Five Places to Visit in Sri Lanka with Family – Adventure, Culture, and Fun

If you’ve got kids with you, take them to Yala National Park to see wild animals up close. It’s not every day you get to see leopards roaming around, now, is it? Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, next to the Indian Ocean, the park is home to several animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and deer. Not to mention the diversity of birds you can see. Yala National Park is more than just a place to see wild animals – there are also many ancient ruins within the park. Join a safari for the best experience. Prices usually start from LKR 3,700.

Located on the southern coast, the Dutch Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 1500s. Then the Dutch came in and decided to add their own architectural flair to it. This intriguing mix of architecture and the fort’s historical significance has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Step inside the fort, and you’ll feel as though you’re in a quaint European city. Walk along the walls, drink coffee at cafes, shop for local crafts, and discover Sri Lankan art. Getting to the fort is super easy. You can take a tuk-tuk or take a train to Galle Railway Station. If you’re travelling from Mandara Resort Mirissa by Mandara Hotels & Resorts, which is one of the popular four-star family resorts in Sri Lanka, the journey will take about 40 minutes by car.

To enjoy culture, nature, and adventure, visit Kataragama, located in the southern part of the island. Visit Kataragama Temple for a colourful cultural experience. The town is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes steeped in natural beauty. Yala National Park, for example, is only a short drive from Kataragama.

The island is home to many amazing animals, and turtles are among them. Along the western coast are several hatcheries where these incredible sea creatures come ashore to lay eggs. One of the must-visits is the Galle Sea Turtle Hatchery, which has been around for 40 years. Murals on the walls add character to the place, and the tanks house baby and injured turtles. You’ll see five types of turtles here, including Olive Ridley and Green Turtles. The place is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, leaving you enough room to find a convenient time to visit. Visiting the Sea Turtle Hatchery is not only fun but also an educational experience.

If you decide to spend a bit of time in Colombo, be sure to take your kids to Galle Face Green. It’s a park located alongside the coast. With stunning views all around, you can sit back and relax while the little ones run around having fun. You can also try street food treats like isso wade, which are like fritters with fried prawns on top. From Colombo Airport, you can get here in under 30 minutes.