Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka is known for its tropical beaches, lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This beautiful place is definitely worth exploring whether it is for honeymoons, family vacations, romantic getaways or just plain fun.
Though Sri Lanka is a year round destination, the best time for tourists to visit depends upon what they are looking forward to seeing and experiencing. Sri Lanka experiences two distinct seasons – the wet and dry seasons. While most parts of the country experience heavy rains throughout the year, there are some regions where the weather is drier. These include the north and central areas of the island.
One should decide in advance their destinations as per one’s interests considering Sri Lanka has a diverse geography. There are three main geographical zones in the country – the North Central Province, Northern Province and Southern Province. Each zone has different climatic conditions and offers unique attractions.
Considering all this, the best times to visit Sri Lanka are during the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. In fact, the best time to travel to Sri Lanka is during the month of January.
During the months of January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,December, the country witnesses Southwest Monsoon. During these months, the temperature ranges from 30 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. However, the best time to enjoy the hot weather is during the months of April, May, June and August.
In contrast, the Northeast Monsoon occurs during the months of October, November, December, January and February. The average temperature during this period hovers around 25 degrees Celsius.
2. Mirissa: A Tropical Paradise
Mirissa is located just off the coast of Western Province, Sri Lanka. With lush green hills and a beautiful coastline, it is considered to be one of the most scenic spots in Sri Lanka. It is also home to a number of hotels, including luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons Hotel Colombo, the Shangri La Hotel Colombo, and the Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo. There is also the popular Five Star Mirissa Beach Resort & Spa, where guests can enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the hotel grounds.
The area is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Most tourists come here to relax and unwind. Many people choose to spend their holidays here because there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. There are several golf courses within the vicinity of Mirissa. Some of the most famous include Mirissa Golf Club, Mirissa Country Club, and Mirissa Golf Club. Other options include snorkeling, diving, fishing, surfing, and hiking.
If you want to experience the local culture, you can go shopping for souvenirs at the town market, or explore the nearby villages. You can also take part in water sports like scuba diving, swimming, and windsurfing. If you want to try something different, you can even learn how to surf.
3. Tangalle: Idyllic Coves And Bays
The island of Sri Lanka is known for its lush green landscapes, stunning coastlines and exotic wildlife. But what many people don’t know about is the hidden gems that lie within the jungles of the south. One such gem is Tangalle, located just off the western coast of the island. This small town is home to some of the most scenic beaches in the country, including Tangalle beach, Rekawa beach and Kahandamodera bay. These three locations offer something special for every type of traveler – whether it’s couples looking for romantic escapes, families wanting fun activities for kids or even solo travelers seeking peace and quiet.
4. Trincomalee: For The Quieter Beaches
Trincomalee is a coastal city located in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. A popular destination among travelers looking for a place where they can relax, unwind, and enjoy some good food. This beautiful town is home to many attractions such as the famous Pigeon Island, Kanniyawela Rock Pigeons, and the Hot Springs of Kanniya. These destinations offer something unique for couples looking for a relaxing vacation.
The best way to experience Trincomalee is by renting a car and driving up north to the nearby villages. There are several resorts to choose from and each offers different activities for guests. If you want to spend some time enjoying the water, there are plenty of options. You can go surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, or fishing. If you prefer exploring nature, you can hike, bike ride, kayak, or swim.
If you are interested in seeing wildlife, you can spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles, birds, and much more. To learn about the history of Trincomalee, head over to the National Museum of Colombo. Here, you will find artifacts related to the history of Sri Lanka.
5. Ella: Serene & Intimate Getaway
Ella is a small town nestled in the hills of central Sri Lanka. This quaint little village is popular amongst newlyweds looking for a beautiful destination to spend their honeymoon. There are many reasons why Ella is such a great choice for couples looking to enjoy some pampering and relaxation during their trip.
The town itself is surrounded by lush green mountains, tea estates, and rolling hills covered in thick forests. You’ll find yourself walking around the streets admiring the beauty of nature while enjoying the sights and sounds of the local wildlife.
There are several hotels located throughout the area that offer comfortable accommodation and delicious food. These include the Ella Hotel, Ananda Villa, and the Ella Hill Resort.
If you’re planning on travelling to Ella, make sure you book your tickets well in advance as flights tend to sell out quickly. If you decide to take a flight to Colombo, you’ll arrive in the capital city within 3 hours.
6. Nuwara Eliya: Lush Greenery
Nuwara Eliya is situated in Central Province, about 250 km north of Colombo. This small town is known for its scenic beauty and the famous hill station called “The Queen of Hills”. Nuwara Eliya lies in the Eastern Highlands region and is surrounded by rolling hills covered with thick vegetation.
