Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka with Kids?

is Sri Lanka is safe for families?

We are huge fans of Sri Lanka. Our love for this beautiful country started over 10 years ago when we arrived for a quick 9-day visit with the plan to get legally married… perhaps a story for another post!

We loved the people, the culture, the food, the beaches and pretty much everything, so we were keen to get back to Sri Lanka and take our kids this time for a longer trip.

Sri Lanka gets a bit of a hard time in the media so this post is looking to discuss if Sri Lanka is safe for families. Obviously, decisions we make as a family are our decisions that we feel comfortable with and it’s up to you to do the same for your family.

But for us, it was safe to travel to Sri Lanka with kids and it is one of our all time favourite destinations.

Sri Lanka festivals with kids — The festivals in Sri Lanka are well worth a visit.

Sri Lanka’s History and Resilience

Sri Lanka has a complex history, having faced colonial rule, a long civil war, and the devastating 2004 tsunami.

Despite these challenges, the country is incredibly resilient and has been moving forward since the civil war ended in 2009.

Whilst poverty is evident, the locals approach life with warmth and optimism, making the experience of visiting even more meaningful.

Safety Considerations: Health, Wildlife, and Roads

While it’s natural to be cautious when visiting a new country with kids, we’ve found Sri Lanka to be very safe overall. Here are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth trip:

Health and Hygiene

Low Malaria Risk: One of the significant health advantages of traveling to Sri Lanka with your family is the low risk of malaria. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Sri Lanka as malaria-free in September 2016. Which means no anti-malarial- woohoo!
Vaccinations: Whilst it’s each to his own; medical advice recommends staying up to date on basic vaccinations like tetanus, hepatitis, and typhoid. Rabies is optional, but you might consider it if your kids love getting close to animals.
Dengue Precautions: Mosquitoes do carry a risk of dengue, so bring plenty of mosquito repellent. Cover up in the evenings, use nets if available, and stay vigilant for symptoms like high fever and headaches.
First Aid and Local Healthcare: Keep a basic first-aid kit handy (think plasters, antiseptic wipes, tape, and antihistamines), though you’ll find most essentials in local pharmacies. We’ve had positive experiences with healthcare here, and costs are low if you do need to visit a doctor or clinic.

Check with your Foreign office for the most up to date advice

AUSTRALIA

What to do if you get sick when traveling

Animal Safety

Monkeys and Street Animals: Monkeys, stray dogs, and cats are common in cities and towns. Our advice? Don’t feed the monkeys, as they can be a bit aggressive. And although they’re cute, avoid direct contact with stray animals to stay on the safe side
Wildlife Encounters: Sri Lanka is fantastic for wildlife, but remember that you’re sharing space with the local animals. In the national parks, you might spot elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Most of these are not going to venture into your hotel room but it’s worth being aware that smaller visitors might.

A monkey visiting our hotel, watch out for the animals but its generally safe to travel to sri lanka with kids

Road Safety and Getting Around

Sri Lanka’s roads can be hectic, and while the country has improved its infrastructure, we found driving to be an adventure in itself!

Hiring a car with a driver is a great option for stress-free travel, especially if you plan to explore more remote areas.

Public transportation (like the iconic train routes) is also family-friendly and was our prefered way to get around. For local trips, tuk-tuks are affordable and a fun way to get around, but keep an eye out for traffic.

How to get around Sri Lanka

Festivals and Crowds in Sri Lanka: What to Know Before You Go

Sri Lanka’s festivals are deeply rooted in the island’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions, making it a colourful and culturally rich destination year-round.

Attending a festival in Sri Lanka can be an incredible way to experience local life up close, but these events often draw large crowds.

Navigating Festivals with Kids
Crowds at festivals can be overwhelming for kids, and parents trying to navigate them. We always arrange a meet up point should anyone get lost.

