2 Weeks in Sri Lanka - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Sri Lanka Family Vacation: Safaris, Temples & Beaches 

Parents and kids will delight in this two-week trip that's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You'll start with a tuk-tuk tour of Colombo, revel in historic Puranagama, explore palaces and fairy-tale towers in Ambuluwawa, try to spot elephants and leopards on a safari in Yala, and unwind on the beach in Weligama.

Your adventure begins in the old merchant quarter and temples of Colombo. After a transfer to Anuradhapura, you'll explore Buddhist shrines from the third century BCE, walk back in time with a visit to a recreation of an ancient village in Puranagama, and, if the youngsters are old enough, climb 1,200 steps to the Sigiriya Rock monument. Head to Kandy to explore the Royal Palace and delight in the traditional dances of a Kandyan cultural performance. Then on Day 5, climb into a fairy tale in the clouds at the mountaintop tower of Ambuluwalwa before a scenic train tour to the delightful village of Hatton. 

Week two brings you to safaris at Yala National Park, where everyone will have childlike wonder if you catch sight of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, as well as sloth bears, elephants, jackals, and other wildlife. Wind down with the family (or frolic in the surf) at the end of your voyage on Weligama's enchanting white sand beaches. Historic Galle Fort, mosques, and mansions are yours to discover here, while a whale watching excursion will surely delight the whole family before your departure. Ayubowan! (the traditional Sri Lankan blessing of long life). Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Adventure in Sri Lanka: Pasyala to Tangalle 

Offering your family a mix of culture, ancient history, nature, and relaxation, this 14-day journey takes you to Minneriya National Park for safaris and the cultural capital of Kandy for exploring temples, the ruins of Polonnaruwa, and an orphaned elephant rehabilitation (be prepared for your kids to want to take one home). You'll feel like a kid again at the beach of Tangalle, count birds at the sanctuary, climb ancient Buddhist temples and shrines, and visit a sea turtle hatchery.

Jump into your trip with a safari at Minneriya National Park to spot monkeys, elephants, and more. Let the kids burn off some steam climbing up to, then through the giant carved lion's paws at Sigiriya Rock. Head south to the Hill Country of Kandy, where you'll hear the beat of traditional drums as you trek to Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth). A scenic train ride through waterfalls and tunnels, tea plantations, and mountains takes you to the colonial village of Nanu Oya. Your first week ends with a tour of a tea estate and an Udawalawe National Park safari to see water buffalo, monkeys, sambar deer, and of course, the impressive elephants. 

Next, transfer to your beachfront villa on the Indian Ocean. Children and adults will delight in the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary with over 150 species of birds. Climb to the temples of Mulkirigala to see ancient carvings and sweeping vistas over the tops of the jungle. A serene boat ride on Koggala Lake is next, to thrill at the monkeys and crocodiles. In the evening, you'll join sea turtle protectors and may be lucky enough to see a mother lay her eggs on the beach. Your trip concludes with three free days on the beach to do as much or as little as you'd like before bidding bon voyage. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Sri Lanka Family Wildlife Adventure 

If your family can't get enough of nature and wildlife, this action-packed two-week adventure will delight everyone. Treasure hunts in Galle, a Junior Ranger program in Yala, treehouse-style lodging, a trek to Monkey Mountain, and jungle night walks in Gal Oya National Park are just a few experiences that await your family on this quick-paced coast-to-coast tour.

Up first, immerse yourself in the 300-year-old walled city on the Indian Ocean, Galle. Transfer to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari led by a naturalist to help you and the kids spot birds, sloth bears, elephants, and, if you're lucky, the Sri Lankan leopard. You'll also visit young orphaned elephants at Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe National Park. On Day 4, you'll hike through tea plantations to Lipton's Seat to enjoy panoramic views of the lush hills. A picturesque railway journey toward Haputale will enchant the little ones. A bicycle ride to Kiri Oruwa Lake and a jungle night walk in Gal Oya National Park rounds out your first week.

For a taste of culture, introduce the family to the village chief of the Indigenous Vedda and trek through the jungle together. Then, hit the beach in Passikudah for snorkeling, bike rides, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and a night under the stars enjoying a kid-friendly outdoor movie. On Day 11, you'll head inland to Minneriya National Park to seek out elephants (and other wildlife). You'll take a bicycle ride through rice paddies around a hidden lake before a night hike at the Primate Center to catch a glimpse of the slow loris. Before you and the family leave, explore the hidden wonders of Sigiriya Rock and take a tuk-tuk tour of Colombo. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Sri Lanka Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other 14-day Sri Lanka itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.