Sri Lanka · Things to do
5 things to do in Sri Lanka with kids
The five best things to do in Sri Lanka with kids are climbing Sigiriya rock, riding the hill-country train to Ella, spending a beach day on the south coast, visiting a Buddhist temple, and walking to the Nine Arch Bridge. They sit on a loop through the centre and south that takes about ten days, and roads are slow, so plan fewer, longer stops.
What to do, in order
- 1
Climb Sigiriya rock
Sigiriya is a rock rising about 200 metres out of the plain, topped with the ruins of a palace built by King Kashyapa in the fifth century. The climb is a long staircase of more than a thousand steps, passing the Lion Gate and a wall of old paintings. Go at opening time, before the heat and crowds, and take water. Younger children may tire, so pace it. Pidurangala rock nearby is a cheaper, steeper alternative with a view of Sigiriya itself.
- 2
Ride the train through the tea hills
The railway from Kandy up to Nanu Oya and on to Ella is one of the most popular train rides in Asia, winding through tea estates and misty hills for several hours. The section from Nanu Oya to Ella is the prettiest. Reserved seats in the better classes can sell out weeks ahead, so book early. Many people stand in the open doorways, which is not safe for children. Choose a window seat instead and sit on the correct side for views.
- 3
Beach day in the south
The south coast has long beaches backed by palms, with Mirissa, Weligama and Unawatuna among the best known. Mirissa has a sheltered main beach, and Weligama and Unawatuna have calmer water that suits beginners and children. Swim where there are flags or lifeguards, since currents can be strong on open stretches. From about November to April, whale-watching trips leave from Mirissa. The south coast has its best weather in the same months, so combine them for a beach week.
- 4
Visit a temple
Temples are part of daily life in Sri Lanka, and children enjoy the colour, the incense and the large statues. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy houses a relic said to be a tooth of the Buddha and is the country's most visited site. The cave temples at Dambulla are near Sigiriya. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats before entering, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Visit in the morning.
- 5
Cross the Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge near Ella is a curved railway viaduct built in the colonial era from stone and brick, set in jungle and tea. Trains cross a few times a day, and many visitors time their arrival for a train. Stand well back from the tracks, as people are injured every year, and follow local advice. You can walk to the bridge through the tea and jungle from Ella in under an hour. Go in the morning, before the crowds.
Plan it
- Best time
- December to March is best for the south and west coasts and the hill country. The east coast is better from April to September. Two monsoons mean the weather depends on the region, so match the coast to the month.
- How long
- Ten days covers Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and the south coast without rushing. Distances look short on the map but roads are slow, so allow a long day for each move.
- Getting around
- Many families hire a car with a driver, which is common and practical on slow, busy roads. Trains are scenic but crowded, and tuk-tuks cover short trips. Allow three or more hours for 100 km.
Good to know
- Check visa or electronic travel authorisation rules before flying. Requirements depend on your passport and change.
- Carry small bills and water. Sights and roadside stops often lack change and shade.
- Keep meals simple in the first days. Rice, curries and fruit are easy, and a stomach upset can end a trip day.
Frequently asked
Is Sri Lanka good for kids? +
Yes. It combines beaches, wildlife, trains and easy culture in a small country, and people are welcoming to families. Heat, slow roads and uneven pavements are the challenges, so choose fewer stops and rest in the afternoons.
How many days do you need in Sri Lanka with kids? +
Ten days is a good minimum. That covers the cultural triangle, Kandy, the tea hills and a few beach days, without more than one long drive in a row. Two weeks gives a slower pace.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka? +
December to March is best for the south and west coasts and the hills. April to September suits the east coast. Because of two monsoons, you can nearly always find a dry region.
Is the Ella train ride suitable for children? +
Yes, if you book reserved seats and keep children away from the open doors. The ride is long, several hours from Kandy, so bring snacks and games. Choose daylight trains for the scenery.