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Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka


10 Best Places for Families to Live in Sri Lanka

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Sri Lanka.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Sri Lanka and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Sri Lanka.

Colombo

Colombo

Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a plethora of activities and amenities for international families. For children, the National Museum of Colombo offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that cater to young minds. The city is also home to several parks and recreational areas such as Viharamahadevi Park and Diyatha Uyana, which are perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, the Sugathadasa Stadium offers a swimming pool and gym facilities that are family-friendly. Additionally, there are several sports clubs such as the Colombo Swimming Club and the Colts Cricket Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, diverse food scene, and rich cultural heritage further make it an ideal place for international families to live.

"It is clean, people are more educated amongst south Asian people, nature is beautiful, weather is nice, great fruits and sea food," said one expat living in Colombo .

Kandy

Kandy, a city nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka, is an ideal place for international families to settle. For children, the Ceylon Tea Museum offers educational tours and interactive exhibits that provide insight into the history and production of tea. The city also boasts the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, a sprawling park with a variety of plant species, perfect for family outings and picnics. For those interested in sports and fitness, the Trinity College Sports Complex offers a swimming pool and gym facilities that are open to families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Kandy Sports Club and the Victoria Golf Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the Gateway College Kandy, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Kandy, highlighted by the annual Esala Perahera festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

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Galle

Galle, a historic city on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is an ideal choice for international families seeking a new home. For children, the Galle National Museum offers a range of educational programs and interactive exhibits that delve into the city's rich history and culture. The city is also home to the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a unique outdoor experience for families to explore. For recreational activities, the Unawatuna Beach and the Jungle Beach are perfect for family outings, picnics, and water sports. The city also boasts the Galle International Stadium, which has a swimming pool and gym facilities that are open to families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Galle Cricket Club and the Southern Sharks Swimming Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the British School in Galle, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The vibrant cultural heritage of Galle, highlighted by the annual Galle Literary Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

Negombo

Negombo, a bustling city on the western coast of Sri Lanka, is a good place for international families to settle. For children, the Angurukaramulla Temple offers an educational and cultural experience with its rich history and intricate architecture. The city also boasts the Negombo Lagoon, a vast water body perfect for family outings, boat rides, and bird watching. For recreational activities, the Negombo Beach Park is an ideal spot for picnics, beach games, and water sports. For those interested in fitness and sports, the Jetwing Blue Hotel offers a swimming pool and gym facilities that are open to families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Negombo Cricket Club and the Negombo Swimming Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the Lyceum International School, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The vibrant cultural heritage of Negombo, highlighted by the annual Negombo Cultural Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

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Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England" of Sri Lanka, is a charming city that offers a welcoming environment for international families. For children, the Pedro Tea Estate provides an educational experience with guided tours explaining the tea-making process. The city is also home to Victoria Park, a beautifully maintained recreational area perfect for family picnics and leisurely walks. For those interested in sports and fitness, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club offers a well-equipped gym and a renowned golf course that welcomes families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Nuwara Eliya Tennis Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the Good Shepherd Convent, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Nuwara Eliya, highlighted by the annual April Spring Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

Dehiwala

Dehiwala is an excellent place for international families to settle down. The city is home to the National Zoological Gardens, a must-visit for children, offering a variety of educational and interactive activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bellanwila Park is a great spot for family picnics and leisurely walks, while the Dehiwala Beach is perfect for a fun-filled day of sand and surf. The city also boasts several athletic facilities such as the Otters Aquatic Club, which has a family-friendly pool and offers swimming lessons for children. For those interested in sports, the Colts Cricket Club provides cricket training for kids. Additionally, the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council maintains several playgrounds and parks throughout the city, ensuring that there are plenty of recreational spaces for families. With its blend of cultural attractions, outdoor spaces, and sports facilities, Dehiwala offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for international families.

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Moratuwa

Moratuwa, a vibrant city in Sri Lanka, is an ideal choice for international families seeking a new home. For children, the city offers the National Museum of Colombo, which hosts a variety of educational activities and exhibits that cater to young minds. Moratuwa is also home to the Bolgoda Lake, a beautiful natural attraction perfect for family outings, boat rides, and bird watching. For recreational activities, the Moratuwa Beach is an ideal spot for picnics, beach games, and water sports. For those interested in fitness and sports, the Moratuwa Sports Club offers a well-equipped gym and a variety of sports programs that welcome families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Moratuwa Cricket Club and the Moratuwa Swimming Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the Lyceum International School Moratuwa, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Moratuwa, highlighted by the annual Perahera Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

Battaramulla

Battaramulla, a rapidly developing suburb of Colombo in Sri Lanka, is an attractive destination for international families. For children, the Diyatha Uyana, a beautifully landscaped park with a lake, offers a variety of recreational activities including boat rides and a children's play area. The park also houses the Waters Edge, which has a mini-golf course and a swimming pool that families can enjoy. The city is also home to the Sri Lanka Parliament Complex, which offers educational tours for children to learn about the country's political history. For fitness enthusiasts, the Fitness Kingdom is a well-equipped gym that welcomes families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Battaramulla Cricket Club that offer various sports programs for children. The city's international schools, such as the Horizon College International, offer high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Battaramulla, highlighted by the annual Vesak Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Ja-Ela

Ja-Ela, a bustling town in Sri Lanka, is an excellent location for international families looking for a new place to call home. For children, the Guruge Nature Park offers a range of educational activities and exhibits, including a dinosaur museum that is sure to captivate young minds. The park also features a mini zoo and a variety of recreational activities such as boat rides and a children's play area. Ja-Ela is also home to the Muthurajawela Marsh, a beautiful wetland reserve perfect for bird watching and family outings. For those interested in sports and fitness, the Ja-Ela Swimming Pool and the Ja-Ela Fitness Center offer well-equipped facilities that welcome families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Ja-Ela Cricket Club that offer various sports programs for children. The town's international schools, such as the Gateway College Ja-Ela, provide high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Ja-Ela, highlighted by the annual Vesak Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

Kadawatha

Kadawatha, a serene town in Sri Lanka, is a wonderful place for international families to settle down. For children, the town offers the Kadawatha Children's Park, a delightful space with a variety of recreational activities and play areas. The town is also home to the Kirillawala Watta, a beautiful natural attraction perfect for family outings and nature walks. For those interested in sports and fitness, the Kadawatha Sports Club offers a well-equipped gym and a variety of sports programs that welcome families. Additionally, there are sports clubs such as the Kadawatha Cricket Club and the Kadawatha Swimming Club that offer various sports programs for children. The town's international schools, such as the Lyceum International School Kadawatha, provide high-quality education, and the diverse food scene, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, caters to all tastes. The rich cultural heritage of Kadawatha, highlighted by the annual Vesak Festival, further enhances its appeal as a place for international families to live.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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