if you're interested in the history of Sri-Lanka you mustn't miss the old city of Galle. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely the most beautiful legacy of the colonial period. You'll love wandering around the cobbled streets of this city which is unique in Sri Lanka.

Modern Wonder of the World: Galle Fort

The south coast of Sri Lanka is a long chain of beaches and creeks, each more beautiful than the last. The beautiful and contrasting towns of the south coast are an unforgettable experience.

Sri Lanka’s infinite beaches

Whether you are passionate about history or nature you can't help but be charmed by Sigiriya and its surroundings. You'll climb back into time and history as you climb the steps of the Lion Rock. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset over the magnificent countryside of the plains.

Sigiriya’s Lion Rock

A lots less busy than the beaches in the south, the east coast of Sri Lanka guarantees you a stay off the beaten path. Long beaches that are almost empty most of the year, and an island where you can swim with sharks.

Golden Sand Paradise: Uppuveli and Nilaveli

40km to the north of Colombo, Negombo is a very pretty fishing village which stretches the length of a beautiful beach in the Indian ocean. 

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Trincomalee: immense, deserted, white sandy beaches.

Trincomalee

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Not all the <a href="/sri-lanka/">tourist circuits in Sri Lanka</a> pass through Trincomalee, which is undoubtedly what makes it possible to keep this area unspoiled. I wasn't expecting to discover such large beaches with such fine sand here, and largely deserted too, except for the odd tourist and a few rare fishermen. The sea is crystal clear and incredibly blue; the backdrop is filled with palm trees, and there isn't a single building to spoil this paradise on earth (yet). I hadn't actually planned to go diving, but I gave into temptation and took advantage of the opportunity presented. What an unexpected surprise it was to get to follow a three-month-old baby shark! In fact I was so enjoying following it that I forgot the sun cream. The sunburn I experienced afterwards acted as a reminder of this memorable experience!

Although the Trincomalee region is about a ten-hour train journey from Colombo, it really is worth the visit if you are looking for somewhere off the beaten track. Try and avoid the night trains, however, as the carriages are dilapidated and infested with cockroaches. I recommend you visit the Uppuveli beach, some kilometres north of the city. It is a long stretch of golden sand, lined with palm trees. Take the time to walk to the laguna, where I found a number of fishermen who also offered to take me on an excursion. As I crossed the sound, I stumbled upon a colourful Hindu kovil which faced the sea. A bit further on, the Nilaveli beach makes a significant development. A few cable-lengths from the coast, I could appreciate the calm of Pigeon Island, as I stood alone on the beach watching the blacktip sharks frolic on the sand. Out of season, you will almost certainly be alone either in your hotel or on the beach. This is perfect if you have Robinson dreams.

Trincomalee is a small village on the east coast, which corresponds with the ancient Gokana described in the Sinhalese chronicles.

