Absolutely. Many of the hotels we work with offer spacious family suites or interconnecting rooms, and we’ll make sure they’re a perfect fit for your crew. For something more private, we can also arrange villas – ideal for one or more families travelling together. Villas often come with their own pool, in-house staff, and plenty of space for kids to play while adults relax. Whether you want total privacy or sociable shared spaces, we’ll guide you to the right set-up.
Sri Lanka Family Holiday Ideas
Sri Lanka is a sensational destination for a family holiday – no exaggeration. For a small island, there’s so much to engage all ages, from wildlife safaris and jungle adventures to ancient cities and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect combo of discovery and downtime. Planning a trip that delights every family member can be daunting, but that’s where we come in. Let’s get that once-in-a-lifetime family experience underway.
ETG Makes Family Holidays Effortless
1. Busy schedule? No problem. Hand over the planning to our Sri Lanka specialists. We’ll take care of the details so you don’t have to.
2. Created by parents, for parents. We’ve explored Sri Lanka with our own kids, so we know what makes a family holiday here amazing (and what to avoid).
3. The right balance of adventure and downtime. Experience a whole new world and culture, all together. Keep teens entertained with hands-on experiences, while you unwind—perhaps with a poolside G&T.
4. Stress-free and safe. Our expert guides and smooth logistics allow you to fully switch off and have fun. A special shoutout to our brilliant chauffeur-guides—whether they make a spontaneous stop for a king coconut or point out elephants en route, their local knowledge and warmth will make your trip.
5. Unforgettable family moments. Watch your kids have new adventures, step outside their comfort zones, and—just maybe—even talk to you.
In Our Travellers’ Words
The best family holiday we have ever been on
This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka
Best family holiday ever. A mixture of beach, temples, wildlife, quiet and fun. [ETG] understands us and we won't be using anyone else for our holidays to Asia.
Sri Lanka is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean
Our well-thought-out trip fulfilled our expectations and more. Our granddaughter was interested in the wildlife, culture, and the many exotic fruits and vegetables of Sri Lanka—as were we. Working with [ETG], we developed an itinerary that, at journey's end, gave us a sense that we had chosen a company that responded to our needs.
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight her clients.
“For a truly magical experience, take an early morning safari in Wilpattu National Park. It’s quieter than some of the other parks, and the chance to spot leopards in their natural habitat is unforgettable.”
Holly
Sri Lanka Specialist
The Best Times to Go on a Family Holiday in Sri Lanka
The summer and Easter holidays are excellent times to visit Sri Lanka, when days are long and dry, and the South Coast is at its best.
Christmas in Sri Lanka works well, and the May half-term is warm and sunny with far fewer tourists and incredible deals.
During the school summer holidays, you can swap the South Coast for the East Coast for calmer seas and surf – though the weather is good island-wide during this inter-monsoon ‘green season’.
The only school holiday we’d generally avoid is the October half-term when rain is likely.
Summer Holidays in Sri Lanka
The UK summer holidays are an ideal time for a Sri Lanka family trip. The East Coast is at its best: calm seas, excellent snorkelling, and uncrowded beaches. It’s also peak time for wildlife sightings in Gal Oya and Wilpattu, and perfect for white-water rafting in Kithulgala. With lush green landscapes and fewer tourists in the interior, summer is a brilliant time for families who want something different from the usual Mediterranean escape.
Top Picks for Summer
Gal Oya: Jungle safaris and boat trips
Arugam Bay: Surfing, turtles and laid-back beach time
Kandy to Ella: Epic train rides and tea-country stays
Want a summer holiday with a story? Sri Lanka delivers.
Summer Itineraries
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants tailor every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
Showing 19 Featured Itineraries
Christmas & Winter Holidays in Sri Lanka
From December to February, the South and West Coasts enjoy their finest weather. It’s also a superb time to visit Yala National Park, explore ancient sites like Sigiriya, and relax in colonial hill towns. Festive celebrations are low-key but warm-hearted, and a world away from the usual rush. Larger hotels often offer special dinners or light festivities. Think tropical trees, not tinsel overload.
Top Picks for Winter
Galle & Tangalle: Golden beaches and family villas
Yala: Leopard safaris and picnic breakfasts
Cultural Triangle: Ancient cities and monkey-filled ruins
Skip the sleigh bells. Christmas in Sri Lanka is a gift of a different kind.