This tiny little place offers some of the most spectacular views of the entire island. A number of natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, mountains, lakes, and forests attract tourists from all over the world. There are several hotels in Nuwara Eliya where you can enjoy the serenity of nature. Also, there are numerous trekking trails around the area where you can explore the surrounding areas.
7. Yala National Park: For The Wild Couple
Yala National Park is one place you must include on your list of things to do while on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka. This national park is home to some of the rarest wildlife species including tigers, elephants, sloth bears and leopards. A trip here is like stepping into another world where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the lush green jungles and see the wildlife roaming around freely.
The park is located just 30 minutes away from Colombo and offers visitors many activities such as trekking, kayaking, bird watching and even a chance to ride a horse. There are several accommodation options available in the area ranging from luxury hotels to rustic homestays. So whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the beaches or getting active in the forests, there is something for everyone.
8. Habarana: In The Lap Of Nature
Habarana is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and is famous for its natural beauty. This small town nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. A trip to Habarana is like stepping into the lap of Mother Nature. You can enjoy a jungle safari in the national park, explore the lake and experience the culture of the local people.
The name “Habarana” literally translates to “a flower garden”. It is situated amidst the tea plantations of the Western Ghats. The area is known for its rich biodiversity. There are many waterfalls, caves, rivers and lakes around the town.
9. Sinharaja Forest Reserve: For The Ardent Nature Lovers
Sinharaja Rainforest, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sri Lanka for those who love nature. With over 400 plant species and nearly 300 birds, this forest reserve is home to some of the rarest animals in the world.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located about 45 km north of Kandy. One of the highlights of the forest is the spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The rich flora and fauna of the reserve attracts many tourists every year. You can go trekking or canoeing in the lake.
There are several campsites in the park where you can enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest while camping under the stars. There are also a few accommodation options within the park itself.
You can also do birdwatching here. In addition to the hundreds of resident and migrant waterfowl, there are also numerous avian species like kingfishers, cormorants, herons and egrets.
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can try out a jungle safari. Here, you can explore the dense vegetation of the park and spot monkeys, deer, wild pigs, reptiles and butterflies.
10. Central Highlands: Once In A Lifetime Experience
The Central Highlands region of Sri Lanka is home to some of the best natural attractions in the island nation. This area is known for being rich in biodiversity and it is home to the highest number of endemic plant species in Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains National Park is one such place where you can enjoy nature at its finest. Located about 20 km north east of Kandy, this national park offers visitors a chance to go trekking in the hills and explore the beautiful valleys and waterfalls.
There are many reasons why Horton Plains National Park is a must see destination for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
11. Kandy: Immersed In Culture
Kandy is the last royal capital of Sri Lankan and it is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple contains the tooth relic of Lord Buddha which was brought here by King Devanampiya Tissa. This temple is very popular among tourists and locals alike. During the month of May, the city celebrates the annual Kandy Festival which attracts thousands of people from across the world.
The Kandy Festival commemorates the victory over the Sinhalese invaders by the king. He had prayed to the goddess Durga for help. She granted him her blessing and he defeated his enemies. His victory made him the ruler of the whole island.
12. Anuradhapura: For The Mystical Couple
Anuradhapura is considered to be the holiest place in Sri Lanka. This ancient city is located about 80 km south of Colombo. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. There are many historical sites and temples in this ancient city. One of the must see places is the Maha Bodhi Temple where the great Buddhist monk, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. A lot of people come here just to take a look at it. It is the world’s largest single piece of wood. You can also go to the famous Ruwanweli Swamithana Pirivena Monastery. It is built around a huge rock called “The Rock”. It is said to be the biggest rock in the whole world. Another popular tourist spot is the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum. It houses thousands of archaeological artifacts recovered during excavations conducted over the centuries.
For couples looking for something special, Anuradhapura is a good option. They can enjoy sightseeing and spend quality time together. If you want to make your honeymoon memorable, consider spending a few days here.
13. Midigama
Located on the southern tip of the island, Midigama is quietly one of the most beautiful villages in Sri Lanka. This small town offers peace and serenity, making it perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you are looking for a quiet place far away where there’s no touristy bustle, then this is the spot to spend your honeymoon. There are many things to do here such as taking a boat trip, enjoying some great food, relaxing on the beach, learning how to surf, exploring Galle in your free times and spending most of your time on a white sand beach.
Best Surfing Experience:
You could go on a whale watching tour, take a kayaking tour, play golf, go hiking, try scuba diving, or even just relax on the beach.
Best Place To Spend Your Free Time:
There are lots of activities to keep you busy during your vacation. You could go snorkeling, learn how to surf or simply enjoy the view of the ocean.
14. Kirinda
Kirinda is located in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. This small town offers a lot of wonderful attractions like beaches, waterfalls, caves, coral reef, etc. There are many hotels and resorts near Kirinda. But there is no doubt about the best place for couples to spend their honeymoon.
