Anyone been to Sri Lanka with kids?

[mothercourage]

We're going for 3 weeks over Christmas. Just wondering if anyone has any hot tips or advice that would make the trip easier (we've got a 5 year old and a 1 year old baby).

We're thinking of bypassing Colombo. We haven't actually booked accommodation (have left it very late, I know) but thinking of something like Bentota-Galle-Marissa-Kandy. Wondering if the elephant orphanages will be fascinating for kids or likely to scar them for life - have read mixed reports about them.

Any pointers would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance...

[pilsbury]

haven't ever been with children, but we went to SL about five years ago and absolutely loved it tho it was on a nice kuoni trip and invovled lots of bumpy jeepm travel, not so good for kids! BUT what i wanted to say that we did go to the pinnawela (sp?) elephant orphanage and i loved it there and am sure your children would do too - no animal cruelty that i could see and a real once in a lifetime experience getting so close to the animals..

[ClareC]

I second pinwala, it's lovely! Perfect for kids and adults! There is a turtle rescue place near Bentota (towards Galle) that would be good too.

The stilt fisherman in Galle worth seeing too and there was a glass bottom boat trip there too which would be children friendly.

[mothercourage]

Ok great. Some good recommendations. Anyone been to Yala National Park. Wondered what the safari trips are like?? Will def do a turtle and elephant adventure somewhere along the way.

Is it a ridiculous idea to take a car seat with us for our one-year old?

[uptime]

I haven't been to SL recently, but have just been to Italy and we did not get a car seat in the right size for our toddler at the airport pick up (despite having been assured of it by a highly reputable kid-friendly travel agent when we booked). So I definitely don't think taking one is ridiculous. It will probably be a necessity. At least in Italy, the taxi driver was able to beg one in the right size off one of his mates, but in SL I very much doubt you will have that luxury. Can you take one that you can use as a buggy seat so you're not carrying two bulky items?

[mothercourage]

Thanks uptime, I'll see what I can do.

[Queenie23]

I have PMed you.

[Nikkikf]

Hey,

We've been a few times with the kids, so I'll PM you but we did take a maxi cosi for our then 4mth old and a trunki back pack seat for our 4yr old.

Thoroughly recommend it!!