Sri Lanka
Pro Tips Before You Go
Buy a local SIM card when you arrive — reliable internet, and some apps require a local number.
Apply for an e-visa (ETA) online in advance to avoid long queues at the airport.
Download transport apps in advance: PickMe and Uber.
If you arrive in the evening, consider booking a nearby overnight stay before heading to the coast.
Sri Lanka’s trains are unforgettable, but not toddler-friendly. They can be dangerously overcrowded, with people hanging out of doors. We ended up in the baggage car, sitting on the floor — a crazy and memorable ride, but not something we’d recommend with small children.
Traveling with kids? Bring a small portable fan and mosquito repellent.
Helpful Apps
PickMe – For tuk-tuks (no haggling, set price, cash). Note: when we visited in 2024, some drivers refused to use it in “other drivers’ areas,” so you might need to meet them a bit away from your location.
Uber – Best for longer routes (set price, can sometimes be paid by card).
Uber Eats – For takeaway. Limited restaurant options in the towns we went, but helpful when you can’t go out. We actually found it easier that one of us went to a close by restaurant and asked for takeaway.
Family Friendly Play and Explore
Atha Safari Resort – Jungle setting with good food, friendly owners, and air-conditioned rooms. Perfect base for elephant safaris. Expect humidity and mosquitos all day.
Galle – Old town full of charm, with restaurants, pubs, and ice cream shops. Theo Vilje loved the animals roaming free — monkeys, snakes (in baskets), and peacocks. Walking by the ocean you’ll see the old fort, and it’s also possible to swim at the nearby beach. Local jewelry shops were a highlight for us — beautiful craftsmanship. Especially nice that it could fit both adult and toddler needs at the same time.
Turtle Beach, Hikkaduwa – Almost guaranteed turtle sightings in shallow water. Theo Vilje loved seeing them when we lifted him up close. Be prepared: tourists often get too close, so respect the rules on the signs.
Hikkaduwa Beach – Long, sandy beach with restaurants. The waves are often too strong for toddlers to play alone in the water, but Theo Vilje enjoyed hours playing in the sand, spotting hermit crabs, and kicking a ball. Squirrels where in our breakfast room, this was lovely for us, we could eat in peace.
Udawalawa National Park – Safari to see elephants, crocodiles, jackals, and peacocks. The beginning was stressful — too many jeeps crowding the animals. A German tourist we met even turned back in protest. Our guide found a quieter route, which made it magical. Theo Vilje loved the jeep ride and seeing elephants in the wild. But, the next time we go to Sri Lanka we will find another solution to this.
Transport
Tuk-tuks – Cheap, fast, and fun for short rides, but can be tricky with the app because drivers “guard” their areas. Sometimes you’ll need to walk a bit to meet your driver.
Cars/Uber – More expensive than trains, but much more comfortable for families, especially for airport transfers.
Trains – Budget-friendly but extremely crowded. We were prepared with food and water and managed sitting on the floor in the baggage car. Not recommended with a baby, even if you have a “used-to-travel” baby.
Other Notes & Tips
- The ocean currents and waves are often too strong for toddlers — expect to carry them in the water (We found some ocean-pools that worked nicely for him to dip in on his own)
Family facilities (playgrounds, kid-friendly hotels) are rare in Sri Lanka compared to Cambodia, at least on budget. Some existed but closed down. Budget stays open/close frequently, so check reviews before you book.
Street food and small local restaurants had the best food we ate in Sri Lanka — especially in the jungle and along the roads.
New Year’s Eve was quiet where we stayed (a jungle lodge) — just dinner and early bedtime, no big celebrations. Absolutly perfect, and what we wanted.
Locals were warm and welcoming everywhere, which made traveling with Theo Vilje feel very safe.
Vibe & Reflections
Sri Lanka felt like a true adventure — raw, beautiful, and unforgettable. The warmth of the people and the stunning nature will make us come back in the future.
Theo Vilje especially loved the animals — turtles, elephants, monkeys, peacocks, squirrels, and hermit crabs. He played in the sand for hours, kicked a ball on the beach, and lit up with excitement on safari.
Even though this trip felt more like exploration than “settling in,” we could easily have imagined ourselves living here too. The food, the kindness of the locals, and the slow rhythm of coastal life made it feel welcoming and comfortable.
We would love to return — to surf, to explore more beaches, more of the inland’s, and to experience an animal-friendly safari that keeps respectful distance. Sri Lanka is one of the few places that truly left us wanting more and more.
