5 Kid Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka
Are you planning to visit the tourist hotspot of 2019, Sri Lanka with your children? Here are some child-friendly locations to check out during your visit.
1. Minneriya National Park
It is a given, children love elephants. Spot the cousins of the largest mammal of the land, during your trip to the Minneriya National Park. The largest elephant gathering of Sri Lanka can be spotted at this national park. Your kids will definitely be entertained as the safari jeep traverse through the jungles to get up-close to the elephants. On your way, you will also spot various types of birds as well as toque macaque monkeys. Plan your trip during the dry season as it is easier to see large herds of elephants who walk about in search of food and water during this period.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: August to September
- Opening hours: 06.00am to 05.00pm
- Distance: from Polonnaruwa 21.6km (30 mins)
2. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Renowned for its collection of orchids, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is another cool spot to visit with your children. The 147 acres botanical garden contains over 4000 species of plant life and was once reserved only for royalty. Teach your kids about various species of plants including medicinal plants. You will be awe-stricken from the moment you step into the gardens. Let the children roam around but do keep an eye out and don’t let them pluck any flowers as this is not allowed. You can even plan a picnic with the family.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: August to September
- Opening hours: 08.00am to 06.00pm
- Distance: Â from Kandy 5.6km (20 mins)
3. Lake Gregory
A trip to the misty hill country is a must when you are travelling in Sri Lanka. The scenic Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya tops the list of places to visit. An early morning stroll will leave you mesmerised as the blue sky and the green hills reflect on the waters of the reservoir which was built in 1873 by Sir William Gregory. If your children are older you can even go on a swan boat ride. In the vicinity, one can also go on a pony ride, which will keep the kids entertained. Before you take part in any recreational activity, make sure to ask for rates and you have a safe place to keep your belongings.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: February to April
- Opening hours: 08.00am to 06.00pm
- Distance: from Nuwara Eliya 1.7km (3 mins)
4. Elephant Transit Home
Built in 1995, within the Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home’s primary goal is to rehabilitate elephant calves. With the assistance of the Born Free Foundation, the Department of Wildlife Conservation set up this home and have been operating since to protect the species. Visitors are allowed to watch the feeding process of elephants; however, they are not allowed to interact with them. You can sign up to be a foster parent, where your donations will help purchase the required medicine and food.
Quick Facts
- Opening hours: 09.00am to 06.00pm
- Distance: from Udawalawe 1.7km (4 mins
5. Tangalle Beach
Your trip to Sri Lanka will not be completed until you head over to the beach. While the country is surrounded with ever so stunning Indian Ocean, and beach access is common, a trip to the Tangalle beach is recommended especially if you are travelling with the kids. The clean and secluded beach stretch is a safe haven to spend some quality time with your family. Whether it’s for bathing, building sand castles or playing a game of football on the beach, Tangalle beach is ideal.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: May to July
- Distance: from Colombo 190.9km (3hr 20mins) / from Matara 38km (1hr)