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26 inspiring holidays that will make you fall for Sri Lanka

26 inspiring holidays that will make you fall for Sri Lanka: Whether you want to relax on a palm-fringed beach or explore the Cultural Triangle, the teardrop-shaped island has plenty of options for gentle adventure. Our expert shares her favourites. For children, this experience-rich itinerary strikes a balance between gentle adventure and downtime, with stays in superb family-friendly boutique hotels such as Why House near Galle. This 12-night trip with the Sri Lanka specialist Red Dot Tours ticks off Kandy and the leopard-dense Yala National Park, though you’ll spend most of your time on the south coast between historic Galle (where cookery classes, cycling trips, lake boat trips and whale and dolphin-watching await) and Mawella, a soft-sand beach near Tangalle for sandcastle sculpting and playful dips in the sea. Details Twelve nights’ B&B from £3,200 per adult and £3,050 per child, including flights, experiences and a private guide (reddottours.com)

18 incredible holidays in India, from city breaks to spa retreats

The world’s most populated country has plenty to tempt, from diverse desert and mountain landscapes to atmospheric cities. Our expert has the pick of where to go. Family friendly trip to Kerala: With its beaches and boat trips, the state of Kerala is a good introduction to India for children. This family-friendly itinerary from Red Dot takes in mangrove forests, the golden sands at Marari (perfect for sandcastle building) and backwater cruises on a private houseboat. Digs en route include the charming luxury homestay, the Francis Residence in Cochin, and the Mundackal Plantation Homestay, on a working rubber and spice plantation. You’ll be taken around by a chauffeur/guide. Details Eleven nights’ B&B from £1,479pp (for children £2,050pp) including transfers and guiding (reddottours.com). Fly to Mumbai and take the train

Rajasthan For Families: What You Need To Know

Discover the magic of Rajasthan on an unforgettable luxury family journey filled with history, culture and adventure. Explore magnificent forts and palaces, wander through colourful local markets, enjoy exciting wildlife safaris and take part in traditional crafts and immersive cultural experiences. With carefully chosen family-friendly stays and activities for all ages, Rajasthan offers the perfect balance of comfort, discovery and meaningful moments for both children and adults.

Searching For Elephants In One Of Sri Lanka's Best Safari Lodges

This family trip to Sri Lanka takes in Uga Chena Huts on the edge of Yala National Park, weaving close-up elephant encounters, birdlife-rich safaris and beachside sundowners into a vivid family adventure. From tea country to the coast it takes the family across the island hill country to its wild southeast coastline.

Review: Sri Lanka the island that has it all

Mars Webb traces a journey from surf lessons in Weligama to leopard sightings in Yala, by way of tea-country hikes in Ella and a seaplane transfer over the southeast coast. Red Dot Tours guide Bandara is singled out for praise - "warm, funny and deeply knowledgeable" - for the insight and local colour he brought to the trip, setting the tone for the adventure that followed. 

Romance in Sri Lanka with Red Dot

Accompanying intro text:  Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine traces a route designed for romance with nights beside Sigiriya Rock at Water Garden, a quiet stretch of tea country at 98 Acres in Ella, then paddy fields, surf and a small six-room lodge at Tekanda on the south coast. Small, characterful places, each shaped around the couple and perfect for a truly special escape

Uga Ulagalla: An Unforgettable Stay Among Sri Lanka’s Wild Elephants

Kate Wickers explores Uga Ulagalla, a resort in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where guests are immersed in the country’s remarkable wildlife, particularly its wild elephants. Through encounters with Agbo, a famous tusker that regularly visits the property, she discovers the complex and often dangerous conflict between elephants and local communities. Uga Ulagalla’s conservation efforts, including its Elephant Conservation Centre, community fencing projects and work to promote coexistence between people and wildlife sit naturally alongside the region’s rich biodiversity, ancient cultural sites and unforgettable wildlife experiences.