George Boyle
Sri Lanka is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, just south of India. It is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a mix of culture, history, national parks, wildlife, beaches, and culinary delights. With a tropical climate, warm temperatures year-round, and a variety of romantic accommodations, it is a great choice for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences. From exploring temples and tea plantations to spotting elephants and leopards in their natural habitat, Sri Lanka promises an unforgettable honeymoon filled with diverse and captivating experiences.
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What You'll Learn
Adventure, wildlife, and nature
Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, packed with heritage, culture, history, national parks, wildlife, and beautiful rugged beaches. It is a great destination for honeymooners seeking adventure, wildlife, and nature.
Adventure
For an adventurous honeymoon, Sri Lanka offers plenty of options. The coastal town of Bentota is known as the water sports hub in southern Sri Lanka. The sacred mountain of Adam's Peak offers a breathtaking sunset view. The journey starts in the middle of the night with a guide to reach the summit in time for sunrise. The train journeys in Sri Lanka are also Instagram-worthy.
Wildlife
Sri Lanka is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five": the Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, blue whale, and sperm whale. Yala National Park and Uda Walawe National Park are known for their elephants, while the north coast's Kalpitiya peninsula is excellent for spotting cetaceans. Horton Plains National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the Sri Lanka Myna and Blue Magpie. Udawalawe National Park is another excellent spot for elephant spotting, and Yala National Park offers the chance to catch a glimpse of leopards.
Nature
The island boasts a mix of rugged beaches, scenic hiking trails, and national parks. The southern coast, including Hikkaduwa, Galle's Unawatuna, Tangalle, and Arugam Bay, offers pristine beaches and surf spots. The south coast is also known for its unspoiled paradise beaches. The hill country, including Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's highest town, and Ella, a magical mountain escape nestled in the central highlands, provide a peaceful escape. Kandy, nestled amidst three mountain ranges, offers a blend of history and nature. The town of Negombo, often called "Little Rome," has a strong Catholic influence and is surrounded by nature.
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Food and drink
Sri Lanka is a foodie's paradise, offering everything from delicious street food to fine dining. The capital, Colombo, is a great place to start your culinary journey, with its vibrant food scene and talented international and local chefs. The city is known for its seafood, and one of the best spots to indulge is the renowned Ministry of Crab, which was named one of Asia's 50 best restaurants in 2018. Set in a 400-year-old Dutch hospital, this restaurant serves delectable crab dishes. For a romantic dinner, head to Cape Weligama, where you can enjoy expertly grilled seafood and bold Sri Lankan flavours, paired with handcrafted cocktails like the Bumboo, a decadent mix of dark rum, cane sugar, and bitters.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, consider a stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, set in the misty highlands. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of tea and enjoy the colonial atmosphere. Another foodie destination is Galle, with its UNESCO-listed Galle Fort boasting charming cobbled streets lined with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. For straight-from-the-ocean seafood, head to the southern town of Unawatuna, where you'll find an array of beachside restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine and fresh seafood.
For a truly exotic dining experience, consider a leopard safari followed by an intimate dinner at one of the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort's four restaurants, which blend Sri Lankan flavours with international cuisine. And don't forget to try the local street food, with its variety of halal options, and indulge in the many varieties of delicious tea that the country has to offer.
When it comes to drinks, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer beyond just tea. The country is known for its rum, and you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails like the Bumboo, made with dark rum, cane sugar, and bitters. You'll also find a variety of local beers and wines to enjoy, and don't forget to try the fresh tropical fruit juices and smoothies! However, it is advised to stick to bottled water instead of drinking tap water.
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History, culture, and temples
Sri Lanka is a country steeped in history, culture, and religious sites. The island country is located in the Indian Ocean, separated from India by the Palk Strait. It has a rich and long history, with a documented history of over 3,000 years and prehistory going back 125,000 years and possibly even 500,000 years.
The early inhabitants of Sri Lanka were likely the ancestors of the Vedda people, an indigenous group with approximately 2,500 living in modern-day Sri Lanka. The Wanniyala-Aetto or Veddas, a hunter-gatherer people, are probably the direct descendants of the first inhabitants, Balangoda Man, and still live in parts of the island today. The earliest documents of settlement on the island are found in the national chronicles of the Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa, and Culavamsa. According to these sources, the preceding inhabitants of Sri Lanka were said to be Yakkhas and Nagas.
The arrival of Prince Vijaya, a semi-legendary prince, in 543 BCE established the Sinhala Kingdom, beginning the historical period of Sri Lanka. During the Anuradhapura period (377 BCE–1017), Buddhism was introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka. The influence of Dravidian culture on Sri Lankan politics and trade began around this time, and South Indian attempts to usurp power motivated by lucrative trade played a role in the Anuradhapura Kingdom's fall in the 11th century.
