expansive views as well.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Top Music Festivals In Sri Lanka Where You Can Chase Melodies
6. Sigiriya
Photo: Shoka / Wikimedia Commons
Sigiriya, commonly called the “Lion Rock,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognised monuments of Sri Lanka. This ancient rock fortress, which is 200 m high above the surrounding plains, holds magnificent views and has historical significance for Sri Lanka’s culture. The site has stunning paintings on its walls, beautifully laid gardens, and relics of an old palace built by King Kasyapa in the fifth century.
Best Time To Visit: January to April
7. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an institute in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka that has been converted into a home for sick or orphaned elephants. This animal sanctuary aims to take care of elephants and help them survive. The establishment was started in 1975, and it gives visitors rare opportunities to interact with these magnificent animals while at the same time providing a protected area for them. Families can spend an entire day on this location and observe how elephants are fed and bathed in the river, among other things.
Best Time To Visit: January to April
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Sri Lanka For Adventure Enthusiasts And Thrill Seekers
8. Dambulla Cave Temple
Photo: Kaushiru90 / Wikimedia Commons
The Dambulla Cave Temple is located in central Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, this old temple complex consists of five caves with astonishing decoration. A large number of Buddha statues, paintings, and artefacts demonstrating excellent skills and artistry are presented inside. Families and large groups of tourists are drawn to this location from a hilltop position, where they can witness incredible vistas and feel the pristine atmosphere around them.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
9. Ravana Falls
Photo: Anne Boyce / Wikimedia Commons
Ravana Falls is a fascinating natural sight in the vicinity of Ella, Sri Lanka, and it possesses many legends. The waterfall, named after the famous King Ravana during the epic Ramayana, roars down from a height of 25 metres, creating a fantastic spectacle. Many tourists and groups of families come to see this place due to its lush greenery and rugged mountains. It also has trekking paths nearby, along with attractive surroundings and refreshing rivers for tourists to enjoy. Ravana Falls is undoubtedly topped off as one of the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time To Visit: April to September
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10. Trincomalee
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons
Trincomalee is a city situated in northeastern Sri Lanka and is well-known for its historical importance and breathtaking natural scenery. The highlights of this city include the pristine beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli, which are famous for their sparkling waters and great snorkelling spots. Furthermore, Koneswaran Temple is an eminent holy site, providing broad views of the Indian Ocean at large. The nearby world-class natural harbour enhances the marine beauty in Trincomalee. Trincomalee is undoubtedly one of the popular places to visit in Sri Lanka with family as it provides a unique blend of relaxation and exploration.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
These places to visit in Sri Lanka with Family offer a diverse range of experiences. Families with different travel styles find Sri Lanka one of the ideal places to visit as they can find something or the other to suit their needs, whether it’s hiking through lush hills or relaxing on sandy beaches. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka with TripXL to discover these hidden gems with your family.
Cover Photo: Cwij66 / Wikimedia Commons
