Sri Lanka Honeymoon Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Sri Lanka is the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination - here's where to stay, what to see and when to go for the perfect Sri Lanka honeymoon
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Perched at the southern tip of India, the island of Sri Lanka may be small, but you'll find everything you could want on a Sri Lanka honeymoon. Famous for its tea plantations, elephant sanctuaries, temple ruins and Instagram-worthy train journeys, it’s a heady mix of colonial and cosmopolitan, wild and ever-developing.
A honeymoon dream come true for foodies, Sri Lanka has a culinary heritage like no other – whether you indulge in a fancy a la carte meal or sample some of the local street food, you are in for a treat.
Head out on a sunrise game drive in one of Sri Lanka’s majestic national parks, explore the country on foot along one of the many scenic hiking trails or simply soak up the laid-back beach culture along the Sri Lankan coast.
Whatever you decide to do we guarantee this epic country will steal your heart - so let's find out more about honeymooning in Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka a Good Honeymoon Destination?
We asked Sri Lankan expert, Lisa Mason, the Indian Ocean Product Manager for Turquoise Holidays for her thoughts: “Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination for honeymoons offering something different to do and experience for everyone.
"Although only a small pearl shaped island of the Indian Ocean, it is packed with heritage, culture, history, national parks, wildlife and beautiful rugged beaches making it a very special place to spend a honeymoon.”
Where to Go in Sri Lanka
Almost all Sri Lankan honeymoons will start in the capital Colombo, a fast-paced city filled with culture and unmissable markets. The west coast is home to most beach resorts, but head inland for the verdant hill country and Sri Lanka’s highest town of Nuwara Eliya.
The ‘Cultural Triangle’ just north of Kandy is home to the extraordinary rock city of Sigiriya. North of Colombo is the Wilpattu National Park, home to leopards, elephants and sloths.
On the opposite coast are whale-watching destination Trincomalee and its nearby beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli in the northeast and the up-and-coming beach towns of Passikudah and Batticaloa on the east coast.
What to Do on a Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
Lisa Mason, Turquoise’s Indian Ocean Product Manager says the choice are huge, and shares some of her highlights:
- Honeymooners can spend lazy days marvelling at the incredible scenery surrounding them whilst relaxing by the pool.
- In Sri Lanka’s tea country, you can visit working tea plantations and go on hikes or bike rides to soak in the beautiful countryside views.
- You can then try to tick off ‘leopard sightings’ from your bucket list by heading to one of the National Parks where elephants are plentiful, and sloth bears roam freely.
- Spend a day in Kandy learning about the cultural Temple of the Tooth, visit botanical gardens and wander through the town.
- Adventure seekers can try many hikes, some special ones are Little Adams Peak, Sigiriya Rock and the Pekoe Trail.
- End your special trip with a day on the rugged shorelines of the Sri Lankan coast. Here you can watch the local fishermen practise stilt fishing, have a go at surfing or simply relax along the golden shores.
Catch a Train
Take a train ride over the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella, a village in the middle of the immaculate tea plantations of hill country. A short train ride away are the stunning Diyaluma Falls and Lipton’s Seat.
Go Hiking
Head on to the sacred mountain of Adam’s Peak, where you can set off in the middle of the night (along with a guide) to reach the top in time for the most breathtaking sunset you’ll see. Talk about making honeymoon memories.
Visit Idyllic Beaches
For unspoilt paradise beaches, head to Sri-Lanka’s south coast. Chase the surf and soft sands from Hikkaduwa Beach round to Galle’s Unawatuna Beach, Tangalle Beach and ending in Arugam Bay.
Go on a Sri Lankan Safari
For elephant spotting, there’s no better place than Udawalawe National Park, where you’re virtually guaranteed to see these majestic creatures up close. Nearby Yala National Park is another top spot, where patient visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of leopards too.
Where to Stay on Your Sri Lanka Honeymoon
Sri Lanka is home to some outstanding accommodation for your honeymoon, whether that’s luxe all-inclusive resorts or breath-taking back-to-nature safari camps.
Lisa agrees: “The hotels in Sri Lanka tend to be small boutique properties with typically just 6-10 rooms in each, giving you a sense of seclusion, privacy and impressive service.”
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
“If you like the idea of a wildlife experience on honeymoon, I’d recommend Wild Coast Tented Lodge for a few nights. Located on the edge of Yala National Park, where the jungle meets the ocean, these lodges come with their own private pool, daily game drives and many nature-based experiences.”
