5 Tips Families Should Consider Before Travelling To Sri Lanka

Blessed with pristine beaches and iconic cultural attractions, Sri Lanka is a dream destination for families. Here are some tips every family should know before planning a getaway to the paradise island.

Tourists planning family trips to Sri Lanka should time their visit to enjoy the island at its best. Although Sri Lanka is very much a year-round holiday hotspot, those who are travelling with children must ensure that rainy weather conditions do not hamper their vacation plans. The best time to head to the island nation is from December to March when sunny skies are all around and the chance of rain is at its lowest. This is especially relevant for families heading to coastal resorts like Jetwing Blu or Jetwing Lagoon. Avoid planning Sri Lanka family tours in May or October as this is when the monsoon rains are in full swing and water sports activities, for example, are completely out of the question.

Family trips to Sri Lanka would not be complete without signing up for engaging and unforgettable activities. Families with a passion for hiking and trekking will find plenty of trails around Jetwing Kandy Gallery while those who wish to take part in water-bound activities including scuba diving, snorkelling and jet skiing must head to Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing or Jetwing Surf. Whale and dolphin watching tour packages are also available for families hoping to spend time in Mirissa or Trincomalee. Families with small children may also want to take note of the playgrounds and public parks around Jetwing Colombo Seven so they can make time in their Sri Lanka family holiday itinerary for leisure time at these venues.

Although the kids are bound to be fussy eaters on holiday, don’t let that spoil the many opportunities available to wine and dine on local delicacies in Sri Lanka. Kids and adults alike will relish the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine whether it’s a simple rice and curry buffet meal at Jetwing Lighthouse or a quick snack of spicy chickpeas from a street-side vendor. Make every mealtime a culinary experience to remember by introducing your kids to local staples such as Kottu Roti, Hoppers, String Hoppers and Milk Rice which will forever linger in their memories long after the holiday has ended.

While Sri Lanka’s highways and public transport networks are on par with the region’s most cosmopolitan landscapes, travelling around is still a time-consuming affair when it comes to sightseeing. This is why it’s prudent for families to reserve accommodation at hotels and resorts that offer easy access to some of the area’s main highlights and landmarks. A family tour of the Yala National Park is far more convenient if one is based at Jetwing Yala, than in a hotel near Hambantota while exploring all of Colombo’s best shopping hubs will be a challenge for those who don’t have the convenience of a Colombo- 7 base.

One of the main aspects of a Sri Lankan getaway families concern themselves with is the lack of time to see and do everything that’s available to tourists in this dynamic holiday destination. The trick to experiencing the best of Sri Lanka, however, is using the time available on holiday wisely by planning pit stops in every major activity hub in the island. While spending time on the south-coast beaches is a must for all families, they should also pencil in a tour of the Cultural Triangle and the cold climate national parks around Jetwing St.Andrews.