A Sri Lanka honeymoon unfolds like a series of perfect moments—sunrise over tea-carpeted hills, golden afternoons wandering through colonial fortresses, and candlelit dinners on palm-fringed beaches. With its rich history, incredible food and astonishing natural beauty, Sri Lanka, a small island nation off the southern tip of India, is one of the world’s most exquisite honeymoon destinations, offering both adventure and romance in equal measure.
But with so much to explore, where to begin? That’s where this Sri Lanka honeymoon guide comes in. Whether your idea of the perfect honeymoon involves waking up in a clifftop villa before spending hours on a pristine beach, soaking in the charm of Galle Fort with its vibrant restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, or watching elephants roam in the wild, this guide will help you craft the ultimate romantic escape. From luxury resorts to intimate boutique stays, we’ll take you through the best honeymoon hotels and experiences, ensuring your journey is as unforgettable as the island itself.
Why Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
Discover incredible wildlife in this wonderful destination
SWhy Honeymoon in Sri Lanka?
Few places offer the variety that Sri Lanka does. This island is a honeymoon destination that blends history, nature, culture, and luxury in a way few others can. Couples can spend their days exploring ancient temples in the Cultural Triangle, strolling through Galle’s colonial streets, or unwinding on the golden beaches of Tangalle.
For those seeking adventure, there’s wildlife spotting in Yala National Park, hiking in the highlands, or diving along the island’s coral reefs. And, in the capital, Colombo’s energy is undeniable—this is a city that’s reinventing itself with stylish hotels and a flourishing food scene.
After years of hardship, Sri Lanka has re-emerged as a one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, offering couples a destination where every experience feels both new and steeped in history. Whether you have 7 days or two weeks, this island is made for honeymooners..
Sri Lanka Honeymoons: What to Do & See Based on Your Travel Style
Don’t know what to do on your Sri Lanka honeymoon? This guide breaks down the top activities and sights based on your preferred travel style.
Sri Lanka for the adventure-seeking couple…
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to thrills in Sri Lanka. In this incredible destination, you’ll find everything from jungles and pristine beaches to tranquil hinterland and minuscule islands.
Easily one of Sri Lanka’s most-loved attractions, its wildlife is truly spectacular – think leopards, sloth bears, elephants and inquisitive monkeys. One of the best places to see them all, Yala National Park in Southwestern Sri Lanka offers plenty for thrill-seekers.
The park’s open grasslands, coastal lagoons, and thick shrubland make it one of the best places for wildlife encounters. Safari drives bring you within close range of Sri Lanka’s most elusive creatures, while camping inside the park offers a more immersive experience.
Want to mix luxury and adventure? Spend your honeymoon (or at least a fraction of it) at Ralais Chateaux’s super-luxe Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala that sits adjacent to the park.
For couples who love to hike, Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered climbs. The best way to experience it is to start around 2 a.m., following the long, winding path of 5,500 stone steps that lead to the summit. Depending on your fitness level, the climb can take anywhere from two to five hours.
To catch the breathtaking sunrise and avoid the midday heat, it’s recommended to begin the ascent in the early hour – around 2 a.m. Given the physical challenge, booking accommodation both the night before and after is a smart choice—getting a good night’s sleep beforehand is essential, and you’ll definitely need time to rest and recover afterwards.
At the summit, you’ll find a sacred footprint-shaped hollow that holds profound spiritual importance. Buddhists believe it was left by the Buddha, Hindus attribute it to Shiva, and some Christians and Muslims consider it the footprint of Adam.
As dawn breaks, the landscape below unfolds, bathed in golden hues and mist, making the journey truly unforgettable. Talk about a bucket-list honeymoon moment!
Prefer the ocean? Sri Lanka’s coastline is just as exhilarating. The island is a haven for surfers, divers, and free divers alike. Arugam Bay and Weligama attract surfers from all over the world, with waves for every skill level—gentle swells for beginners and long right-handers for seasoned riders.
Below the surface, Sri Lanka’s dive sites are brimming with marine life. From the Taprobane East Wreck in Colombo to Hikkaduwa’s coral gardens and Kalpitiya’s Bull Dog Reef, the waters here are rich with tropical fish, sea turtles, and delicate corals.
Photo: Ceylon Adventure Sports
For a different kind of high, whitewater rafting in Kitulgala delivers an adrenaline rush against a backdrop of dense jungle.
And for those who prefer to take in Sri Lanka from above, hot air ballooning over Sigiriyaoffers an entirely different perspective—floating silently over ancient ruins and untouched wilderness as the island slowly stirs awake.