Why House
“I also love Why House as a choice for romantic couples. Located just 5 minutes (by tuk-tuk) from the beach, this little gem is surrounded by a tropical oasis making it the perfect place to completely relax and unwind.”
Ulagalla
“Ulagalla, located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is the perfect base for exploring the local surrounds. Here you can go hiking, cycling, horseback riding, visit National Parks and temples. Honeymooners can retreat to their villas, each with their own private pool, which are perfect for privacy and romance.
The dining at Ulagalla is very special, too. I’d recommend their ‘Kamatha’ dining – a private table set up in the middle of the rice paddy fields, with a sumptuous barbecue meal packed with authentic Sri Lankan flavours.”
Ceylon Tea Trails
Elegant bungalows sit among this sprawling tea estate. Like stepping back in time, there are decadent high teas, lawn croquet, daily pre-dinner cocktails and butler service. All three pools at Ceylon Tea Trails are fed from mountain springs for one of the most refreshing dips you’ll experience.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa
Down on Sri-Lanka’s south coast, where you’ll find some of the best surfing, is the beautiful Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort . Featuring the country’s only resort golf course, plus an adults-only sunset pool, Ayurvedic spa, and in easy reach of the best national parks for wildlife-spotting, this is a truly romantic and exciting honeymoon hotel choice.
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes
Castaway-style thatched villas and a near-deserted beach will make you feel like you’ve stumbled on the best-kept secret in Sri Lanka at Jungle Beach. If that wasn’t romantic enough, staff will happily set you up a private lantern-lit beach picnic under the stars.
Cape Weligama
Twelve acres of manicured lawns sit on a promontory 40 metres above the Indian Ocean with 39 secluded residences and an infinity pool that seems to blend into the crystal sea. Sunsets at Cape Weligama are unforgettable.
Kahanda Kanda
Just 10 individually-decorated suites make up this boutique, couples-orientated hotel. Tea bushes as far as the eye can see stretch down to Koggala Lake. Kahanda Kanda feels like a complete escape, but beaches are just 15 minutes away and Galle 30 minutes away.
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Whether you’re just flying into Colombo or making it a part of your stay, this fashionable, boutique hotel is in easy reach of the capital’s best art galleries, shops and museums. The chic Paradise Road hotel is Instagram-heaven, as is the food in their restaurant, considered some of the best in Sri Lanka.
When to Go to Sri Lanka on Honeymoon
The two halves of Sri Lanka are the mirror opposites of each other when it comes to weather. When it’s monsoon season in the east, it’s sunny and dry on the west coast and vice versa. This is due to it being hit by two separate monsoons, and means you need to know which part of the island you’re planning to go to.
If you want to go to the west or south, the best times are December to March. If you’re planning to go to the north or east, choose from April to September. During October and November, you can get rainstorms almost anywhere on the island due to unsettled weather before the east coast monsoon hits.
Your Sri Lanka Honeymoon: Everything You Need to Know
Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka. English is widely spoken.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Entry requirements: To enter Sri Lanka the expiry date on your passport must be at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
You’ll need to buy a visa online ahead of your arrival if you’re staying for less than 30 days. You can get a visa on arrival, but it may delay your trip and it’s easy to get one beforehand – you can fill out the online form up to 3 days before you arrive.
Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, and you’ll need a yellow fever vaccine certificate if you’re arriving from – or in transit for more than 12 hours through – a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Getting there: You can fly direct to Sri Lanka in 10.5 hours, although most flights will have a stopover, taking your flight time to around 14 hours. Most flights arrive into Bandaranaike International airport, just 22 miles from Colombo. You can hire a car, book a taxi or grab an Uber when you arrive.
Getting around: If you plan on covering large distances, make the most of Sri Lanka’s impressive train network. You get to avoid the city traffic while marvelling at some of the country’s most outstanding views.
For short journeys tuk-tuks are the way to go – just make sure you agree a fare with your driver before setting off. Tuk-tuks are a fantastic way to soak up all the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka.
If convenience if key, consider hiring a private driver for your honeymoon. This gives you full control of when and where you go, plus your driver will be an invaluable source of local knowledge so may be able to introduce you to some lesser-known gems.
What to pack: Light clothing, hiking shoes/trainers, light waterproof jacket, sun cream, sarong (useful for covering up when visiting temples) and bite cream.
Still trying to decide on where to go on honeymoon? We've got plenty more inspiration!
