Deborah Chan
Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation with a diverse range of attractions, from wildlife-rich parks and culture-steeped highlands to exotic fort towns and pristine beaches. With consistent sunshine and pleasant temperatures, it is a year-round destination for honeymooners seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both. From luxurious resorts to affordable Airbnbs and guesthouses, Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets. Here is a guide to help you plan your romantic escape and choose the best places to stay in this colourful country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Close to the airport in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Tangalle, Yala National Park, Mirissa, Trincomalee, Bentota, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Negombo |
| Accommodation | Airbnbs, guest houses, all-inclusive luxury resorts, boutique hotels, beach resorts, villas, huts |
| Activities | Wildlife safari, snorkelling, sailing, diving, canoeing, trekking, golf, whale and dolphin watching, turtle nesting |
| Attractions | Ancient temples, artist havens, colonial-era buildings, palm-lined beaches, forts, hot springs, museums, tea plantations |
| Dining | Breakfast included, candlelit dinners, romantic meals, Sri Lankan vegetarian food |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Boutique hotels and beach resorts
Kurulu Bay: Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, overlooking the peaceful Koggala Lake, Kurulu Bay is a boutique retreat that offers a serene escape for honeymooners. Its 12 lodgings, including garden rooms, lakefront cottages, and treehouse suites, provide privacy and a chance to disconnect from daily life. The hotel blends 1960s Florida architecture with tropical modernism and offers yoga classes, a spa, and a poolside terrace, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.
Jetwing Hotels: Jetwing Hotels offers two distinct experiences in Jaffna. The towering Jetwing Jaffna provides luxurious amenities, while Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan, the city's first boutique hotel, offers a more intimate and charming stay.
Anantara Tangalle: Located on the west of Tangalle, known for its idyllic coves and bays, Anantara Tangalle is highly recommended for romantic getaways. It offers impressive facilities for couples and families, including a golf club, and provides a beautiful setting for candlelight dinners and intimate moments.
Jetwing Beach Negombo: This beachfront resort in Negombo offers all-inclusive options and is known for its romantic ambiance. It provides a stunning backdrop for weddings, with the sound of the nearby ocean creating a magical atmosphere. The resort caters to couples and families, offering candlelight dinners and a range of facilities for a memorable stay.
Hikka Tranz: Located in Hikkaduwa, Hikka Tranz is a beach resort that has been praised for its hospitality and romantic setting. It offers easy access to the area's attractions, including the Hikkaduwa beach, and provides a tranquil environment for honeymooners.
Amaranthé Bay Resort & Spa: This resort, located in Trincomalee, is known for its romantic ambiance and proximity to picturesque beaches such as Uppuveli and Nilaveli. It offers a tranquil escape, with the opportunity to stroll along the sea or explore the nightlife in Trincomalee.
These boutique hotels and beach resorts offer a combination of luxurious accommodations, intimate settings, and access to natural beauty, making them ideal choices for couples seeking a memorable honeymoon experience in Sri Lanka.
Honeymoon in Hawaii: Budgeting for Paradise
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Colonial-era buildings and ancient temples
Sri Lanka's ancient Sinhalese civilisation, which lasted from the 5th century BCE to the 13th century CE, has left a rich architectural heritage. The dry zone of the island was cultivated with an elaborate irrigation system, and the area was much more densely populated than it is today. As a result, the Cultural Triangle to the north of the central highlands and the plains in the east and south are dotted with ruins of ancient temples. The majority of these are monastic buildings, mainly Buddhist, with a few Hindu sites.
The core stone buildings of such a Sinhalese ancient temple include a chapter hall for assemblies and higher ceremonies of the Buddhist monks, and three buildings dedicated to a sacred tree, a Buddha statue, and relics. These structures are called Bodhighara, Pathimaghara, and Dagaba (Stupa) respectively. Stupas are characteristic elements of Sinhalese temples, and the dagobas or stupas of Sri Lanka are significant to the architectural and engineering development of the island. They are the largest brick structures known to the pre-modern world.
The Kaludiya Pokuna, Mihintale cave temple is an example of a cave temple, constructed with brick walls, granite window openings, and ceilings. The Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa, and the cave temples of Dambulla were also initially constructed as cave temples and were later converted into image houses. Nalanda Gedige, dating back to the 9th century, is an extraordinary temple. It is small compared to contemporary Indian temples but is Sri Lanka's largest ancient temple built entirely from stone. It is also the country's only ancient temple decorated with erotic motifs. The temple has been recently restored and is in good condition.
