How to Plan a Family Vacation to Sri Lanka - Tips on Organising a Memorable Family Getaway in Sri Lanka

Ranked among the most family-friendly holiday destinations in South Asia, Sri Lanka is not your average beach Mecca for the masses. Home to wildlife sanctuaries and cultural hotspots, a family getaway to the island can encompass a lot more than splashing around in a beach town. From finding the best resort bases for your stay to making sure that your itinerary is full, here are a few guidelines on planning a successful family tour of Sri Lanka.

1. Choose the Right Time of Year

Sunny beaches in Southern coast | Image via pexels

The first order of business when planning a holiday in Sri Lanka is deciding when to travel. Those who are heading to the island nation with their entire brood on tow cannot afford to visit the island during the rainy season so make sure your holiday takes place during the sunnier months of the year. As a rule of thumb, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March when clear skies and sunny conditions are guaranteed and when nearly every excursion is accessible. Avoid the monsoon season from May to October as the downpours make water sports and other exciting activities quite dangerous.

2. Travel Packages Vs Independent Trips

Families heading to Sri Lanka may consider booking a travel package with a reputed tour organizer as it takes away the stress of having to make reservations and find transport options off one's hands. This is a great option for large families or families that are travelling with small children or elderly grandparents as the structured nature of organized tours will make things less complicated. The drawback of signing up for a travel package is that there is no room for spontaneity and veering off the beaten path in terms of sightseeing options and activities.

3. Narrow down the Destinations and Book Hotels

Depending on the duration of the vacation, it is necessary to narrow in on what areas of the country you hope to experience as a family. Those who wish to enjoy a culturally rich getaway in Sri Lanka must include Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy in their destination line up while beach lovers can choose seaside hamlets occupying the southern coast. Wildlife enthusiasts, on the other hand, will want to consider which of the 9 national parks on the island is suitable for a safari adventure whereas city lovers cannot miss a shopping spree in Colombo. After determining the locations, it is then time to book conveniently located accommodations by Araliya Hotels & Resorts or other hotel chains.

4. Create a Daily Itinerary

Even if your sightseeing list includes all the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, it is crucial to create a daily itinerary for each day on holiday. Do not include too many pit stops and sightseeing tours and pack each day to the brim. Those travelling with small children will find that the heat and humidity in Sri Lanka will tire out the family easily so keep your daily plans minimal and manageable. It is important to consider the means of transport when creating this daily itinerary as the time it takes to reach certain landmarks and attractions via tuk-tuk or taxi must also be taken into account.

5. Sign up for Activities

No family trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without making plans to enjoy some of the signature experiences up for grabs in the paradise island. Whether it's a dolphin and whale-watching cruise in Mirissa, a safari tour of the Yala National Park or a scuba diving expedition in Hikkaduwa, there are so many ways to make your Sri Lankan getaway a memorable affair.