How to Orchestrate an Unforgettable Sri Lanka Expedition for Families with Young Explorers
Published by Travel Me,
Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, boasts a stunning array of lush tea plantations, golden sandy beaches and magnificent wildlife-filled jungles. It also showcases a rich cultural heritage with its ancient ruins, bustling markets and mouthwatering delicacies. The safe and friendly environment of the island makes it the ideal travel destination for families with kids. If you are travelling with youngsters, read on to discover a few things you could do to make your vacation memorable.
Sri Lanka Safari Adventures - Image via Flickr
Stay at Family-Oriented Locations
When choosing a hotel or resort to stay in, it is important to consider whether they will cater to your kids. For instance, check if there is a kids’ pool or a playground to keep them entertained during your trip. There are several Pasikuda hotels in Sri Lanka along with many others in different locations that would present you with a range of kid-friendly amenities. You should also ensure that the attractions you plan on visiting are easy to access in case your kids become restless during the journey. If visiting Pasikuda Bay is on your travel bucket list, staying at Amethyst Resort would allow you to pop in and out of your room for naps or other breaks.
Plan Exciting Wildlife Encounters
With Sri Lanka being a treasure trove of wildlife, it would be a pity if you ended your trip without allowing your kids to get up close to the animals! There is no doubt that your little ones would enjoy a safari at Yala National Park. This would make them feel like explorers while dashing through the wild and being on the lookout for playful elephants and elusive leopards. For a chance to feed some elephants and watch them being bathed, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You could even take them whale watching at Mirissa as you glide through the waves on a boat and catch sight of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins dancing in the waters.
Opt for Kid-Friendly Cuisine
Sri Lankan food is naturally spicy, but you could always request milder options for younger palates. If you would like to explore the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine, you can try tasty options like potato curry, dhal curry, or chicken curry. These dishes can be customised and prepared with mild spices to suit your preference. You could mix them up with some helpings of fluffy rice to dwindle the fiery flavour. Wash down your meal with a sweet dessert like wattalppam, a buttery pudding infused with creamy coconut custard, spices and nutmeg. Your kids might also enjoy biting into some juicy tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas or staying hydrated with some refreshing king coconut juice.
Observe Local Customs
Prep your kids on what they need to expect before their trip by showing them a few videos or reading books on Sri Lankan culture. You could also take them to watch some cultural performances like Kandyan dances or traditional drumming ceremonies. With vibrant costumes, live drumming and captivating choreography, your kids are in for an experience of a lifetime! These dancers can be found during the Kandy Cultural Show or the Esala Perahera. Be sure to check out the schedules of these events so that you can plan your vacation accordingly.
Capture the Memories
Capture your precious moments in Sri Lanka so that they can be looked upon and cherished in the years to come. Grab a device with a high-quality camera and snap pictures of everything you would like to record. You could even encourage your kids to take some photos and collect mementos like leaves, tickets or seashells that can be pasted in a travel journal.