6. Meet the Elephants
10% of the world’s elephant population is concentrated on this small island!
The Asian elephant has played a central part of Sri Lanka’s culture and ecology for thousands of years – amazingly 10% of the world’s elephant population is concentrated on this small island! There are many ways where you can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures – you can even learn how to make paper from elephant poo at the Eliphus Maximus project!
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a family highlight and one of the most popular places to visit. This orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants was originally founded in 1975 to care for and protect orphaned elephants found in the wild. Visitors can watch the elephants bathing in the river and being fed.
Other elephant encounters can be had on an elephant safari at Minneriya National Park, where herds of up to 150 elephants gather and the Elephant Transit Camp in Uda Walawe National Park. In Uda Walawe you can stay at Elephant Trails.
7. Climb Lion’s Rock
Lions’ Rock
Located in the Central Province, the mythical ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock) is one of Sri Lanka’s most mind-blowing sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as the fortified capital for King Kassapa (477-95) after he had assassinated his father, there is little left of the original palace today but the views from the top of the rock, nearly 200 metres high, are breath taking.
Access to the top is via a series of zigzagging staircases, past detailed frescoes of over 500 semi-naked females dating back some 1600 years. A small plateau about halfway up boasts a gateway in the form of an enormous lion, which is where the name comes from. Nearby family-friendly hotels include Jetwing Vil Uyana and Aliya Resort & Spa.
8. Watch Whales Breach
As well as Blue whales, you can spot Orcas, Spinner dolphins and Sperm whales
Sri Lanka’s tourist board likes to boast that it is the only country in the world where you can see the biggest land animal, the elephant, and the largest marine mammal, the blue whale, in one day. Indeed the southern coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. The southern tip is surprisingly close to the deep waters of the continental shelf, where these giants swim. Nowhere else in the world do these incredible creatures come so close to land, or are so reliably seen. Here, you may be lucky enough to see dozens of whales feeding and even mothers and their calfs.
Numerous companies have set up shop offering trips to see the whales but we recommend choosing one such as Jetwing, an eco-tour specialist that ensures that their boat tours keep a comfortable distance from the whales so that they are not stressed. Parents should note that these boat trips are not short (contact your chosen operator for tour lengths) and so usually best suited to older children who are happy to spend hours at sea.
9. Visit the Kingdom of Kandy
Kings for a day in Kandy
Kandy, the easy-going capital of the hill country, and the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, sits 115km inland at a cool height of 500m. It served as the last capital of the Sri Lanka kings before being toppled by the British in 1815 (having previously held out against the Portuguese and the Dutch). Today it’s a lovely hill town surrounding by jungle (leopards have been known to step into town at night) with a picture-worthy lake in the middle and a gorgeous array of architecture.
Kandy is also home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha. Housed within the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom, tradition dictates that whoever holds this relic holds the governance of the country. Poojas (offerings or prayers) are held and dawn, noon and dusk daily during which time the room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. That said, you won’t see much as the tooth itself is kept in a golden casket shaped like a stupa. An annual festival, the Esala Perahera, is held in July and August to pay homage to the tooth.
There are some really lovely family-friendly hotels in Kandy including the excellent Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, Elephant Stables and Theva Residency.
10. Ride a Train in the Hill Country
Fields of tea
The rolling green hill country is simply beautiful. With mountains green hills, dramatic peaks and carefully manicured tea plantations it’s a world away from the steamy coastal lowlands. There are various ways to enjoy the area, and big kids and teens will love the adventure activities on offer, however one of our favourite activities is to travel by train.
The train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, a charming colonial town by the British in the early 1800s as a summer retreat, is spectacular. The track climbs through pine and eucalyptus forest, past tea covered hills and roaring waterfalls with breath taking views of the emerald green hills. Pack a picnic and grab a seat in the observation car, normally at the rear of the train, for the best views. Make sure to book in advance. For more information on train travel in Sri Lanka, take a look at the fantastic website The Man in Seat 61… If you decide to stay in Nuwara Eliya then Heritance Tea Factory, a family-friendly hotel set within an old tea factory, is a great option.
Comments