Family Fun in Sri Lanka: A 7-Day Sample Itinerary
- Alanna Gabbett
- Feb 24
- 23 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Sri Lanka, often called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean or the "Teardrop of India", is a tropical paradise filled with stunning beaches, green hills, and amazing wildlife. With its rich cultural history, strong traditions, and beautiful architecture, this island nation is an incredible place for families to explore together. From national parks teeming with wildlife to ancient ruins and bustling markets, Sri Lanka has adventures waiting at every corner.
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Get Ready for Your Sri Lankan Adventure
When to Visit
The best times to visit Sri Lanka depend on the region you plan to explore, as the island experiences two distinct monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons — the Southwest monsoon (May to September) affects the west and south coasts, while the Northeast monsoon (October to January) affects the east coast.
West and South Coasts (including Colombo, Galle, and Bentota)
Best time to visit: December to March
During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and exploring the coastal regions.
East Coast (including Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, and Pasikudah)
Best time to visit: April to September
The East Coast has its dry season during these months, offering the best conditions for beach vacations, water sports, and exploring the coastal areas.
Central Highlands (including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella)
Best time to visit: December to March
The central region is pleasant year-round, but this period offers cooler temperatures and clear skies, making it perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring tea plantations.
For this sample itinerary, you will not be visiting the North or East end of the island, making December to March the perfect time to visit - We went in January!
Rich Cultural Heritage
Sri Lanka has a vibrant cultural heritage. Approximately 70% of the population practices Buddhism, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Major festivals like Vesak, celebrating Buddha's birth, often include colorful lantern displays and processions. There are also unique opportunities to experience local arts, with music and dance events available in various towns.
When visiting temples, it’s important to dress respectfully, with long clothing often required. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees and take off shoes before entering.
Languages Spoken
The primary languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is also widely spoken in urban areas and tourist spots, making communication easier for tourists and foreigners. In the service sector, you will notice that most people you encounter will speak great English and tours will also be offered in English. Most hotels and restaurants have staff fluent enough in English to assist you comfortably.
Currency Used
The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). It’s wise to exchange some money before you arrive or to withdraw cash from ATMs when you get there. We always recommend ordering currency before travel from your local bank if they offer this option - this is usually cheaper than exchanging at the airport or withdrawing from an ATM. However, the airport has a row of currency exchange offices at the departure exit and the fee wasn't too much.
We noticed that cash was needed for almost everything, from tours to entry fees and even food. We had a private driver that we had to pay in cash, almost every local restaurant was cash only, and even places like fruit stands and small souvenir shops only accepted cash. Entry to temples and most tourist attractions is also cash only, with the exception of Sigirya Lion Fortress which accepts card payments. Therefore, it's important to carry sufficient Sri Lankan Rupee for your trip.
Getting Around
You have a few options for transportation in Sri Lanka. The country offers decent bus and train systems, allowing you to reach most places on your tourist route. You also have the option to rent a car, motorbike, or tuk-tuk and self-drive. However, we don't recommend self-driving in Sri Lanka. The driving culture is different from many Western countries, with drivers frequently passing on the road, and tuk-tuks and motorbikes weaving through traffic. Roads are narrow, with many winding and mountain passes. You must also gain approval to rent a car as a foreigner, which involves paperwork, which your rental agency can help you navigate.
In Sri Lanka, drivers use the left side of the road, which can be confusing for those from countries that drive on the right.
Private Drivers
Hiring a private driver is one of the most common options chosen by travelers to Sri Lanka. With affordable prices and the driving experience of a local, it can simplify your trip and remove the stress of navigating the roads yourself. We chose to hire a private driver for our 7-day trip, and we were immediately thankful for that decision once we started the drive.
We hired a private driver through srilankaprivatedriver, which is a government-approved, local travel agency offering tour packages as well as private driver hire. They have options for any group size, from small cars to minivans, and even large buses.
