If you're considering of visiting Sri Lanka with kids, read on since we just did so with our three children and are now sharing all of the information to help you plan!

If you're searching for a family holiday that is both exciting and relaxing, Sri Lanka has you covered! This place has it all: ancient temples, sun-kissed beaches with lovely pure seas, historical attractions, vast national parks, and more!

We're thrilled to share the beauties of Sri Lanka, its great people, amazing cuisine, and endless chances for adventure with you! Prepare to share some precious moments with your family on an exciting vacation around Sri Lanka!

Things to Know Before Traveling to Sri Lanka with Kids

There are a few things you should know before coming to Sri Lanka. Learn all you need to know about visas, immigration, and more below!

Visa requirements

Before traveling in Sri Lanka, ensure that you have the appropriate visa for your visit. The government provides three categories of visas: tourist, business, and resident. A tourist visa is required for your trip. It is essential that you apply for the appropriate visa category depending on your purpose for visiting Sri Lanka and how long you want to stay!

We applied for a Visa on Arrival when we arrived in Colombo. The Family Visa was valid for thirty days and cost $120 in total. The counter is located just before you walk through Immigration.

Immigration procedures

If you are concerned about passing through immigration when you arrive in Sri Lanka, do not worry. Simply make sure you have all of the essential documentation handy. These will contain your passports, visa acceptance letters (which you may obtain at the counter), and any other necessary papers.They are unlikely to request all of these items, but it is a good idea to have the information on hand in case.

Passport Visa

• Completed Customs Declaration Form Airline ticket.
• Evidence of financial means (we were not asked, but the site suggests you could be)
• Evidence of accommodation
• Any documentation detailing the objective of travel to Sri Lanka (e.g., business, educational, or tourism).
• Receipts from any things bought in Sri Lanka (for the travel home)
• Certified copies of prescriptions for any drugs carried (where relevant)
• Immigration agents are often kind and helpful; just follow these advice and be as prepared as possible.

Language

In general, persons who speak English are easy to locate in Sri Lanka, particularly in metropolitan regions and tourism hubs. Even so, understanding a few simple words in Sinhala or Tamil, the country's official languages, may be quite useful and improve your relationships with locals!

Culture & Customs

Sri Lanka's distinct customs and traditions generate a lively culture that is fascinating to explore and learn about. It is important for families, particularly those traveling with children, to be courteous and open-minded about local traditions. Simple acts of respect, such as taking off your shoes before entering someone's house or properly covering yourself while visiting sacred places, may go a long way.

Warm hospitality.

Sri Lankans are well-known for their warm and friendly nature toward guests, and as a family, you are sure to meet real warmth and generosity throughout your stay. Don't be startled if locals initiate talks or ask you to tea. If possible, welcome these contacts since they provide a fantastic chance to learn more about the local way of life.

Transportation in Sri Lanka with children

When you arrive in Sri Lanka, the first thing you must do is arrange transportation, and the easier this works, the better your vacation will be. It's crucial to consider your budget, however I can't emphasize enough how simple and convenient transportation is while traveling with children.

Private Cars and Vans

We flew into Colombo and took a private vehicle from the airport to our hotel in Unawatuna, which made the whole process incredibly simple! We had plenty of room to stretch around and enjoy the 2 1/2 hour late-night excursion. The vehicle was comfy, and the driver was one of the friendliest. We also employed the same firm to transport us from Kandy to the airport at the conclusion of our mountain trip. We then hired another private vehicle to transport us from Unawatuna to Ella, which took roughly three hours that day.

We strongly suggest this choice! Book your own private transport from the airport to your hotel here.

Rental Cars

While you may hire a vehicle, you should be aware that driving in Sri Lanka might be difficult, particularly if you have never been there before. The roads may be congested and tight, and local driving may vary significantly from what you're accustomed to.

Tuk-Tuks

This common means of transportation in Sri Lanka is a three-wheeled vehicle that can easily seat a small family. They're a great method to traverse the streets, particularly in cities and towns. You may also negotiate the fee before boarding! This was our favored form of transportation in the Unawatuna region. We traveled to the most of the area's beaches, Galle, and even all the way to Mirissa Beach via Tuktuk.