The meditation houses found in the forest monasteries in Ritigala and Arankele are unique to Sri Lanka. Each house consists of two raised platforms linked by a monolithic stone bridge, with the outer platform being open to the sky and larger and higher than the inner one. These meditation houses showcase a high degree of architectural perfection, combining square and rectangular shapes while maintaining symmetry, reflecting the architects' sophisticated knowledge of geometry.
Kuttam Pokuna in Anuradhapura is an excellent example of the construction of a royal bath. It features a flight of long, narrow steps leading to an oblong-shaped pond with graduated gangways. The water was supplied by underground pipelines from a nearby canal and entered the bath through two makara gargoyles.
Sri Lanka also boasts several well-preserved colonial-era buildings, particularly in the cities of Galle and Colombo. Galle Fort, a port with a rich and ancient history, is one of the most iconic Dutch colonial structures. It served as the chief commercial port and was fortified by the Dutch against pirates and inclement weather. The fort survived the 2004 tsunami that destroyed the rest of the city. The city of Galle also features other significant examples of colonial Dutch architecture, including the Maritime Archaeology Museum, which was converted from an old Dutch warehouse. Colombo, meanwhile, is home to the Old Dutch Hospital, founded in 1681, and the Wolvendaal Church, a substantial reminder of Christian influence in the country.
Honeymoon Fund: Ask Family and Friends for Contributions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wildlife parks and whale-watching
Sri Lanka is a colourful travel destination, offering mist-blanketed mountains, viridian tea plantations, and exotic fort towns. The island is also home to a plethora of wildlife parks and whale-watching opportunities.
Wildlife Parks
Sri Lanka has 22 national parks, which are home to around 7500 elephants. Some of the parks, like Yala, Minneriya, and Kaudulla, are busy and crowded, while others see only a few visitors. In addition to elephants, leopards, jackals, and a wide variety of birdlife can be spotted in these parks.
For those who enjoy birdwatching, Horton Plains National Park, located on the highest plateau in Sri Lanka, is a great option. The park offers a magnificent view from World's End, a lookout point perched on the edge of an 880-metre drop. The hike to World's End takes visitors through lush cloud forests, past waterfalls, and over rivers.
Another park that offers a unique experience is Bundala National Park, a watery wonderland of coastal lagoons and wetlands. The park is home to thousands of flamingos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including bee-eaters and openbill storks. From October to January, all five of Sri Lanka's marine turtle species come ashore to lay their eggs on the park's beaches.
Whale-Watching
Sri Lanka is one of the world's best places for whale watching, with the industry rapidly growing in popularity. The island offers the opportunity to observe blue whales in at least two different locations between December and July. The three main whale-watching areas are Mirissa in the southwest, Trincomalee in the northeast, and Kalpitiya on the northwest coast.
Mirissa is considered the most reliable place for whale watching in Sri Lanka, with a 90% chance of seeing whales in the right season. Trincomalee is another excellent spot, known as one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and a mating spot for blue whales and sperm whales. Whale-watching tours in Sri Lanka can range from small boats seating 4-6 passengers to large double-deckered vessels accommodating up to 300 passengers.
Honeymoon Fruit: Nature's Gift to Newlyweds
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![White Classic Luxury Bath Mat Floor Towel Set - Absorbent Cotton Hotel Spa Shower/Bathtub Mats [Not a Bathroom Rug] 22"x34" | 2 Pack | White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91KNzcSlUKL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Mountainous tea plantations
Sri Lanka is a great destination for honeymooners, with its romantic landscapes, verdant mountains, golden beaches, remarkable national parks, and lush tea gardens. The island's tea culture is deeply ingrained in its history and traditions, and it remains one of the biggest exporters of tea in the world. The central highlands, in particular, are known for their high-quality tea, with cool temperatures, humidity, and rainfall providing the perfect conditions for slow tea growth and flavour development.
If you're looking for a mountainous tea plantation experience on your honeymoon, here are some suggestions:
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, known as the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque hill station in the central highlands. It is the highest town in Sri Lanka, situated 1,900m above sea level, and is known for its cool climate and production of some of the world's finest teas, often referred to as "Uva tea" or "orange pekoe". The train journey up to Nuwara Eliya is considered one of the most scenic in the world, offering stunning views of jungle-clad mountainsides and striped plantations.