Private driver hire through this agency includes the following:
English-speaking driver.
Fully air-conditioned and insured vehicle.
Fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
Driver's meal and accommodation.
Car seats for children.
All taxes and no extra charges.
1 free sim card with 20 GB of data and 100 minutes of local calls.
Free scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in 2nd or 3rd class.
When you hire a private driver, you will pay in cash on arrival - 50% on the first day and the other 50% on the last day. Prices were very reasonable and averaged around $60 - $70 USD daily.
Our driver was wonderful and truly enhanced our experience in Sri Lanka, providing local knowledge and insight, answering all our questions, pointing out interesting things on our route, and even making suggestions for our daily itineraries. He also took us to the best local restaurants and let us know the best local foods and treats to try. By the end of the trip, he really felt like family, with our kids excited to see him every day.
If you book with srilankaprivatedriver, make sure to request our favorite driver Ousman! He will give you the most wonderful local experience in this beautiful country!
Day 1
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Kick off your Sri Lankan adventure at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to over 80 rescued elephants. Families can watch these gentle giants during feeding and bathing times, providing a heartwarming experience.
About a 2 1/2-hour drive from Colombo Airport, you'll find Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can participate in up-close encounters with these beautiful creatures. Purchase a fruit basket to feed them or pay to help bathe them in the river, there are plenty of photo opportunities here. Wander around the massive orphanage and then make sure to head over toward the river for bathing time.
Twice daily, at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, the elephants are taken down to the Maha Oya River via the local road connecting the two. The road is lined with shops, cafes, and even a hotel or two. Sit at a cafe with a snack or drink and you can watch dozens of elephants being led down the street by the orphanage caretakers.
You can stay at Elepath Lodge for rooms with balcony views over the elephant's walking path! The lodge is small, yet comfortable, with friendly hosts.
Consider booking accommodations nearby that lets you engage in up-close experiences, such as river excursions or evening walks with the elephants. Some rooms even feature private balconies with views over the elephant bathing river.
Other popular hotels nearby:
Alternative Options for Day 1:
Explore the capital city of Colombo. See sites such as Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Pettah Market, Old Dutch Hospital, Beira Lake, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, Colombo Lighthouse, Colombo Fort Area, and Odel Shopping Mall.
Explore the city of Negombo. Main sites include Negombo Beach, St. Mary's Church, Dutch Fort, Negombo Lagoon, Angurukaramulla Temple, the Fish Market, Muthurajawela Marsh, and the Colombo-Negombo Canal.
Safari at Hurulu Eco Park to see animals like Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, monkeys, wild boars, crocodiles, deer, and various bird species including peafowls and kingfishers.
Day 2
Dambulla Temples & Safari
Dambulla Cave Temple & Golden Dambulla Temple
Start your day early with a visit to the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Dambulla Cave Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples are some of Sri Lanka's most iconic and well-preserved historical sites.
Foreigners will pay 1500 LKR (about $5.07 USD) to enter the temples, which begins with a climb up several flights of stairs. The climb was not particularly difficult, although it had rained on and off during our visit, making the stairs a bit slippery.
Do not have open food and be cautious to watch your belongings as the area is full of monkeys who would delight at the chance to grab your things.The temple is a cave complex, consisting of five main caves, each filled with intricate murals, statues, and carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as various other Buddhist deities. Many of the Buddha statues and carvings date back to the first century B.C. These caves are located on a large rock outcrop, known as Dambulla Rock, which rises about 160 meters above the surrounding plains.
The interior of each cave is adorned with murals on the walls and ceilings and in total there are about 150 statues of Buddha, along with statues depicting other important figures and deities. The most famous Buddha is the large, 14-meter reclining Buddha found in the first cave.
The caves have significant historical importance being originally used by ancient kings and monks as places of worship and meditation. Over the centuries, the caves have been expanded, renovated, and adorned with new art and statues, making them an evolving site of religious and cultural importance.
