Sri Lanka is a real romantic paradise. It is almost as if the country has an aura of mystique embedded into it. This notion captivated people in the past so much that the country was nicknamed “Serendib” – the land of serendipity. Thus, if you have chosen Sri Lanka as your honeymoon destination, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of the things you can do to make your honeymoon in Sri Lanka truly unforgettable.
Best beaches for honeymooners in Sri Lanka
Is any honeymoon really a honeymoon without a beach stay? Organizing a wedding can be really stressful, and nothing spells relaxation better than a few days doing nothing on a supreme stretch of soft warm sand. In Sri Lanka, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your preferred beach. Here is a short list of some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for your honeymoon.
Nilaveli (Trincomalee)
This serene, secluded beach gained its name due to the shallow powder blue ocean in this area. Anyone who visits this part of the island falls in love with the wide stretch of brilliant white sand contrasted against the dainty blue sea. It is possible to swim for miles into the ocean and still have your feet touching the ocean floor. The opening of several luxury hotels in the area also means that you can enjoy this beautiful stretch of beach in style.
Bentota
Located just 60 km from the country’s capital, Bentota is probably Sri Lanka’s most famous beach. The calm waves and winding shores have entered a state of legacy for people who travel here. The area is extremely developed and offers many services including various water sports. Bentota is also home to some of the best luxury hotels and villas in Sri Lanka and maybe in the entire the world. Combining legendary Sri Lankan service and decadence, they offer a unique experience for your honeymoon.
Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle
These three south coast beaches are home to some of Sri Lanka’s best boutique hotels and romantic holiday villas. Some hotels cater exclusively to honeymooners. All three beaches are calm and undisturbed while bringing its own unique characteristics to the party. Weligama is the ultimate relaxation beach, with a very laid back locality. Mirissa is a popular party destination come nightfall. Tangalle is home to some ultra-luxurious hotels including an Aman property.
Best areas for honeymooners in Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Traditionally, locals have always considered the central province to be the top honeymoon destination. With cool climates and mountainsides constantly shrouded in creamy white clouds cover, all you will want to do is sip a fresh cup of tea and enjoy each other, while snuggled under a swathe of blankets.
Ella
A short distance from Nuwara Eliya is the town of Ella. This is a location that has gathered fame in recent times. This hillside town has undergone a massive makeover in the past few years and is now a fantastic honeymooner’s destination. Visitors can choose from a variety of unique hotel and villa options. You will also be spoilt for choice in terms of restaurants, cafes and lounges. Finally, a hike of Mini Adams Peak is not to be missed.
Kandy
Another temple that people visit after getting married in the Sacred Temple of the Tooth. The temple houses the largest remaining relic of Lord Buddha himself. It is a tradition for Sri Lankans to visit the temple soon after their nuptials. If you are thinking of honeymooning in Sri Lanka you might consider visiting the temple to invoke its blessings and receive good luck.
Galle
Another must visit location for honeymooners in Galle. The Galle fort and the stories of its past are something any romantics dream about. With wonderful colonial hotels and a nostalgic atmosphere, you can spend days on end exploring the perfectly conserved world heritage site. Once you are done exploring you visit the calm beach surrounding the fort to wind down the day.
Things to do for honeymooners in Sri Lanka
Hot air ballooning
Hot air ballooning has always been a romantic thing to do on your honeymoon. However, when the backdrop to your balloon ride is the lush green sprawling Sri Lankan countryside, this experience will truly be taken into a next level. Pop open a bottle of bubbly as you take in a glorious sunset over the fabled Sigiriya rock fortress.
Eco hotels / Tree Houses
The cultural triangle is home to some of the most unique hotels in the world. From hotels built into the rock face of the mountainside to large eco retreats that can only be accessed by trishaw to tree houses built high atop the wilderness, these hotels will really give you the experience of a magical stay.
Nanu Oya Train Ride
This 80 km train ride spirals across some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic areas. You will spend the entire trip glued to the train window (or even sitting and standing in front of the open doors, as many locals and travellers do here) as you pass lush green tea fields, deep plunging valleys and numerous vistas. The train ride starts from the Kandy railway station and traditionally takes 2 and a half hours. By the end of the journey, you will end up in Nanu Oya which is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka.
First light at Adam’s Peak
Adams peak is a famous pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. Historical texts indicate that Lord Buddha imprinted the sole of his right foot atop the mountain during his third and last visit to the island. Today each culture has its own belief as to the origins of the footprint. Both Catholics and Muslims believe it to be the footprint of Adam. The hike up the mountain takes approximately 3 hours and is best done very early in the morning (2 A.M)
The goal of starting this early is to take in the truly breathtaking sunrise which can be seen from atop the mountain. Many newlyweds make the trek to receive the blessing of the temple and to start their journey together by experience the first light.
Exclusive Honeymoon Safari Package
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Another popular choice for honeymooners is the intimate safaris on offer. You may choose the commercial route where you book a hotel close to the park and venture into the reserve during the day, but where is the fun in that? This is your honeymoon. You deserve only the best. Therefore instead of staying close to the reserve, you can actually stay inside it. Here you can sleep under the stars as your personal butler pours exotic champagne for you. You can dine ankle deep in a flowing brook where the staff have set up your personal dining table. It is truly a one of a way to spend a honeymoon. You can choose from any of Sri Lanka’s wildlife reserves to enjoy this service.
Book a Romantic Villa
Try something new this time and book a villa where you will be enjoying the ultimate intimacy and privacy together with the highest level of service. Just image yourself enjoying a beachfront dinner prepared by the villa chef and taking a dip in your private infinity pool afterwards.
Must-try food for honeymooners in Sri Lanka
Stringhoppers with curries
If you are looking to have a lovely breakfast, string hoppers with curries is a great item to try. Usually served with fish/chicken/beef and a few other curries like Dhal, this is sure to refresh your taste buds with flavour.
Biryani
Biryanis are a delicious menu item available for lunch at almost every hotel and cafe you find in Sri Lanka. Be sure to know that the place you walk into has a good reputation for its quality. Quality and taste of biryanis change from place to place, so make sure to be peaky. Alternatively, you can book a stay at a private villa with a chef and enjoy this dish in its most exquisite form.
Kotthu Roti
Kotthu roti has an interesting origin story just like the story of how pizzas came about. A hotel owner in the eastern province of Sri Lanka was about to close his hotel for the day when a group of starving customers arrived at the place. There were barely enough main dishes to prepare a full meal. So what the hotel owner decided to do was to mix shredded Paratas with chicken and other chopped up vegetables. This was the birth of kotthu roti and ever since it has been a major part of Sri Lankan cuisine. This is a must try item for couples if you are in the mood for something unique.
Thambili and cool thambili
On your time on the road, you will definitely spot roadside stalls selling king coconuts (Thambili in Sinhalese) during the morning and noon hours. These are natural energy drinks with a refreshing taste. Cool thambili is a local adaptation which is a beverage which is very popular at the moment in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, it is very hard to get these at reputed restaurants or hotels. You will have to look for roadside stalls for the authentic experience.
List of luxury hotels and villas that are ideal for Honeymooning
- Hotel Sagara in Bentota
- Taru Villa in Bentota
- Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla
- Koggala Lakehouse in Galle
- Skye House in Habaraduwa
- The Saffron House in Dikwella