The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Sri Lanka

Being a safe destination offering endless outdoor activities for kids and teenagers, Sri Lanka is a timeless classic of <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/">family travel</a>. It has long been hailed as the perfect destination for honeymoons but its prowess as a family destination has always been there. Action-loving families will never be bored on a <a data-destination-id="80" data-internal-link="destination">tour in Sri Lanka</a>; snorkelling, learning to surf,&nbsp;white water rafting, or getting to know native animals as you visit them in a sanctuary. With so much fascinating history to explore, why not delve into the authentic culture by visiting local communities?&nbsp;The locals will be leading the narrative and help visitors to understand the history and the current reality of the place they are visiting. Meeting and engaging with locals&nbsp;is an authentic travel experience which will be cherished by both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in Sri Lanka with kids</h3>Sri Lanka offers the opportunity for family travellers to create some incredible memories together, whether you’re helping to release baby sea turtles on the beach or visiting an elephant sanctuary. The best region for families to stay in Sri Lanka is&nbsp;<a data-place-id="1372" data-internal-link="place">Sigiriya</a> near Habarana, because as well as boasting many child-friendly accommodation options, it is a convenient location for safaris, whale-watching tours&nbsp;from the pristine beaches of <a data-place-id="33565" data-internal-link="place">Mirissa</a> or <a data-place-id="8607" data-internal-link="place">Kalpitiya</a>, canyoning, or rafting in <a data-place-id="1721" data-internal-link="place">Kitulgala</a> (if&nbsp;your children are 6+). Climbing up the&nbsp;ancient Sigiriya Rock to see the view from the top is an adventure in itself, and no family tour of Sri Lanka would be complete without a train ride through the lush countryside of <a data-place-id="4515" data-internal-link="place">Ella</a>, praised as being one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Once you arrive in <a data-place-id="9519" data-internal-link="place">Nuwara Eliya</a>, you and your family can stop off at a tea plantation to try some of the local tea and&nbsp;learn about how it's produced. Beaches for relaxing are best along the west coast of the country, with many child-friendly beaches and resorts to choose from. For surfing and snorkelling, the beaches along the east coast are the best choice for adventurous, active families. For young children, <a data-place-id="3589" data-internal-link="place">Unawatuna Beach</a> is great, since it is surrounded by coral reef, meaning it is calm, sheltered and ideal for young swimmers. Sri Lanka is home to so many National Parks, that families looking to see stunning Sri Lankan nature will be spoilt for choice.&nbsp;<a data-place-id="1732" data-internal-link="place">Minneriya</a> and Pigeon Island National Parks are two excellent choices that won’t disappoint. <a data-place-id="1741" data-internal-link="place">Yala National Park</a> is also a highly popular option for families, where you can see the world's biggest population of leopards! Historical sites are dotted around Sri Lanka and you’ll be able to visit colonial forts, such as the Fort of <a data-place-id="1722" data-internal-link="place">Galle</a>, which offer fun exploration opportunities to families interested in Sri Lanka’s history. As well as being home to the largest land mammal, the elephant, Sri Lanka is also one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, which can be seen closer to the shore here than nearly anywhere else. Tea plantations, archaeological ruins, ancient cities, colonial buildings, fascinating creatures and an incredibly welcoming country; Sri Lanka is simply an unbeatable family destination. <h3>Best time to visit&nbsp;Sri Lanka as a family</h3>Due to the fact that Sri Lanka is hit each year by not one, but two Monsoon seasons, it can be difficult to work out <a data-document-id="3020" data-internal-link="article">when to plan your visit</a>. Monsoon season here is a serious affair with sudden and dramatic downpour quite often causing flash flooding and general uproar. If you plan on visiting the West, South or Hill Country, try to schedule your trip anytime between December and March. The East coast, however, is best visited between April and September to avoid being hit by any unwelcome downpours. Since Sri Lanka is fairly close to the equator, its temperature remains constant throughout the year with the only real changes caused by rise in altitude which makes for cooler and fresher weather. Humidity is fairly high no matter where you choose to go and it is fairly inescapable, especially during the hottest months. The most popular and subsequently, the most expensive, time to visit is during the Christmas and New Year period where sites are crowded and accommodation prices rise dramatically. <h3>Family holiday tips for travelling to&nbsp;Sri Lanka</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Sri Lanka, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Try to avoid the mistake of trying to squeeze too many activities into a shorter space of time. Take your time and appreciate this wonderful country by planning a few extra days to relax, even if this means cutting down on some activities. You’ll thank us in the end. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets are rife. Keep cash and any important documents in a safe a hidden place. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">As with any visit to a foreign country, check with your GP before leaving whether there are any vaccinations or medicines that you need to get. Bring along plenty of mosquito spray too, to avoid the annoyance of itchy bug bites throughout your trip.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Make the most of the cheap prices here to sign up to some unforgettable family activities. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Young children, especially those with blonde hair and blue eyes, will feel like little celebrities, with locals asking to take photos and selfies with them. This is meant in good will but if it bothers you, you can simply politely but firmly say no. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Try to avoid the tap water where possible, since this can lead to stomach bugs which can quickly ruin the perfect family holiday. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Learn a few key phrases. Learning some choice words and phrases can be extremely handy should you find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English. Learning a new language can also be a great new challenger for your children. If nothing else, it always goes down well to greet locals in their own language.</li></ul>

Start planning your family tour in Sri Lanka

The best tailor-made Sri Lanka tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Sri Lanka family holidays

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for honeymoon tours

Honeymoon tour ideas in Sri Lanka

The best tailor-made honeymoon tours and experiences in Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Honeymoon in Sri Lanka

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Sri Lanka

The best two week tours to explore Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Two weeks in Sri Lanka