After visiting the cave temples, head back down toward the Golden Temple. At the base of the rock, you will find a stunning Golden Buddha statue. This 29-foot (9-meter) statue stands as a symbol of the temple’s significance and is an impressive sight for visitors.
Important notes:
Make sure to remove your shoes before entering the temples. At the top of the stairs to your right will be a place to keep your shoes. Just note that you will have to pay a small "donation" back to the workers to get your shoes back at the end. It seemed common to give about 100 LKR (about $0.34 USD).
Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the temples, this means covering shoulders and knees. It's common for men and women to carry a sarong to tie around their legs before entering. You won't be able to rent a sarong at the temple.
Hurulu Eco Park Safari
Once the cave tour is complete, make your way toward the town of Habarana, which is the meeting point for many safaris in the area, including Minnerya, Kaudulla, and Hurulu Eco Park. In the town, you'll find many great lunch options at reasonable prices.
The park you choose to visit is determined by the season, as elephants and other wildlife migrate among the three park areas during the year. We had originally booked a visit to Minnerya National Park, but our guide told us that most elephants were currently in Hurulu Eco Park, so we began our safari there instead.
We arranged our tour with Minnerya Wild Tours and were fortunate to have Kumara as our guide. He met us in Habarana and provided an informative tour tailored to our young children. Kumara ensured a leisurely pace during the safari, avoiding the fast, bumpy rides some other jeeps opted for. He kept the kids engaged throughout the safari by pointing out and explaining various sights. It was a fantastic experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the wild elephants.
Tour length is usually 3-4 hours, although our tour was slightly longer. You can request shorter tours if you're short on time.
Spend the night in Sigirya and ensure you get a restful sleep to wake up early for another day of adventures tomorrow.
We highly recommend staying HERE for a budget stay in Sigirya. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and have an AMAZING view of Sigirya Lion Fortress. This homestay is hosted by the most wonderful family, who made us the most delicious dinner and breakfast, and gave us great tips for our stay in the area.
Day 3
Sigiriya and Kandy
Sigirya Lion Fortress
Begin your day with an early hike up Sigiriya Lion Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its stunning views, this rock formation towers 200 meters above the surrounding jungle.
Arrive Early!
Our driver, Ousman, recommended starting the hike at sunrise. Although we didn't set out quite that early, we did arrive around 6:00 a.m. as he suggested, and we were grateful for it.
The ascent is moderately challenging, with numerous stairs and narrow paths. Crowds can slow the climb and create "traffic jams" both ascending and descending. We were certainly glad to have arrived early because, despite a decent number of people being there, we noticed even larger crowds attempting to ascend as we made our way down.
The walk isn't the safest as the stairs are quite narrow and steep in some sections. However, we did manage to climb it with our 2- and 4-year-olds on our backs, although it wasn't easy given the narrowness of some walkways.
If you can't reach the top, don't worry; there are several points along the way where you can choose to turn back to the parking lot, guided by signs. It only took us about 40 minutes to reach the top, however we didn't stop very much.
Be cautious of monkeys, as there are hundreds living atop the rock.Although the weather wasn't ideal during our visit, limiting our view to just fog from the top, the climb was still worthwhile, and the historical site is remarkable. On the descent, make a brief detour up a spiral staircase to view a newly discovered section of cave paintings. They were stunning and appeared surprisingly modern for their era, which we found intriguing.
Entry to Sigirya Lion Fortress is relatively expensive at 10.5 LKR ($35 USD) per person. Although online it states cash only, we were able to pay with our credit card at the ticket office.
Local Fruit Market
After your journey back down the fortress, refresh yourself with a visit to a local fruit market. Try all the delicious and fresh local fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit, and lychee.
Our kids' favorites were lychee, pineapple, and fresh coconut!
Spice Garden
If you're curious about the ayurvedic properties and medicinal uses of spices, make sure to visit one of the numerous spice gardens in the area. Most are managed by the government and do not charge an entry fee. A local guide will lead you on a tour of the property, where you'll discover various spices and plants and their uses. You'll even see a demonstration of how spices are ground to make curry.
