Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
Combine temple visits with rock climbing, mix tea plantation and spice farm tours with days at the beach, and elephant spotting with whale watching – despite its small size, a honeymoon in Sri Lanka packs a punch for adventure…
Why Go
From stunning beaches and lush jungle to ancient ruins and rich culture, a honeymoon in Sri Lanka has a lot going on. The fascinating Indian Island nation is perfect for a post-wedding getaway with an array of diverse experiences.
Most couples will start their honeymoon in Sri Lanka with a few days of pure relaxation in one of the many small fishing villages turned beach resort towns like Negombo, Hikkaduwa and Bentota, which are only a stone’s throw from Colombo, the capital.
Hire a driver and explore many of the incredible sights on this vibrant island. Head for the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the country, where there are many historical and cultural highlights to be found.
The Dambulla Caves and ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa are worthy stops. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya, is an ancient rock fortress and couples climb to the top of the rock for panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s also home to ancient paintings and frescoes, which are well-preserved.
An elephant safari in Minneriya National Park is a must-do on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka.
The cities and towns of the central highlands have many interesting stops. Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. You can also take a scenic train ride through Tea Plantations to Ella or visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as “Little England” because of its colonial-style architecture. Hike the Horton Plains Nature Reserve and explore interesting markets and learn about Ayurvedic medicine.
Visit one of the many tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and learn about how tea is produced. Take a cooking class to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine. Influenced by its neighbour to the north, India, Sri Lanka is a place where curry is acceptable for breakfast.
In the south of the country lies Yala National Park. Home to a diverse array of animal species such as leopards, elephants, jackals, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and many bird species.
Stay overnight in a tented camp where you can take game drives to discover all the highlights of this unique area of Sri Lanka.
Along the coast, you’ll find idyllic fishing villages and beautiful beach towns. Stop at Mirissa to go whale watching (seasonal) and admire the colonial Dutch architecture of Galle.
Dutch colonists built the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1663 and it is now home to boutique stores, art galleries and cafes.
If you’re travelling during the summer months when the monsoon rains arrive, consider the lesser visited east coast beaches around Trincomalee.
Is Sri Lanka good for a honeymoon? From tea plantations, rock fortresses, temples and holy Buddhist relics to stunning beaches, lush jungle landscapes and fascinating history, a honeymoon in Sri Lanka has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Plus, it is very affordable so ideal if you’re trying to honeymoon on a budget!
Good To Know
Where: South Asia, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, just southeast of India
Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near Colombo
Time zone: UTC +5:30
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Language: Sinhala and Tamil are official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Best Time To Visit
Sri Lanka has a varied climate, with two monsoon patterns affecting the weather, making it a year-round destination.
The best time to honeymoon in Sri Lanka is from December to April, when the centre and south of the country is dry.
If you’re travelling from May to September, the east coast and north of the island expect dry weather while the more popular west and southwest coasts are wetter.
How Long To Stay
We recommend at least 7 to 10 nights for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka with more time needed if you want to add on a beach stay.
However, the ideal duration of a honeymoon in Sri Lanka can vary depending on personal preferences and budget.
10 nights will allow you to recover from jet lag and see some of the highlights.
Where To Tag On
Sri Lanka is very well connected to destinations in the region. It goes perfectly with the Maldives for a quintessential adventure and beach honeymoon.
You can also combine a honeymoon in Sri Lanka with Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
If you have more time, you can fly to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and India( to name a few!).
You can fly to Sri Lanka from Australia, too and European airports like London and Paris.
Where To Stay
Things To Do
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