Ceylon Tea Trails is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic honeymoon spots
Offering up some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful outlooks on a silver platter, there are many dreamy places to stay on the island that are perfect for a post-wedding escape – and we’ve covered some of the most luxurious honeymoon resorts below.
One of the destination’s most unique and famous places to stay, Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea-growing region of Hatton is honeymoon perfection. The world’s first tea bungalow resort, the Insta-ready hideaway overlooks mountains and lush tea fields, and is boarded by the World Heritage-listed Central Highlands.
There are five secluded bungalows to choose from here, all decked out in period furnishings inspired by the resort’s colonial era past. Another reason to escape to this romantic spot? Known for offering ‘all-inclusive’ Tea Trails experiences, Ceylon Tea Trails offers everything from butler service and gourmet cuisine to guided tea field walks with the resident Tea Planter.
Looking for something a little less extravagant? Top off your Sri Lankan honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon ride over forest and jungle. Or, discover more of the destination’s colonial past aboard the iconic Viceroy Special. Running between December and August when it’s attached to public trains, the carriage features wooden panelling, butler service, a glamorous bar and gourmet Sri Lankan dining experiences. Sit back and relax in style as you travel through the tea field-dotted highlands – this stretch of railway is believed to be one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
Relax under shady palms at one of Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches
Cherished for their almost-deserted stretches of sand and bright blue waters, Sri Lanka’s beaches and offshore islands are serious screensaver material.
Keen surfers, hit Arugam Bay on the southeast coast for some of the best waves in Sri Lanka. This laid-back spot is also ideal for chilling out with a freshly husked coconut on powder-soft sands.
A winner for its coral reefs, turquoise waters and beachside restaurants, Unawatuna on the southern coast is popular with couples for a reason, while the palm-dotted Mirissa in the Southern Province and within easy reach of Galle provides a lovely setting for relaxing in a hammock by the water.
If you’re dreaming of discovering Sri Lanka’s offshore islands, hire out a boat and explore Pigeon Island National Park. With rock pools, white sands and vibrant coral gardens teeming with life, it’s a must-visit.
Sri Lanka for the culture-seeking couple…
Tbe Dambulla Buddha Caves are a real must-see
You really can’t come to Sri Lanka without visiting the ancient city of Sigiriya. Sitting on a rocky outcrop that seems to rise out of the emerald ground below, the World Heritage-listed site holds the remains of King Kassapa’s palace from the 5th century AD. Ascend the stairs on the side of the mountain to reach the palace and an ancient fortress. The 360-degree jungle views are also enough to entice a mountain trek.
Sigiriya
Another unique site you won’t find anywhere else, the Dambulla Buddha Cave Temple in central Sri Lanka is incredibly impressive. Sitting atop a 160-metre high rock, the monastery and its five sanctuaries are covered in colourful Buddhist mural paintings that have been cared for by Buddhists for more than 2,000 years. Also filled with awe-inspiring statues from the 12th century, the site is a treasure trove of Buddhist cultural significance.
Sri Lanka the foodie couple…
The local cuisine is all about fresh seafood and bold flavours
If you love seafood, fragrant curries and exotic flavours, you’re in the right place. Influenced by its Indian neighbours and tropical climate, much of Sri Lanka’s cuisine is packed full of flavour and fresh produce – definitely do not leave without trying coconut pancakes or Jaffna seafood curry made with the ground, dried stalk of the palm fruit.
Start your Sri Lankan culinary journey in the capital of Colombo. Here, you’ll be treated to delicious street-food, fine dining and everything in-between. Celebrate the start of your honeymoon with dinner at Ministry of Crab. Set in a preserved 400-year-old Dutch hospital and known for its, well, delectable crab dishes, this renowned spot was named as one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants for 2018.
Sri Lanka’s other major city, Galle, is also great for straight-from-the-ocean seafood. While we are talking about Galle, it has to be said that you’ll want to pop this on your travel itinerary no matter what style of traveller you are!
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts 16th-century ramparts and charming cobbled streets lined with Dutch villas, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Foodies will be particularly delighted with the new dining options that have opened in recent years, with talented international and local restaurateurs transforming Galle Fort into a delicious destination.
Meanwhile, further in the north you’ll be treated to more Indian-influenced dishes. Wherever you spend your honeymoon, expect bold, mouthwatering dishes served with no-fuss, home-style flair.