At the end of the tour, you have the option to buy spices or healing products in their gift shop or simply depart with newfound knowledge.
Temple of Tooth
Continue to the city of Kandy, where you'll find the Temple of Tooth - or Sri Dalada Maligawa - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts both pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
Make sure to remove your shoes before entering the temple. There is a dedicated area where an employee will keep your shoes. It is not acceptable to carry your shoes in the temple.
The temple houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, which is considered one of the most sacred objects in Buddhism. The relic is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Meghavanna. The tooth has been a symbol of royal authority, as the king who possesses it is considered to have the divine right to rule the country. The relic itself is not directly visible to the public, but it is housed in a golden casket that is presented during special ceremonies. The inner chamber is adorned with gold and precious stones, reflecting its sacredness and significance.
The temple is located in the royal palace complex in the city of Kandy, which was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The building itself is a stunning example of Sri Lankan architecture, characterized by intricately carved wooden features, delicate frescoes, and expansive courtyards. It is beautifully situated beside Kandy Lake, adding to its serene and spiritual atmosphere. The temple has stood through various dynasties, invasions, and cultural shifts, remaining a central fixture in Sri Lanka's religious and political life.
Entry fee to the Temple of Tooth is 2,000 LKR (about $6.80 USD)
Kandy Cultural Show
Perhaps the most popular activity in the city of Kandy is the Kandy cultural show. Each evening at 5:00 p.m., the Kandy Cultural Center puts on a spectacular show that draws tourists from all over.
The Kandy Cultural Show in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and spectacular showcase of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of traditional music, dance, and local customs. It is a popular event for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the country's artistic traditions and get a taste of its history and cultural diversity.
The show features a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dances, each representing different regions and cultural groups. Elaborate costumes and headdresses complement the dance forms beautifully. Other demonstrations include fire walking, fire breathing, drumming performances, and mask dances and rituals.
The Kandy Cultural Show takes place in a purpose-built theater or an open-air venue in Kandy, where the audience can enjoy the performances in an intimate yet immersive setting. The venue is often beautifully decorated, adding to the cultural ambiance of the show. Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time on the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Center website.
Day 4
Ambuluwawa Tower & Nuwarya Eliya
Ambuluwawa Tower
On Day 4, begin your adventure with a visit to Ambuluwawa Tower, where breathtaking panoramic views await you. Ambuluwawa Tower is located just about 25 km from Kandy and is conveniently situated on the way to your next destination, Nuwara Eliya.
The journey to the summit is equally thrilling and ideal for the family. At some point, you'll need to leave your private driver or tour guide and switch to a tuk-tuk, as the road to the mountaintop is too narrow and winding for standard vehicles. Numerous tuk-tuks are available at the entrance, ready to take you up. The prices are clearly listed and reasonable (1,500 LKR round trip), and they will pick you up at the drop-off point after about an hour (or whenever you request). In our view, this was all part of the excitement, and our kids thoroughly enjoyed the tuk-tuk ride up the mountain.
Built in 2006, The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique and striking structure located on the Ambuluwawa mountain in the Gampola region of Sri Lanka that combines both modern and Buddhist architecture. It stands at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding area, including parts of the Central and Western provinces with lush forests and distant mountain ranges.
Watch out for monkeys! We had a monkey chase our 2-year-old here so be sure to keep your kids close.The structure is famous for its steep, narrow staircase that leads to the top, making the climb both a challenge and an exciting adventure for visitors. You rise about 6 levels on indoor staircases before being met with the most amazing observation deck. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can continue to climb on the spiral staircase that lines the top of the tower, although note it continues to get increasingly narrower, until the point where you are sidestepping and shuffling your way through. What makes it more difficult is that because it's so narrow, there can be quite a lot of "traffic jams" of people trying to come back down. This requires that someone step inside a little hole in the center of the tower to let others pass. It's definitely a bit scary and not for anyone afraid of heights.
