Overview
Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for traveling with a baby. The island is beautiful, safe, and easy to navigate. From its pristine beaches and lush tea plantations to its vibrant wildlife, warm-hearted people, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka promises a holiday full of unforgettable memories with your little one.
Over the years, Travellers Isle has helped countless families create their dream Sri Lanka holidays. Below is a sample itinerary to give you an idea of our family-friendly tours. All our tours are 100% tailor-made, so feel free to message us to create a customized package that perfectly suits your family’s needs.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – 2 – Airport → Negombo
Look out the window—the small green dot in the middle of the Indian Ocean is Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, your tour guide will give you a warm welcome, assist with your luggage, and escort you to your beachside resort in Negombo.
You can spend your first day in Negombo simply relaxing with your family. If you’d like to venture out with your baby, just let your driver know—he’ll be happy to show you around. Perhaps a sunset boat safari in the Muturajawela Lagoon?
Travel time from the airport to Negombo: approximately 30 minutes
Day 3 – Negombo → Pinnawala → Sigiriya
Would you like to spend a few hours looking after a rescued elephant? It might sound like hard work, but it’s actually a fun and memorable experience. At the Elephant Freedom Project in Pinnawala, visitors can take part in the daily care of the elephants—helping to prepare their beds, walking them, and giving them baths. While your little one may not remember every detail as they grow, the joy and excitement of seeing these gentle giants up close will stay with you forever.
After your visit to the elephant sanctuary, your driver will take you to your next destination, Sigiriya.
Travel time from Negombo to Sigiriya: approximately 4 hours
Day 4 – Sigiriya → Ritigala → Sigiriya
Would you like to spend a few hours looking after a rescued elephant? It might sound like hard work, but it’s actually a fun and memorable experience. At the Elephant Freedom Project in Pinnawala, visitors can take part in the daily care of the elephants—helping to prepare their beds, walking them, and giving them baths. While your little one may not remember every detail as they grow, the joy and excitement of seeing these gentle giants up close will stay with you forever.
After your visit to the elephant sanctuary, your driver will take you to your next destination, Sigiriya.
Travel time from Negombo to Sigiriya: approximately 4 hours
Day 5 – Around Sigiriya
On the fifth day of your tour, if you don’t mind climbing a few steps with your baby, you may visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It’s best to arrive early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century, Sigiriya was the heart of King Kashyapa’s kingdom. The palace atop the rock features still-functioning water fountains, beautifully landscaped gardens, elaborate frescoes, and massive ramparts and moats—an awe-inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
Note: If Sigiriya feels too challenging with a baby, you can opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa instead.
Day 6 – 7– Sigiriya → Kandy
Enjoy a free morning in Sigiriya. You can relax at your hotel with your baby or take a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple. Afterward, your driver will transfer you to your next destination, Kandy.
Your two-night stay in Kandy is unscheduled, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You may visit the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Bahirawa Kanda Temple, or enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance show with your little one. All these attractions are just minutes from your hotel—simply let your driver know your plans, and he will be happy to assist.
Travel time from Sigiriya to Kandy: approximately 2.5 hours
Day 8 – Kandy → Ella
On the 8th day of your tour, your driver will escort your family to Ella, a charming village nestled in the mountains. Along the way, you can stop at the picturesque Ramboda Waterfall for a short break. Tea enthusiasts may also choose to visit a tea factory on the journey to Ella.
Upon arrival in Ella, you can relax with your baby and enjoy the breathtaking views from your hotel, or take a leisurely walk through the surrounding tea plantations.
Travel time from Kandy to Ella: approximately 4 hours
Day 9 – Around Ella
Enjoy a leisure day in Ella. You can simply relax at your cozy boutique hotel, or venture outdoors to explore the many attractions the area has to offer. Consider visiting Little Adam’s Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall, or even joining a cooking class to learn a few traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
All these activities are safe and practical with a baby. Simply let your guide know how you’d like to spend the day, and he will make all the necessary arrangements.
Day 10 – 11 – Ella → Yala
On day 10, you can spend the morning relaxing or exploring Ella. Afterward, your driver will take you to Yala, where the whole family can enjoy a thrilling jeep safari.
The afternoon is free for some rest and relaxation. On day 11, you can take an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park. You may spot buffalo, mongooses, jackals, water monitor lizards, peacocks, wild rabbits, crocodiles, sloth bears, and even leopards, creating unforgettable memories for both you and your baby.
Travel time from Ella to Yala: approximately 3 hours
Day 12 -13 -14 – 15 – Yala → Unawatuna
No Sri Lanka holiday is complete without a beach stay. On day 12, your driver will take you to Unawatuna, where you can relax by the golden sandy beach, enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and savor fresh seafood with your family.
If you wish, you can also visit the historic Galle Fort or a turtle hatchery with your little one, adding more memorable experiences to your beach stay.
Travel time from Ella to Unawatuna: approximately 3.5 hours
Day 16 – Unawatuna → Airport
As all good things must come to an end, it’s time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. If time permits, you may spend a final morning enjoying the ocean.
Your driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. If you appreciated his service, a small tip would be greatly appreciated.
We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Sri Lanka with your baby. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey!
End of the tour