15. Negombo
Negombo is one of the best destinations in Sri Lanka for tourists looking for a relaxing holiday. Located just off Colombo’s international airport, it offers a range of activities such as beach holidays, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and even whale watching. There are many hotels in Negombo offering accommodation ranging from budget to luxury. If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet, try staying in a homestay where locals live alongside guests. This way, you will experience the local culture while enjoying all the comforts of home.
16. Polonnaruwa
The best thing about Sri Lanka are its natural beauty and the culture. If you are looking for a perfect destination for your honeymoon, then Sri Lanka is the perfect choice.
You will find plenty of honeymooner places in Sri Lanka and one such place is Polonnaruwa. This city is famous for its UNESCO heritage ruins and you will find plenty of places to take silly photos and romantic strolls. It is one place where there is no traffic and you can walk freely and relax without worrying about anything else. It is one place that makes you feel free and happy.
Polonnaruwa is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka and people love to come here and spend some quality time. There are many things to do in Polonnaruva like taking a Heritage Walk of all the historic sites in Polonnuruwa and learning about the history of this beautiful place.
Best time to visit is during the months of July to August and January.
17. Pigeon Island: Nature Lover’s Paradise
The most popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly Pigeon Island. This small island located off the coast of the southern province of Sri Lanka is known for its natural beauty. There are many things to do here such as snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, whale watching, boating, camping, hiking, cycling, etc. Here we have compiled a list of 10 reasons why Pigeon Island is the perfect place to visit in Sri Lanka.
1. You Can See Dolphins And Whales From A Boat
2. You Will Be Surrounded By Beautiful Coral Reefs
3. You Have Many Wildlife Species On The Island Such As Birds And Reptiles
4. You Can Go Trekking To Get Close To The Nature
5. You Can Camp On The Island
6. You Can Enjoy Your Lunch At The Beach
7. You Can Snorkel In The Sea
8. You Can Swim With Turtles
9. You Can Do Hiking Activities
10. You Can Visit Other Islands Like Elephant Island
18. Sigiriya: Get A Bird’s Eye View
Image SourceSigiriya is considered as one of the best romantic places in Sri Lanka and it is located near Dambulla. This hill station is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Many people believe that this place is mentioned in ancient Sinhala literature. There are many things to do here such as trekking, hiking, horse riding, etc. You can even go for a bird’s eye view of Sigiriya.
The name Sigiriya originates from the word ‘Sigiriyo’ which means ‘the city of lions’. In fact, there are many legends associated with this place. One of them says that the king named Kashyapa constructed a fortification around the area where he used to meditate. He later became a Buddha. Another story goes like this: The Buddhist monks came to this place during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa. They saw a lion lying down on the rocks and thought that it was asleep. So, they took it as a good omen and built a monastery.
So, this place is indeed beautiful and amazing. If you love nature, then this place is perfect for you.
19. Kandalama: A Quaint Retreat
Kandalama is a quaint little town situated just 4 km away from Sigiriyamulla, about 12 km south of Habarana. This place might not be one among the popular ones in Sri Lankan tourism map but it is an ideal destination for those looking for places where they can enjoy some privacy.
As you enter the village, you will see the beautiful blue sky dotted with hotair balloons. These are the prominent features of the popularity of thisplace. There are many hotels and resorts here which offer comfortable accommodation options.
What makes Kandalama special is the fact that it offers a serene environment for romanticgetaways. Couples can experience the famous hot air balloon rides here. They canalso opt for the safari jeep tours which will allow them to explore thebeautiful surroundings of the area.
The best part of Kandalama is that it provides ample opportunitiesfor tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Special For Honeymooners: Enjoy the sunrise balloon rides, watchthe amazing sunsets over the lake, and sip on some bubbly during dinner.
Best Time To Visit:January – February, August – OctoberHow To Get There: From Colombo, travel to Habarana via bus/taxi. Then,take a taxi to reach Kandelama.Tourist Attraction: The Blue Sky Over Lake, Hot Air BalloonsPlaces To Stay: Heritage Kandalama, The Paradiso Resort & Spa,and Signature By AmayaPlace To Eat: Rithus Restaurant, Tropical VillageHotel & Restaurant, SakuraRestaurantThings To Do: Sunrise ballooning, safari jeep safaris, and sightseeing.
20. Hikkaduwa: For Adventurous Couples
Image SourceA popular destination among tourists, Hikkaduwawas established as a resort town during British rule. Its beaches offer great opportunities for swimming, fishing and scuba diving. There are many resorts located here including the famous Cinnamon Grand hotel. This place is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
Apart from this, there are numerous attractions such as the Hikkaduwa Heritage Museum, the Galle Fort, and the Kandalama Temple. If you love adventure sports, you can go trekking, rafting, canoeing, horse riding and much more.
The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is during the months of April to June and September to October.