While Ryan and our 4-year-old made it all the way to the top, I turned back with our 2-year-old who was a bit scared. It's definitely not the safest and we actually don't recommend climbing all the way up with little kids. The views were incredible just from that first observation deck.
In addition to the tower, the area around it has walking trails as well as a multicultural area containing a Buddhist temple, a church, ma osque, and a Hindu temple, making it a peaceful spot for both meditation and nature walks. The Ambuluwawa tower and mountain are considered significant for their natural beauty, as well as their cultural and spiritual relevance to the region.
Hanuman Temple
Next, explore the colorful Hanuman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You might even witness a puja ceremony, like Ryan did!
Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka, primarily known as the "Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple," is located in Ramboda and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman, a key figure from the Ramayana epic; it is considered a significant pilgrimage site on the Ramayana trail due to the belief that Hanuman landed there during his search for Sita, and features a large, 18-foot tall statue of Hanuman, the tallest in Sri Lanka, built by the Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka.
The temple complex is a great stop, offering serene views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills and a unique cultural experience.
Damro Tea Factory
Sri Lanka is globally renowned for its tea industry, which is one of the country's key economic sectors. The island's diverse climate, rich soil, and high-altitude terrain create the perfect conditions for cultivating some of the finest tea in the world. Sri Lanka produces a variety of tea, with the most famous being Ceylon Tea, known for its unique flavor profiles and high quality.
Tea plantations in Sri Lanka are mostly located in the central highlands of the country, at altitudes ranging from 600 meters to over 2,000 meters above sea level. Our visit took us to Damro Tea factory
Damro Tea is a prominent Sri Lankan company renowned for its extensive tea plantations and production facilities. The company manages over 5,000 hectares of tea estates across major tea-growing regions in Sri Lanka, including the low-lying valleys of Sabaragamuwa and the central hills at elevations exceeding 1,500 meters. Within these estates, Damro operates 12 factories that produce a variety of Ceylon's finest teas
A visit to the Damro Tea Factory gives you insight into tea production. Take a complimentary factory tour to go behind the scenes and learn all about how tea is produced. You'll also have an opportunity to sample some delicious tea at their lounge and shop for unique blends to take home.
Day 5
A Scenic Train Journey to Ella
Scenic Train
A morning train ride from Nanu Oya (in Nuwarya Eliya) to Ella showcases the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations and mountains.
The most popular train journey in the country, this journey offers travelers a captivating experience through the island's lush landscapes, tea plantations, and charming villages. This route is celebrated for its breathtaking views and is often regarded as one of the most scenic train rides globally.
The train begins at Nanu Oya Station, approximately 8 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, and concludes at Ella Station. The train traverses the central highlands, meandering through verdant tea estates, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. The trip typically spans 3.5 to 4 hours, offering ample time to absorb the stunning scenery.
Sri Lanka Railways offers various classes to suit different preferences and budgets: you can book first-, second-, or third-class seats. Keep in mind that only first and second class have reserved seats. It's advisable to book first- and second-class tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Third Class tickets can typically be purchased on the day of travel at the station.
Unfortunately, on the day we intended to take the train, there was heavy rain, and our driver advised against it due to the risk of mudslides, which are common in the area. Therefore, we decided to drive straight to Ella from Nuwara Eliya, and it ended up being a beautiful trip.
Little Adam's Peak
Upon reaching Ella, make your way to the Little Adam's Peak trailhead for a scenic and relatively simple hike. The latter part of the hike involves a fairly steep ascent with several staircases. At the summit, the terrain is uneven and rocky, and during our visit, it was quite wet and muddy. There is a spot halfway up featuring an observation deck, adventure park, ziplining, coffee, and restrooms.
