A well-planned honeymoon is a prelude to a lifetime of triumphant adventures together. And, it is something couples thoroughly deserve after working tirelessly on their wedding. When it comes to choosing the perfect honeymoon destination, couples often dream of a place that blends romance, adventure, and relaxation in one unforgettable journey.
Sri Lanka is a romantic destination that has captured the imagination of many over the centuries. With its golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, lush rainforests, ancient ruins, vibrant culture, dramatic wilderness, and exotic wildlife, the island attracts newlyweds seeking to escape into a dreamy paradise. Ready to create your unforgettable honeymoon? Read on for insider tips for honeymoon planning in Sri Lanka to make your trip truly special.
Why Choose Sri Lanka for Your Honeymoon?
Sri Lanka is often ranked among the world’s top honeymoon destinations, and for good reason. Unlike other destinations where you need to choose between beaches, mountains, wilderness, or culture, the island offers all on a smorgasbord of beauty.
- Romantic Variety – Whether you are looking for candlelit dinners under the stars, walking in cool mountain air, gazing at spectacular sunsets, or exploring UNESCO sites, Sri Lanka has it all.
- Compact & Accessible – With a well-connected rail and road network and a compact landmass, you can experience diverse landscapes without long travel times.
- Luxury Meets Affordability – Sri Lanka offers an array of accommodation, from imaginative to world-class hospitality. You can find everything from five-star resorts to jungle lodges, suitable for any budget.
- Year-Round Destination – Thanks to its tropical climate and dual monsoon system, there’s always a region with perfect weather, no matter the season.
When to Visit Where?
Honeymoon planning in Sri Lanka is easy year-round. The island has two monsoon seasons – southwest and northeast. The best time to visit depends on which part of the island you plan to explore:
West & South Coast (Bentota, Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Hikkaduwa): Best from December to April. Perfect for beach days, whale watching, turtle watching, surfing, swimming, and coastal luxury stays.
East Coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Kalkudah, Nilveli, Uppuveli, Arugam Bay): Best from May to September. Ideal for quieter beaches, snorkelling, surfing, and whale watching.
North West Coast (Kalpitiya Peninsula): Best from April to October. For Kite surfing, dolphin & whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, and national park tours.
Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Kandy): Pleasant year-round, though the coolest months are December to February, perfect for cosy retreats.
If you are short on time, consider choosing the South Coast and Hill Country combo, featuring beaches, national parks, mountains, hills, valleys, tea plantations, waterfalls, and charming train rides in one itinerary.
Sri Lanka Honeymoon Tips – Top Romantic Destinations
Ella – Hidden in the Hills
- Famous for its sweeping viewpoints, ingenious viaduct, rolling tea plantations, waterfalls, and cozy boutique lodges.
- Take the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
- Couples can hike Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap for serenading views across valleys and hills.
- The Nine Arch Bridge can be the setting for some iconic photography.
Nuwara Eliya – Misty Mountains and Scenic Sights
- Heart of the Highlands, where cool weather, rose gardens, cascading falls, and tea estates make for a romantic retreat.
- Perfect for couples who love crisp mornings, cozy evenings, strolls through tea plantations, boat rides on lakes, and tea factory visits.
- Walk in the misty Horton Plains, where the montane grasslands and cloud forests hide serene wildlife, waterfalls, streams, and exquisite wildflowers.
- Stop and stare at the cascades of numerous waterfalls punctuating the landscape, some telling stories of myth.
- Visit mystical and colourful Hindu shrines, some of which are part of one of the greatest epics told.
- Luxurious colonial-style bungalows with authentic fireplaces transport you back to the bygone era of classic Ceylon.
Kandy – Culture & Serenity
- A blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty.
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth, take a romantic stroll around Kandy Lake, and enjoy the lush botanical gardens.
- Witness a cultural dance show that electrifies the senses with rhythm and spectacle.
- Ideal for couples seeking cultural immersion with a touch of tranquility.
Galle – Timeless Romance in a Colonial Maritime City
- Dutch Galle Fort offers cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, chic cafés, and ocean views.
