Active holiday with kids in Sri Lanka

Animals, hiking trails, the sea, water sports, Sri Lanka is not just a paradise holiday destination for adults but also for active kiddos who enjoy being outdoors. All they need is a good night rest, and they’ll be up and ready for an unforgettable time this holiday in Sri Lanka, filled with exciting activities every day. It might be a good idea to rent a Sri Lanka villa as your base from where to explore the island and go on day trips. In the morning, let them splash around in the pool a bit, and off you go to another great fun family activity. Here are 5 things you won’t want to miss:

1. Safari at Yala National Park

What kid doesn’t dream of going on a safari to encounter elephants, leopards, crocodiles, buffaloes and monkeys? At Yala National Park this wish is no longer left to daydreaming. Hop on a jeep all together with a great English speaking guide and with the wind in your hair, this awesome safari adventure starts. You will drive through the grasslands, woodlands and mangroves of this expansive national park of Sri Lanka. On the way, you will also spot tons of exotic birds flying around. It is one big unforgettable family adventure!

2. Climb Little Adam’s Peak

For families traveling with kids below 10, climbing Adam’s Peak, the holiest and second-tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, might be a notch too challenging. Luckily, this big mountain has a little brother called Little Adam’s Peak which is perfectly doable for smaller children, too, and the scenery is nonetheless stunningly beautiful. The hiking trail is fairly easy, and there are signs along the way, allowing you to do this trek by yourselves without a guide. You will start in the tea plantations where you can see the local ladies pick tea leaves and in total the hike will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. From the tea plantations, you will hike up to the summit peaking 1141m above sea level, but not to worry, you are already at a high altitude in the central highlands – you will only need to walk up a few hundred meters. At the top, you will be blown away by the views, both your and the kids.

3. Water adventures at Kitulgala

Kitulgala is the wettest town in all of Sri Lanka as it gets 2 monsoons every year, but if you love water and outdoor adventures that take place on streaming rivers and in the jungle, this is the place to be! Families with small kids may need to skip on this one, but families with active kids above 10 will have a blast white water rafting down the Kelani River. It is exhilarating with 5 major rapids 4 minor rapids. A great alternative for those families with smaller kids who like to be out on the water, go ‘flat-water’ rafting. You can simply float down the river, enjoying the sceneries and a picnic along the way.

4. Beach Time & whale watching

Who doesn’t love the beach? Sri Lanka has got the most beautiful beaches where you can spend the whole day building sandcastles, playing in the waves and the water and snoozing a little to the sound of the sea. Mirissa is a popular beach resort town with a beautiful shady bay that is just perfect for families with kids. This is also the town where you can go whale watching in the early morning so it is definitely a must-visit!

5. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Get even closer to elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You’ve probably already seen these amazing creatures from afar on your safari trip, but here, you can get up close and personal, feeding and bathing the elephants. It is not only an amazing experience it is also educational. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage takes care of injured elephants in the jungle as well as abandoned baby elephants. In total there are 93 elephants taken care of with love and dedication. They have an abundance of space to roam around. There’s a river running through it for their bathing sessions. A unique experience and a top family activity in Sri Lanka!

Written by Stephanie of Villa-Finder.com