The hike is about a 1.6 km round trip from the official trailhead and takes about 1-2 hours. The path is well-marked and contains a mix of paved and unpaved paths, stairs, and rocks. The paths meander through lush tea estates and beautiful mountain peaks, providing the most amazing views.
The peak stands at 1,141 meters above sea level and is named for its resemblance to the larger Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), a significant pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. From the top, hikers are treated to 360-degree vistas of Ella Rock, the Ravana Mountain Range, and the Ella Gap, a site well worth the climb.
Views from the summit of Little Adam's Peak
Ravana Waterfalls
Ravana Falls, located near Ella, is the country's widest waterfall (its width isn't reported), and measures approximately 82 feet tall (25 meters) tall.
The waterfall is named after the legendary king Ravana, a central figure in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, Ravana hid Princess Sita in the caves behind the waterfall during her captivity.
The first tier of the waterfall is easily accessible, requiring only a short walk from the parking area. This makes it suitable for travelers of all ages and abilities. Entry to view the waterfalls is free, although there will be locals near the observation decks trying to sell you their goods.
Nine Arches Bridge
Head down the road to another beautiful site, Nine Arches Bridge. Nine Arches Bridge is a colonial-era railway viaduct situated between Ella and Demodara in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. Completed in 1921, this bridge stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, constructed entirely without steel, using only stone, brick, and cement.
The bridge spans approximately 300 feet (91 meters) in length, 25 feet (7.6 meters) in width, and rises about 80 feet (24 meters) above the ground. It comprises nine arches, which not only provide structural integrity but also contribute to its aesthetic appeal.
Day 6
River Safari, Turtle Hatchery & Galle
Madu River Safari
Prepare for a longer drive to Galle on Day 6 - make sure to leave early. Once there, start your coastal adventure with a Madu River Safari. The safari was one of the highlights of our visit and definitely worth the time.
We recommend booking your tour on site versus online - The price we paid on site was 50% cheaper than quoted online prices.The Madu River, located near Balapitiya in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. A boat safari along the river offers an immersive experience into its unique ecosystem, featuring extensive mangrove forests, numerous small islands (the Madu River has over 60 islands!), and diverse wildlife (such as water monitors, crocodiles, monkeys, and various bird and fish species.)
One notable stop is Cinnamon Island, where visitors can observe traditional cinnamon cultivation and processing methods. This offers insight into the local economy and the spice's significance in Sri Lankan culture. You'll even have the opportunity to try cinnamon tea and purchase fresh cinnamon products before heading back on the boat.
Additional optional stops feature floating markets, islands with Buddhist temples and monasteries to explore, and even a chance for a fish pedicure! You have a boat exclusively for your group along with a tour guide who can include or omit any stops you prefer. The tour typically lasts 1-2 hours and can be entirely tailored to your group's preferences.
Important to note: There will be points during the tour where you'll have to duck down in the boat to pass under low bridges. Our kids found this exciting but if you have limited mobility, you may have a difficult time getting low enough.Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery - Ahungalla
Make sure to make time for a visit to a local Sea Turtle Hatchery, where your family can learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.
In southern Sri Lanka, there are several sea turtle hatcheries dedicated to the conservation of endangered sea turtle species. These hatcheries play a crucial role in protecting turtle eggs, nurturing hatchlings, and educating the public about marine conservation. It's been reported that there are approximately 18 sea turtle hatcheries along Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, particularly in the Galle district. These hatcheries are situated in areas such as Hikkaduwa, Habaraduwa, Koggala, and Galle.
The primary objectives of these hatcheries include protecting turtle eggs from illegal poaching and natural predators, ensuring the healthy development of hatchings to release into the ocean, and raising public awareness about sea turtle conservation through educational programs and interactive experiences for visitors. These facilities also conduct studies on turtle nesting patterns and health to further aid conservation strategies. While the work they do is fundamental, many of these institutions are non-profit and therefore rely on donations from visitors. Each facility charges its own fee for visitor entry, usually around 2000 LKR ($6.76 USD) per person, and this amount goes directly toward conservation efforts.