- Lazy afternoons exploring quaint alleyways, shopping for handmade crafts, and watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean from the fort walls.
- Luxury stays inside heritage hotels and colonial villas, with rooftop dining, ocean views, candlelit dinners in courtyards, and easy access to nearby beaches like Unawatuna and Dalawella.
Beaches get a special mention in romantic Sri Lanka travel. Choosing to name a few is a mighty task. However, some are notable for their seclusion, beauty, and surrounding scenery.
Tangalle – Secluded Paradise
- Long stretches of untouched beaches, turquoise lagoons, and swaying coconut palms.
- Luxury oceanfront villas and eco-resorts tucked away on hidden bays, where candlelit dinners under the stars and private plunge pools set the stage for romance.
- Beyond relaxation and romance, there’s turtle-watching at Rekawa Beach, visiting the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, and exploring the lush Tangalle Lagoon by boat.
Bentota – Golden Sands and Riverside Romance
- Known for its golden beaches, calm lagoon, and luxury resorts.
- Private river cruises, enjoy sunset strolls on the beach, or unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments.
- Jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.
- Brief Garden offers an enchanting, romantic escape for an evening stroll.
Yala and Wilpattu National Parks – Safari and Glamping
- Venture into the jungle for sights of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, monkeys, water buffalo, crocodiles, and exotic birds.
- Stay at a luxury safari camp, dine under the stars, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle.
- Visit historic sites that tell the story of ancient Lanka, scattered around the parks.
Kalkudah and Nilaveli – Secluded East Coast Escapes
- Calm, shallow waters and pristine reefs are perfect for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing together.
- Fewer crowds, luxury retreats, and whale & dolphin cruises.
- Lagoon tours and blessings at Hindu Temples.
Sri Lanka Honeymoon Tips – Insider Guide
Balance Romance and Adventure
Avoid too much travel time between locations. Instead of rushing to cover every city, choose a mix of relaxing and adventurous destinations. For example, pair a few days in Ella with beach time in Unawatuna, or mix a Yala safari with a coastal stay.
Choose Boutique Stays
Sri Lanka is home to stunning boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and heritage villas perfect for couples. Unlike large resorts, these offer privacy, personalised service, and unique experiences, such as dining under the stars or private pools with views.
Consider a Chauffeur
Public transport can be fun, but for honeymooners, hiring a private car and driver is more comfortable and time-saving. It allows you to stop for photos, enjoy scenic routes, and travel stress-free.
Add Signature Sri Lankan Experiences
Make your honeymoon unforgettable by including special experiences such as:
- A couple’s Ayurvedic spa treatment
- A private catamaran cruise off the southern coast.
- A sunrise hot air balloon ride in Dambulla.
- A candlelit dinner inside Galle Fort
Mind the Climate When Packing
Sri Lanka has several climatic conditions. The hills are cool, the coast is warm, and the jungle plains are hot. Pack light, breathable clothing for coastal regions and warmer layers for the hill country. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Get Professionals on the Job
Entrust your honeymoon plans to a local tour operator that specialises in personalised experiences. It means, from the moment you arrive until you leave, a well-thought-out itinerary is in place to cover every precious minute of your honeymoon. You can let them know your interests and preferences, so they will tailor activities around those, including choosing accommodation. Private tours include chauffeur services, so you can completely forget booking taxis and trains and, instead, focus on the experience.
Every Journey Crafted with Love
From sipping tea in misty mountains to walking barefoot along golden sands, from thrilling safaris to tranquil temple visits, Sri Lanka offers a backdrop of beauty and romance unlike any other island. With thoughtful planning and foresight, you can find the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Blue Lanka Tours crafts romantic Sri Lankan travel with tailor-made honeymoons that encapsulate your love story. We design the most meaningful start to your life journey with authentic and unique experiences that you will continue to cherish for years to come. Made with love and expert insight, our tours are responsible and personal to the last detail. With a fleet of luxury vehicles and attentive chauffeurs, you can go boldly where your heart desires in comfort and safety. What are you dreaming of for your honeymoon? Let us know, and we’ll make it come true!