Is Sri Lanka safe for toddlers?
The word “safe” has a new meaning in 2022. I believe the time that the pandemic held us back is behind us. However, you might be wondering if Sri Lanka is safe to travel with a toddler when Covid19 is still in the background.
Sri Lanka faced many economic hardships during the Covid19 pandemic, but the country did extremely well on the health and safety front.
Sri Lanka is one of the most highly vaccinated Asian countries in the world. At the time of writing this article 77.7% of Sri Lankans have received at least one dose of a Covid19 vaccine, 64.0% of Sri Lankans are fully vaccinated, and 27.6% of Sri Lankans are boosted.
Thanks to the sacrifice and the commitment of the frontline workers, the country has managed to bring down the daily Covid19 deaths to single digits. I am optimistic 2022 is the year that we beat the Covid19 virus.
In addition to that, you do not need to worry about Malaria, Cholera and Rubella when travelling Sri Lanka. Dengue does still exist in Sri Lanka in very small numbers, but using a mosquito repellent and booking airconditioned accommodation will almost eliminate any risk of catching Dengue during your Sri Lanka trip. (Usually, you do not find mosquitos in airconditioned rooms.)
Sri Lanka is also a very peaceful country in which to travel. There are no wars and Sri Lankans are some of the most hospitable people in the entire world.
Though you should take reasonable care of your belongings, petty theft in Sri Lanka is less common compared to many parts of the world.
Overall, Sri Lanka is a nice and safe country to travel with toddlers.
1. Jeep safaris
I think any parent would agree that children hold a beautiful fascination for animals. Take the kids to a national park during your Sri Lanka trip, you are guaranteed they will love it.
There are 22 national parks in Sri Lanka. However, not all of them fulfill the criteria to be recommended as family friendly. In my opinion, Minneriya, Udawalawe and Yala national parks are the best national parks in Sri Lanka for families visiting with toddlers.
If your kids want to see wild elephants, Minneriya and Udawalawe national parks are the best for your Sri Lanka trip. If they want to see a greater variety of animals (including leopards), consider visiting Yala national park.
2. Short hikes in Ella
When I design tour itineraries for families, I always try to include two to three nights in Ella. This amazing hill country destination is known for its beautiful hikes that are perfect with young children.
Little Adam’s Peak and 9 Arch Bridge are the best hikes to enjoy with toddlers in Ella. You will need roughly 2 hours for each of these excursions when travelling with small children.
If you like, you may also visit Lipton Seat to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations and mountains. We recommend hiring a tuk tuk to get to the top, as it is a bit too difficult by foot.
3. Scenic train rides
Another amazing experience that you can share with your children in Sri Lanka is the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. Kids love watching out the train windows as the train rushes through tea lands and misty mountains. I am pretty sure the adults will be equally happy.
A word of caution: Book your seats well in advance. Train tickets become available for reservations 30 days prior to each train journey day (at 10.00 am). They often get fully booked within minutes.
4. Sunset boat safaris with toddlers
You should never skip an opportunity to see wildlife when travelling with toddlers. A sunset boat safari in Sri Lanka is one such opportunity.
If you are spending your beach stay in Bentota, you may enjoy a boat safari on Madu River. If you are staying in Tangalle, you may enjoy a boat safari through the Kalametiya sanctuary. Both of these excursions are filled with colourful birds and are highly recommended for families travelling with toddlers.
If your Sri Lanka tour is during the period May to October, you may also visit Gal Oya to enjoy a boat safari in Senanayake Samudraya. The luckiest observers will be able to witness elephants swimming in the Senanayake Samudraya Lake during this amazing boat safari.
5. A couple of historical sites
Do not shy away from the historical sites when travelling with toddlers. Kids will not be bored visiting an odd temple during your Sri Lanka trip.
I highly recommend visiting Temple of the Tooth with your child while you are in Kandy. It is one of the most enchanting temples in Sri Lanka. If you wish to make it a bit more fun, you may dress like locals with silk sarees and batik sarongs when you visit the temple. (There are plenty of stores in Kandy where you can buy traditional dress at an affordable price.)
Another historical site that can be easily visited with young children is Polonnaruwa ancient city. It is located just one and half hours away from Sigiriya. We recommend visiting this UNESCO listed world heritage site in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the sun.
6. Enjoy the beaches
Last but not least, make sure that you have plenty of beach time during your Sri Lanka holiday. Beautiful sunsets, snorkeling, sandcastles, fresh seafood, what’s not to like?
Generally speaking, the beaches in the southern and western parts of Sri Lanka (Bentota, Induruwa, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Dikwella, Mirissa, Tangalle, etc.) are the best for Sri Lanka trips during the period November to April. If you are visiting Sri Lanka during the period May to October, choose a beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka (Pasikuda, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, etc.) for optimal weather.