Joanna James
Sri Lanka is known for its beaches and is often cited as a great destination for young travellers. However, the island is steeped in culture, claims an ancient history and is home to a wide variety of animals, making it a destination for wholesome experiences the whole family can enjoy together.
Though Sri Lanka is but a speck on the world map, it is a giant when it comes to biodiversity and endemic species. Thousands of years of separation from the mainland of the sub-continent have allowed the species that call the island home to evolve in truly unique ways. Sri Lanka boasts over 400 species of birds, nearly 250 of which call the island home and 23 of which are found only here. Sri Lanka has plenty of national parks and nature reserves ideal for bird watching; the most prominent of those being Kumana National Park and Kalametiya bird sanctuary.
Come to Sri Lanka, enjoy the beaches, stay at a fine property such as Ubuntu Beach Villas, and enjoy a meal at a Mirissa restaurant, which boasts a menu of the finest seafood dishes you'll find anywhere in the world and make a trip to Yala National Park. You and the family can enjoy a full day or even a few on wild safaris exploring the coastal savannah, which is home to elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
The extensive train routes that criss-cross the island are a legacy of a colonial past and a topic for much debate. However, there is no debate that the train ride from Kandy to Ella is mind-bogglingly beautiful. The route winds through tea plantations and offers scenic views of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Travellers usually make their way to Kandalama to climb Sigiriya; one of the premier attractions in Sri Lanka. However, if the climb is a bit too tiring for the little ones, maybe you could opt for a hot air balloon ride instead. This offers great aerial views of Sigiriya's splendour and a surplus of beautiful, forested plains that surround it.
Sri Lanka has its sub-species of Asiatic elephants, somewhat smaller than their cousins in India and the rest of the subcontinent, but just as regal and majestic. No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without getting up and close to these gentle giants. And there is probably no place better for it than the elephant sanctuary in Pinnawala.
Yala is a great experience, but it'll only leave you wanting more; so be sure to go for a jeep safari at Gal Oya National Park as well. It is home to the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka and home to even more species of fauna such as the axis deer, mugger crocodiles and sambar.
Ceylon tea is renowned the world over and considered the best tea in the world. No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a foray into the highlands to walk amongst the tea fields and watch the colourful plantation workers go about their craft meticulously. Enjoy a cup of the island's finest brews on a tour of one of the many tea factories and spend an evening at one of the gorgeous renovated colonial bungalows – pure bliss.
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