Sri Lanka, Christmas on the beach

For the Holidays, we planned a family trip to Sri Lanka, one of my favorite destinations so far. Why? Because of the beautiful nature, people, tropical beaches, curries, fresh foods and most of all: very child friendly.

We left from Brussels Airport early in the morning. Qatar Airways flew us through Qatar to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. We had a good flight, thanks to the friendly cabin crew and the baby cot hanging in front of us. Sun was chilling with the lovely crew, while we enjoyed some rest.

*Sun enjoying his baby cot during our Qatar-Airways flight*

WHAT DID WE BRING?

Babybed by Aeromoov
Easy Metrostroller by Ergobaby x Babymatters
Baby carrier by Ergobaby
Finn had his own backpack with some drinks, food and his DVD-player
Finn also had his Trunky Ride-On fire suitcase (soo good!)
Two suitcases to check-in
A backpack as hand luggage
One more hand luggage with pacifiers, babyfood, baby bottles, powder milk and medication just in case
We didn’t need any vaccinations
Reusable diapers and swim diapers from Bambino Mio
Mosquito net, child friendly spray and lotion for the bites (especially by night)

ALL SET, READY TO GO!

A driver picked us up at the Colombo airport at 1 am. It took us 3 hours to drive from Colombo to Unawatuna. We arrived around 4 am and went straight to bed around 5. With two little kids and the need to relax, we decided to rent a house with a pool by the beach. From there we had planned daily trips from the South of Sri Lanka till the Centre.

It was the best decision for us, because the kids felt at home. They had their own bed, we had a lovely swimming pool and were close to the most beautiful beaches, beach bars, surf spots, markets and a good spot for day trips to other destinations.

*Every evening we enjoyed the view at our beautiful home in Unawatuna*

PLACES TO GO IN THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE?

1. Surf – Dawata Beach / Mahatun Surf Point & cafe
You can find lovely bars, places to relax, eat fresh fish, have fresh fruits or just a coconut on the beach. Perfect for beginners to learn how to surf, friendly people and have a beautiful view

2. Galle
Have a walk around the fort, lots of restaurants, bars, coffeeshops and art. If you have the chance, go visit Galle by night! It turns into the most romantic and beautiful place. We had a romantic dinner in the Amangalla Hotel. Not just lovely food, but also a very beautiful hotel

3. Wijaya beach
Our favorite beach – nice food – beautiful view – thé most beautiful sunset and atmosphere. We also celebrated New Years Eve here and it was amazing. The owner has a beautiful yoga retreat up in the hills with transport to the beach on request (Sri Yoga Shala)

4. Merissa
Surfing, lovely foods and a calm place to stay
Beautiful bay to chill under a tree or in a beachbar – lovely seafood and child friendly beach

5. Sri Yoga Shala
The most Beautiful view and yoga early in the morning (from 7 am) – nice massage. My husband got a shiatsu massage by a blind man, must try! I did some yoga early in the morning followed by the best vegan lunch – they have a beautiful pool and soon to have rooms to stay

6. Udalawela National Park
From the South, we thought it would take us 2 hours, but it took us 4 hours to go and 4 hours back in one day (I know…). Finn threw up in the car three times, but the driver was sooo nice. The elephants were amazing. I Think we saw 15 elephants. I’d rather see them in their own habitat than chained

7. Idle Bike Tours
Lovely bicycle rides through the paddy fields. They have bikes for kids, and bicycle seats for children and babies. We enjoyed it so much, we came here twice. We did 12 km and 26km through the paddy fields and a rest at the lake. Halfway the guide makes you coconut drinks to keep hydrated

8. Chamerra Cycling
Here we did a lovely canoe ride through the mangroves (yes with Finn and Sun) – It took us 2 hours, but it was very worthy. We saw lots of Comodo Dragons, not my best friends, but the kids just loved it

9. Ella
Take the train to beautiful Ella through rice paddy fields and discover this beautiful historical city

10. Hundungoda Tea Estate
A Beautiful place to travel to through the paddy fields to arrive in this beautiful estate. We did a little tour on how tea and spices are made – It was raining like crazy that day, but it was so beautiful and relaxing

11. Jungle Beach
What’s in a name? It feels like you have to go through the jungle to get here, but it was so worth it – such a calm beach, but the most beautiful view – lovely beach bar – We spent New Year here, recovering from a little hangover

12. Kingfisher Beach
Nice food and drinks and music by night

13. Sugar Beach
Beautiful family beach

14. Stick Fishermen
You just have to see the real stick fishermen. Be aware that if you want to take a pic, you will need to pay

15. Turtle Beach
Adopt a baby turtle for a good cause

Chaminda was a lovely local who drove is around everywhere, so it’s good to ask a local driver to take you by tuk-tuk or by car to any place you like. The kids just loved the tuk-tuk, but we also took the bikes, a canoe and a motorcycle. Sri Lanka is just the perfect destination for adventure, wildlife, nature, lovely food, super friendly people and the most breathtaking beaches and views.

Some of my favorite pictures: