Andrew Pereira
Sunny Sri Lanka is a land full of lovely destinations that prove to be quite fascinating to all members of the family. The best of these places proving to be fun, educative and informative are listed below.
Galle is located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is home to the city's iconic attraction the Old Dutch Fort; deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an excellent family day out destination. The old fort is well preserved with many period buildings well intact. Children will find the marine museum with all its treasures from the ocean quite fascinating. Walk the cobblestone streets lined with colonial style villas, sit down for a meal at the cosy cafes and check out the vintage clock tower. Kids will love the old ramparts that offer fantastic views across the ocean while soothing breezes relax mind body and soul. The enormous grounds found within the fort mean children have ample space to run and paly to their hearts content; you can stop for a meal at the vintage restaurant located right within the fort.
Wijeya Beach is located close to Galle; it is a sheltered beach offering a natural pool that is quite safe for very young children. Located along the south western shores of Sri Lanka this beach is ideal for families to enjoy a spot of water skiing, snorkelling, banana boating and wind surfing. The shielded beach means your young ones can enjoy the beach and soothing waters of the Indian Ocean in safety.
If you love seafood then do head out to Negombo where you can lie on the Idyllic sandy beaches and soak up the sun. Tour the Negombo Lagoon and discover ancient Dutch relics. Marawila is a town just on the outskirts of Negombo; both places are favoured hot spots for some of the best Sri Lanka beach hotels. Family's choosing to stay in Marawila has a huge expanse of beach to enjoy like the one facing the Amagi Beach Marawila; you can book tours from your hotel to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary and Wilpattu National Park. Take a trip to dolphin and whale watching hotspot, Kalpitiya for sights of the amazing mammals and thoroughly enjoy the tropical sun.
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a must visit for families. Children will love interacting with the baby mammals. Make it during feeding time and they will be fascinated at how the gentle animals are given milk from bottles. Later join the adult herds as they make a trip down to the river where they entertain the happy crowds with loads of wet and splashy fun.
Head on down south to the turtle conservation centre and you will see just how dedicated these folks are to preserving the giant sea turtles that frequent the shores of Sri Lanka. Turtles at various stages are kept at the centre and if you and your family are lucky enough, you just may be in time to see a batch of freshly hatched turtles. Children will also see the injured and maimed turtles who are permanent residents. They will see how the hatchlings once ready are set free and learn about the importance of conserving the wonders of Mother Nature.