Christmas & Winter Itineraries
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants tailor every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
Showing 7 Featured Itineraries
A note on Christmas
Yes, you can skip the whole thing. Swap stuffing and screen time for a beachfront curry and the sound of waves under the stars.
But if you’d rather keep a little festive sparkle, that’s fine too.
Larger hotels often celebrate with Sri Lankan flair – think special dinners, lights in the palm trees, and the odd tropical Santa appearance.
Spring & Easter Holidays in Sri Lanka
It’s prime time. The weather is generally dry and warm in the South and West, ideal for cultural discovery and beach downtime. It’s also a great season for spotting elephants and leopards, and joining in with local Sinhalese New Year festivals. From wildlife parks to reef snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep all ages wide-eyed and busy.
Top Picks for Easter
Uda Walawe: Baby elephants galore
Hiriketiya: Cool surf towns with a family vibe
Colombo to Kandy: Temples, trains, tuk tuks and treats
Looking for adventure, culture and calm in one holiday? Easter nails it.
Easter & Spring Itineraries
Crafting bespoke holidays is the core of what we do. With each bespoke trip, our consultants tailor every element to you, from travel times to guides, from hotels to illuminating experiences.
Showing 15 Featured Itineraries
The Finest Family-Friendly Hotels in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is bursting with family-friendly hotels and villas. Our specialists can recommend which ones are right for you and your brood (including those with a refreshing pool – our top tip for multi-generational holidays). Here are a few of our favourites: from seriously cool camps where you’ll be at one with nature to gorgeous villas with plenty of space.
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
The Best Places to Go on a Family Holiday in Sri Lanka
The top destinations in Sri Lanka for families are the National Parks – where exotic leopards prowl, elephants amble, sloth bears snooze and butterflies flit overhead. Choose between Yala, Wilpattu, Uda Walawe (famed for baby elephants), or our favourite: Gal Oya.
Sri Lanka’s southern coast is great for surfing, whale watching and stretching out on the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean. For utterly untouched coves, head to the East Coast. (We know the best beaches to visit depending on the time of year you go, so you can swim, surf and spot turtles safely).
Far from the tourist trail, Puttalam and the Knuckles region offer off-the-beaten-track discovery and eye-opening cultural experiences. Kithugalla is the place for active adventures like white-water rafting, which will thrill even the trickiest of teenagers.
But there are many more magnificent places in Sri Lanka that suit families… almost too many to mention. For the full low-down, chat to one of our specialists for personalised recommendations.
From Our Travelogue
Important FAQs about Family Holidays in Sri Lanka
Ideally, book 6–9 months in advance for the best flight rates and family-friendly hotels, especially during school holidays. Last-minute trips are possible too, but options may be limited. If you’re looking to travel over Christmas, Easter or summer, earlier is always better.
Very much so. It’s fantastic for children of all ages. With clever pacing and expert planning, everyone will enjoy wildlife, trains, temples and beaches without it feeling like hard work.
Great. Multi-generational trips are some of our favourites. We’ll adapt the itinerary to suit different ages and energy levels, making sure to weave in just the right amount of experiences.
Yes – completely. We stay closely connected with our fantastic team on the ground in Sri Lanka, and we always monitor the latest guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO). If anything shifts before or during your holiday, you’ll be the first to know. We’re here to handle the faff so you don’t have to.
It is. Experience Travel Group is fully bonded under both ABTA and ATOL schemes, which means your money is 100% safe with us. You’re covered before, during, and after your holiday. Peace of mind comes as standard.
We don’t sell insurance, but we’ll absolutely point you in the right direction with honest, practical advice on what you’ll need. As for visas, most travellers do need one for Sri Lanka, but the process is quick and easy online. We’ll talk you through it if you’d like a hand.
Not on our watch! Our Travel Team will make sorting your family holiday a breeze. We’ll make sure the travel works, the hotels suit your needs, and there’s enough downtime to keep everyone upbeat. You just tell us what you need – and we’ll do the legwork.
Download Your Complimentary Guide to Family Travel
You’ll receive five emails from us as well as the guide you requested. They will be inspiring, helpful content about holidays in this country with ETG. You’ll then be added to our weekly newsletter list, but you can always unsubscribe using the link in any of our emails.
