Ours is a land that offers experiences that connect you with nature and wildlife, culture and heritage, traditional cuisine and communities of diverse ethnicities.

Here’s five reasons why Sri Lanka is perfect for your next family vacation.

Wildlife Encounters

As one of the best wildlife destinations in all of Asia, our island is blessed with diverse habitat, ecology and scenery across its many national parks. At Wild Coast Tented Lodge that borders the Yala National Park, our aspiration is to showcase the entire spectrum of nature from our geology to botanical diversity, the elusive creatures that roam the plains to the tiniest critters, the flora and fauna. But, that’s just part of the story. Witnessing elephants, leopards, sloth bears and more while on a safari introduces multiple aspects of the joys of the wilderness to kids of all ages. Take the time to explore, learn, respect and protect our natural resources. Your kids can also try out the Junior Ranger programme which is an immersive experience that will enhance their knowledge, open their eyes to observing tracks and wildlife, while gaining immeasurable insight into what it means to be a ranger of the wild.

Cultural Immersion

Steeped in the jungles of our surrounding landscape are remnants of civilisations past, ancient monasteries, archaeological sites and places of worship that date back to mythical eras of the gods. From the Cultural Triangle that comprises Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy where ancient kings ruled, to hiking to the summit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, a day trip to Nuwara Eliya exploring colonial architecture from Ceylon Tea Trails, there’s no shortage of making your vacation an immersive and purposeful experience as a family. Exploring kingdoms and temples, traversing across cobblestone pathways and landscaped gardens, and meeting the people of our island is free play on sensory experiences, a time to bond with one another. Here is an opportunity for your young ones as well as yourselves to learn, to discover our island’s heritage and perhaps gain a fresh perspective in a healthy and safe way.

Delectable Cuisine

Our cuisine is known for particular combinations of herbs, meats, vegetables, fruits and rices; which are highly centered upon the use of spices. Regardless of where your travels may take you across our island, you’ll come to find that our food has adapted over time to years of colonisation and foriegn influences while remaining distinctly our own. Rated as BBC’s top foods of the world, there’s something truly unique about island food from its delectable sweetmeats to the savoury everyday ‘shorteats’.

If you’re curious about authentic local fare and aren’t shy about being ravenous, you’ve arrived at the perfect island. Cape Weligama’s al-fresco village style breakfast at Kumbuk offers a taste bud-teasing spectrum of savoury, spicy, and sweet flavours. The experience is topped off with a cup of yaara the which is our most theatrical (and arguably delicious) way of making tea. Our Kids can Cook activity includes a collection of yummy, interactive and immersive culinary experiences for kids with a local twist, tailored for various age levels.

Marine Experiences

Plunge into the depths of the Indian Ocean to discover a hidden world of colour and life. Whether it’s snorkeling on the east coast amongst sea creatures and coral reefs, bodyboarding on the west trying to find your sense of balance, or better yet surf lessons for all on the southern waters, every experience can be customised for your entire family, in terms of both safety and enjoyment. The seas that surround our island are home to whales, dolphins, turtles as well as a plethora of fish and other marine species. If the idea of sighting the largest marine mammal in the world has been on your bucket list, here is your ticket to fulfill that wish on a whale watching excursion during your stay at Cape Weligama. Luxury boats at the resort can also take you on a SCUBA diving trip or a sunset cruise. The choice is yours.

Private Spaces

If you prefer to remain in a secluded environment while balancing the desire to travel along with your loved ones, opting to stay at boutique hotels and resorts is the way to do it. Embrace the beauty of our island whether you’re traveling in a smaller group of four or six, or extended to multigenerational groups of family. The suites and villas at Cape Weligama create the welcoming notion of a traditional Sri Lankan village. Generously-sized contemporary living quarters complemented by tropical gardens provides the ideal aura of a private space of your own. If you wish not to be disturbed, villa and garden clusters, or bungalows up in the hills at Ceylon Tea Trails are the best way to ensure not just privacy, but also the added security and ideal bonding time with you and your loved ones. Here is space dedicated just for you.

Family vacations give you the perfect excuse to break away from routine and open your eyes to a fresh hand of experiences that could impact your lives in a mindful way. The key is to take the time, slow down and enjoy being surrounded by your family.