A Traveler’s Guide to Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a popular family tour destination because of its unparalleled combination of stunning natural scenery with a deep history and culture. The island’s varied landscapes, which range from relaxing beaches and verdant tea plantations to bustling towns and historic ruins, provide an excellent backdrop for a wide selection of family-friendly activities. The beauty of the country is further enhanced by the friendly hospitality of the Sri Lankan people, who foster a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. An amazing family vacation is guaranteed by all these unique aspects of Sri Lanka, whether you’re looking for adventure or leisure with your loved ones.
The Best of Sri Lanka: Activities and Attractions for Every Traveler
A climb to Adam’s Peak
A climb to Adam’s Peak is an amazing experience ideal for a family vacation in Sri Lanka. The ascent of this holy mountain is revered by many different religions and offers a unique blend of physical challenge and spiritual enrichment. When you reach the summit, you’ll experience incredible views that will create lasting memories for your family holiday. The best time to visit Adam`s peak is to watch the Sunrise.
Go on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking a safari in Yala National Park is one of the best family travel experiences in Sri Lanka. The park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds, provides a thrilling and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The organized guided tours ensure the safety and the best sightings for your family.
Enjoy water sports and Whale watching
Along the southern coast, from Bentota to Mirissa you have the opportunity to do watersports such as diving, snorkeling, and surfing, guaranteeing fun-filled days for the whole family. Families can also travel to coastal villages like Mirissa, Trincomalee, and Kalpitiya, which are well-known for whale watching, for an incredible experience with these marine giants. Apart from Whales, you get to see dolphins, flying fish and turtles bringing a sense of wonder and excitement to an unforgettable family vacation in Sri Lanka.
Scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella
You can board the train from Kandy and the journey starts with stunning views that highlight the island’s natural beauty as you pass through verdant slopes and lush tea plantations. This journey is a wonderful excursion for families, full of opportunities to sit back, relax, and take in the surroundings. It creates moments of wonder and joy that will be cherished long after the trip is finished.
Visits to Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuaries
You’ll have the opportunity to see elephants up close in their natural habitat at the sanctuary. For both kids and adults, it’s an exciting and educational experience to join guided tours that offer fascinating insights into the lives of these gentle giants. Families can take in the peaceful surroundings, see a variety of wildlife, and learn about conservation efforts aimed at preserving these amazing animals. This unique opportunity provides a wonderful family vacation that leaves enduring memories of Sri Lanka’s beautiful Wildlife.
Discover our exciting family tour package to Sri Lanka and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and memorable experiences tailored for the whole family!
Immerse Yourself in the Marvels of Sri Lanka’s Turtle Hatcheries
Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches and rich biodiversity make it a perfect destination for families seeking adventure, education, and relaxation. Experience the wonders of the island’s turtle hatcheries, where you can witness the incredible journey of sea turtles and contribute to marine conservation efforts. With The Unique Travel Company’s affordable holiday tours to Sri Lanka, your family can enjoy unforgettable experiences without exceeding your budget. Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastal conservation and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Discover Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
A Jewel of Conservation on Sri Lanka’s South Coast
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa is a premier turtle conservation project on Sri Lanka’s picturesque south coast. This renowned hatchery is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, providing a safe haven where they can recover and thrive. Visitors can participate in educational tours and interactive exhibits, learning about the life cycle of sea turtles, the threats they face, and the hatchery’s crucial conservation efforts. Located in a beautiful coastal setting, Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in marine conservation and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka.
Key Highlights of Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
Rescue and Rehabilitation:
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa focuses on rescuing injured or stranded sea turtles, providing them with the care they need to recover. The hatchery’s team of dedicated experts works tirelessly to rehabilitate these turtles, ensuring they are healthy enough to be released back into the ocean. This essential work not only helps individual turtles but also contributes to the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Egg Collection and Nesting:
One of the hatchery’s primary missions is to protect turtle nests from predators and poachers. Eggs are carefully collected from nearby beaches and brought to the hatchery, where they are incubated in a safe environment until they hatch. This meticulous process is vital for the preservation of endangered sea turtle species, ensuring that future generations can thrive.
Hatchling Releases:
Visitors to Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa can participate in the exhilarating experience of releasing hatchlings into the ocean. This event is not only heartwarming but also crucial for the survival of these young turtles as they embark on their journey in the wild. Each release is a step toward sustaining the delicate balance of oceanic life and promoting biodiversity.
Educational Tours:
The hatchery offers educational tours that provide valuable insights into the life cycle of sea turtles and the importance of conservation. These tours are designed to raise awareness and inspire visitors to contribute to the preservation of marine life. By educating the public, the hatchery helps to cultivate a generation of informed and passionate conservationists.
Interactive Learning:
With interactive exhibits and informative displays, Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa engages visitors of all ages. Families can learn about the various species of sea turtles, their habitats, and the threats they face in an engaging and accessible manner. The hatchery’s educational initiatives aim to empower visitors with the knowledge to support sustainable practices.
Affectionately known as ‘Little England’, a city tour of Nuwara Eliya will allow you to see the interesting highlights and take in the splendid scenery of the distinctly English style city where the colonials used to escape to when it was too hot on the coastal plains.
And its little wonder why the wealthy tea pioneers chose Nuwara Eliya as their base. Situated nearly two kilometres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the highest city in Sri Lanka and experiences a far cooler climate than the rest of the island.
Its elevated position nestled among the lush rolling hills provides breath-taking scenery of the countryside with emerald green hills carpeted with Sri Lanka’s iconic tea plantations.
Ramboda Falls is one of the many beautiful waterfalls waiting to be discovered in Sri Lanka’s scenic Hill Country.
Located next to the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall, and is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque.
It is most definitely worth a stop off during your tour of the area given the stunning surroundings and countless photo opportunities that arise.
The waterfall itself is made up of three sections, the middle of which can be partially seen from the road. The other larger sections can only be fully seen by walking along the paths which take you down to the Ramboda basis, where there are a number of hotels, and you’ll see the full lower section of the falls.
The walk to view the top of Ramboda falls is somewhat more challenging but shouldn’t pose a problem for most people. Anyone who makes the walk up is well rewarded with the impressive views of the surrounding lush hills and the sight of the upper section of the falls which is clearly the most impressive of the three sections of Ramboda Falls.
If trekking the legendary Adam’s Peak sounds a bit too daunting, Little Adams Peak in Ella offers a much gentler option, standing about half the height of its big brother.
As you may have guessed, Little Adam’s Peak is named after the larger Adam’s Peak Mountain found in the centre of Sri Lanka, west of Little Adam’s Peak. The larger mountain was named after the footprint shaped depression in the mountain, the origin of which is said to be from Adam’s first footstep on earth, hence giving the name to the mountain. Little Adam’s Peak has a similar shape.
Adam’s Peak stands at over 2,200 meters tall whereas Little Adam’s Peak is a little over 1,100 meters high and has a much gentler climb up to the top.
One of the first attractions that comes to mind when you think of Sri Lanka is Sigiriya Rock – the colossal 650 feet tall rock fortress in Sigiriya. What few travellers know, however, is there is another large rock formation close by, with equally impressive views – Pidurangala.
While the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is overall more impressive and deserves its reputation as a ‘must see’ during any Sri Lankan tour, Pidurangala provides a great additional climb for those visiting the region for a couple of days or even an alternative for travellers looking for a less busy and cheaper climb with equally rewarding views from the top.