Kandy
The city of Kandy and its surrounding areas, such as Hantana and Gampola, are home to tea estates that produce a variety of teas, including the renowned Ceylon tea. The stretch of the train line between Kandy and Ella is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Ella
The Ella region is known for its stunning tea plantations surrounded by lush hills and waterfalls. The hilly and mountainous terrain provides excellent drainage, which is ideal for healthy tea root systems.
Haputale
Haputale is a less-visited hill station that retains a genuine Sri Lankan feel. It is a good base for exploring attractions such as World's End and Adam's Peak. You can also take a scenic tuk-tuk ride to Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, or opt for a hike to Diyaluma Falls.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in the tea plantation regions, here are some options:
- Heritance Tea Factory: Located in Nuwara Eliya, this former working tea factory has been converted into a 50-room hotel overlooking the surrounding tea plantations. The Flowerdew Suite offers the highest and most panoramic views in Nuwara Eliya.
- Ashburnham Estate: This beautifully refurbished planter's bungalow from the 1930s is surrounded by 100 acres of a working tea estate, offering views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and hidden waterfalls and plunge pools. The estate features six well-appointed and uniquely styled guest rooms.
- Ceylon Tea Trails: Created by the Dilmah Tea Company, Ceylon Tea Trails offers unique resorts across the country. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the nearby Dilmah Tea Dunkeld Tea Factory, tea tastings, tea-infused dinners, and excursions through the tea gardens.
The Perfect Fall Honeymoon Packing List
You may want to see also
Explore related products
All-inclusive luxury
If you're looking for all-inclusive luxury on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka, there are several resorts and hotels to choose from. The country boasts a range of luxurious accommodations, from safari-style lodges to beachfront villas and boutique hotels. Here are some options to consider:
Chena Huts by Uga Escapes
Located on the outskirts of Yala National Park, Chena Huts offers safari-style lodging with thatched-roof bungalows, chic designs, spacious interiors, and private plunge pools. The camp provides an early breakfast before taking you on a jeep safari, skipping the long line at the gates. After a three-to-four-hour game drive, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, stroll on the beach, or indulge in a spa treatment. In the evening, you can return to the park for a second drive, where you might spot a female leopard with her cubs.
Reef Villa, Wadduwa
The Reef Villa is a small, beachfront hotel with a charming colonial style on Sri Lanka's western coast, south of Colombo. It features antique furniture, hand-carved woodwork, canopied beds, and massive bathrooms with tubs for two. The consistent sunshine and pleasant temperatures make this a year-round destination.
Casa Heliconia, Colombo
Just a 45-minute drive from Colombo's airport, Casa Heliconia offers luxurious decor blending Asian art and antiques with contemporary style. The hotel has only two distinctive rooms, each with its own pavilion, private terrace, and dining area surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Anantara Tangalle
Located on the west of Tangalle, known for its idyllic coves and bays, Anantara Tangalle is a beautifully designed resort with plenty of facilities for couples and families. It offers all-inclusive options and is one of the most booked hotels in Negombo.
Jetwing Beach Negombo
Jetwing Beach Negombo offers all-inclusive options and is highly recommended for couples seeking a relaxing, romantic stay. It provides excellent privacy and scenic beauty, with positive reviews for its food, location, and service.
Other Options
- Coco Tangalla: A tranquil boutique hotel with only six rooms, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Cape Weligama: Perched on an outcrop of land surrounded by the ocean.
- Aditya: Named after the sun god and set on a beautiful stretch of white sand.
- Paradise Beach Club, Glamour Hotel Mirissa, Mandara Resort Mirissa, and Sea World: Located in Mirissa, a secluded beach paradise offering tranquillity and amazing whale and dolphin watching.
Understanding the Duration of Honeymoon Phase in Relationships
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
For a luxurious honeymoon experience, you could try the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort, or Villa Tangalle Lagoon on the west of Tangalle. Alternatively, you could try the Reef Villa in Wadduwa, which is a small hotel with a charming colonial style and beachfront setting.
Airbnbs and guest houses in Sri Lanka can be very affordable, with rooms available for as little as $20. You could also consider a stay in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, which is one of the most booked hotels in the area and includes breakfast.
For a romantic honeymoon experience, you could try the secluded beach in Mirissa, which offers amazing whale and dolphin watching. You could also try the Anantara Tangalle, which has been recommended as the best place for a romantic holiday in Sri Lanka.
