For older children and adventurous teenagers, Sri Lanka offers a rewarding and unusual destination with plenty to do. Travelling here with babies might be trickier, as getting the right supplies can be difficult and the heat is often extreme, but all ages are catered for with our carefully selected hotels and private villas, and special itinerary which help you get the most out of family holidays in Sri Lanka.

When you think of Sri Lanka you think of elephants, and the Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park is an unbeatable way to encounter these remarkable animals. There isn’t much walking involved as you will travel by jeep, so it’s very enjoyable even with younger kids.

If you just want to unwind on the beach together there are many ideal luxury resorts on the south coast, and some excellent private villas, from where you can also go whale watching and visit a turtle hatchery– inspiring experiences for young nature lovers.

Alternatively, a stay at the central Horathapola Coconut Estate combines restful family time with hands-on experience in a working farm and is ideal when there are differing energy levels to accommodate! For something really unusual, stay at the parent-friendly Mudhouse retreat and learn traditional Sri Lankan cookery with the kids.

If your older ones are feeling intrepid then safari camping in one of the vast national parks provides adventure with enough comfort to keep everyone happy! The Borderlands Camp is ideal for teenagers keen on some genuine jungle exposure – proper tents right in the forest with kayaking, hiking, canyoning and abseiling on tap, and special family weekends where kids as young as four can get involved.

There are some really unique experiences to be had in Sri Lanka – chatting with local families as you ride through mountain plantations on the Tea Country Train is yet another we highly recommend  – making it a memorable destination for a family getaway.