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka: Tips for Families

While we’ve found Sri Lanka very safe, here are a few tips to keep in mind, which you can almost apply to any destination:

Stick to Bottled Water: Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bottled or filtered water is essential. Use it for brushing teeth as well.
Secure Your Belongings: Credit card fraud can occur, so keep an eye on your card during transactions and use ATMs in reputable banks or hotels.
Plan for Sun Protection: Sri Lanka’s tropical heat is no joke. Stock up on sunblock, hats, and light clothing to keep the family comfortable. It’s not the easiest thing to find away from the city so be prepared.
Insurance: While healthcare is affordable, having travel insurance is a good safety net for peace of mind. Providers like World Nomads, Safety Wing, and Big Cat Travel Insurance offer flexible options for family travel.

Why you should take the kids to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s appeal lies in its diversity—within a few hours, you can go from surfing at pristine beaches to exploring ancient temples, hiking through tea plantations, or going on an affordable safari.

It’s relatively compact (about the size of Ireland), which makes getting around manageable. And thanks to two monsoon seasons from opposite directions, you can find great weather year-round simply by choosing the right coast.

The people of Sri Lanka are incredibly welcoming, and they genuinely adore children, which makes for a very family-friendly atmosphere.

From homestay hosts to strangers on the street, we found kindness and hospitality everywhere.

Pristine Beaches for surfing, snorkelling and swimming

Sri Lanka boasts some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches, with something to offer for every type of traveler. Along the southern coastline, you’ll discover beaches like Mirissa, where you can relax on soft, golden sands and enjoy the calm waves (maybe hit a cool beach bar…if you are hip!).

The kids voted this beach one of the best for sandcastles too. However, take note that the waves can get quite big, so keep a close eye on the little ones.

Snorkeling along the south coast will provide lots of opportunity to spot turtles!

The waves are something to be aware of at all beaches especially with kids.

Where to Surf in Sri Lanka With Kids

Sri Lanka beaches — Sri Lanka’s beaches are some of the best we have ever visited.

Sri Lanka safaris with kids

When it comes to wildlife adventures, Sri Lanka has something special for families. Yala National Park is probably the most famous for its resident (yet elusive) leopards, but it’s also one of the busiest.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience with these gentle giants, consider places like Habarana and Minneriya and take a look at our dedicated safari post here and for more information on the different parks take a look at this guide.

With wildlife being so close, they may cross that invisible boundary and wander into human territory. Watch out for monkeys, some can be vicious, DO NOT FEED THEM, and avoid eye contact as this can be threatening.

You could encounter snakes, scorpions, lizards, geckos but as with most animals, they generally want nothing to do with you.

safari in Sri Lanka with the kids — Visiting the elephants near Sigiriya with the kids was a great experience

Scenic Trains to Ride

Train travel in Sri Lanka is easy, cheap and an efficient way to travel around the country. Most routes can be booked online the official Sri Lankan train site.

The train journey from Ella to Kandy is often described as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. You’ll find yourself chugging through lush, green mountain passes and tea plantations, providing a visual feast for the whole family.

But you will need to book your seat as far in advance as possible as it’s an instagrammers dream. Check out Seat 61’s advice for his train route.

However, keep in mind that this route can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. So, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance, ensuring you secure a spot with a view.

These trains often have open doors so watch little ones moving around the trains.

Mountains and Hiking for little legs

If your little ones are up for some adventure, there are fantastic mountains in Sri Lanka that are manageable for them. Little Adam’s Peak in Ella is a great choice. To make it easier, you can take a tuk-tuk part of the way, and then it’s just a short walk to the summit.

Another must-visit is Sigiriya, with its iconic ancient rock fortress. While it might seem challenging, it’s doable even for young kids, and the breathtaking views from the top are worth every step.

For an insider’s tip, climb Pidurangala during sunset; it’s a shorter and less crowded ascent than Sigiriya, offering an equally incredible view of the surroundings.

Talking to Kids About Sri Lanka’s Past

Sri Lanka’s history of conflict and recovery can raise important questions for children, especially when they see remnants of the past in cities or hear stories from locals.

We’ve approached this by focusing on resilience and the beauty of peace—pointing out the progress the country has made while acknowledging the struggles.

As with similar conversations we’ve had in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Bosnia keeping it simple yet respectful is the way to go.