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Sri Lanka

One week in Sri Lanka&nbsp;is just enough time to relax in one of the world’s most idyllic locations, whilst soaking in the incredible culture and atmosphere. Whether you’re planning on relaxing on a white sandy beach, or trekking through the jungle, <a data-destination-id="80" data-internal-link="destination">Sri Lanka</a> has something for everyone, no matter your requirements. See the unique Sri Lankan wildlife or sample the delicious Sri Lankan food and delicacies as you plunge into the adventure of a lifetime or simply escape from the stress of everyday life. <h3>Best things to see and do for one week in Sri Lanka</h3><h4>What to see in one week</h4>With so many amazing things to see and such a large area to cover, choosing what to see during a one week itinerary in Sri Lanka could be daunting without knowing the worthwhile spots. Luckily, we’ve selected some of the must-see sites to make sure you’re prepared for your trip. Visit <a data-place-id="1372" data-internal-link="place">Sigiriya</a> to see the ancient ruins and an impressive rock fortress set into a stunning natural backdrop just waiting to be explored. Sri Lanka’s temples are among the most incredible in the world and the <a data-place-id="1375" data-internal-link="place">Dambulla Cave Temple</a> is just one example. Head here to see a temple unlike anything you’ve seen before as the site is built into the incredible caves. The Temple of the Tooth is another phenomenal place to visit during a 7 day tour of Sri Lanka and you can see the ancient relic that is sacred for Buddhist worshipers. A visit to <a data-place-id="1722" data-internal-link="place">Galle</a> is another must and here you can see Galle Fort on an excellent day trip before enjoying the city and its bustling sights and sounds. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are a great place to relax after a hard day of sightseeing and you’ll be able to appreciate their surreal beauty as you enjoy some local food and soak up the atmosphere.<h4>What to do in one week</h4>Sri Lanka’s huge number of national parks mean that you won’t have a dull moment during your one week Sri Lanka itinerary. Go on safari to see elephants, tigers and so much more as well as enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of the landscapes at <a data-place-id="9764" data-internal-link="place">Udawalawe National Park </a>or Yala National Park. Animal lovers will not want to miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with Sri Lanka’s most famous species at The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can help to feed, bathe and care for the elephants. More active visitors should visit <a data-place-id="7498" data-internal-link="place">Adam’s Peak</a> for excellent hiking routes and stunning scenery. <a data-place-id="1376" data-internal-link="place">Kandy Lake</a> is beautiful and the perfect place to enjoy the Sri Lankan air whilst seeking out adventures. Why not visit a tea plantation where you can see how one of the country’s most famous exports is grown, picked and prepared? Take a train ride over the plantation before enjoying a tea tasting session. <h3>Best time to travel to Sri Lanka for a week</h3>Finding out <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/sri-lanka/holidays/when-to-go/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/sri-lanka/holidays/when-to-go/"></a><a data-document-id="3020" data-internal-link="article">the best time to travel to Sri Lanka</a> is a difficult task, namely due to the fact that the country has two different monsoon seasons. Travelling between December and April is generally considered to be peak season, when most visitors flock to enjoy the warm, dry weather. Monsoon falls between May and August in the South and West of Sri Lanka and between October and January in the rest of the country. However, since the weather remains pleasant throughout the entire year and the monsoon rains rarely endure longer than an hour or two per day, Sri Lanka is widely seen as a year-round destination. Hindu New Year is in April and makes for a fantastic time to visit, with nationwide celebrations and festivals to be enjoyed. Whenever you do decide to visit Sri Lanka for your one week trip, you are sure to have an unforgettable time.

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One week in Sri Lanka

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Sri Lanka

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for island tours

Tour ideas for exploring Sri Lanka's islands

The best island holidays and island-hopping tours in Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect island holiday in Sri Lanka with a local expert

Island tours in Sri Lanka 

Islands & Island-Hopping

Island Holidays in Sri Lanka | Explore Sri Lanka's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for snorkelling and diving tours

Diving and snorkelling tour ideas in Sri Lanka

The best snorkelling and diving tours in Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Experience diving in Sri Lanka with a hand-picked local expert

Diving in Sri Lanka

Snorkelling & Diving

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for cycling tours

Tour ideas for exploring Sri Lanka by bike

The best cycling holidays and bike excursions in Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Cycling in Sri Lanka

Cycling Tours

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The best local travel agencies in Sri Lanka for train tours

Tour ideas for exploring Sri Lanka by train

The best train tours to explore Sri Lanka, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Trincomalee Holidays

Trincomalee: How to get there?

Trincomalee: See when to go?

Trincomalee: For how long?

Trincomalee: What to see nearby?

Sri Lanka: our articles for your holidays