These hatcheries are instrumental in mitigating the threats faced by sea turtles, such as habitat loss, poaching, and accidental capture, thereby contributing significantly to the preservation of marine biodiversity in Sri Lanka.
Our private driver, Ousman, chose to take us to the Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Center located in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka. Here, they have completed over 13 projects in sea turtle conservation, recovered over 30,000 sea turtle eggs, and released over 10,000 hatchlings back into the ocean. The facility is set apart from others in the area by its enormous sea turtle sculpture at the entrance, which was a bit hit with the kids.
Inside, you'll encounter welcoming staff who will guide you through the facility, sharing essential information about the various types of sea turtles and detailing the facility's conservation efforts. The visit was highly informative and definitely worthwhile for learning more about sea turtle conservation.
The facility accommodates several dozen injured turtles currently in rehabilitation, along with hundreds of recovered sea turtle eggs under care. They also have a rare albino turtle that will remain at the facility for life. Many turtles here have been harmed by boat propellers, pollution, or predators.
"Our Sea Turtle Center program aims to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. Some of our staff patrols the beach all night looking for mother sea turtles that come out of the ocean to lay their eggs. Protect the mother turtle during the nesting process and when she is finished laying the eggs and safely back in the ocean, we relocate the eggs from the beach to our hatchery. This is done concerning threats that endanger the eggs in their original nesting locations such as erosion, traffic of tourists, dogs, crabs, birds and irresponsible human action." -Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation & Research CenterThe facility, however, doesn't just house sea turtles, as they also have a collection of sea stars, sharks, fish, and lobsters under their care.
Galle Fort
Although we didn't have time to explore Galle Fort during our trip, you might consider it a worthwhile stop when you're in the area.
Galle Fort, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a historic military fortress renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. Established by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort stands as a testament to the island's colonial past.
The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, being recognized for its historical and architectural value; it exemplifies the fusion of European military architecture with South Asian traditions. There are many areas to explore, including the 14 bastions, the fort walls, and the Galle lighthouse.
Visitors can also explore a variety of historical sites such as the Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum, and the Old Dutch Hospital, which has been converted into a dining and shopping complex. The fort's narrow streets are lined with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
While we didn't have time to walk around and explore, we did enjoy a delightful dinner overlooking the water and it was certainly a beautiful place to be.
Day 7
Beach Day
For your last day, unwind on one of the beautiful beaches on the southern coast. Southern Sri Lanka boasts a collection of stunning beaches, each offering unique experiences ranging from tranquil relaxation to vibrant water sports. Some of the most popular beaches include Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Hiriketiya, and Ahangama.
Spend your day basking in the sun, snorkeling just offshore with colorful marine life, learning how to surf, or savoring delicious seafood and traditional Sri Lankan dishes at beachside restaurants. Take in the last moments of your adventure in paradise before heading home.
We chose to spend our last day at Unawatuna Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters, it was a great spot for our kids to splash the day away and build sandcastles.
We opted to stay at Sun N Sea Hotel, and it was an excellent decision! The beach is just a few steps away, and the hotel provides lounge chairs, beach towels, and some rooms with balconies offering ocean views. Listening to the waves crash at night was enchanting. They also serve a delicious breakfast and dinner with stunning views of the beach. Although the main shopping area of Unawatuna was a bit of a walk, traveling by tuk-tuk to the main shopping street was easy and inexpensive (around 100 LKR - $0.34 USD). There, we discovered numerous cafes and boutique shops to explore.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic family destination filled with memorable experiences, amazing wildlife, and rich cultural interactions. This 7-day itinerary captures the island's essence, allowing families to explore its stunning scenery, learn its history, and create lasting memories. Whether you are excited about wildlife, and ancient ruins, or simply want to soak up the sun on beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka has a little something for everyone. Enjoy your travels!
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