Children's Highlights

There aren't many attractions dedicated solely to children in Sri Lanka but there are a lot of sights they'll love.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Near Kandy a home for elephants with up to 80 ready to interact with visitors.

Millennium Elephant Foundation

A smaller grassroots version of Pinnawala (which is nearby)with fewer pachyderms and smaller crowds.

Udawalawe

One of the best national parks for wildlife spotting safaris.

Elephant Transit Home

Not far from Udawalawe this is a well regarded halfway house for injured and orphaned elephants.

Minneriya

A national park renowned for its herds of elephants.

Turtle hatcheries

On the west coast there are popular.

Polhena

Near Matara, the beach here is safe and shallow for little ones.

Polonnaruwa

Kids can literally run themselves silly at the vast and car free ancient heritage sites such as this one with their very cool ruins.

Three wheelers

Buzzing blowing and completely unlike any ride any place else these ubiquitous transport options are good for a thrill.

Backwater boat trips

These will also keep kids amused.

Planning & Practicalities

*Sri Lankan hotels and guesthouses invariably have triple and family rooms, plus extra beds are supplied on demand. Most restaurants don't supply highchairs.

*For very young children a dilemma is to bring either a backpack carrier or a pram/stroller. If you can bring both. Prams have tough going on uneven or nonexistent footpaths but are worthwhile in Colombo and Kandy.

*Check if your hired car (with driver) has a child's seat. If not you can get one in Colombo.

*Buy pharmaceutical supplies imported baby food and disposable nappies at Cargills Food City and Keells Supermarkets throughout the country.

*Breastfeeding in public is accepted but parents will struggle with finding dedicated baby changing rooms. It's not a major problem as it's acceptable for toddlers to be naked in public.

*Rabies and animal borne parasites are present in Sri Lanka so keep children away from stray animals including cats, dogs and monkeys.

*Bring suncream and children's mosquito repellent with you because you won't fine it in Sri Lanka.