Children of all ages are widely welcomed and greeted with warmth which is often extended to those accompanying them. Sri Lanka’s beaches and wildlife are especially likely to appeal, and of course a visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Children can run free and never be a “nuisance” in Sri Lankan society. Sri Lankans are very patient with kids and think it’s perfectly normal to have kids running around, shouting and disturbing the peace. Afterall kids must behave like kids!!! So rest ensured, Sri Lanka a perfect destination for your next Family Holiday.

A few points to consider when traveling with children are:

Road Travel in Sri Lanka –Sri Lanka, to many, may be a small island but don’t be alarmed at the time taken to travel from place to place. Colombo to Kandy is a mere 144km but will take you a good 3 hours or more to travel. The roads are narrow and bypass many busy townships slowing down the journey. Kids can get restless and bored, so be prepared to keep them entertained during the journey.

Traveling in the hill country around Kandy Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawella, Elle, etc, the roads are again narrow, winding and bumpy roads. Coupled with the effects of high altitude, kids as well as adults who are not good travelers will find the journey uncomfortable and tiring. It’s worth bringing your stock of traveling meds to ease the traveling sickness.

Care should be taken when traveling to remote areas where health services are primitive since children may tend to become ill more rapidly than adults. Many of the 3 star plus hotels will have doctors that are registered on an on-call basis for any emergencies. The medical treatment and facilities in the majoy cities are good and the doctors very experienced.

Extra care must be taken to protect children from the strong sun by using high factor sun cream, hats, umbrellas, etc, and by avoiding being out in the hottest part of the day. Cool showers or baths help if children get too hot. Dehydration may be counteracted with plenty of drinking water (bottled water).

Mosquito repellent is a must. Mosquito nets and electric insect repents at night may be

provided in hotel rooms and is a good idea to use them.

Wet wipes and disposable nappies are not readily available in many areas but may be ready available through the larger super markets found in the major cities. Stock up well on necessities for very young children.

In the big hotels there is no difficulty with obtaining safe baby foods and many hotel staff and chef will make a baby food on request and offer it to you on complementary basis. For older children, tourist restaurants will usually have a non-spicy alternative to Sri Lankan curries. Grilled or fried fish or chicken is a good standby, often served with boiled vegetables, as are eggs. Fruits are an extra snack and Sri Lanka offers an incredible range of tropical fruits to enjoy. Toast and jam is usually served for breakfast and hoppers with eggs are another great local delicacy they may enjoy.

Frizzy drinks are widely available, although king coconut is a healthier and cheaper alternative. Bottled water is available everywhere.

Many hotels and guesthouses have triple rooms, at little or no extra cost to the price of a double, or you can ask for an extra bed. The biggest hotels provide babysitting facilities.