3 great ideas for a Sri Lanka honeymoon
Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a honeymoon. When I got married three years ago, I had the happy opportunity to find out all the reasons why first-hand. Our wish list for a honeymoon destination included: good weather in December, great food, opportunities for both relaxation and exploration, and a manageable exotic travel experience. Sri Lanka ticked all these boxes and then some. A tropical island that packs a cultural punch, offering natural splendours galore, boasting a rapidly-expanding portfolio of boutique hotels and famed for its fine spicy cuisine… for a honeymoon that we wanted to be both the quintessential romantic experience and a proper travel adventure, it was the perfect choice.
Sri Lanka manages to pack in many different landscapes and attractions, but travel around the island is increasingly straightforward thanks to new roads, a comprehensive train and bus network and the local sea plane services, not to mention the domestic air taxi line Cinnamon Air. The beauty of Sri Lanka as a honeymoon or indeed, regular holiday, destination is that you can choose to travel around and see quite a lot in the space of two to three weeks, or simply base yourself in the place that best suits your desires.
In just over two weeks we took in seven different hotels, travelling from Negombo to the Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, Yala National Park, Galle and back to Colombo with the help of a private car and driver. Despite the number of stops, we managed two stints soaking up the sun on west and south coast beaches – while the distances take longer than you might think, Sri Lanka is still petite enough to fit a lot in should you choose to. Insight Guides' own range of Sri Lanka holidays can be customised to suit your honeymoon requirements, whether you're looking for more luxurious hotels, beach time or activities. Browse suggested trip itineraries online now or discuss your honeymoon wishes with our local experts today.
Here are three great reasons why you should choose Sri Lanka as your honeymoon destination:
Don't miss Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Photo: SurangaSL/Shutterstock
1. For a beach honeymoon…
Sri Lanka is fringed with stunning white and golden sands, swaying palm trees and every sort of accommodation you could ask for, whether you want a beach shack or glamorous hotel. The developed south coast and west coast of the island – where resorts such as Beruwala and Ahungala are found – is rich with choices for honeymooners. With high levels of service and facilities, you could choose to never leave your resort area, but it is also possible to do day trip excursions to places such as Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage or the charming fort city of Galle. Insight Guides' Luxury Sri Lanka and the Maldives trip combines beach and culture beautifully. Alternatively, north of the airport at Colombo, Negombo is a great place to start or finish your honeymoon on the beach, with several boutique hotels and an easy-going vibe, which you can soak up on Insight Guides' Unforgettable Sri Lanka holiday. Over on the east coast, you'll find serene sands and watersports at places such as Arugam Bay and Trincomalee. The southwest is a better choice post-Christmas, while the east coast is basking in sunshine in the summer months.
A typical, chilled-out Sri Lankan beach. Photo: Shutterstock
2. For a traditional Sri Lankan honeymoon…
Kandy, nestling amongst green hills in the centre of the country, is the traditional choice for Sri Lankan couples on honeymoon. At first glance, its appeal lies more in its historic and cultural attractions – it was the seat of the last king of Sri Lanka and is home to the country’s most venerated relic – the Buddha’s tooth, housed at the holy Temple of the Tooth. But this city is possessed of a dreamy quality too – walk around the central lake or into the verdant hills to fully appreciate its idyllic setting. Experience the city's romantic side while on Insight Guides' Perfectly Sri Lanka holiday.
Visiting tea plantations in Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Photo: Denis Filatov/Shutterstock
3. For a hideaway honeymoon…
Sri Lanka’s hill country is in complete contrast to the balmy beaches of the coast – the temperature drops and mists roll in the higher you climb along winding roads lined with tea plantations and dramatic viewpoints. Tumbling waterfalls provide endless romantic photographic backdrops. The country’s British colonial past is much in evidence everywhere, from the architecture in towns such as local hub Nuwara Eliya, to the veneration of tea and cake! 7,214ft above sea level, high into the clouds, lies the Heritance Tea Factory – a completely unique boutique hotel carved out of a former tea factory building. Surrounded by landscaped tea bushes and offering everything from nature walks to luxurious dining, this is a special secluded place to experience an alternative side of Sri Lanka.
Discover the tea plantations, waterfalls and hill country of the Central Province before being whisked away to the golden sands of Sri Lanka’s glorious Indian Ocean beaches on the south coast on Insight Guides' Sri Lanka Deluxe holiday. From whale watching to soaking up the rays, this trip offers a relaxing escape to Sri Lanka.
This article was originally published on November 14, 2015
Ready to book your honeymoon to Sri Lanka?
Insight Guides can help you with the planning and booking of your perfect honeymoon to Sri Lanka. You can browse our existing trips to Sri Lanka here. Alternatively, simply get in touch with us, tell us your interests and budget, and our local experts will tailor a Sri Lankan itinerary to your suit your individual tastes. You can then adjust your itinerary until you are completely happy with it!