The Best Honeymoon Hotels in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka isn’t a place to experience from just one hotel. The island’s beauty shifts with every stop—coastal cities buzzing with energy, the emerald hills of the tea country, colonial-era towns rich in history, and quiet stretches of palm-fringed beaches where the days slow to the rhythm of the waves. The best way to take it all in? Move around. A week to ten days allows time to soak up the contrasts, from a design-led retreat in Colombo to a romantic hideaway in the hills,and a beachfront escape where the Indian Ocean is your backdrop.
Honeymooners can wake to the scent of fresh cinnamon, wander centuries-old fortresses, and spend evenings dining under the stars as the waves roll in. Whether it’s indulgence, adventure, or seclusion you’re after, these are some of the most romantic stays in Sri Lanka.
Best for Complete Tranquillity: Kahanda Kanda, Galle
Tucked within a hilltop tea estate overlooking Koggala Lake, Kahanda Kanda offers a secluded retreat where nature and luxury intertwine. Its twelve villas, each individually designed, are filled with antiques, rich textiles, and indulgent details like four-poster beds and outdoor showers. Eight feature private pools, ensuring complete tranquillity.
Mornings here start with the sound of birdsong and distant temple chants, best enjoyed with coffee on your private terrace. Couples can explore the region’s tropical gardens, unwind in the main pool framed by bold splashes of colour, or venture to the nearby south coast beaches. Evenings are reserved for intimate, candlelit dining—Sri Lankan specialities, Thai-infused dishes, and fresh local seafood served with impeccable warmth.
Best for Design Aficionados: De Saram House, Colombo
A masterclass in Sri Lankan modernist design, De Saram House offers a quiet refuge in Colombo’s upscale Kurunduwatta district. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, the father of tropical modernism, this boutique stay features just four suites, creating an intimate, home-like feel amidst high ceilings, open courtyards, and a canopy of ancient jackfruit trees.
Perfect for design-loving couples, De Saram House feels effortlessly chic—light filtering through its minimalist interiors, vibrant bougainvillaea framing the terrace. Breakfast is served at a communal table, and afternoons call for leisurely explorations of Colombo’s emerging arts and dining scene. It’s a stylish and understated stopover for honeymooners eager to experience the capital without the rush.
Best for Wildlife Encounters: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park
For honeymooners seeking adventure with a touch of indulgence, Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a safari escape like no other. Set where jungle meets the Indian Ocean, this Relais & Châteaux property combines cutting-edge design with raw natural beauty. Its 28 cocoon-like tents, some with private plunge pools, feature air-conditioning, freestanding copper bathtubs, and four-poster beds—luxury woven into the wilderness.
Days here revolve around immersive wildlife encounters: expert-led game drives in Yala National Park to track leopards and elephants, sunset cocktails on the dunes, and candlelit dinners in the open-air restaurant. At night, the sounds of the wild surround you, making every moment feel part of something cinematic.
Poised on a dramatic clifftop above Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Cape Weligama is a feast for the senses. Its 39 private villas and suites are set in lush tropical gardens, each with oversized verandahs, stone bathtubs, and elegant dark timber furnishings. The Pool Pavilion, perched above the sea, is a honeymooner’s dream, with uninterrupted ocean views and a 15-metre infinity pool.
Dining is where Cape Weligama truly shines. From expertly grilled seafood to bold Sri Lankan flavours, every dish is an invitation to indulge. The Bumboo cocktail—a decadent mix of dark rum, cane sugar, and bitters—is a must-try. Add to that 28 handcrafted cocktails and menus that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage, and it’s clear why this is a favourite among food-loving couples.
Best for Scenery and Immersive Tea Experiences: Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton
Set in Sri Lanka’s misty highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is a love letter to the country’s colonial past, offering couples a chance to immerse themselves in the world of tea. Five meticulously restored tea-planter bungalows dot the sprawling estate, each with canopied beds, clawfoot tubs, and butler service. The Owner’s Cottage, a honeymooner’s sanctuary, boasts lake views and a private hot tub on the terrace.
Afternoons unfold over high tea on manicured lawns, while mornings are for guided walks through emerald-green tea fields. The Dunkeld Tea Factory, just a short drive away, offers an insight into the island’s tea-making traditions. At day’s end, a sip of Ceylon’s finest brew feels like a moment suspended in time.