Sri Lanka's culture is incredibly diverse, with modern elements blending with traditional aspects and strong regional differences. The country has nurtured historical, cultural, religious, spiritual, and linguistic connections with India for over 5,000 years. Sri Lankan culture is internationally associated with cricket, a distinct and spicy cuisine, indigenous holistic medicine, and religious iconography such as the Buddhist flag. The country has a rich artistic tradition, encompassing music, dance, and the visual arts, with many forms inspired by Buddhism and regional traditions. Sri Lanka is also known for its tea, cinnamon, and gemstones.
Sri Lanka has a variety of religious sites, including Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques, and churches. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is a notable example, where a tooth of the Buddha is believed to be preserved. The country also has ancient temples in the Cultural Triangle, such as the Sigiriya frescoes, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. The town of Ella is known for its temples and monasteries, including the Muthiyangana temple, Dhowa Rock temple, and Mahamevnawa Monastery, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
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Beachside relaxation
If you're looking for a mix of beachside and wildlife experiences, consider staying at a safari camp on the edge of Yala National Park, where the jungle meets the ocean. The Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers private pools and daily game drives, while Chena Huts by Uga Escapes provides thatched-roof bungalows with chic designs, spacious interiors, and private plunge pools.
For a more secluded and intimate beach experience, head to Mirissa, a charming seaside village on Sri Lanka's southern tip. Or, if you're looking for a blend of history and romance, Negombo is a famous beachside city with a captivating mix of the two.
Sri Lanka also offers luxurious and all-inclusive beachside resorts, such as ÀNI Sri Lanka on the southern coast, which provides a luxurious and intimate experience for small groups of guests.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Sri Lanka's beachside destinations will leave you with unforgettable honeymoon memories.
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Transport and accommodation
Sri Lanka has an abundance of natural splendour and cultural attractions, from wildlife-dense parks to ancient temples, making it a great honeymoon destination.
Transport
Sri Lanka is an island, so most likely you will be arriving by plane. Flights from the US can cost between $1,200 and $1,500. Once you arrive, you can get around by plane, car, bus, and train, but be aware that infrastructure is still developing in many parts of the country, and travel can be slow. If you want to travel by train, the journey from Colombo to Kandy is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. If you want to take the stress out of planning, you can book a honeymoon package, which will include transport to and from the airport and guided tours.
Accommodation
Sri Lanka offers a wide range of accommodation, from small boutique hotels to luxurious beachside resorts. The hotels tend to be small properties with typically 6-10 rooms, giving you a sense of seclusion and privacy. If you want to stay in a guest house or Airbnb, these can be very affordable, but if you want to stay in an all-inclusive luxury resort, prices can be much steeper.
- Chena Huts by Uga Escapes: Safari-style lodging on the outskirts of Yala, with thatched-roof bungalows, chic design, spacious interiors, and private plunge pools.
- ÀNI Sri Lanka: A luxurious, all-inclusive resort on the southern coast with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, an emerald lawn, and multiple infinity pools.
- The Wallawwa: A boutique hotel set in a 200-year-old manor house, once owned by the commander of the British Royal Air Force.
- Wild Coast Tented Lodge: Located on the edge of Yala National Park, these lodges come with a private pool, daily game drives, and nature-based experiences.
- Why House: Surrounded by a tropical oasis, this hotel is just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from the beach.
- Ulagalla: Located in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, this is a great base for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and visiting National Parks and temples.
- Earl's Regency: Located 5km from Kandy, this resort offers beautiful and intimate accommodation, with old-world elegance and architecture, and fine casual dining.
- Jetwing Beach: A great place to relax and soak up the beautiful setting.
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Frequently asked questions
Sri Lanka has a lot to offer honeymooners, from pristine beaches to tropical jungles, rich history, incredible food, and astonishing natural beauty. Here are some activities and places to visit:
- Wildlife spotting in Yala National Park
- Hiking in the highlands
- Diving along the island’s coral reefs
- Visiting ancient temples in the Cultural Triangle
- Strolling through Galle’s colonial streets
- Relaxing on the beaches of Tangalle
- Hot air ballooning
- Safari drives
Here are some romantic places to stay in Sri Lanka:
- Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
- Jetwing Beach
- Ralais Chateaux’s Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala
- Earl’s Regency
- Hotel Sudu Araliya
- Ruins Chaaya Hotel
- Royal Nest Hotel Polonnaruwa
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to March and July to August. The tropical climate ensures warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal honeymoon destination.