Family-Friendly Factors for your trip to Sri Lanka

Short Distances and Convenient Travel

One of the best things about Sri Lanka is its compact size, making it incredibly easy for family travel. Most destinations are within a relatively short distance from each other, so you spend more time exploring and less time commuting. We used public transport for our trip around the island but you can also hire private drivers.

Some driving is slightly on the wild side, and whilst roads are generally not particularly busy, speed can be a factor (especially on the south coast buses). Be sensible and aware when crossing or travelling by car or bus.

a girl riding a public bus in Sri Lanka — We felt safe in Sri Lanka using public transport, in fact, we loved it!

Colombo: An easy introduction to Sri Lanka

Arriving in a new country can sometimes be overwhelming, unlike some other Asian cities, Colombo offers a more relaxed and gentler introduction to Sri Lankan life.

Warm and Welcoming Locals

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Sri Lanka is its people. Throughout our entire journey, we didn’t encounter a single grumpy person! The locals have a genuinely happy and relaxed outlook on life, which is contagious. This positive attitude extends to interactions with kids. Everywhere we went, our girls were met with open arms and friendly smiles.

On our first trip to Sri Lanka, we were chased down the road by a man, desperate to talk to us. Having just come from India, we just kept walking but eventually had to stop, he was so persistent. We turned around to a big smile and the man said ‘Welcome to Sri Lanka, thank you for coming’ and walked away!

Kid-Friendly Food

Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavourful adventure, but it’s true that some dishes can be a bit spicy for young palates.

Not to worry, though! Many places, especially in tourist areas, offer kid-friendly alternatives. Pancakes, omelettes, pasta, pizza, and chips are easy to find

And let’s not forget the hoppers—these bowl-shaped pancakes are a unique treat worth trying. If all else fails, there’s loads of tropical fruits and plain rice.

You can read all about Sri Lankan food for kids here.

Budget friendly

Sri Lanka has something for every budget. It’s generally not one of the cheapest destinations to get to, especially if coming from Europe or the US but once in Sri Lanka, your money can really stretch.

Budget considerations are always important for families, and Sri Lanka offers excellent value for your money. While it’s not as inexpensive as some other Asian countries, your Western currency still goes a long way.

For instance, train travel, which is a fantastic way to explore, is very affordable. A first-class train ticket from Colombo to Galle, for example, costs just Rs800 (approximately GBP4).

Family-Friendly Accommodation

Sri Lanka boasts a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options, making it easy to find a perfect fit for your travel needs.

From cozy homestays to hotels and guesthouses with gardens or pools, there’s something for everyone.

Family rooms are pretty common, usually consisting of two double beds but it’s also cheap enough to book more than one room. You’ll find quiet homestays for under GBP20 per night as well as luxurious boutique options for a splurge.

Fancy some beach front accommodation in Sri Lanka?

Easy Visa Process

Apply for your visa online, do it through the official website to save yourself spending unnecessary money on an agent but make sure you read our guide to arranging your visa FIRST!

When to Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region you’re planning to explore:

October and November: These months are usually wetter, but they’re also great if you’re looking for fewer crowds.

December to March: Ideal for the west and south coasts, including Colombo, Galle, and Mirissa.

April to September: Head to the east coast and regions like Arugam Bay.

so, is it safe to travel to sri lanka with kids?

What is truly remarkable about Sri Lanka is its ability to bounce back from these hardships. The country has demonstrated incredible resilience.

Before the pandemic, tourism was flourishing in Sri Lanka, with travelers from around the world visiting to explore its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent challenges, including political unrest, created new obstacles for the country’s tourism industry. Sri Lanka has faced hurdles on the path to recovery, yet it remains a beautiful and welcoming destination.

Sri Lanka truly is one of our and the kid’s favourite destination. We have always felt incredibly safe and very welcome no matter where we went. We enjoyed the homestay experience where families treated us like one of their own and fed us until food came out of our ears.

We love Sri Lanka and can’t wait to go back…what is stopping you?

Our favourite family travel planning tools

Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility.
Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget