Perfect Places To Visit On Your Honeymoon
Are you planning to spend your honeymoon in Sri Lanka? A perfectly romantic trip as you start your lives together, after tying the knot will be one of your first memories to look back on years from now. Whether you’re a beach bum or a mountain lover, the island offers incredible spots to celebrate your honeymoon in. Enjoy strolls through historic cities, whale watching excursions or trek through forests and hills of tea in search of the best viewpoints.
For History and Culture
Anuradhapura
Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapura was the first kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka, and where Buddhism was first introduced. If you and your partner have a love for history and learning the culture of the island, head to this historic town. While you’re there, visit Ruwanvelisaya, Sri Lanka’s most magnificent Buddhist temple, and Sri Maha Bodhi, a temple dedicated to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. You can either opt for a walking tour or cycling around the ruins instead.
Polonnaruwa
Another one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital cities, Polonnaruwa was once at the centre of politics and culture. Compared to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa seems to have been more regal, and today you will find places of worship and monuments of royalty. One of the most romantic ways to experience Polonnaruwa is by cycling through the ancient city and watching the sunset over the fabled Samudra Parakrama tank. Other interesting places to visit during your honeymoon is the Gal Vihara and the Polonnaruwa Vatadage.
For Misty Mountains
Nuwara Eliya
Definitely one of the most picturesque places on the island, Nuwara Eliya is situated in the hill country and is best known for its tea. Enjoy a stroll along forest trails like at Galway’s Land National Park, visit tea factories and hike up stunning mountains for the most breathtaking sunrises! As soon as you enter this town, you are hit with an overwhelming sense of cosiness – small old-English style cottages nestled between tall green hills covered in tea plants and blankets of white mist!
Ella
Whether you love to cosy up to your partner with the cold weather or prefer to hike up the iconic mountains in Ella, this town is your perfect escape for a romantic holiday. Located close to Nuwara Eliya, Ella is another town found in the hills of Sri Lanka, however, with a completely different ambience. The town is lined with cafes and bars that spring to life by early evening. Picture: a small, hilly town in Europe, but with the usual Sri Lankan charm to it. Head back here after your hikes for a refreshing pint or a warm Ceylon tea. As for hiking, Ella’s most famous peaks to climb are Little Adam’s Peak and the famed Nine Arches Bridge, that’s gained thousands of likes on Social Media!
For Beach Bums
Trincomalee
Trinco, as it is more affectionately known, is situated on the northeast coast of the island and it has some of the best beaches in the country. For the ideal beach-loving couple who’s interested in mixing a bit of adventure to their honeymoon getaway, snorkel in Pigeon Island National Park, one of the two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. Snorkelling here is like entering another world; the colourful coral attracts a whole host of fish, as well as sea turtles, reef sharks and manta rays! Trinco’s white shores are perfect to work on your tan too, with a king coconut or a beer planted next to you.
Tangalle
Found on the south of the island, Tangalle is one of the lesser-known southern beaches. This is the perfect place for couples who want a more intimate beach experience away from the crowds. A perfect day in Tangalle consists of lazing by the beach, enjoying the sunshine and exploring the different coves scattered around the coast. If you want to take a break from the beach, you can visit the Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, a beautiful ancient temple complex.
Mirissa
Just an hour away from Tangalle, Mirissa is ideal for couples who want to experience more than just a lazy beach holiday. Mirissa is best known for being the country’s premier whale watching location. On your safari, you’ll encounter pods of spinner dolphins, sperm whales and maybe even blue whales! After your whale watching excursion, snorkel around Parrot Rock, a small rocky outcrop just off the main beach, that’s home to a variety of colourful fish.
Bentota
Bentota is another town on the south coast of the island, but it is unique to the other southern towns! Bentota has one of the most wonderful golden beaches and some amazing waves– the picture postcard for Sri Lankan beaches, and emerald waters of the Bentota River. Apart from lazing by the beach, you can also take your pick from a variety of water sports- from water skiing to windsurfing. Or, enjoy a slow gentle river cruise through thick mangroves where you will definitely spot a crocodile or two!