Best for Private Luxury Surrounded by Nature: Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura
A sanctuary of tranquillity, Uga Ulagalla sits on a 58-acre estate of rice paddies and jungle, blending rustic charm with five-star luxury. Each of its 25 villas offers complete seclusion, featuring private plunge pools, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
Couples can cycle through the grounds, kayak along the lake, or simply sink into a sun-drenched afternoon by the infinity pool. The historic 150-year-old manor house, now a fine dining restaurant, provides the perfect backdrop for long, intimate dinners. Whether exploring ancient ruins or simply unwinding beneath the stars, this is a place where time slows, and romance takes centre stage.
Best for Beachfront Bliss: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Fringed by golden sand and swaying coconut palms, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle is a beachfront escape that lives up to its name. Set on a sprawling 21-acre plantation, the resort offers 120 guest rooms and 32 private villas, each blending Sri Lankan heritage with contemporary elegance.
Couples can retreat to their plunge pool, enjoy a high tea of single-estate Ceylon brews, or spend the afternoon in the spa’s open-air pavilions. The soundtrack here is the rhythmic crash of the Indian Ocean—a reminder to slow down, sip something cool, and let the days melt into one another.
Best for Eco-Conscious Couples: Tri by Amaya, Koggala
Sustainability meets sleek modern design at Tri, a lakefront retreat where the focus is on wellness, nature, and understated luxury. Each villa is crafted from local materials, featuring panoramic terraces that frame the glassy waters of Koggala Lake.
Days at Tri revolve around mindful experiences: morning yoga, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and excursions to Cinnamon Island. The intimate setting, with just a handful of suites, makes this an ideal escape for couples seeking privacy. As the sun dips below the horizon, signature cocktails at the bar—crafted from locally foraged ingredients—bring the perfect close to an unhurried day.
Best for Lovers of Tranquillity: Thotalagala Plantation House
Perched high in the hills of Haputale, Thotalagala is a tea planter’s bungalow that whispers of a bygone era. This seven-suite property, built in the 19th century, retains its colonial charm with antique furniture, working fireplaces, and verandahs overlooking undulating tea fields.
Days are steeped in nostalgia—long walks through the Dambatenne Tea Estate, high tea on the terrace, and dips in the infinity pool. The air is crisp, the scenery cinematic. For couples drawn to old-world elegance and the quiet romance of the highlands, Thotalagala offers a rare kind of serenity.
A former aristocratic residence turned boutique hideaway, The Kandy House offers a romantic blend of history and intimacy. Set within six acres of jungle-clad gardens, this nine-room retreat exudes old-world charm with its antique four-poster beds, hand-painted murals, and airy verandahs.
Afternoons are best spent poolside, shaded by towering palms, or wandering Kandy’s bustling markets and sacred temples. Evenings are for candlelit dinners of Sri Lankan fusion cuisine, before retreating to a suite named after one of the island’s native butterflies. It’s an escape that feels at once grand and deeply personal.
For couples seeking an intimate beachfront hideaway, Aditya offers a rare sense of seclusion. With just 16 suites and villas, each filled with Balinese antiques and vibrant Sri Lankan art, this boutique hotel is a place where time slows.
Mornings begin with lazy breakfasts served whenever you wake, and afternoons drift by in the private plunge pool or along the golden sands of Rathgama Beach. Beyond the resort, Galle’s historic fort and the region’s lush biosphere reserves offer adventures for those eager to explore. For honeymooners who crave both privacy and discovery, Aditya is the perfect balance.
Sri Lanka and Maldives Honeymoon: A Perfect Combination
Photo courtesy of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
For a honeymoon that offers a blend of culture, nature, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean, many couples opt to combine Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka offers a rich cultural experience with its ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and wildlife safaris, while the Maldives boasts luxurious private island resorts and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. Together, these two destinations offer the perfect balance of relaxation, indulgence and adventure for a truly unforgettable honeymoon.
Language: In Sri Lanka, the official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is also recognised and spoken by a minority of the population. This linguistic diversity reflects the country’s complex history and cultural influences.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
Best time to travel to Sri Lanka: If you’re planning a trip to the west coast, the best time to go is between December and April. Do note, you’ll want to avoid the monsoon season, which brings heavy rains and runs from May to August. On the other hand, if you’re headed to the east coast, the ideal time to visit is between May and October.
Getting Around: Travelling around Sri Lanka can be done through various modes of transportation. Trains and buses are available throughout the country, with some being more modern and efficient than others. However, due to narrow and winding roads, driving can be slow and challenging. To make the most of your trip, it’s recommended to hire a car service – we used one that allowed the driver to stay with us for ten days and take us to all of the major sites – or use taxis and tuk-tuks for local travel. With these options, you can easily explore all that Sri Lanka has to offer.
