Have you considered Sri Lanka..
Why?
Sri Lanka is tremendously family friendly. The island is incredibly diverse and comprises ancient ruins, colonial forts, beaches, wildlife reserves, tea estates and coconut plantations. Thanks to Sri Lanka’s relatively small size, many of these sights can easily be visited on a round tour and together they offer plenty to keep the youngest family members busy.
Sri Lanka doesn’t have water parks, theme parks and interactive museums. Instead, kids can absorb themselves in a different culture and have fun whilst learning as they soak up their unfamiliar surroundings. Sri Lanka’s beaches are perfect for sandcastle-building; however, kids might return home having learnt how tea is made and where rubber comes from. They might kayak on a lake or see elephants, leopards, crocodiles and bears in their natural habitat. Kids might learn a little too about Britain’s colonial history as they wander the atmospheric streets of Galle Fort, about Sri Lanka’s ancient cities or absorb Sri Lankan culture as they experience the hustle of a street market or experience a vibrant local festival.
Where to travel
Along with our preferred partners in Sri Lanka, I have suggested a great family itinerary.
After a long flight, the Wallawwa hotel is great for a first night's stay - an 18 bedroom beautifully renovated country house hotel set amongst tropical gardens and just 15 minutes from Colombo airport. Fully recovered from the journey, the next few days are spent in the historic Cultural Triangle. One of the region's newest boutique hotels is the Water Garden at Sigiriya - and a must visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock, a former fortress from the seventh century. The hotel has lovely pools and water gardens as well as spacious villas. After a few nights here, travel south to Kandy, a university town and home to the Temple of the Tooth - Sri Lanka's most sacred shrine. Our recommended hotel here is around an hour south of Kandy, set in acres of landscaped gardens in a former tea planter's residence. There are plenty of options for entertainment here - tennis, croquet, swimming and exploring by bike or taking a hike with a dedicated nature guide.
After a week in Sri Lanka, you will now travel to the Western Hill Country, and the brand new Nine Skies hotel - voted one of the best new properties in Sri Lanka in 2018 by CN Traveller magazine. It is best approached by train, with a 360-degree loop of track and spectacular views. There are tea factory visits, tea trails, waterfall swims and hill walks to take part in here. Yala National Park is the island's premier game reserve, home to a dense population of leopards, as well as elephants and sloth bears. Camping at the edge of the park is a magical once-in-a-lifetime experience that all the family will love, with family tents, wildlife art classes and animal identification games as well as the game drives to the spot the real thing. The summer months are ideal for spotting big game on safari as the onset of the dry season and die back of the bush in July and August makes them much easier to see.
Complete your circular tour of the island by travelling west along the cove-sprinkled southern coastline to Galle, a 17th century Dutch fort and a town with a cosmopolitan vibe. After sculpting sandcastles in the beach, take a guided bike ride along the scenic inland lanes, or a boat trip on Koggala Lake. It's possible to see whales and dolphins (Nov to Apr) and even visit local turtle hatcheries. Our accommodation here is Why House - all rooms can fit extra beds for children and the staff are so accommodating - arranging cultural shows, snake charmers and even an elephant visit at the drop of a hat!
Travelling in the quieter summer and autumn months represents excellent value for money as prices are lower and attractions much less busy. Hotels also promote special offers such as 3 nights for the price of 2 or children stay free. Get in touch now on 01803 898910 and we can start to plan your ideal family itinerary!