We all want a good-value holiday, but as each child is unique, it is rare that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ package deal will be enjoyable for the whole family. Creating a tailor-made Sri Lanka holiday won’t break the bank, and gives you more options for each element of your trip.

The best transport option for a Sri Lanka family holiday is to use a private English-speaking chauffeur-guide. Travel at your own pace in a comfortable a/c vehicle. Quality varies, so make sure your chauffeur-guide is an experienced driver and a licensed national guide.

Speaking to someone who knows Sri Lanka intimately will help you cut through the overwhelming options available online and guide you to the right choices for your family. They can also offer valuable health and safety insights. We recommend Red Dot Tours because of their 20-year experience and commitment to honest, independent advice.

Many Sri Lanka travel companies only recommend a limited number of hotels to families. There are a wide variety of hotels in Sri Lanka to suit young children, from beach resorts with lots of facilities to luxury campsites in the wilderness. Browse family-friendly Sri Lanka hotels.

Sri Lanka has 26 national parks across the country. Choose between snorkelling in a protected marine area, walking in a nature reserve with amazing views or going on a jeep drive in search of elephants, leopards and more. Whale watching is also possible.

Often, culture and history is too much for little ones – particularly if the sun is shining and there is a swimming pool at the hotel! But some historical sites in Sri Lanka are very accessible for young children, particularly the climb up Sigiriya Rock and the sensational Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

Sri Lanka is home to one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, according to Lonely Planet, and kids will love the views and the hustle and bustle of local life. Kandy to Ella, the full route, is almost six hours, so to stop little ones getting bored it is best to just do the most scenic portions – Nuwara Eliya to Ella, or Hatton to Nuwara Eliya.

There are so many amazing beaches in Sri Lanka, it can be hard to know where to begin. Some are peaceful, some are popular, surfing spots are in abundance, and there are endless opportunities for water-sports. However, not all beaches are safe for swimming, and different parts of the coastline come into season at different times of the year.

As well as the run-of-the-mill tourist hotspots, there are a wide variety of things to do in Sri Lanka for young children. Learn to play a Sri Lankan drum; go on a tuk tuk tour of Colombo; go white-water rafting, and carve your own traditional Sri Lankan mask.

Not all parts of Sri Lanka are geared up to provide food for children who are used to Western fare. Make sure you ask your holiday provider to recommend hotels with a good choice of child-friendly dishes, or places that are happy to create special menus for children.